
WINNER's Kang Seung-yoon Unveils Mature Artistry with Second Full Album 'PAGE 2'
Kang Seung-yoon, the leader and singer-songwriter of K-pop group WINNER, has showcased a deeper musical world with his second full album, 'PAGE 2', proving his evolution as an 'emerging artist'.
From the raw emotional talent seen in his early days, Kang Seung-yoon is now crafting the next 'page' of his life with a polished narrative and distinct sound. While his first full album, 'PAGE', released in 2021, served as a diary of youth, 'PAGE 2', released after a four-year and seven-month hiatus, delves into the story of an individual viewing the world with a more profound and expansive perspective.
In his previous work, Kang Seung-yoon reflected on the past decade through his relationships with those who shaped him, including family, fans, WINNER members, and mentor Yoon Jong-shin. Conversely, 'PAGE 2' broadens his focus. He steps beyond internal reflections to sing about life, youth, and the inherent 'beauty (美)' of humanity.
The title track, ‘ME (美)’, is a powerful dance song blending synth-pop and rock sounds, delivering the message, “Let’s shake and enjoy the moments of youth.” His solid vocals and masterful control of pacing represent the confidence of a matured Kang Seung-yoon, while the lyrics “美 and shake that beauty” encapsulate the free and bold attitude towards youth he aimed to express.
Furthermore, 'PAGE 2' presents not just an emotional outpouring, but an 'organization' of emotions. Weaving together feelings of love, heartbreak, regret, contemplation, and freedom into a cohesive narrative, Kang Seung-yoon has completed his unique musical language. The diverse genres and meticulous sound design prove his growth from a vocalist to a highly accomplished producer. Collaborations with artists like Seulgi, Eun Ji-won, and Hoya have added new colors to his distinct sensibility.
If 'PAGE' was 'My Story', then 'PAGE 2' elicits universal empathy through an even deeper 'My Story'. Kang Seung-yoon's musical transformation is also evident in his visuals and message. As a solo artist, he directed and orchestrated his own musical world. With complete self-writing and composition for all tracks, alongside his direct involvement in planning promotions and visual concepts, this album solidifies his position not just as a singer, but as a 'creator' of music.
The boy who appeared with a guitar on Mnet's 'Superstar K2' in 2010 has now become an artist singing to the world in his own language from the heart of K-pop. If 'PAGE' was his starting line, 'PAGE 2' is both a destination and a new beginning. Kang Seung-yoon is still 'in progress', and anticipation is building for how his music will evolve as he continues to write new pages with a more mature perspective.
Netizens are praising his growth, commenting things like, 'As expected from Kang Seung-yoon, his musical spectrum has widened so much!', 'PAGE 2 is truly a masterpiece! The title track ME (美) is incredibly addictive!', and 'An artist who makes me excited for his next album already.'