WOODZ Returns: From Military Service to Music Charts - The Rise of 'Drowning'

WOODZ, also known as Cho Seung-youn, has made a remarkable comeback after completing his military service. The artist, who experienced a career resurgence with his hit 'Drowning,' is now back in the spotlight.

WOODZ completed his military service on the 21st, having served in the military band at the Korea Military Academy since January of last year. During his service, his self-composed track 'Drowning' gained unexpected popularity, marking a significant turning point in his career.

The turning point came when he appeared on KBS2's 'Immortal Songs' during a special episode celebrating Armed Forces Day in October last year. Performing 'Drowning' in military uniform, with a bare face and sweat dripping down, he captivated the audience. The camaraderie of fellow soldiers enjoying the performance added to the atmosphere. The video of this performance has amassed over 17.61 million views.

The viral performance translated into streaming success, with 'Drowning' topping the charts on Melon's 'Top 100' and securing the number one spot on music shows.

WOODZ debuted in 2014 with the group UNIQ but did not achieve significant success. He later re-debuted with X1, but the group disbanded due to a voting manipulation controversy. As a solo artist, he has released distinctive tracks like 'Blue,' 'Chaser,' 'I Hate You,' and 'Journey.'

Industry experts attribute WOODZ's resurgence not just to social media algorithms but to his talent and performance quality. It's rare for an idol-turned-artist to redefine their career during military service through sheer skill and song quality. WOODZ's consistent dedication to his music over 12 years has led to his current success.

Ahead of his discharge, WOODZ secured appearances at major domestic and international events. He will kick off his post-military activities at the '2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer' on the 27th and perform at Japan's largest music festival, 'Summer Sonic 2025,' in August.

Having overcome challenges like group disbandment, WOODZ has established himself as a solo musician, gaining both popularity and musical credibility with 'Drowning.' As anticipation builds for his first post-discharge album, the key question remains whether he can sustain the momentum of 'Drowning' into a long-term career.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia one@tenasia.co.kr