One, the first solo artist to debut under YG Entertainment since Se7en in 2003, returned to K-pop music scene Tuesday with his solo debut single “One Day.”

(YG Entertainment)

The artist originally debuted as a member of duo 1Punch in January 2015 with “Produce 101” contestant Kim Samuel, but he moved to YG following the group’s disbandment in September that year.

He has spent the last two years as a trainee, polishing his songwriting and composing ability for his solo debut under YG founder Yang Hyun-suk’s coaching.

In both 2015 and 2016, he has also participated in season four and five of Mnet’s hip-hop competition show “Show Me the Money” as a contestant.

(Yonhap)

“I think it was about finding my true self for the last few years as a trainee. I spent those time searching for the kind of music that fitted me,” said the 22-year-old artist at a media event for his debut album in Seoul on Tuesday.

In line with One’s aforementioned comment, the two songs, “Getting by” and “Heyahe” from his debut album, were a reflection of the two contrasting sides of himself which he has discovered throughout those years.

One has mainly promoted himself as a rapper before, but the artist delved into a deeper emotion of love for his debut album.

(YG Entertainment)

(YG Entertainment)

The two-track “One Day” album consists of hip-hop track “Getting’ by” that centers on depicting One’s pure and boy-like image and another hip-hop number “Heyahe,” where the artist showcases more mature image by delving into deep emotion of love.

Asked about his former bandmate Kim Samuel, One said, “I heard that Kim has also debuted solo recently. I sincerely wish his success, but I haven’t contacted him personally for a while.”


The new single album “One Day” was released Tuesday at 6 p.m. via several local streaming sites.

By Hong Dam-young (lotus@heraldcorp.com)