After 13 Years, 'Big Hit's First Artist' Lee Hyun Returns with New Mini-Album 'A(E)ND'

Lee Hyun, widely known as 'Big Hit's first artist', has returned to his fans after a 13-year hiatus with his new mini-album 'A(E)ND'.

This marks his first album release since his full-length album 'The Healing Echo' in 2012. The lead single, 'Around You', masterfully blends traditional ballad elements with trendy pop sounds, showcasing Lee Hyun's signature delicate vocals.

Expressing his apologies to fans for the long wait, Lee Hyun stated his hope that this album would offer them some comfort. Despite his significant role in nurturing junior artists at HYBE and exploring diverse musical genres, he remains a beloved figure in the ballad scene.

The album title 'A(E)ND' symbolizes both the beginning and end of relationships, akin to love and separation. The title track 'Around You' delves into the lingering regrets of an unfulfilled love and the pain of finally deciding to let go.

Lee Hyun shared his desire to revisit cherished memories with fans through the fan song 'To You', stating, 'Seeing fans cry made me deeply resolve to work harder and create more great music.' He described this album as awakening from a 'long hibernation', promising his fans 'AND' after what they might have thought was an 'END'.

Lee Hyun has solidified his status as a ballad singer with numerous hits like 'Best of My Love', 'You've Got Me', and 'No Heart' from his days with 8Eight and Homme. He currently plays a key role at Big Hit Music, mentoring and developing up-and-coming artists. In 2023, he experimented with electronic music under the alias MIDNNAT, broadening his musical horizons.