CHANYEOL Turns the World ‘Upside Down’: Inside His 2nd Mini Album

EXO’s CHANYEOL is back with his second solo mini album, Upside Down—a six-track set that leans into live, band-driven textures and a warmer, storyteller vibe. The digital release went live Aug 25, 2025 at 6 p.m. KST, with physical albums following immediately after.

Release at a glance

• Title/Format: Upside Down — CHANYEOL’s 2nd mini album (6 tracks).
• Digital drop: Aug 25, 2025, 6 p.m. KST (Spotify, Apple Music, Melon, etc.).
• Physicals: Multiple versions including Photo Book, Selfie (QR), and SMini editions; official SM shop listings went up for preorder. Retailers list the physical release as Aug 26.
• Pre-release MV: “Happy Accident (Feat. SOLE)” arrived Aug 21 at 6 p.m. KST.
• Title track MV: “Upside Down” teased ahead of the album with official MV teasers on SMTOWN/EXO channels.
• Fan events: Free two-day showcase “THE STAGE” (Aug 27–28, Musinsa Garage) and a one-night concert “Upside Down: Sound Stage” (Aug 31, YES24 Live Hall).

The sound & concept

If last year’s solo debut sketched CHANYEOL’s range, Upside Down digs deeper into organic arrangements—guitars, roomy drums, and a “live-set” atmosphere that plays to his warm baritone and melodic rap. Early agency notes and reporting framed the EP as a mature, human-scale collection that explores different relationships and moods rather than a single high-gloss concept.

Tracklist & first-listen notes

1. Upside Down — The title track threads pop-rock edges with a buoyant hook; it’s designed for band stages and sing-back choruses.
2. Back & Forth — Mid-tempo push-pull, the kind of groove that lets his half-sung delivery breathe.
3. Ocean Drive — Road-song DNA: bright chords, horizon-wide reverb.
4. High & Dry — Leaner percussion and introspective writing; a late-night cut.
5. Happy Accident (Feat. SOLE) — A retro-tinted R&B piece comparing falling in love to an unexpected “happy accident,” previewed with a full MV ahead of the album.
6. 123 Dance — A lighter closer where rhythm leads; think encore energy.

Source confirmation: Official/retailer listings and fan-curated databases align on the six-track lineup above.

Rollout timeline

• Aug 3–4: Comeback announcement and first teaser for Upside Down.
• Aug 21: Pre-release MV “Happy Accident (Feat. SOLE)”.
• Aug 25 (6 p.m. KST): Digital album release; 5 p.m. KST countdown live to celebrate the drop.
• Aug 27–28: Free showcase “THE STAGE” in Hongdae (lottery via preorders).
• Aug 31: “Upside Down: Sound Stage” concert at YES24 Live Hall.

Packaging, versions & collectability

Beyond the standard photo book, CHANYEOL offers Selfie (QR) and SMini (Smart Album) formats—compact, app-linked versions popular with collectors. Fan wikis and shop pages also note On/Off concepts and two SMini colorways. If you’re choosing one:

• Photo Book ver. for big visuals,
• Selfie (QR) for portability,
• SMini for the smart-album experience and compact display.

Why Upside Down works

The EP’s through-line is intimacy—songs that feel playable with a live band and close-miked vocals that sit right up front. Pair that with a savvy rollout (a pre-release R&B duet, daily teasers, and fan-first showcases), and Upside Down reads as a confident second chapter rather than a reset.

Where to listen & follow along: The album is on all major platforms, with physical editions via SM’s official shop and global retailers; check SMTOWN/EXO channels for MV drops and behind-the-scenes content.