On his 2024 solo debut YOUTH - The 1st Album, NCT idol DOYOUNG proved the effort had value and merit, revealing a K-pop powerhouse that burned bright even without the fireworks of his main group. On his follow-up Soar - The 2nd Album, he’s clearly on a mission to grow, whether diving deep into melodies to find glimmer in the darkness, working with the likes of folk-rocker DoHyun Yoon, or soundtracking a lighthearted ride along the Han River. Discover the album in his own words, track by track, as DOYOUNG gets ready to soar. “Wake from the Dark” “The first track, ‘Wake from the Dark,’ truly represents the identity of Soar - The 2nd Album. This is the kind of song that makes you feel, the moment you hear it, as if you could soar straight into the sky. Every time I listen to it, I find myself thinking, ‘I could start something new, no matter what it is.’ Because this track has given me so much courage, I truly hope it brings the same strength to you as well.” “Memory” “Not all memories turn into cherished moments, but this track expresses the hope that the memories we’ve shared will remain as brilliant ones. It’s a rock song with an upbeat sound, so I think listeners will be able to enjoy it with a light heart.” “Be My Light” “‘Be My Light’ is a song that instantly lifts your mood and makes you feel refreshed from the moment you listen to it. The track is filled with rich string sounds, yet it’s easy to listen to. I hope listeners find themselves humming along as they enjoy the song.” “First Step” “The fourth track, ‘First Step,’ is probably the song that carries the cutest mood on this album. It captures the mix of excitement and nervousness that comes with riding a bike for the first time. I think it’s a track that would pair perfectly with a breezy ride along the Han River.” “Just Friends” “‘Just Friends’ gently expresses the bittersweet emotions of unrequited love. It was also the first track that I recorded for this album. It’s a ballad with a minimal sound, making it easy to listen to, and the lyrics are an honest reflection of emotions, which I believe naturally draws listeners in.” “Luminous” “The sixth track is a song I had the honor of working on with Kim Yuna. As the title ‘Luminous’ suggests, this song is about a shining world that glows even in the darkness, and a world we all long for. I sang it with the hope that the world I dream of will one day come to me, and in that world, we will shine brightly together. The lingering emotion carried through the lyrics and melody makes this track especially memorable.” “Still” “‘Still,’ which I worked on with DoHyun Yoon, is a pop-rock track characterized by a modern band sound, a genre I personally love. I believe this song carries the message that, even in a world full of uncertainty and moments that test you, you can keep moving forward if you take a moment to look inward and stay grounded in your true self. That hopeful message gave me a lot of comfort, both while singing and listening to the track.” “Sonnet” “‘Sonnet’ is a song I worked on with Kim Joonseo, a member of the DOYOUNG band. When I first listened to this song, I felt it carried a deep sense of longing, yet at the same time, there was something bold and relentless in its energy. If I were to describe it, I’d say it’s music that knows no fear. And this is the kind of music that can only be expressed at this moment in time. Also, working with this musician became a meaningful opportunity for me to learn and grow as well.” “Sand Box” “‘Sand Box’ is also a very special track, a gift from Kim Jong Wan of NELL. While preparing this song with him, we shared many deep conversations, especially about the memories I’ve built with my fans. Through that process, this song became a kind of guidepost for me, showing the direction for how I want to live my life and the connection I hope to continue building with my fans moving forward.” “Eternity” “From the title itself, this song carries the message I wanted to share. It’s my way of saying, ‘I’ll be waiting in the future, so don’t worry too much, don’t be afraid, just enjoy my music fully as you wait.’ I hope ‘Eternity’ gently carries this feeling to you.”