On September 10, Lee Min Ho released the five track mini album “Song For You.” As one of the leading young actors in Korea, Lee Min Ho has repeatedly stated that he does not have aspirations to become a professional singer. However, “Song For You” is a departure from his previous releases, providing evidence that Lee Min Ho has potential as a viable recording artist.

One of the first examples of Lee Min Ho as a vocalist was provided in 2009 with the song “My Everything” from the “Boys Over Flowers” special F-4 edition soundtrack. Lee Min Ho gained notoriety as Gu Jun Pyo, the temperamental heir to the Shinhwa Group and leader of the flower boy pack known as the F4.

While “My Everything” was embraced by many fans of “Boys Over Flowers” and Lee Min Ho, the track was musically flawed. One of the most notable aspects of “My Everything” was the awkward English phrasing featured during the chorus which was less attributed to Lee Min Ho than to clunky songwriting.

“My Everything” would become the title track for his May 2013 debut album, which was unfortunate from a musical perspective. The album contained songs that were beloved by fans, but were not necessarily on par with the releases of Lee Min Ho's contemporaries in acting like Jang Geun Suk. By contrast “Song For You” sets the premise that Lee Min Ho is a competent vocalist whose talents extend past his acting abilities.

“Song For You” opens with the jazzy French-inspired pop track “Paradise In Love.” “Paradise in Love” presents a warm and fuzzy opening to the mini album. “Paradise In Love” will undoubtedly receive airplay in the many cafes that populate Korea.

Next, is the title track “Song For You.” “Song For You” is a pop-rock track which will lend itself to live performance. Lee Min Ho recently performed a joint-stage with rockers Royal Pirates for his RE:MINHO or Reboot Lee Min Ho tour. “Song For You” is a demonstration of Lee Min Ho's musical reinvention, with the track setting an excellent tone for the overall album.

The topic of obsessed fans and stalkers is something that Lee Min Ho is most likely very familiar with. Contrary to the title, “Stalker” is a romantic pop song which includes the refrain “I love you, I need you.” On “Stalker,” Lee Min Ho expresses his regret for lost love throughout the uptempo song.

“Song For You” begins to draw to a conclusion with another pop-rock song, “Travel.” “Travel” is optimistically sunny in the vein of the tracks which were featured on California inspired soundtrack for “The Heirs.” “Travel” provides a break from the somber, cold weather influenced music which generally begins to seep into K-Pop in October.

“Burning Up” is an electronic pop track which closes “Song For You.” It is one of the most danceable songs on “Song For You” but the track is not reflective of sugary pop. The overall tone of “Song For You” reflects the maturity that Lee Min Ho demonstrates in his acting career, making his latest release an appropriate album for a world tour which features an artist of his caliber.

Listen to the new album “Song For You” from Lee Min Ho HERE.