ASTRO's MJ Steps Out as Singer-Songwriter with First Solo Single 'Right..?'

K-Pop boy group ASTRO's main vocalist MJ is expanding his solo work with his first single album. The singer releases "Right..?" on Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. KST.

The single album marks a new chapter for MJ, who took part in writing and composing as well as the overall production process. The title reflects an inner question, carrying the meaning of asking himself, "I'm right... right?"

Long known as ASTRO's main vocalist, MJ takes a more active role as a singer-songwriter with the release. By participating in the songwriting and production process, he brings more of his own musical identity into his solo work.

The title track, "1~10, 1 Minute Ago (Stopped at 9)" (1~10, 1bun jeon (9eseo meomchwosseo)), is a rock-based song. MJ pitched and developed the core concept himself and is credited as both a lyricist and composer. The song turns the awkwardness of being unable to express one's feelings in front of a crush into a bright rock track with playful lyrics.

The "1~10" in the title and lyrics is a numeric play on the Korean slang for "reading and ignoring" a message, referring to when someone reads a message without replying. The song follows someone trying to brush off rejection by telling himself, "I wasn't that into you either," only to find himself unable to give up and eventually work up the courage to try again. MJ's clear, refreshing vocals carry the honest emotions of one-sided love.

The B-side "Tadaima (I'm Home)" captures the small sense of excitement that finds its way into a familiar commute home. Acoustic textures and a warm melody are paired with MJ's warm, understated vocals.

MJ's first single album "Right..?" will be released Aug. 19 at 6 p.m. KST, along with the music video for the title track.