Most individuals know Yim Siwan as one among Korea’s main actors, however as soon as upon a time he was additionally in boy group ZE:A. If nothing else, I’d love for this evaluation to be an excuse for readers to return to ZE:A’s discography, which is actually one among Okay-pop’s most underrated. We merely don’t get boy teams like them anymore, and that’s a disgrace.
Just lately, Siwan signed with The Black Label, who’ve had a really profitable 2025. This follows reviews of a signing with one among SM Leisure’s subsidiaries, so I suppose meaning he’s someway working with each on the identical time? Regardless, this has resulted in new solo work together with his first mini album and title observe The Motive. Figuring out how these sort of initiatives often end up and Siwan’s basic demeanor, I didn’t anticipate something edgy or daring. And true to kind, The Motive is a swinging mid-tempo that virtually defines “easy-listening.”
Regardless of this (or due to it?), I really fairly just like the observe. If there’s any of time of 12 months suited to this cozy, unambitious sound, it’s through the lead-up to winter. Siwan’s voice sounds lovely and the manufacturing has extra heft and drive than anticipated. The refrain feels like a carol while not having to include sleigh bells and is so pleasantly inoffensive that it ought to enchantment to only about anybody. This isn’t the sort of track I’ll be taking part in months from now, however it’s an acceptable soundtrack for the season.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
| Longevity | 8 |
| Bias | 8 |
| RATING | 8 |
Grade: B-