EXO's Kai Returns with Mature Sound in New Mini Album 'Wait On Me'

EXO's Kai has made a highly anticipated return with his fourth mini-album, 'Wait On Me', showcasing a more mature sound.

On the 21st, Kai held a media showcase at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of his new album. This marks his first release in about two years since his third mini-album 'Rover' in 2023. Kai expressed his excitement and nervousness, saying, "It took a long time to greet everyone after my discharge. I wanted to show that the two-year hiatus was a time of building good things, not just passing time. I know many have been waiting for me, and I have been waiting for you too. I worked hard to complete a more impressive album."

EXO's leader Suho hosted the showcase as the MC. Introducing himself as "EXO's leader Suho," he praised Kai, saying, "This is a major showcase. I've heard he's conquered all of YouTube and variety shows." Kai expressed gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Suho, for hosting. It's touching to have your support at my comeback." Suho shared, "When I released my first album after my discharge, Kai was the MC for my showcase. I couldn't forget that, so I'm here now," highlighting their strong bond.

Suho's humorous hosting filled the showcase with laughter. He joked, "I thought being an MC would be easy, but I should have come with a heavier heart. I should have watched Super Junior seniors who are more fluent as MCs." He added, "Since it's Kai's long-awaited comeback, even the SM representative is here. After today, I don't think I'll be called to MC again. It's a relief in a way," drawing laughter. Despite his skilled hosting, he humbly said, "I have nothing to say but apologies."

After watching Kai's performance and music video, Suho humorously questioned, "Why is there so much exposure? Usually, it's just one segment, but it's from start to finish." He asked Kai if it was his choice, to which Kai replied, "Was it my choice? Are you saying the company forced me?" causing laughter. Kai explained, "I thought about how to present 'Wait On Me'. The concept involves a desert and a hot breeze. If I were fully dressed, viewers might feel hot. We talked a lot about showing skin to give a sense of coolness."

Regarding the nickname 'Icon of Crop Tops', Kai said, "I didn't know I had that image, but I liked it." He added, "Recently, D.O. joked, 'Why are you always short on fabric?' So, I thought I should show a more covered look in the next album. But this album is already done," making everyone laugh.

Recently, Kai has been active as a host on the web variety show 'Convict' and has appeared on various shows like 'Salon Drip', showcasing his wit. Kai reflected, "I didn't expect to receive such a positive response from appearing on various variety shows. I looked back on what became a turning point." He mentioned, "After the 'Two Words in Underwear' incident, my life changed."

In 2019, Kai appeared on JTBC's 'Knowing Bros', where EXO members played a game of guessing words by reading lips. Kai misunderstood 'Inside the Padding' as 'Inside the Underwear', saying, "Two words in underwear?" while looking down at his pants, creating a memorable moment. Since then, Kai has been recognized as a variety show member within EXO.

Kai is enjoying his current role as a variety show character. He shared, "I used to think variety shows could negatively impact an artist's performance. I've realized that's not true." He added, "Showing various sides through variety shows could be another way for people to come to see my performances. I aim to show diverse sides as Kai and as Kim Jong-in (his real name)." He expressed his determination, saying, "Variety shows require both luck and skill. I'll continue to seek advice from many seniors and keep this momentum going."

Kai, who served diligently as a social service worker at a dementia center, received praise from colleagues. Comments from those he worked with appeared on 'Salon Drip' videos. Kai said, "They told me they'd leave comments when I returned to society, but I didn't expect them to actually do it. I plan to visit them later."

Kai shared changes from his time as a social service worker, saying, "My waking time has become precise. I try to wake up by 9 AM, usually getting up at 8 AM to prepare for the day. It's both the best change and one of the hardest things." He added, "When filming music shows or music videos, it ends at dawn. But waking up at 8-9 AM is a bit tough."

He also gained empathy for office workers, saying, "I hope you leave work before 6 PM. Use your annual leave, don't hesitate to go to the hospital, and have a good work life."

Having gone through a period of identity confusion, Kai has emerged stronger. He shared, "I've released many albums and performed on many stages over 14 years. During the two-year hiatus, I pondered what to show. I couldn't find an answer. I wondered if I was doing it because I liked it or because I liked what people wanted to see. I experienced identity confusion." He added, "People see Kai differently. Some might remember 'Two Words in Underwear', while others expect a cool Kai. Instead of showing one specific side, I want to leave a good memory for various people, even if briefly."

Kai also mentioned EXO's future, saying, "I'm always discussing with the company how to proceed with EXO activities. If given the chance, I'll strive to show a good side as EXO. I'll talk more with the company." Finally, Suho and Kai concluded warmly, saying, "We'll give our final greeting as EXO. We are one."

The title track 'Wait On Me' is a pop song utilizing Afrobeat rhythms. It combines restrained grooves from percussion and tension-building synth string sounds, capturing the beauty of gradually revealing emotions. The performance includes point choreography that intuitively expresses the lyrics 'Wait' and a powerful dance break.

In addition to the title track, the new album features songs like the pre-released track 'Adult Swim', known for its lazy freshness, 'Walls Don't Talk', 'Pressure', 'Ridin'', 'Off and Away', and 'Flight to Paris', showcasing Kai's matured music after a period of waiting.

Kai's new album was released at 6 PM on the same day.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia.