EXO's Chanyeol returns solo with his 2nd mini-album "Upside Down," featuring diverse genres and a message of perseverance.

EXO's Chanyeol has made a solo comeback after about a year with his 2nd mini-album "Upside Down." The title track "Upside Down" is an electronic rock genre song that combines guitar riffs, classic rock-style drums, and synth sounds. The lyrics incorporate a sincere will to not give up on oneself even in a situation where the world seems to be collapsing. Additionally, this album includes six songs across various genres, such as pop, rock, hip-hop, and R&B, featuring band sounds and Chanyeol's unique sensibility, including "Back & Forth," "Ocean Drive," "High & Dry," "Happy Accident (Feat. SOLE)," and "123 Dance." -- After a year since his solo comeback, how do you feel? Chanyeol: After finishing the activities for my 1st solo album "Black Out" released last year, I started preparing, and I am happy to meet you again with my new album "Upside Down" after a year. I am very grateful for the chance to show a wonderful side to those who will listen to my music again. I am really looking forward to this activity! -- Did you try anything new or prepare something special for this comeback? Chanyeol: Since this album is created with my voice, I wanted to make it better, so I researched a lot about vocal expression. I challenged myself in various ways to find a look that suits me, and thanks to my continued exercise, I think I can stand before everyone in a satisfying form. -- This album expresses various emotions in life, but if you had to choose one song from the six that fits “Chanyeol in August” as he approaches his solo debut anniversary, which song would it be? Chanyeol: If excluding the title track, I would choose "Ocean Drive" because summer makes me think of the sea (laughs). It's a funky and refreshing song, but I think it contains my usual bright and positive energy. -- Please promote the title track "Upside Down" in your own words. Chanyeol: When I first heard it, I felt a shocking sensation like being electrocuted. I had a desire to sing this song well. Personally, I listened to it a lot while exercising. It's a song full of energy, like a workout mate! -- Have you felt "Upside Down" emotions in your daily life recently? Chanyeol: Recently, I've been exercising almost every day, but especially during aerobic exercises like running, it gets really tough, and I seriously think about why I am exercising and want to give up. However, when I finish the workout I aimed for that day, I feel a great sense of accomplishment, and at that moment, I feel "Upside Down." -- In the album jacket and the music video for the title track, you show ON and OFF versions of yourself. How was the shooting? Which version do you think is closer to your usual self? Chanyeol: They are really two different concepts, and simply thinking about it, the makeup was quite difficult. There were times when I had to shoot the ON and OFF versions alternately for connecting scenes, and it took a long time to change the makeup. I think my usual self is closer to the OFF version. I spend most of my time at home, so I feel more like myself. -- You are known for your deep affection for your dog, but you co-starred with a goat in this album shoot. How was the shoot with the animals? Chanyeol: First of all, my dogs Chal and Toben are doing well (laughs). The goat I shot with was really cute. At first, I was cautious approaching it, thinking it might be scared of me, but it was very gentle and a good kid, so I quickly got used to it and had fun shooting. -- After your comeback, you will meet fans at various offline performances. I heard you came up with the ideas yourself; how did you prepare? Chanyeol: Last year, during the live tour "Urban Landscape," I met audiences from various regions of the world, and the aftertaste was very deep. The moments of communicating with the audience were happy and precious, so I wanted to try more diverse performances this time, and that idea started. I want to create a good time to communicate with EXO-L (the fan club) through performances and get closer through music. -- Your YouTube channel "Channel Chanyeol" has gained a lot of interest. Can you share a memorable episode and what you want to challenge in the future? Chanyeol: The episode of learning to crump is memorable. I also remember when I filmed "Infinite Challenge" and felt that this is what it means to relieve stress through dancing. Through "Channel Chanyeol," I want to challenge various musical instruments, learn sports I've never tried, and show content introducing Korean traditions. -- While each EXO member is actively working, they gathered attention by performing "Fighting, Git It Up!" together at "SMTOWN LIVE." How was it? Also, what was the reaction of the members who listened to this album in advance? Chanyeol: Recently, I've been happy to spend more time with Suho and Kai. They listened to the title track "Upside Down" before its release, and all the members liked it. They also gave me honest advice (laughs). -- Finally, please give a message to EXO-L. Chanyeol: Thanks to you all, I was able to return with a new album after a year. I am truly grateful. Every moment, you support me and always stand by my side, so while thinking of you, I made this album with a joyful feeling. I want to create many happy memories during this album activity. I want to stand before you with a wonderful appearance and good music. I love you.