Former Wanna One and CIX member Bae Jin Young has officially announced his long-awaited solo debut, set for October 14 at 6 p.m. KST.
The announcement came in the form of a first teaser image released at midnight KST on September 26, which revealed the title of his debut mini album, Still Young, and showcased a moody black-and-white portrait of the singer gazing pensively at the camera.
Bae Jin Young first rose to fame after finishing 10th on Mnet's "Produce 101" Season 2 in 2017, securing a spot in the project group Wanna One. He debuted with the group later that year, earning acclaim for his stage presence and all-around skills before the group's disbandment in January 2019.
Shortly afterward, he re-debuted as a member of CIX under C9 Entertainment, contributing to the group's first EP, Hello Chapter 1: Hello, Stranger, in July 2019. His exclusive contract with C9 expired in August 2024, prompting his departure from CIX and leading to his signing with Aura Entertainment in December of the same year.
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Aura Entertainment, home to veteran artists such as Brown Eyed Girls' JeA and former VICTON member Han Seung-woo, has described Still Young as embodying themes of "unwavering passion, strengthened skills, the spirit and ambition of youth, and a new beginning." According to the agency's statement, Bae Jin Young will "showcase upgraded skills and new music, offering a different charm from his previous work."
Many have praised Bae Jin Young's dedication, noting that after eight years in the public eye and a lengthy hiatus between group activities, he has been meticulously involved in planning and concept meetings for his debut. He is known to have worked hard to exceed public expectations, drawing on his reputation as a practice enthusiast since his "Produce 101" days.
Fans can expect the full track list and additional teaser content in the coming weeks as Bae Jin Young gears up to drop his first solo EP, Still Young, on October 14 at 6 p.m. KST. With a career spanning a high-profile project group, a successful re-debut, and now a solo venture, Bae's evolution as an artist reaches a new milestone this fall.
