# Explorer (EP)

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***Explorer*** is the debut EP by South Korean singer and rapper [Eunhyuk](/source/Eunhyuk), a member of the boy band [Super Junior](/source/Super_Junior) and its subgroup [Super Junior-D&E](/source/Super_Junior-D%26E). It was released on January 27, 2025, ODE Entertainment and distributed by [Dreamus](/source/Dreamus). The EP consists of seven tracks with "Up n Down" serving as its [lead single](/source/Lead_single).

## Background

On July 23, 2023, [SM Entertainment](/source/SM_Entertainment) announced that [Donghae](/source/Lee_Dong-hae), Eunhyuk, and [Kyuhyun](/source/Cho_Kyu-hyun) have decided not to renew their contract with the agency, but they will continue group activities with [Super Junior](/source/Super_Junior) under SM.[1] On September 1, [Super Junior-D&E](/source/Super_Junior-D%26E) announced that they have established their own agency called ODE Entertainment where the duo will serve as the Co-CEOs.[2]

2024 was a productive year for the subgroup, with the release of EPs *[606](/source/606_(EP))* in March, *You&Me* in July, and *[Inevitable](/source/Inevitable_(Super_Junior-D%26E_EP))* in October.[3][4][5] The duo also embarked on their first world tour concert "Eclipse" from September until January 2025.[6]

Eunhyuk returned as a member Super Junior for SM Town Live concert in Seoul on January 12, where he revealed that he will release an EP on January 27.[7] ODE made an announcement the following day that Eunhyuk will release his first EP *Explorer* on January 27.[8]

The old-school themed track list was revealed on January 16, revealing all the seven tracks and the producers involved in the EP's production.[9] The teaser photos were revealed on January 20 and 21, adopting a [retro](/source/Retro) theme.[10][11] The highlight medley was uploaded on January 24.[12]

The EP and its lead single were released on January 27. Through the agency Eunhyuk said, "It feels like I'm debuting again after 20 years."[13]

## Composition

The EP features old-school [hip-hop](/source/Hip-hop) and [new jack swing](/source/New_jack_swing) genres that Eunhyuk grew up with.[13]

The EP begins with a Eunhyuk-written song, "A-yo" to introduce the EP in a short and intense way.[14] The second song is the lead single "Up n Down", which is described as a [new jack swing](/source/New_jack_swing) song with funky [synthesizer](/source/Synthesizer) sounds reminiscent of the [1990s](/source/1990s_in_music) with the lyrics encouraging the listeners to enjoy the moment.[15] The third song "Trap" is a new jack swing song with a synth and drum sound.[16]

"You & I" is a [dance-pop](/source/Dance-pop) song with [disco](/source/Disco)-style guitar and bass with guest vocals from Super Junior bandmate [Cho Kyu-hyun](/source/Cho_Kyu-hyun).[16] "Step By Step" is a modern take on new jack swing with its lyrics depicting taking small steps at a time.[16] "Second Chances" is a medium-tempo [pop](/source/Pop_music) song with a hopeful message.[16] The EP concludes with [R&B](/source/Contemporary_R%26B) special track "Empty" which features Donghae as the lyricist and the composer, narrating the longing of a departing lover and reliving memories together.[16]

## Chart performance

The EP debuted and peaked at No. 1 of the [Circle Chart](/source/Circle_Chart).[17]

## Promotions

Eunhyuk appeared on *[Inkigayo](/source/Inkigayo)* where he performed "Up n Down" on February 2.[18] On February 7, he performed "Up n Down" in *[Music Bank](/source/Music_Bank_(TV_series))* and jokingly stated that he would retire if the song went at number one, which it eventually did.[19]

## Accolades

Music show awards Song Program Date Rank Ref. "Up n Down" Music Bank (KBS) February 7, 2025 1 [19]

## Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from the EP's liner notes.[20]

**Studio**

- 821 Sound Studio – recording
- Warner Music Korea – recording
- InGrid Studio – recording, [mixing](/source/Audio_mixing)
- GLAB Studios – mixing
- Klang Studio – mixing
- Kobee Studio – mixing
- MadMix – mixing
- Supremo Studio – mixing
- 821 Sound Mastering – [mastering](/source/Audio_mastering)

