EXO’s Baekhyun is gearing up to make a bold return to the music scene as a solo artist, and excitement is reaching a fever pitch.
On May 17 (KST), fans got a final look into his artistic vision with the release of the music video teaser for “Elevator,” the title track of his upcoming fifth mini album, Essence of Reverie.
Shared through INB100’s official social media channels, the teaser paints an intriguing picture of what’s to come.
It begins with a moment of curiosity—Baekhyun notices someone in an elevator, capturing his attention.
The scene then rapidly shifts through stylized sequences of Baekhyun in a photo and video shoot, blending his on-screen charm with vivid, pop-art-inspired visuals.
The quick transitions and colorful graphics give the teaser a dreamlike, almost visual-novel quality, further teasing the surreal and reflective mood of the album.
This teaser marks the final promotional push before Essence of Reverie officially drops on May 19 at 6 p.m. KST, and Baekhyun has done more than just hint at what’s to come.
He’s delivered a steady stream of concept photos, short films, and performance clips.
His pre-release track “Chocolate” debuted on Music Bank on May 16, followed by live previews of “Chocolate” and the B-side “Lemonade” on Show! Music Core on May 17.
According to his agency, Essence of Reverie isn’t just an album—it’s a conceptual deep dive into Baekhyun’s artistic identity.
Exploring themes of reality vs. idealism, the album is both a reflection of his past and a projection of the creative direction he plans to pursue.
Baekhyun was intimately involved in every track on the album, taking part in the writing, composition, and production—a move that showcases his growth not only as a singer but as a full-fledged artist.
Adding to the album’s promise is his continued collaboration with Colde, known for their unique synergy.
Their previous work together has been praised for its emotional depth and sophisticated sound, earning them a reputation as a “golden pairing” among fans and critics alike.
Essence of Reverie follows his 2023 mini album Hello, World, which first marked a shift in Baekhyun’s solo artistry.
Now, with this new release, Baekhyun is pushing even further inward, offering fans a personal and immersive listening experience.
Set for global release across all major streaming platforms, Essence of Reverie is poised to be one of the most defining works in Baekhyun’s solo career. Mark your calendars: Baekhyun’s new era begins May 19 at 6 p.m. KST.
