WONHO releases new EP 'CORE', blending dance genres and exploring vulnerability

Global K-pop star WONHO is revealing a new dimension of his musicality with his latest comeback, CORE. The EP features seven tracks of explosive dance-pop designed to move both body and mind.

No, the album is not about his abs — though the 33-year-old artist, who is in peak physical condition, does not shy away from showing them.

Best known for his angelic voice rooted in R&B and pop, WONHO ventures into new territory with CORE, blending dance, EDM, club, house, mellow pop, and hyper-pop. His previous EP, SYNDROME, centered on sweet harmonies and declarations of love, including the fun boyband pop track “Better Than Me.” CORE presents another side of the often-sexy performer, who is widely praised for his powerful dance moves, strong vocals, and striking visuals. The album's core concepts — RAW, SHELL, and CRACK — invite fans to embrace this new side. It also feels as though WONHO is leaning into the sexy persona he and his fans know he naturally exudes.

According to the press release, CORE “looks beyond outward strength to explore the emotions that have quietly shaped him beneath the surface” and “follows an emotional journey from hidden wounds and self-protection to vulnerability and self-acceptance.”

Lead Track: “Don’t Wake Me Up”

The lead single, “Don’t Wake Me Up,” is an explosive dance-pop anthem built for the club. Its pounding bass, sharp synths, and intense beats make it an instant earworm. Amid the shouts of “Don’t Wake Me Up,” WONHO’s voice cuts through as if revealing his truth — and that truth is undeniably sexy. The track captures the “desire to escape reality by surrendering to an irresistible fantasy.”

In the accompanying music video, citizens are oppressed by the government, restricted in speech, action, and self-expression. WONHO begins restrained, but as emotions escalate and the crowd rises up, the video becomes an intense, dramatic performance of liberation.

Album Highlights

The album features both English and Korean songs, appealing to WONHO’s global audience and his WENEEs — the name for his fandom — back in his home country of Korea. Across all seven tracks, WONHO contributed to lyrics, composition, production, and arrangement. Every song carries a high-energy beat, even the ballad.

• “Answer” — An upbeat, groovy opener capturing the uncertainty of a complicated relationship. WONHO simply wants to know their answer.
• “Can’t Get Enough” — An upbeat romantic track driven by drum beats in the dance-pop genre. It explores “lingering desire that only grows stronger after love has ended.” This is the most quintessentially WONHO-style song on the album (WENEEs will understand), highlighting his soothing voice in a way that feels like a romantic movie.
• “Summer Blue” — A mellow dance track that “reflects on the warmth and bittersweet nostalgia of unforgettable memories.” It keeps the tempo up with phased drum rhythms, especially during its soothing dance break.
• “Down” — First unveiled during his last tour, this track brings the energy back up with house-blended techno production — perfect for the dance floor.
• “Test Drive” — An atmospheric pop love song about meeting for the first time, described as “like a test drive.” It feels youthful and nostalgic.
• “Promises” (featuring Brother Su) — An R&B pop ballad and another love song about keeping promises of love and support. Brother Su’s sweet vocals complement WONHO’s well.

About Brother Su

Brother Su is best known as an R&B singer-songwriter, but also as a composer, producer, and lyricist for some of South Korea’s biggest acts, including BTS (“I NEED U,” “Whalien 52,” “Outro: House of Cards,” “Butterfly”), MONSTA X (“Beautiful Liar,” “Oi,” “Love”), and BLACKPINK (“As If It’s Your Last”).

Final Thoughts

WONHO’s CORE blends diverse dance genres to help listeners feel connected, inspired to dance, and free. The “CORE” represents the inside of a person’s soul — and what better way to reach it than through music?

WONHO’s CORE is available on all streaming platforms.