MONSTA X’s Jooheon is setting the tone for his upcoming solo return with the early release of a new track that highlights his emotional depth and musical range. Ahead of his second mini album, the artist unveiled ‘Push’, a pre release single that places vulnerability and restraint front and center.
According to Starship Entertainment, ‘Push’ was released on December 22 at 6 p.m. KST across major streaming platforms. The song serves as a preview of Jooheon’s second mini album ‘INSANITY’ (광), scheduled for release on January 5.
A Delicate Push and Pull of Emotion
Written and composed by Jooheon himself, ‘Push’ is an R&B track that explores the fragile tension between love and self-control within a wavering relationship. The song captures the emotional push and pull of two people drifting closer and farther apart, expressed through understated melodies and introspective lyrics.
IVE’s Rei features on the track, adding a soft yet expressive layer to the song. Her gentle tone blends seamlessly with Jooheon’s emotive vocals, bringing warmth and subtle wit to the narrative and deepening its emotional resonance.
A Teaser That Hints at Inner Conflict
Anticipation for the release built steadily following the music video teaser unveiled on December 21. Set against the quiet stillness of an underground subway station, the teaser portrays Jooheon grappling with conflicting emotions, evoking the sense of confronting another version of himself. The creaking sound of a chair, Jooheon’s weighted vocals, and a warm-toned melody combine to signal a shift in mood from his previous work drawing attention not only from fans, but from casual listeners as well.
Storytelling Through Visuals
The music video features actress Shin Eun-soo, whose presence heightens the sense of narrative tension. Scenes of her breaking an emergency alarm glass and walking parallel to Jooheon across train tracks add symbolic weight, prompting questions about the story that will unfold in the full version.
The visual storytelling amplifies the song’s themes of hesitation, distance, and emotional urgency, further raising expectations for the complete release.
Toward INSANITY: A Broader Musical Spectrum
Jooheon’s second mini album ‘INSANITY’ is described as a project that encapsulates his full artistic spectrum. Drawing on the experience he has built as a rapper, vocalist, producer, and director, the album is expected to present a clearer and more expansive musical identity. Marking his first solo album in approximately two years and eight months since ‘LIGHTS’ in May 2023, the release carries added significance. Through this album, Jooheon plans to trace a journey of holding onto music until reaching a new starting point unfolding a singular emotional thread across tracks of varying textures.
“A Track About Finding Balance”
Sharing his thoughts through the agency, Jooheon said he was glad to greet fans early with ‘Push’. He described the song as one that “tells a story about finding balance in a shaking relationship,” adding that Rei’s feature and Shin Eun-soo’s appearance helped elevate the overall quality of the project.
Jooheon’s pre-release single ‘Push’ is now available on streaming platforms, while his second mini album ‘INSANITY’ will be released on January 5.