[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Ajin] "I wanted to show confident sides of myself." (Park Woojin)

Park Woojin returned as a solo artist after 1 year and 5 months. In his previous single "Cool and Hot," he revealed a fresh charm distinct from group activities. He proved his potential as a solo artist.

This time, he presents his first solo album that concentrates his strengths. In the title track, he puts powerful rapping with deep bass and explosive performance front and center.

Through the B-sides, he sought to display diverse sides. All tracks are composed of different genres as he pursues new attempts and expansion. He broke familiar molds and broadened his musical spectrum.

Park Woojin held a showcase on October 13th at Excala in Jung-gu, Seoul to commemorate the release of his second mini album "SOLSTICE."

"SOLSTICE" refers to the moment when the sun reaches the extreme point of the year and signals a change of seasons. It depicts Park Woojin's journey as he leaves behind the time he has spent and moves in a new direction.

The album contains a total of 4 tracks. These include the title track "STAMINA," "SYNCOPATION," "Come Back," and "C-119."

It spans widely from tech house to dance pop, R&B, and pop rock. Park Woojin introduced it, saying, "All four songs have different genres," and "I put a lot of thought into it, and it's an album I have great affection for."

He spared no effort in raising the completeness. During the recording process, some tracks were re-recorded entirely. He continually deliberated to find the perfect way of expression.

Park Woojin explained, "Fans might think it suits well when they listen, but from my standards there were very difficult parts," and "It became an opportunity to draw out new skills."

The title track is "STAMINA." A tech house genre track, it is characterized by an exhilarating beat and rough bass sound. It contains confidence and drive that endlessly challenge.

He puts his specialty, rapping, front and center. Throughout the song, he displays weighty yet powerful rapping. He concentrated on the field he does best rather than singing rap or vocals.

He said, "This time I wanted to properly show the person Park Woojin is," and "I wanted to display rap I'm confident in and a performance intense enough to shake the stage."

In particular, he devoted great care to the rap part delivered as if whispering. Park Woojin said, "It's lyrics I wrote myself, and I thought it could become cringey if not careful," and "I deliberated a lot on how to express it."

He also put effort into the choreography. Park Woojin said, "Dance is a field I'm confident in," and "I needed a performance that could surpass my previous self, and this choreography filled that part."

He showcased the new song stage that day as well. He radiated contrasting charms with "STAMINA" and "SYNCOPATION." First in "STAMINA," he dominated the stage with uninhibited rapping and sharp dancing. He also impressively executed the pointed choreography that seemed to display power by raising both arms.

"SYNCOPATION" had a different atmosphere. With rather relaxed movements, he followed the rhythm. Light steps and pointed choreography resembling driving caught the eye. During the melodic sections, he also showed off smooth vocal skills.

There is a particular reason this comeback is more special. It is the first album released after the creation of his new solo fanbase name "Uupieon." Park Woojin said, "It's fresh and meaningful to be together with fans under a new name."

He continued, "Fans are always a source of my energy," and "The title track is 'STAMINA,' and it's the fans who fill that energy," expressing his gratitude.

Finally, he said, "I want to prove I can fill the stage on my own," and "I prepared that much. Going forward, I will continue to show you progress without stopping," reaffirming his resolve.

<Photo=Photographer Song Hyojin>