SUHO is an Open Book in His Fourth Mini Album “Who Are You”

With each new solo release, SUHO surprises his fans by showcasing a never-before-seen layer of himself. Through a genre of his own making, the idol of thirteen years uses music as an outlet to understand himself individually and in the bigger context of the world. 

Following the release of (점선면) 1 to 3 in May 2024, SUHO marked a return with his fourth mini album, Who Are You, on September 22. Through the rock-infused album, he shifted from introspection to extrospection. During a pre-release Q&A session, SUHO gave insight into the creative process behind the record, stating: “With my past albums, I focused on myself and asked myself questions… this time, however, I shifted my focus externally, thinking about what kind of person and artist the listeners, EXO-Ls, think of SUHO as, and what kind of music they want to hear from me.” Join EnVi as we peek into SUHO’s diary, revisiting his prologue-esque teasers and further break down each of the seven heartfelt songs.

The Prologue: An Intimate Insight  

Before the release of Who Are You, SUHO utilized Instagram’s broadcast channel feature to give fans a sneak peek into the album’s theme. Over the course of a week, repressed memories bubble to the surface as SUHO rediscovers several keepsakes that seemingly once meant the world to him.

After coming across a strange stain on the wall, he sees Polaroid photos scattered across the ground and examines them. “It’s like something’s been hidden for so long, then disappeared…I can’t really see the scene [in the photos] because it’s faded, but strangely, it feels familiar.”

Following the trail of photos, SUHO stumbles across his forgotten old diary — filled to the brim with like objects: “Once upon a time, there was an old diary where I collected these things?” he asks himself. As he flips through each page, he struggles to connect with his once precious memories, and his tone is quite indifferent.

There are remnants of someone he feels like he should know, but no matter how hard he tries, their memory remains hazy. Continuing, he browses through the diary with caution and wordlessly places it back where he found it. “That’s all for today, but one day I’ll pull it out again,” he says in one final message. 

Act 1: Prolepsis 

With the thrum of a guitar and an accompanying hum, the album’s title track “Who Are You” begins, and listeners become fully immersed in SUHO’s worldview. Following a countdown, the alternative rock instrumental fills in with the steady and confident sound of an electric guitar, bass, and drums.

As the lyrics begin, the same coolness that SUHO displayed when skimming through his diary remains as he confronts his partner about a looming breakup. “We’re not in a dream anymore / Just a troubled reality / Like strangers, it feels awkward today / Don’t bring up the weather again / One of us has to say it now.” From his perspective, the love that was once shared in their relationship is no longer applicable, and he feels like they are both being untrue to themselves. 

Instead of hiding behind a mask, trying to make it seem like everything is okay, he is opting for a clean cut end — as opposed to something more cliché and convoluted.“Gotta admit, we were good for a while / But, you and I are basically like water and cream / There’s no way for us to mix / Let’s skip the sad, boring stories / Who’s gonna be the first to leave?” 

Set against the backdrop of Australia, the music video for “Who Are You” presents a visual representation of SUHO’s deteriorating relationship and his journey through an inevitable ending. In the music video, SUHO seemingly takes on the role of an omniscient force between two masked figures. As the song begins, we see this duo caught in an argument with SUHO stuck in the middle. Towards each other, the masked figures are hidden away, and instead of encouraging one another to show their true selves, they choose to embellish the facade.

Observing the mistake they are making, SUHO chooses to intervene and takes the pair on a trip. The once-tense atmosphere begins to dissipate as the couple enjoys the getaway filled with dancing, laughter, and intimate conversations over a glass of wine. As the music video comes to a close, the figures who once held a distance sit comfortably in front of a bonfire as SUHO sneaks up behind them to discreetly remove their masks. Will the revelation of their genuine self help their relationship prosper in the end, or will they choose to go their separate ways? 

Writer’s Note: The album also features an English version of “Who Are You” that encompasses a similar tone and energy to the Korean version. 

Act 2: Fluttering Rising Action  

For the remaining songs on the Who Are You album, SUHO finds himself taking a trip down memory lane, exploring the feelings he held from his first romantic encounter to the amicable split. In the album’s second track, “Light the Fire,” SUHO represents the curious energy that arises when you first meet ‘the one.’ As the hard rock song begins, SUHO expresses the undeniable chemistry he shares with someone he has never seen before. “Burned into my eyes, I can’t look away / Even when our fingertips brush, it brings a thrilling rush of dopamine / And if surges towards you / Imagine us, too much to handle,” he sings in the first verse.

Following a steady opening, the energy picks up in the chorus as SUHO confidently declares that he wants to take things to the next level and make things official. “Let’s light the fire / You know you’re my desire / The more we embrace, the more I feel it / We will never stop / We will never go out / We’re like a spark waiting for the wind.” 

