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(Exclusive Photo for Forbes) WONHO’s CORE<\/span><\/p>\n Highline Entertainment<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n Global K-pop star WONHO is showing another side to his musicality with his latest comeback, CORE<\/em>. The new EP contains seven tracks filled with explosive dance-pop hits that will get the body and mind moving.<\/p>\n No, the album isn\u2019t about his abs. Though the very fit 33-year-old artist isn\u2019t shy to show them.<\/p>\n Best known for his angelic voice that plays on R&B and pop, WONHO seems to be testing out something new, bordering on dance, EDM, club, house, mellow pop, and hyper-pop. His last EP, SYNDROME<\/em>,<\/a> was centered on sweet harmonies and declaration of love \u2013 and the fun boyband pop song, \u201cBetter Than Me.<\/a>\u201d CORE <\/em>brings to life another side of the often-sexy performer, who is often praised for his strong dance moves, powerful vocals, and striking visuals. It\u2019s the side of him that he wants fans to embrace, as the main concepts consist of RAW, SHELL, and CRACK. It also feels like he is embracing the sexy persona that he \u2013 and the fans \u2013 know he exudes.<\/p>\n WONHO’s CORE<\/span><\/p>\n Highline Entertainment<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n According to the press release, CORE <\/em>\u201clooks beyond outward strength to explore the emotions that have quietly shaped him beneath the surface\u201d and \u201cfollows an emotional journey from hidden wounds and self-protection to vulnerability and self-acceptance.\u201d<\/p>\n The lead track, \u201cDon\u2019t Wake Me Up,\u201d is an explosive dance-pop anthem that is perfect for the club. The pounding bass, sharp synths, and intense beats are what make the song an earworm. In between the shouts of \u201cDon\u2019t Wake Me Up,\u201d WONHO\u2019s voice echoes through as if he\u2019s trying to reveal his truth \u2013 and that truth is sexy. As the focus track, \u201cDon\u2019t Wake Me Up\u201d captures the \u201cdesire to escape reality by surrendering to an irresistible fantasy.\u201d<\/p>\n In the accompanying music video, the people are oppressed by the government and restricted in what they can say, what they can do, and how they want to be. At first, WONHO is restrained, but as emotions run high and everyone begins to rise up, it becomes an intense, dramatic performance of setting himself free.<\/p>\n The album contains both English and Korean songs, as he appeals to both his global audiences and his WENEEs \u2013 the name for his fandom \u2013 back in his home country of Korea. Across the seven tracks, WONHO contributed to the lyrics, composition, production, and arrangement throughout the album. All the songs have some sort of high-energy beat to them, even when it is a ballad.<\/p>\n The opening track, \u201cAnswer,\u201d is upbeat and groovy, capturing the uncertainty of a complicated relationship. WONHO just wants to know their \u2018answer.\u2019 \u201cCan\u2019t Get Enough\u201d is one of his upbeat romantic tracks, and drum beats keep it in the dance pop genre. The song explores \u201clingering desire that only grows stronger after love has ended.\u201d It is the most WONHO-style (WENEE will understand what this means) on the album, highlighting his soothing voice, which feels almost like a romantic movie.<\/p>\n \u201cSummer Blue\u201d is a mellow dance track that \u201creflects on the warmth and bittersweet nostalgia of unforgettable memories. Like \u201cCan\u2019t Get Enough,\u201d \u201cSummer Blue\u201d keeps the tempo up with its drum rhythm phasing, especially during its soothing dance break. \u201cDown,\u201d which he first unveiled during his last tour, brings the energy back up with its house-blended techno production. Again, this would be perfect for the dance club. The atmospheric pop song, \u201cTest Drive,\u201d is another sweet love song about meeting for the first time \u2013 \u201clike a test drive.\u201d It\u2019s so youthful and nostalgic.<\/p>\n WONHO’s CORE<\/span><\/p>\n Highline Entertainment<\/small><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n He concludes his EP with an R&B pop ballad, \u201cPromises\u201d (featuring Brother Su), another love song about keeping promises of love and support. Brother Su\u2019s sweet vocals align well with WONHO.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re wondering why the name sounds familiar, Brother Su is best known as an R&B singer-songwriter, but also as a composer, producer, and lyricist for some of the biggest names in South Korea \u2013 BTS (\u201cI NEED U,\u201d “Whalien 52,\u201d \u201cOutro: House of Cards,\u201d \u201cButterfly\u201d), MONSTA X (\u201cBeautiful Liar,” \u201cOi,\u201d \u201cLove\u201d), BLACKPINK (\u201cAs If It\u2019s Your Last\u201d), and more.<\/p>\n