Singer WOODZ (Jo Seung-yeon) has completed his military service and returned today (21st).
WOODZ enlisted in the army as an active duty soldier in January last year and served in the Army Military Academy's military band, maintaining a diligent military life, even being selected as an elite soldier during his service.
In particular, WOODZ drew attention by achieving remarkable musical success during his military service. His self-composed song 'Drowning', released in April 2023, sparked a reverse chart surge starting from October last year, sweeping the top spots on major music charts like Melon and Genie, and even ranking first on terrestrial music broadcasts, proving his presence without any activities.
As he returns amidst this reverse chart surge, there is a lot of interest in him. WOODZ will begin his full-fledged activities starting with his appearance at the '2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon SUMMER' on the 27th. He is also scheduled to perform at Japan's largest music festival 'SUMMER SONIC 2025' in August.
Below is the full Q&A with WOODZ
Q. Congratulations on your return! Please share your thoughts on your military discharge.
When I first enlisted, I thought it might be tough and that time would drag on, but now, it's hard to believe that a year and six months have passed and I am discharged. I am really happy right now.
Q. You have completed about a year and six months of military service. Looking back overall, what was military life like for you?
It was an unforgettable time for me. The song 'Drowning' received a lot of attention, which allowed me to be noticed as well. Personally, it was a time when I could organize what I wanted to do in a more structured and mentally relaxed environment compared to society.
Q. You served diligently and were selected as an elite soldier. Is there a moment during your service that stands out to you?
I remember the day I went to my first event. It was a promotional event for the ROTC recruitment held at Sejong University right after finishing basic training, and I had the opportunity to meet fans after a long time. It felt special and surreal to meet people who love me as a singer while I was in military uniform.
Q. Have there been any changes in you, either personally or musically, during your military service?
While working with friends who play different classical instruments, I was able to hear the sounds of various instruments, and I had many musical discussions with colleagues who play drums, guitar, and bass. I think this has allowed me to think more deeply and express the details when writing songs.
Q. Your self-composed song 'Drowning' gained a lot of love during your military service. What were your feelings when it first started to reverse chart?
Honestly, I didn't really feel the reverse chart surge until just before my discharge. When the officers and other soldiers in my unit would talk to me and ask for autographs, I felt, "Oh, something is going well," but it was hard to physically feel it while in the unit. However, I was very grateful when I saw various posts online, and I made a lot of resolutions to work harder to meet the precious attention I received.
Q. The excitement hasn't cooled down even after about 9 months since the initial reverse chart. You've topped various music charts and even ranked first on terrestrial music broadcasts. What are your thoughts on this?
Honestly, I don't usually think about rankings while working, so I hadn't deeply considered moments like this. But facing these moments made me very happy. In the future, I will continue to think and work on creating better music and activities rather than focusing on rankings, but I will strive to meet the expectations that have been given to me.
Q. I've seen many witty comments on your videos. Is there a comment that stands out to you?
I remember a comment saying that while I was in the military, 'Drowning' was rowing by itself or driving autonomously.
Q. After your discharge, is there something you personally want to do or have planned?
I think I've been thinking and planning the most about my essential work, which is music. I'm focusing a lot on albums and concerts.
Q. There is a lot of public interest in your upcoming album. Can you share any plans for album releases or the type of music you will present?
Of course, I will do rock, which I love, and I want to create music that matches various things I want to express in the album or lyrics. I plan to try various genres while working hard, but I want to create music that is persuasive to many people.
Q. Please say a word to the fans who have been waiting for a long time.
Mooz, I have finally returned. Thanks to your unwavering support and love, I was able to overcome tough moments and gain strength. I already knew, but I felt once again in the military how much your love is a great strength to me. I will continue to strive to be a singer that you can be proud of when you say, "I am a fan of WOODZ" anywhere. I don't think of myself as someone who should be loved unconditionally. So, I know how precious the love you give me is. I will show you slowly without being impatient. I sincerely thank you and love you.
Q. Finally, if you have anything else to say, feel free to share.
I sincerely thank everyone who recognized me. Thanks to the overwhelming love during my military service, I was able to spend a happy time. I will prepare a lot to repay that precious attention, so please enjoy it. I will always strive to learn humbly and become a better person. Just as the small moments of your interest have created miraculous times for me, I will also strive to be someone who contributes to your happiness.
I also want to express my gratitude to everyone I served with in the military. To all the soldiers who are protecting the country in their respective places even in the hot weather, I truly respect and thank you.
[Lee Da-gyeom, Star Today Reporter]