**Personnel**

- ODE Entertainment – [executive producer](/source/Executive_producer) and executive supervisor
- [Super Junior-D&E](/source/Super_Junior-D%26E) – [producer](/source/Record_producer)
- Back Koo-young – [choreography](/source/Choreographer)
- J.Black – choreography
- Vincenzo – producer, [composition](/source/Composer), [arrangement](/source/Arrangement) (1, 2), mixing
- Shin Kung – producer, composition, arrangement (1, 2)
- [Lee Hyuk-jae](/source/Eunhyuk) – vocals, lyrics (1)
- Rokstaxil – composition (1, 7), lyrics (7)
- Kim Yang-ha – lyrics (2)
- Cyrus Villanueva – composition (2)
- Avenue 52 – producer, composition, arrangement (3, 4, 6)
- Sqvare – producer (3, 4), composition (3, 4), arrangement (3)
- Hymax – producer, composition, arrangement (3)
- Ellie Suh – lyrics (3)
- Lyre – producer, composition, arrangement (4)
- Scott Bruzenak – producer, composition, arrangement (4)
- Oscar Free – producer, composition, arrangement (4)
- Yoo Eun-mi – lyrics (4)
- Melange – producer, composition, arrangement (5)
- DRD – producer, composition, arrangement (5)
- Chrizmatic – composition (5)
- Ko Hyeon-jeong – lyrics (5)
- Jung Boy – lyrics (5)
- Yoon Na-ra – lyrics (5)
- Kim Dahlia – lyrics (5)
- Joachim Persson – producer, composition, arrangement (6)
- [Johan Alkenäs](/source/Johan_Alken%C3%A4s) – producer, composition, arrangement (6)
- Jiwon – lyrics (6)
- Jelly – producer, composition, arrangement (7)
- 17 – producer, composition, arrangement (7)
- [Lee Dong-hae](/source/Lee_Dong-hae) – lyrics (7)
- Kim Min-hee – recording
- Ahn Chang-gyu – recording
- Jeong Eun-kyung – recording
- Kobee – mixing
- Kwon Yoon-hwan – mixing
- Kwon Nam-woo – mastering - Yoo Eun-jin – mastering assistant

## Charts

### Weekly chart

Chart performance for Explorer Chart (2025) Peak position South Korean Albums (Circle)[17] 1

### Monthly chart

Monthly chart performance for Explorer Chart (2025) Peak position South Korean Albums (Circle)[21] 14

## Sales

Region Sales South Korea 67,908[22]

## Release history

Release history for Explorer Region Date Format Label Various January 27, 2025 Digital download · streaming ODE · Dreamus [23] South Korea January 31, 2025 CD

