XngHan Launches Solo Debut Under Artist Brand ‘XngHan&Xoul’ after leaving RIIZE
XngHan is officially making his solo debut under his newly launched artist brand, XngHan&Xoul.
The brand’s first single, “Waste No Time,” tells XngHan’s story of anticipation and preparation for stepping onto the stage, expressed through two tracks. The single will be released on July 31 at 6 PM KST on major music platforms, alongside the music video for the title track “Waste No Time,” filmed entirely on location in Mongolia, via the SMTOWN YouTube channel.
The title track, “Waste No Time,” is an energetic electronic dance song that conveys XngHan’s determination to seize the moment and move forward without hesitation. Featuring bright synth leads, a powerful bassline, and a catchy, addictive melody, the lyrics reflect a youthful pledge to never waste a single second.
The second track, “Heavenly Blue,” co-written by XngHan with choreography also crafted by him, is a refreshing, trendy EDM-pop track based on chill house. Despite its fast tempo, the soft kicks, dreamy synth pads, and emotive vocals create a harmonious soundscape. The lyrics depict the pure emotions of youth, oscillating between longing and excitement, with vivid imagery.
To mark the release, XngHan will hold a showcase at 7 PM KST at Shinhan Card SOL Pay Square Live Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul, which will also be streamed live on his YouTube and TikTok channels. He will then perform on music programs starting August 1 with KBS2 Music Bank, followed by MBC Show! Music Core on August 2, and SBS Inkigayoon August 3.
Exclusive Q&A with XngHan on His Solo Debut
Q: How do you feel about debuting as a solo artist, and how did the idea for ‘XngHan&Xoul’ come about?
“I feel more excited than anything else. I’ve always loved taking on new challenges, so when preparing for my solo debut, I brainstormed with my team about how to present a fresh image. That’s how XngHan&Xoul was born—with the idea of exploring endless possibilities alongside my crew. I hope you’re curious about what’s coming next. I promise to show you great things, so stay tuned!”
Q: Why collaborate with two dancers for this debut project, and how has the experience been?
“Dance has always been my biggest passion, so I wanted to showcase that during my debut. Naturally, I teamed up with two dancers around my age, who I call my ‘Soulies.’ I remember being nervous when we first met—I even changed outfits multiple times to make a good impression! (laughs) We clicked right away, and the experience has been fun and fulfilling.”
Q: If you could describe this single in one phrase, what would it be? And what’s your personal recommendation?
“I’d say this single feels like ‘a summer day in two songs.’ Waste No Time is like a bright summer afternoon, while Heavenly Blue captures the mood of a summer night. If you’re on a road trip, listen to Waste No Time for that exhilarating, refreshing vibe, and when winding down at night, I recommend Heavenly Blue for its dreamy and emotional tone.”
Q: What was your first impression when you heard the two tracks?
“The moment I heard them, I thought, ‘Wow! I really want to do this.’ Both tracks are electronic dance tracks, which is a genre I’ve always loved. I remember my Soulies loving them too when we first listened to the demos together.”
Q: Any memorable episodes during the recording or music video shoot for ‘Waste No Time’?
“The recording process was challenging because the song has a lot of syllables and a tricky rhythm, so I focused a lot. For the music video, the most memorable part was running full speed in Mongolia with my Soulies. I hadn’t sprinted like that in ages—it felt so refreshing that I couldn’t stop laughing!”
Q: Like the lyrics of ‘Waste No Time,’ are you good at managing time? When do you feel time is never wasted?
“I’ve only recently started paying more attention to time management, so it still feels a little awkward. (laughs) Whenever I have free time, I try to practice as much as possible. Watching other dancers perform never feels like wasted time—I always come away inspired. Lately, I’ve also been focusing on vocal care, like drinking room-temperature water instead of cold drinks and using a humidifier.”
Q: You wrote the lyrics for ‘Heavenly Blue’ and choreographed the performance—how was that experience?
“Since the song is dedicated to fans, I thought deeply about the direction and wrote the lyrics myself. Thankfully, the staff liked it, which gave me this great opportunity. For the choreography, the Soulies and I worked together seamlessly, making it a fun process. We focused on conveying ‘freedom,’ matching the song’s atmosphere, and creating a relaxed, natural vibe rather than something rigid.”
Q: If your current feelings were a color, what would it be?
“Red! When I think of red, I think of passion, and honestly, my passion is through the roof these days! (laughs)”
Q: What’s a project you want to try under ‘XngHan&Xoul,’ and what’s your ultimate goal?
“I love dancing, but I also love singing, so I’d like to do a project where I perform live with a band someday. Ultimately, I want to create an album filled entirely with songs I’ve written and composed myself. Since I believe lyrics are the heart of a song, I spend my downtime reading books and listening to music to keep ‘studying.’ (laughs)”
Q: Any final message to your fans?
“If I had to say one line, it’d be: ‘You’re not the light, but you’re the one who brightens me.’ It’s actually my favorite lyric from Heavenly Blue. When I think of all the fans who’ve supported me, writing lyrics comes so naturally. Thank you for inspiring me. I’ve prepared so hard for this, so I hope you enjoy it!”
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