South Korean singer and EXO member, Chen, is set to make his Japanese debut with the highly anticipated mini album “Polaris” (ポラリス). The album is scheduled for release on August 17, 2023, marking a new milestone in his career. “Polaris” will feature the title track “Light Of My Life,” which is already generating excitement among fans. The tracklist for “Polaris” includes: Break Out, Free World, On The Road, Mirage of Flower, My Sunshine and Light Of My Life. Ahead of the album release, three pre-release tracks were dropped: “Break Out” on August 2, “Free World” on August 4, and “On The Road” on August 8, 2023. Fans are eagerly anticipating the album’s arrival and can expect diverse musical styles and emotional depth in Chen’s signature style. The physical album will be available in three versions: Regular, LP, and EXO-L Japan Limited Edition, offering fans a variety of collectible options.
Chen, known for his powerful vocals and emotive performances, has been a prominent figure in the K-pop industry. He is a member of EXO, one of the most successful boy groups, and its sub-units EXO-M and EXO-CBX. Additionally, he’s been a part of the project ballad group S.M. THE BALLAD. Chen’s journey in the music industry began with his debut as a member of EXO and its sub-unit EXO-M on April 9, 2012, with the release of their first mini album “Mama.” Since then, Chen has achieved several significant milestones, including his debut with EXO-CBX on October 31, 2016, and his successful solo ventures. Notably, he made his solo debut on April 1, 2019, with the mini album “April, and a Flower.” He continued to captivate audiences with subsequent releases such as “Dear My Dear” and “Hello.” Chen’s return from military service was celebrated by fans, and he marked his comeback with the third mini album “Last Scene,” released on October 31, 2022.
However, his recent announcement about legal action against his agency, SM Entertainment, has also garnered attention. Alongside fellow EXO members Xiumin and Baekhyun, Chen took legal action citing concerns about contract terms and transparency. SM Entertainment issued a statement refuting the claims, but later confirmed that they had partially revised the contracts in response to the artists’ concerns. As fans eagerly await the release of “Polaris,” Chen’s influence on both the K-pop and Japanese music scenes remains undeniable. His vocal prowess and dedication to his craft continue to make waves in the industry, and “Polaris” is poised to further solidify his status as a global artist. His musical journey has been marked by growth and exploration, culminating in his upcoming Japanese debut with “Polaris.”
