Group SEVENTEEN 'Meboz' Dokyeom X Seungkwan's mini 1st album 'Soyagok' is receiving rave reviews from foreign media.
British music and fashion magazine Clash published an article on the 15th (local time) saying, "'Soyagok' is a work that deeply examines Dokyeom X Seungkwan's artistic sensitivity," and praised it, saying, "through each track they complete a perfect emotional narrative. An album that traces the trajectory of relationships through delicate vocals, carefully arranged instrumentation, meticulously crafted sounds and silence."
About the title track 'Blue,' it said, "a song that captures the quiet fractures of a mismatched love," and "instead of exploding with emotion, Dokyeom and Seungkwan express restrained sorrow through intricate harmonies. This gradual development perfectly builds the song's story."
American music magazine Rolling Stone focused on Dokyeom X Seungkwan's wide musical spectrum. It said, "as a unit made up of the team's main vocalists, they show a sound different from before and demonstrate how varied SEVENTEEN's colors are," and explained, "they traverse various genres on 'Soyagok' from pop rock to ballad and R&B."
Many articles also highlighted the contrasting charm in the two members' vocal tones. Global fashion magazine Marie Claire marveled, "Dokyeom's clear, bright vocals and Seungkwan's husky tone add emotional depth to the songs." Billboard Philippines described the unit's formation as "a natural evolution as artists for those who have breathed together for a long time," and Vogue Singapore introduced 'Soyagok' saying, "the two members' unique charms and modes of expression harmonize."
Global fandom response has also been hot. 'Soyagok' entered at No. 2 on the worldwide iTunes albums chart immediately after release and reached the top spot within a day. 'Blue' hit No. 1 on Bugs' real-time chart on the day of release and also landed at No. 2 on Korea YouTube's 'trending music.' In addition, a duet challenge where fans can harmonize with Dokyeom and Seungkwan quickly spread online, pushing it to the top of Instagram's 'rising audio' chart.
Meanwhile, Dokyeom X Seungkwan will appear on MBC's Show! Music Core on the 17th to perform 'Blue.' Tomorrow (the 18th) they will take the SBS Inkigayo stage and then meet CARAT (fan club name) at the fan party 'Live in Blue.' They will continue activities on variety shows as well. After the two made a surprise appearance in the comic short film on the YouTube channel 'Neodeoldeut' on the 16th, Dokyeom will appear as a guest on the web variety show 'Bu Seungkwan's Bibidibabidu' hosted by Seungkwan on the 22nd, where they are expected to show exceptional back-and-forth chemistry.
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