On 6 September 2021, Young K made his solo debut with his new album, Eternal, and his title track, ‘Guard You (끝까지 안아 줄게)’. The bassist of DAY6 wrote and composed the song himself, alongside Hong Jisang on composition. The mini-album also serves as a gift to the fans of DAY6 as he announced his mandatory military enlistment will begin on 12 October 2021. He has been accepted into the Korean Augmentation Troops to the United States Army (KATUSA) and will be serving there.
The album consists of 6 other songs – ‘best song’, ‘not gonna love’, ‘Microphone (feat. DVWN)’, ‘want to love you’, ‘come as you are’, and ‘goodnight, dear’ – all of which he wrote and composed. The name Eternal is a reference to the Korean word “영원 (young won)”, taking the young from his stage name and real name, Kang Younghyun. For more, read about his press conference here.
About ‘Guard You (끝까지 안아 줄게)‘
The solo debut was everything and nothing that we expected of Young K. As an experienced songwriter and producer, the track really shines his specific vocal abilities and his image. The song has its roots in more indie instrumentals with a layer of trap beats. It compliments the more vulnerable side of Young K’s writing that remains honest and true to his vow of loyalty. The lyrics express the need to protect someone you love and shouts a profoundly forthright confession. ‘끝까지 안아 줄게‘ translates to ‘I will hug you to the end’ or ‘hold you to the end’, words he repeats in the song quite often. Moreover, he sings, “Don’t try and say it’s okay / You have endured a lot”, which is often we say when comforting someone. Young K takes it to another level in the chorus and puts up a strong, emotional performance.
“Even if all the light disappears
young k – ‘guard you’
Even down to the floor
Even if I fall into despair
I will hug you till the end”
Music video
‘Guard You’ has a rather exaggerated and dark video. It starts off with Young K in a dark room and pans towards him checking up on the surroundings in his space ship. He captains the vessel and it serves as a metaphor for the message of the song: even if the world ends, he’s there to protect you. Outside, the world comes to an end as meteors shatter the earth but he rocks out on a stage in a glittery, all black outfit that enhances his grunge concept with a full band of people in masks. I personally found it funny that the world was burning but also got distracted by how passionately he sings and his intense visuals.
Check out ‘Guard You (끝까지 안아 줄게)’ by Young K here –
All credits belong to JYP Entertainment.
