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After eight years in the spotlight, Bae Jin Young takes a bold step forward in his musical journey, standing alone for the first time with his long-awaited solo debut.
His first mini-album, STILL YOUNG, officially dropped on October 14 at 6 PM, signaling a new beginning for the singer who continues to evolve with time while staying true to his roots.
This new release encapsulates Bae Jin-young’s identity and artistic philosophy. The title STILL YOUNG carries multiple layers of meaning — STILL reflects his unwavering dedication to music, STEEL represents his strength and solid artistry built over the years, YOUNG expresses his youthful energy and adventurous spirit, while ‘0’ signifies a clean slate — a fresh start as he redefines himself as a solo artist. These themes intertwine to illustrate both his maturity and his enduring sense of curiosity, showing that while much has changed, his passion burns just as brightly as ever.
Bae Jin Young didn’t take this new beginning lightly. He assembled a powerhouse production team of international hitmakers to bring STILL YOUNG to life. The album features contributions from Devine Channel, the renowned Korean production team known for crafting global hits; Erik ‘Blu2th’ Griggs, a celebrated producer behind numerous pop and R&B successes; and Ninos Hanna, who helped shape the album’s refined sound. Adding to its polish, three-time Grammy Award-winning engineer David ‘Yungin’ Kim participated in the mastering process, ensuring a rich and immersive listening experience. The result is an album that seamlessly blends Korean pop sensibility with international production quality, delivering a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
The title track, “Round&Round,” serves as the centerpiece of the album — a sophisticated alternative hip-hop track that paints the emotions of a captivating night. Its sleek rhythm, layered with polished production and Bae Jin-young’s smooth vocals, captures the feeling of being caught in a cycle of glances and deepening emotions. The song’s witty and addictive chorus adds to its appeal, perfectly matching the theme of spinning feelings and unspoken attraction.
Beyond the title track, STILL YOUNG unfolds as a multifaceted collection of songs that reflect Bae Jin-young’s musical versatility. Tracks such as “Playlist,” “Thrill,” “Click,” and “Songs ’bout U” explore a range of genres and moods — from playful and energetic to heartfelt and introspective. Each track reveals a new side of the artist, showcasing how far he has come since his early debut days. His refined vocals, expressive tone, and confident delivery highlight not only his technical growth but also his deeper emotional resonance as a performer.
With STILL YOUNG, Bae Jin Young bridges the gap between his past and future. Eight years after his debut, he returns to the spotlight not as a rookie or idol group member, but as a solo artist ready to stand on his own terms. The album mirrors his artistic growth — grounded yet experimental, emotional yet poised — symbolizing a new chapter that honors his beginnings while embracing change. Fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see how this release will shape the next phase of his career.
Following the release, Bae Jin-young is set to embark on official promotions and connect more closely with fans through his upcoming fan concert, BEGIN, YOUNG, which will take place on November 8 and 9 at the Ticket Link 1975 Theater in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. The concert marks not only his first major solo stage but also a heartfelt celebration of his growth, resilience, and renewed artistic vision.
Through STILL YOUNG, Bae Jin-young delivers a message that resonates beyond music — that passion doesn’t fade with time, and youth is not merely an age, but a mindset. His solo debut is not just a new beginning; it’s a reaffirmation of his journey, one that continues to unfold with confidence, creativity, and heart.
English (US) · 