Singer-songwriter WOODZ (Cho Seung-youn) is set to make his return in March, marking his first official comeback since completing military service and following the continued resurgence of his hit track “Drowning.”
Actor Park Hee-soon Joins as MV Cast
On January 30, WOODZ’s agency EDAM Entertainment confirmed to Dispatch that the artist is currently preparing a new release with the goal of unveiling it next month. Adding to anticipation, veteran actor Park Hee-soon will appear in the title track’s music video. Known for his intense screen presence, Park’s participation is expected to enhance the song’s atmosphere and narrative depth.
The agency noted that the collaboration aims to heighten immersion rather than rely on spectacle, aligning with WOODZ’s introspective musical style.
‘Drowning’ Sparks Unexpected Resurgence
WOODZ experienced a major career boost in late 2025 after “Drowning” gained renewed attention. The track surged following his emotional performance on KBS2’s Immortal Songs during Armed Forces Day, where he appeared in military uniform.
Despite being enlisted at the time, the performance resonated strongly with audiences, leading to chart reversals, multiple music show wins, and eventually a No.1 placement on Melon’s annual domestic chart.
Post-Military Activities Continue
WOODZ completed his mandatory military service in July 2025. Since then, he has steadily expanded his activities, including appearances at domestic and international festivals, the release of new singles, and a successful solo concert.
Editor’s Insights: WOODZ’s ‘Archive. 1’ and the “Drowning” Legacy
The release of ‘Archive. 1’ on March 4, 2026, represents a rare “second peak” in a soloist’s career, fueled by the unprecedented 2025 resurgence of his 2023 track “Drowning.” By achieving a No. 1 placement on both the Melon and Genie annual charts while still in military service, WOODZ effectively bypassed the typical “post-enlistment slump” and returned as a household name. This momentum allowed him to debut his first full-length album—featuring a massive 17-track list including double titles “Human Extinction” and “NA NA NA” directly into the upper echelons of the Hanteo and Circle charts. The strategic decision to pivot from the “uniform-clad rocker” to the philosophical, “light vs. dark” concept of the new album shows a sophisticated artistic evolution that avoids over-relying on nostalgia.
From an editorial perspective, the collaboration with veteran actor Park Hee-soon in the “Human Extinction” music video was a masterstroke in high-prestige branding. By casting a respected actor currently peaking in projects like Judge Lee Han-young, WOODZ’s team at EDAM Entertainment successfully framed the comeback as a “cinematic event” rather than just another idol release. This alignment with “prestige cinema” sensibilities, combined with his proven songwriting credits on every track, solidifies his reputation as a “trust-and-listen” artist for the 2026 award season. As we track his ‘Archive’ World Tour throughout the spring, the narrative focus remains on his unique ability to dominate both the mainstream digital charts and the niche alternative rock scene—a duality that makes him one of the most commercially and critically stable soloists in modern Hallyu.