Breaking the Mold: WOODZ and Lee Chan-hyuk Redefine K-Pop with Artistic Flair

WOODZ and AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk are gaining attention as artists who are breaking away from the conventional K-pop formula to pursue their artistic visions.

WOODZ recently released 'Smashing Concrete Visualizer' on his official YouTube channel on the 30th, marking his first activity since completing his military service.

In the video, WOODZ made a bold transformation with a unique hairstyle, diverging from his previous concepts. While the music remains rooted in rock, it emphasizes a dreamy atmosphere, focusing more on artistic expression than mainstream appeal.

The characters in the video express their emotions in various ways, showcasing an eruption of suppressed feelings. This project is more than a simple music video; it uses lighting, direction, and movement to convey energy, stepping outside the typical K-pop realm.

One fan praised, "There were so many opinions on how he should style his hair or dress for his comeback, but I love how WOODZ sticks to his 'eccentric rockstar' concept." Another fan echoed, "Following others' paths will eventually lead you astray. You have to walk where your steps lead you to keep moving forward," and "Yes, Seung-youn, your music is the right path."

Lee Chan-hyuk also solidified his identity as a solo artist with his recent comeback, establishing his musical worldview. His latest album, 'Eros,' uniquely expresses feelings of loss and attitudes towards 'the death of others' through a retro-style sound.

Particularly, the 'Endangered Love' stage performance, blending retro sounds with musical-like direction, garnered over 480,000 views on YouTube, sparking discussions. Netizens praised it as "the best form in the Korean music scene" and "music needed in an era filled with hate," applauding both its artistry and message. Some also noted, "It's not a GD syndrome but a process of evolving as an artist," acknowledging his perseverance in following his path despite past comparisons to GD.

Both WOODZ and Lee Chan-hyuk are singer-songwriters who base their work on self-composed songs and self-production. Despite potential external pressures, they steadfastly pursue their visions, solidifying their positions as artists.