A mental break and enlistment can mean the end of some idol careers. For DAY6’s Sungjin, his two-and-a-half-year break from music has brought new inspiration and a solo debut.

DAY6 has been one of Korea’s most popular acts of 2024. With performances at the KBO all-star game, Grand Mint Festival, and Incheon Pentaport festival, alongside accolades such as becoming the fourth highest digital point artist at over 1.4 billion digital points on Circle Chart, there is nothing the band hasn’t done since returning from enlistment.

Enlisting between 2021 and 2023, DAY6’s other members, Wonpil, Young K, and Dowoon, all made their debut before enlistment. However, Sungjin, the group’s oldest member at 31, was the first member to set out and fulfill his military duties. Coupled with a six-month mental health break between the band’s album ‘The Book of Us: Negentropy‘ and his enlistment, the vocalist has become the band’s last member of DAY6 to make his solo debut.

Titled ‘30,’ the album comes as a passion project for Day6’s fans (also known as MyDay). It breaks down the singer’s life so far, focusing on his struggles with mental health and his journey of solace and healing through music and fan support.

Headlined by the title song, “Check Pattern,” the album incorporates various genres, experimenting in the same way that DAY6 has across their most recent releases. It is also filled in DAY6 fashion with incredible b-sides, making for an unskippable album.

Covered in love

Starting the album, we have “Covered in Love“, a soft pop/ballad song in which Sungjin gives us an insight into the album’s tone. The song features lyrics about the need for love and a mission to spread the love he has received. 

The YouTube channel sees a thumbnail for the song shows Sungjin sitting on a train accompanied by a teddy bear. This visual suggests that Sungjin is reflecting on his youth.

The sign behind the musician reads “Guard You,” a reference to the 2021 Young K debut album, ‘Eternal‘. The sign highlights the band’s importance to Sungjin’s mental health while hinting towards linear long-term storytelling between each member’s release.

Check pattern 

Next, we are treated to “Check Pattern”, a beautiful ballad showing off the soothing vocal style of Sungjin. The song is what you would expect from a wintertime release. However, what really sets this song apart is the Music Video. Starting with a quote, “Théâtres de Mémoire: Going back to your special moment…” The quote refers to the infamous work of French painter and sculptor Jean Dubuffet, whose more expansive collection was inspired by historian Frances Yates’s book, ‘The Art of Memory’.

The song sees Sungjin looking back on his life, with him as the director, further emphasising that the story is him reflecting on the happy memories in his eyes. It can also be interpreted that the song is written about his devotion and promise to fans that they will meet again no matter what happens in the end, a sentiment portrayed across their ‘Fourever’ album.

I don’t wanna do anything

Onto “I don’t wanna do anything,” and what feels Sungjin unleashed. The power vocalist for DAY6, the song, sees him tease us with his incredible vocals.

Featuring lyrics about having to face the world when meaning is lost and waking up every day. The song is the first time we see Sungjin at his most vulnerable, speaking about real-life issues we can all relate to and the importance of mental health and resilience during times of deep depression.

Nowhere You Are

Changing the beat completely, we have “Nowhere You Are”. The sound is reminiscent of fellow DAY6 members Wonpil and Young K. It also benefits from the composition of Isaac Han and the construction of the songs numerous composers and arrangers, whose efforts add an additional layer of brilliance to the song.

Additionally, this is one of the first instances of narration and continuation within the song’s stories. Sungjin sings about not wanting to fall asleep, the fear of time continuing, and memories not fading.

As always

The winter song vibe continues through “as always” as we are treated to more great vocals and storytelling. Sungjin sings about the changing of the seasons and seeing through winter in search of a new start of spring and a brand new start. The song speaks wider to mental health and looks for the end of the hard times and the start of a brighter and warmer beginning.

Wednesday Night

In ancient etymology, Wednesday was the “day of Mercury.” In Korea, Wednesday symbolises the embracing and adapting of change. The first syllable, “Su”, means water, which implies flow and adaptability.  

“Wednesday Night” has a different sound from the album’s other songs, such as Sungjin’s positive lyrics about finding meaning. The song sees the singer forming his thoughts and adapting to his role as an idol, finding support through MyDays and going with the flow during his idol journey. While the song is the most simple in terms of its arrangement, the instrumental further emphasises Sungjin’s vocals and lyrics in one of the most formative songs of the album so far.

Easy

Entering the back end of the album, “Easy” signifies a big change in the direction and sound of the album. A retro 80s-style soft rock track, we are treated to Sungjin unleashed with incredible vocals similar to those of his role in DAY6.

The song itself is one of the shortest on the album, which is a shame. I wish it was longer if only because of the instrumentals and the pure vocal brilliance Sungjin portrays in the song. 

You Wake Me Up

Much like “Nowhere You Are”, “You Wake Me Up” feels classic DAY6 and the member’s solo releases. The song really hits its stride in the chorus, where you can feel Sungjins power and emotions.

The song also shows a new side of Sungjin’s ability as he breaks into a near-rap. It is clear that the song is a thank you to all the fans who stood by his side. It speaks to the current day and his daily inspirations, which can be interpreted as MyDays and their continued support of him and DAY6 since returning.

I don’t wanna lose

Our pick from the album “I don’t wanna lose” is the album’s final major twist. Accompanied by a piano-driven instrumental, the song feels straight out of a K-drama. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this song stand out as a fan favourite; it is an amazing reward to all fans who have listened this far into the album.

The lyrics see Sungjin reflect on his past self and the struggle to be authentically himself. He speaks on his fear of losing what he once was as a child, speaking louder to the struggles of adulthood and the effect that fame has had on him.

Memories

Finally, we have Memories, a soft and soothing track that provides a perfect end to a hard-hitting album. The song isn’t the feel-good, happy-go-lucky song you would expect, but rather a reality and acceptance of the past and the sad reality that memories fade. It is a reminder to live in the moment and to pour all of your love and emotions into those you love whenever possible.

What is your favourite song from 30? Let us know in the comments below or over on social media via Instagram or X.