In January 2012, Moon Jong-up was unveiled as a member of the idol group B.A.P, a sextet that would impress many K-pop fans globally. In B.A.P, he served as a sub-vocalist and main dancer, showing off his versatile talent. The group made its official debut just nine days later, releasing the single album Warrior. I think we all tapped our feet to that song! Their powerful performances and socially conscious lyrics quickly earned them a distinguished fanbase. 

Although B.A.P is no longer a group, Moon decided to pursue a solo career. During B.A.P’s 2017 World Tour Party Baby! In March, he performed his first solo song, Try My Luck. This PBR&B track was released as part of a project album with fellow member Daehyun on June 8, 2017. Following B.A.P’s disbandment, Moon took a well-deserved six-month break from music. During this time, he expanded his horizons by participating in an encore show of the theatre production The Lost Village. In 2019, Moon’s tenacity led him to become a contestant on Maeil Broadcasting Network’s survival reality show Signhere. His solo career took another significant turn when he signed an exclusive contract with The Groove Company in November.  Under the company, he released his debut single album, Headache, featuring a Funk-Pop title track. In 2021, Moon unveiled his first mini-album called Us, which was met with positive reviews. He expanded his artistic horizon when he took on his first film acting role of Jang Jung in Idol Recipe (2021). 

After a hiatus of 2 years and 3 months, Moon made a triumphant return with his second mini-album, SOME. This release comes on the heels of his first mini-album, Us. SOME is a significant milestone in the artist’s career, pointing at not only his return to music but showing a more mature artistic expression. 

“I had many things happen over the course of 2 years and 3 months. I want to express my gratitude to the fans who waited for me first. As it’s been a while since my comeback, I’ve made an effort to showcase myself as much as possible. I hope to have a successful 2023 without any regrets.” he confessed.

The mini-album itself is a reflection of Moon’s rare musical style and presents five new songs. The title track, X.O.X, is particularly special, as he actively contributed to its making. The song’s lyrics are inspired by his signature theme, the MOON (달), and are accompanied by analog synth sounds. Within SOME, you’ll also find a heartfelt track titled Fine, in which Moon openly acknowledges his affection and appreciation towards his devoted fans, who have supported him consistently throughout his career. Complementing these songs are the equally great Stuck, Common, and Common (English Version). And while the singer is currently promoting his new release, one can hope for a new announcement, perhaps a world tour? We are definitely waiting for him to come to Europe and present his talents on stage again, but this time, as a soloist. 

_{View of the Arts is an online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}