As listeners transition to the next song, they are met with the retro indie pop track “Medicine,” which offers a lighthearted look into what follows the initial spark of a relationship — aka the honeymoon phase. Composed and produced by British songwriter Starsmith, the quirky disco beat complements the whimsical lyrics that jokingly personify SUHO’s partner as the only remedy in his life.

In the song’s opening, SUHO begins complaining about his varying ailments, which include a fever and an aching heart — with the pain not stopping there. “It’s not like I’m hurt / It’s because you’re not by my side,” he sings.

Continuing, he firmly claims that his partner’s presence brings a new vigor to his life: “When my head starts to spin / I run to you, it’s the only way to live again  / Love spreads through my cells / My heart beats again / In this moment, I feel alive.” Even though he might build up a tolerance to the treatment, it doesn’t matter. The care and attention he receives from his partner is all he needs, and it has become somewhat of an addiction. 

Are you ready for a dose of dancer SUHO? For the first time in his solo career, SUHO took on the challenge of learning a more intricate choreography to enhance his already charming performance further. The interpretive dance style routine, choreographed by Jrick Baek and Haeni, utilizes various animated movements to illustrate the giddy effect that one feels when they are head over heels for someone. In combination with the dance composition, the long-take style music video cascaded with hues of pink and teal, takes place in SUHO’s brain, providing viewers with a first-hand perspective on the dizzying result of falling in love.

There is no need to worry about the giving energy being one-sided in the relationship. In the fourth track, “Birthday,” SUHO turns the tables, delivering a message that encourages his partner to be confident in themselves and live carefree because it’s their day — every day!

Immediately when the song begins, a funky lead guitar and groovy drum beat take over. As he sings, SUHO sets the scene for a very exclusive performance taking place in a basement. Even though the conditions are less than ideal, he chooses to make the most of the situation: “Pizza boxes, broken amp / Even though no one listens, we still play / All night long, burn it up.” After establishing his own level of confidence, he tries his hardest to transfer the energy to his partner, telling them to be loud and proud. “Sing freely / Like it’s your birthday / Walk the walk, celebrate like we’re crazy / Raise your voice, play until your heart bursts / Dive in  / There’s no way you’re going back.” 

When entering the bridge, the intense beat of the drums momentarily ceases, and the mood turns softer as SUHO tells his partner not to be weary once the night is over and to carry their newfound assurance on forever. As the song comes to an end, SUHO leaves one final parting piece of wisdom, expressing that even if you make mistakes in your journey, that’s okay because it creates a “lovely mess.” Just like how he plays through it all — you should too! 

Act 3: The Euphoric Climax and Open Ending

For the album’s fifth track, “Golden Hour,” SUHO picked up the pen to contribute to the lyric development alongside Zaya (153/Joombas). In the British pop song, a piano melody layered with vibrant synth and pad sounds offers a calming atmosphere that complements SUHO’s genuine expression of appreciation for all of the happy times spent with his partner. Similar to the moment that occurs within the first hour after sunrise and the first hour before sunset, this person brings a serene and energizing ambience to SUHO’s life. “You’re my golden hour / Brilliantly shining on me, in this moment that we share / At the end of a long day / You are my gift.”

Akin to the feelings expressed in “Medicine,” SUHO yearns to have his partner by his side no matter what, and he displays a bright mood while he sings. “Everything is explained, it’s all you / Nothing more is needed… / Even today, within the ordinary I’ve found heaven / My love, my heart, my all here’s to living / Won’t let go / We can make this moment last a lifetime.” 

The optimism displayed in the ”Golden Hour” dwindles as listeners delve into the final song, “Fadeout” (originally titled “Tallest Man”). In the acoustic pop-rock track, SUHO expresses immense regret following the end of a once-happy relationship. “In a long film that has just ended / I remain alone, calling out to you / Even if I answer your past monologue/ It’s sorrowful that it’s already too late.” As he ponders how things could’ve shifted so suddenly, he likens their past relations to a movie that he failed to comprehend. “Even the clear foreshadowing / I blame myself for ignoring it / Though I tried to delay it, the ending scene arrived / Only then did I realize.”

While clear feelings of sorrow overtake him, SUHO chooses to cut through this emotion and supersede it with sanguinity, for he wants to remember his partner in a favorable light — because it’s what they deserve. “To hold onto you would be a broken cliché / To call it a tragedy / You are too perfect, too radiant.” In the end, SUHO hopes that his ex-partner can also move forward positively and find a new and greater happiness elsewhere.

Who Are You is available to stream now on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music! For more updates on SUHO, be sure to follow him on  Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube! 

Not ready for the music to stop just yet? Check out EnVi’s breakdown of WOODZ’s latest comeback single, “I’ll Never Love Again” here!