« To be honest, I didn’t fully realize the chart resurgence of Drowning until right before I was discharged. Inside the base, when officers or fellow soldiers would approach me or ask for autographs, I just thought, ‘Something good must have happened.’ »
Singer WOODZ, whose song “Drowning” saw a remarkable resurgence in popularity during his military service, was officially discharged on July 21.
On the same day, WOODZ shared through his agency EDAM Entertainment, “As “Drowning” gained attention, I was also able to receive a lot of love. Military service has become an unforgettable time in my life.”
WOODZ enlisted in active duty in January of last year and served in the military band at the Korea Military Academy. Starting in October, his song “Drowning” began to rise sharply on the music charts, drawing growing attention.
“Drowning” is a self-composed and self-written track released in April 2023. It gained renewed popularity after a video of WOODZ performing the song in military uniform on the KBS variety show Immortal Songs went viral.
Two years after its release, the song topped Melon’s Top 100 chart in May and claimed the number one spot on both the digital and streaming charts in the Circle Chart’s mid-year rankings.
WOODZ reflected:
“I’m not the type to focus on chart rankings when I create music, but facing a moment like this made me incredibly happy. Since I was still in the military, people joked that the song ranked itself automatically, like it was on autopilot.“
Fresh out of the military, WOODZ already has a busy schedule ahead: he’ll appear at SBS Gayo Daejeon on July 27 and perform next month at Japan’s “Summer Sonic Festival”.
Currently preparing a new album and concert tour, he expressed his desire to give back to the fans who supported him during his service.
WOODZ shared, “Thanks to the overwhelming love from those who recognized me, I experienced moments so happy they felt almost unreal. I want to stay humble, keep learning, and grow into an even better person.”
“Just as your small acts of kindness created miraculous moments for me, I want to become someone who contributes to your happiness in return.”
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: SNS WOODZ
