EXO's Chanyeol returns with his 2nd mini-album "Upside Down," exploring diverse emotions through music, including joy and pain.
August/25/2025 18:52
Chanyeol of EXO has returned, radiating a thrilling energy as if electrified. Today (25th) at 6 PM, he released his 2nd mini-album "Upside Down" through various music distribution sites. This is a new release about a year after his 1st mini-album "Black Out" last August. "Upside Down" contains various emotions that everyone feels in life. As the album name suggests, meaning 'turned upside down,' it expresses not only bright moments like happiness, love, and friendship but also dark moments like pain, wounds, and emptiness through music, delivering catharsis to listeners. The title track "Upside Down" is an electronic rock genre harmonizing distortion guitar riffs, classic rock-style drums, and electronic synths. The explosive vocals enhance the clarity of the lyrics' message. Especially, Chanyeol sings about the intersection of despair and hope in a painful situation where 'Everything is upside down I just want a life / It's not easy, everything remains as it is / Can I stand up? Changed my whole lifetime.' He expresses a desire to erase everything from this world, yet he does not want to forget completely, wanting to live again amidst wandering and fear. Ultimately, he delivers thrilling catharsis with a self-declaration reached after pain: 'I can't escape, can I? Changed my whole lifetime / Everything is upside down I just want a life.' This album coincides with the first anniversary of his solo debut and includes a total of six tracks. The collaboration with R&B artist SOLE, "Happy Accident," and "Back & Forth," depicting a dangerous relationship where love leads to hurt, catch the eye. Additionally, there's pop-rock "Ocean Drive" celebrating bright friendship, "High & Dry" portraying the modern person's search for their true self, and "123 Dance" featuring vintage, rough textures. One can encounter Chanyeol's sensibility in music across diverse genres like pop, rock, hip-hop, and R&B centered around band sounds.
Related Articles
Chen from EXO is set to perform in Yokohama on January 25, 2026, marking his first concert in Japan in 2.5 years. Tickets go on sale today for fan club members, with VIP options available. Fans are excited to see Chen's diverse performances after a long wait. Details on ticketing and event rules are provided.
In response to the devastating fire in Hong Kong, K-POP artists like SUPER JUNIOR, Stray Kids, and IVE have pledged significant donations to aid recovery efforts. The fire, which occurred in a high-rise building, has resulted in numerous casualties and missing persons. The community is coming together to support the victims.
On the afternoon of the 27th, EXO's Baekhyun departed from Gimpo International Airport for an overseas schedule. He is set to hold a solo concert in Las Vegas in January. Additionally, Baekhyun, along with Xiumin and Chen, commented on SM's rebuttal, stating they will do their best for trust restoration and amicable discussions.
In December, the satellite theater features two new dramas: 'Snow White Must Die - BLACK OUT (Extended Version)' and 'Goryeo-Khitan War.' There are also live broadcasts of concerts by Seo In Guk and CNBLUE's Jung Yong Hwa, along with special episodes showcasing their past performances. Don't miss the exciting lineup!
EXO will appear in the third episode of Coupang Play's 'Sister Cafe' on November 29, marking their first official activity after military service. The episode promises lively interactions, unexpected humor, and a surprise guest, Kim Gyu-won, adding to the fun atmosphere of the show.
In January 2026, KNTV will premiere the K-POP Idol Sports Championship and several new shows, including 'My Turn' and 'Lee So-jin's Manager Began'. These programs feature popular K-POP idols and comedians, promising laughter and emotional moments. Don't miss the exciting line-up!
The EXO fan meeting 'EXO'verse' will be broadcast live on KNTV from Incheon on December 14 at 7 PM. This marks the group's first meeting in 1.5 years, featuring members Suho, Lay, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. Expect a mix of hit songs and new releases. Watch with Japanese subtitles!
Lee Yong-ji has criticized the illegal sale of celebrity personal information, suggesting fans should directly ask her for her contact details. This issue highlights ongoing privacy violations in the entertainment industry, as seen with other stars like Jungkook from BTS, who faced harassment from obsessive fans. Such illegal transactions not only invade privacy but can also lead to further harm.
The 17th Melon Music Awards (MMA 2025) will showcase a diverse lineup of K-music artists including Park Jaebum, EXO, and more. The event will take place on December 20 at the Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome. Ticket reservations begin on November 24 for select members, with general sales opening on November 27. Special viewing opportunities are also available for VIP members.
False rumors about Chris, a former EXO member, claim he died in prison. Chinese media and police have denied these claims, labeling them as fake news. Despite these denials, speculation continues, fueled by unverified reports and social media posts. Chris was sentenced to 13 years for sexual assault and is expected to be deported to Canada after serving his time.
