Most people know Yim Siwan as one of Korea’s leading actors, but once upon a time he was also in boy group ZE:A. If nothing else, I’d love for this review to be an excuse for readers to go back to ZE:A’s discography, which is truly one of K-pop’s most underrated. We simply don’t get boy groups like them anymore, and that’s a shame.
Recently, Siwan signed with The Black Label, who have had a very successful 2025. This follows reports of a signing with one of SM Entertainment’s subsidiaries, so I guess that means he’s somehow working with both at the same time? Regardless, this has resulted in new solo work with his first mini album and title track The Reason. Knowing how these kind of projects usually turn out and Siwan’s general demeanor, I didn’t expect anything edgy or daring. And true to form, The Reason is a swinging mid-tempo that practically defines “easy-listening.”
Despite this (or because of it?), I actually quite like the track. If there’s any of time of year suited to this cozy, unambitious sound, it’s during the lead-up to winter. Siwan’s voice sounds beautiful and the production has more heft and drive than expected. The chorus sounds like a carol without needing to incorporate sleigh bells and is so pleasantly inoffensive that it should appeal to just about anyone. This isn’t the kind of song I’ll be playing months from now, but it’s a suitable soundtrack for the season.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
