Eternal is the first EP by South Korean singer-songwriter Young K. It was released on September 6, 2021, by JYP Entertainment. The EP consists of 7 songs, all written and composed or co-composed by Young K, including the lead single "Guard You" and sub-single "Come as You Are".[2] The EP features South Korean singer-songwriter Dvwn on "Microphone".[3]
| Eternal | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | September 6, 2021 | |||
| Genre | K-pop | |||
| Length | 24:27 | |||
| Language | Korean | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer | Young K | |||
| Young K chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Eternal | ||||
| ||||
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| NME |   [1] |
According to Young K, the name Eternal is derived from his Korean name "Young-hyun". He tweaked the words and changed it to "Young-won" which translates to eternal. Eternal tells a story of "Kang Young-hyun (Young K's real name) as a person" and “Young K as an artist”.[4]
Young K enlisted in mandatory military service on October 12, 2021, a month after the EP release.[5]
Background and release
editOn August 16, 2021 JYP Entertainment revealed that Young K is preparing to release his first solo album, six years after debuting as a member of Day6.[6] On the same day, Young K held a V Live broadcast and confirmed that he will indeed be releasing a solo album titled, Eternal, soon. He also explained that the reason why he is releasing this album so soon after the release of Right Through Me, the second EP of Day6's sub-unit Day6 (Even of Day), is because he will be enlisting in the military soon on October 12, 2021. He added, "I'm working hard to prepare as fast as possible in order to show fans as much as I can before I go. Let's laugh and smile as much as we can. I wanted to show a good side of myself in order to make a lot of people happy."[5]
Then on August 20 at midnight KST, JYP Entertainment announced via Day6's social media accounts that Young K's solo debut mini-album Eternal would be released on September 6, 2021, at 6pm KST.[7]
An hour prior to the official release of the EP, Young K hosted a live showcase, and performed all the songs from the mini-album, in addition to talking about the creative process and story behind Eternal.[8]
The EP was released to digital music and streaming platforms on September 6, 2021, along with an intense and dramatic music video for "Guard You". The album's CDs were made available for pre-order prior to the album release, and were released on September 6, 2023, as well.[3] On September 13, 2021, a second soft, sweet and homely music video for "Come as You Are" was released.[9]
Track listing
editAll lyrics are written by Young K, except where note.
| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Arrangement | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Best Song" (베스트 송) |
| Hong | 3:41 | |
| 2. | "Guard You" (끝까지 안아 줄게) |
| Hong | 3:17 | |
| 3. | "Not Gonna Love" (사랑은 얼어 죽을) |
| Hong | 3:12 | |
| 4. | "Microphone" (featuring Dvwn) |
|
| HotSauce | 3:16 |
| 5. | "Want to Love You" |
| Jeon Da-sol | 3:27 | |
| 6. | "Come as You Are" (그대로 와 줘요) |
| Hong | 3:28 | |
| 7. | "Goodnight, Dear" (잘 자라 내 사람아) | Young K | Jukjae | 4:04 | |
| Total length: | 24:27 | ||||
Charts
editRelease history
edit| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Various | September 6, 2021 | ||
| South Korea | CD |
References
edit- ^ Ramli, Sofian (September 14, 2021). "Young K – 'Eternal' review: the Day6 vocalist does what he does best". NME. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ "Eternal - Melon". Melon. Archived from the original on September 6, 2021. Retrieved September 17, 2023.
- ^ a b Suacillo, Angela Patricia (September 7, 2021). "Day6's Young K makes solo debut with first mini-album 'Eternal'". NME. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ Park, Jun-hee (September 6, 2021). "Young K wishes to convey kaleidoscope of emotions through 'Eternal'". The Korea Herald. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ a b Yeo, Gladys (August 17, 2021). "Day6's Young K announces official military enlistment date". NME. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ Hong, Hye-min (August 16, 2021). 데이식스 영케이, 6년 만 첫 솔로 데뷔 확정 [DAY6's Young K confirms his first solo debut in 6 years]. Naver (in Korean). Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ Yeo, Gladys (August 20, 2021). "Day6's Young K unveils first teaser for upcoming solo album 'Eternal'". NME. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ Judine Basbas, Franchesca (September 6, 2021). "Day6's Young K promises forever in debut mini-album 'Eternal'". Bandwagon Asia. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ Madaan, Khushboo (September 13, 2021). "WATCH: Young K reveals a comforting MV for 'Come as you are'". Pinkvilla. Retrieved March 31, 2023.
- ^ "Circle Album Chart – Week 37, 2021". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved September 14, 2023.
- ^ "Circle Album Chart – September 2021". Circle Chart. Retrieved September 14, 2023.