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| Baekhyun of K-pop boy band EXO had an online press conference, Tuesday, prior to the release of his third solo mini-album "Bambi." Courtesy of SM Entertainment |
By Dong Sun-hwa
EXO's Baekhyun is a K-pop history maker. The SM Entertainment star, who kicked off his career as a band member in 2012, is the first singer to sell more than one million copies of physical albums both as a soloist and as part of a group since the legendary singer, Seo Taiji, in 2000.
Hence, there were high hopes that Baekhyun will write another success story with his third solo mini-album, "Bambi," also his last release before starting his compulsory military service in April. For now, everything is sailing smoothly ― "Bambi" has already sold 760,000 copies solely on the Hanteo chart and has hit No. 1 on the iTunes album chart in 56 regions around the world.
Watch the music video of "Bambi":
For Baekhyun, the title of "million-seller" has been a joy and an honor. But it was also emotionally burdensome while preparing for a new project, he said.
"It would be a lie if I said there was no pressure when I was gearing up for the album this time, but this actually motivated me to work harder to exhibit new things," Baekhyun said during an online press conference held Tuesday before the release of "Bambi." "I racked my brains to make 'Bambi' look and sound fresh ― it is my last gift for fans before my enlistment."
The singer added his music style has transformed as he turned 30 this year.
"When I was in my 20s, most of my songs were powerful. But in my 30s, I want to showcase music with comfortable and relaxed sounds, which can bring people's attention more to their lyrics and sentiments."
Just like his previous solo materials ― "City Lights" (2019) and "Delight" (2020) ― "Bambi," fronted by the namesake lead track, offers diverse R&B tunes including "Love Scene," "All I Got" and "Privacy." Asked about the rationale behind his consistent preference for R&B, the K-pop star said he wanted to show how he has grown up over time.
"I also wanted to try a genre that I can pull off well," he added. "After listening to my new tracks, EXO member D.O. told me they would be able to give birth to a new genre called 'Baekhyun.'"
The title of the lead track refers to a white-tailed deer in the 1942 Disney animated film, but it can also be translated as "night rain" in Korean. It is a song that tells a mature love story that gives some twists with its fairy tale-like expressions. Baekhyun described it as a "customized song" for himself.
"In the future, I want to come up with more comfortable and emotion-provoking music," he said.
