One of DOYOUNG’s last activities prior to enlisting in the military was releasing his second studio album, SOAR. Released in June 2025, it follows on from his first studio album, YOUTH, released in 2024. That album already set a high bar (in my opinion, one of the best of 2024), and SOAR has a tough job ahead indeed. But trust DOYOUNG and this 10-track album (led by the strong 10/10 title track, Memory). The album has plenty of hidden gems, and SOAR has already been recognised as one of the best albums of 2025, with my nomination for it in the Best Album category of the 2025 KPOPREVIEWED Awards.

Following SOAR and a day after his military enlistment. DOYOUNG also released the single Promise.

1. Wake From The Dark (깊은 잠) – DOYOUNG starts off the album with such a formidable track. Wake From The Dark showcases DOYOUNG’s powerhouse vocals over a powerful band instrumental. Fitting for an album titled SOAR, DOYOUNG himself does just that with his vocals, and I really enjoyed how the instrumental developed and built itself up. A definite strong start for the album. (10/10)

2. Memory (안녕, 우주) (Title Track) – Click here for my full review of Memory. (10/10)

3. Be My Light (쏟아져오는 바람처럼 눈부시게 너란 빛이 비추더라) – Following the title track is the upbeat and bright Be My Light. It has a very addictive, feel-good vibe and bounce that made it a standout single. I actually find it hard to move on Be My Light when it does come on. What I particularly love is the orchestral-pop-rock blend and DOYOUNG’s energy and tone. (10/10)

4. First Step (자전거) – Bossa nova takes the reins in First Step. This made the instrumental feel fun and relatively energetic, especially as it builds. I also liked how light DOYOUNG’s vocals were in the track. The verses were a little forgettable; thus, it didn’t have the same captivating power as the 3 tracks before it. But First Step still holds its ground well. (8.5/10)

5. Just Friends (편한 사람) – Just Friends takes us back into ballad territory. The simple combination of DOYOUNG’s rich vocals and acoustic guitar instrumentation was so stunningly beautiful. I enjoyed the melodies in the track, especially the choruses. I highly recommend putting this track on, sitting back, and closing your eyes to listen. It’s easy to get lost in it. (9/10)

6. Luminous (동경) – In another ballad that I found so easy to get lost to, Luminous shows us what DOYOUNG does best. And while he is effortlessly captivating in Luminous through his vocals, DOYOUNG is only one reason the song earned a 10/10. The primary reason is the heavenly string sequence midway into the song. I tend to do small tasks while I listen to a song to gather my thoughts for these album reviews. Very little usually makes me stop mid-task, but that string section took my breath away and made me tune back into Luminous to fully appreciate it. (10/10)

7. Still (고요) – Continuing the emotional ballad run on this album is Still. This one features beautiful melodies, and I like DOYOUNG’s airy elongations at the end of the chorus lines. Meanwhile, the instrumental is a beautiful mix of orchestral and band instrumentation. Together, they make a spectacular showing from DOYOUNG, especially as everything soars and then comes back down to earth at the end. (9/10)

8. Sonnet (소네트) – DOYOUNG changes gears with a dynamic pop rock instrumental, yet retains the emotional touch with really light and soft vocals. This one is straightforward, but I liked how DOYOUNG and the pop-rock instrumental worked together. I love the peak, with the consecutive drumming and DOYOUNG’s high note. (9/10)

9. Sand Box – Sand Box is produced by Kim Dong Wan, who hails from NELL (a South Korean alternative rock band). If you are familiar with their work, you can definitely feel his and NELL’s influence on the track, from the light, bubbly, atmospheric synths to the alternative rock. I particularly commend the hollow drumming that appears here and there, and the electric guitar in the bridge. They served as punchy moments in the song that I really enjoyed. DOYOUNG did a stunning, captivating job in Sand Box as well. (10/10)

10. Eternity (미래에서 기다릴게) – DOYOUNG ends the album with the rock number, Eternity. It’s a strong track to end the album on, and it is pulled off really well. DOYOUNG sounds so good on the track, and the rock instrumental’s energy is phenomenal. I loved how DOYOUNG channelled this energy into his delivery, giving us a stunning, vibrant performance throughout the track. Towards the end of the track (after the choral bridge), his vocals soar, and his control is impeccable throughout. (10/10)

Overall Album Rating – 9.6/10