## References

1. Ziwei, Puah (July 14, 2023). ["Three members of Super Junior leave SM Entertainment"](https://www.nme.com/news/music/super-junior-eunhyuk-donghae-kyuhyun-leave-sm-entertainment-3468536). *[NME](/source/NME)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240930175954/https://www.nme.com/news/music/super-junior-eunhyuk-donghae-kyuhyun-leave-sm-entertainment-3468536) September 30, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Zulaikha, Siti (ed.) (September 2, 2023). ["Donghae dan Eunhyuk Super Junior dirikan agensi sendiri"](https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3708126/donghae-dan-eunhyuk-super-junior-dirikan-agensi-sendiri) [Super Junior's Donghae and Eunhyuk set up their own agency] (in Indonesian). *[Antara](/source/Antara_(news_agency))*. Translated by Santosa, Lia Wanadriani. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20231116152952/https://www.antaranews.com/berita/3708126/donghae-dan-eunhyuk-super-junior-dirikan-agensi-sendiri) November 16, 2023 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Anoc, Aimee (March 27, 2024). ["Super Junior-D&E drops 5th mini album '606,' MV for 'GGB'"](https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/20015/super-junior-de-drops-5th-mini-album-606-mv-for-ggb/photo). *[GMA Integrated News](/source/GMA_Integrated_News)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240410203459/https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/20015/super-junior-de-drops-5th-mini-album-606-mv-for-ggb/photo) April 10, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. ["SUPER JUNIOR-D&E 2nd Mini Album YOU&MEリリース日決定！"](https://superjunior-dne.jp/contents/763647) [SUPER JUNIOR-D&E 2nd Mini Album "YOU&ME" release date decided!] (in Japanese). *[Super Junior-D&E](/source/Super_Junior-D%26E)*. [Warner Music Korea](/source/Warner_Music_Korea). July 1, 2024. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20241211042340/https://superjunior-dne.jp/contents/763647) December 11, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Woo, Ji-won (September 25, 2024). ["Super Junior-D&E set to release sixth EP 'Inevitable' ahead of world tour"](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-09-25/entertainment/kpop/Super-JuniorDE-set-to-release-sixth-EP-Inevitable-ahead-of-world-tour/2141462). *[Korea JoongAng Daily](/source/Korea_JoongAng_Daily)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250121023506/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-09-25/entertainment/kpop/Super-JuniorDE-set-to-release-sixth-EP-Inevitable-ahead-of-world-tour/2141462) January 21, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Jung, Hye-won (August 5, 2024). ["슈퍼주니어-D&E, 싱글 '약속' 공개…9월부터 월드투어"](https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20240805_0002837953) [Super Junior-D&E Releases Single 'Promise'... World Tour from September] (in Korean). *Newsis*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250209110009/https://www.newsis.com/view/NISX20240805_0002837953) February 9, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Jung, Hee-yeon (January 12, 2025). ["슈주 오디오 터져요…이특, SM 나간 규현-은혁 보며 “가짜들!” 폭소 (SM 30주년 콘서트)"](https://sports.donga.com/ent/article/all/20250112/130846553/1) [Shuju audio is exploding... Lee Hyuk, SM Kyuhyun and Eunhyuk Laugh "Fakes!" (SM 30th Anniversary Concert)] (in Korean). *[Sports Donga](/source/The_Dong-A_Ilbo)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250119053536/https://sports.donga.com/ent/article/all/20250112/130846553/1) January 19, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Yoon, So-yeon (January 13, 2025). ["Super Junior's Eunhyuk to release his first album on Jan. 27"](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-01-13/entertainment/kpop/Super-Juniors-Eunhyuk-to-release-his-first-album-on-Jan-27/2221238). *[Korea JoongAng Daily](/source/Korea_JoongAng_Daily)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250115001150/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-01-13/entertainment/kpop/Super-Juniors-Eunhyuk-to-release-his-first-album-on-Jan-27/2221238) January 15, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Hwang, Hwang-young (January 16, 2025). ["'데뷔 20년만 첫 솔로' 은혁, 슈주 동해·규현 지원사격 나선다"](https://news.jtbc.co.kr/article/NB12232018?influxDiv=NAVER) ['First solo in 20 years since debut' Eunhyuk, Shuju East Sea and Kyuhyun will be supporting fire] (in Korean). *[JTBC](/source/JTBC)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250124184319/https://news.jtbc.co.kr/article/NB12232018?influxDiv=NAVER) January 24, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Jung, Hee-yeon (January 20, 2025). ["슈퍼주니어 은혁 솔로 데뷔…레트로 느낌 가득 '감다살'"](https://sports.donga.com/ent/article/all/20250120/130894230/1) [Super Junior's Eunhyuk makes his solo debut... Full of retro feel, 'Gamdasal'] (in Korean). *[Sports Donga](/source/The_Dong-A_Ilbo)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250123170244/https://sports.donga.com/ent/article/all/20250120/130894230/1) January 23, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Kim, Ji-won (January 22, 2025). ["슈퍼주니어 은혁, 나이 역행 비주얼"](https://tenasia.hankyung.com/article/2025012232264) [Super Junior's Eunhyuk, Age Retrograde Visual] (in Korean). *TenAsia*. [The Korea Economic Daily](/source/The_Korea_Economic_Daily). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250209112300/https://tenasia.hankyung.com/article/2025012232264) February 9, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Ahn, Tae-hyun (January 24, 2025). ["슈주 은혁, 신보 하이라이트 메들리 공개…'新 레트로토피아' 예고"](https://www.news1.kr/entertain/music/5672075) [Shuju Eunhyuk Releases New Album Highlight Medley...'New Retrotopia' Preview] (in Korean). *News1*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250209112524/https://www.news1.kr/entertain/music/5672075) February 9, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Ko, Seung-ah (January 27, 2025). ["슈주 은혁 "20년 만에 첫 솔로, 다시 데뷔하는 기분…긴장돼""](https://www.news1.kr/entertain/music/5673801) [Shuju Eunhyuk "First solo in 20 years, it feels like I'm debuting again... I'm nervous."] (in Korean). *News1*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250209113951/https://www.news1.kr/entertain/music/5673801) February 9, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Kim, Ji-won (January 27, 2025). [""20년 만에 다시 데뷔하는 느낌"…슈퍼주니어 은혁, 오늘(27일) 첫 솔로 앨범 발매"](https://tenasia.hankyung.com/article/2025012717564) ["It feels like I'm making my debut again after 20 years"... Super Junior's Eunhyuk releases his first solo album today (27th)] (in Korean). *Ten Asia*. [The Korea Economic Daily](/source/The_Korea_Economic_Daily). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250209120758/https://tenasia.hankyung.com/article/2025012717564) February 9, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Kim, Sun-woo (January 24, 2025). ["슈퍼주니어 은혁, 신보 하이라이트 메들리 공개…첫 솔로 예열"](https://news.jtbc.co.kr/article/NB12233154?influxDiv=NAVER) [Super Junior's Eunhyuk unveils a medley of highlights from his new album... First solo warm-up] (in Korean). *[JTBC](/source/JTBC)*. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. ["Explorer"](https://www.melon.com/album/detail.htm?albumId=11700739) (in Korean). *[Melon](/source/Melon_(online_music_service))*. January 27, 2025. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. ["Week 5 of 2025 Album Chart"](https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=05&hitYear=2025&termGbn=week&yearTime=3) (in Korean). *[Circle Chart](/source/Circle_Chart)*. February 1, 2025. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Ahn, Byung-gil (February 2, 2025). ["은혁, 음방 '인기가요' 납시오"](https://sports.khan.co.kr/article/202502021027003?pt=nv) [Eunhyuk, please come to the music show ‘Inkigayo’] (in Korean). *[Kyunghyang Shinmun](/source/Kyunghyang_Shinmun)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250209123535/https://sports.khan.co.kr/article/202502021027003?pt=nv) February 9, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. ["\[뮤직뱅크\] 슈퍼주니어 은혁, 첫 솔로 앨범 활동->1위 쾌거"](https://kstar.kbs.co.kr/list_view.html?idx=348943) [Super Junior's Eunhyuk Releases First Solo Album-No. > No. 1] (in Korean). *[KBS World](/source/KBS_World)*. February 8, 2025. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250209124735/https://kstar.kbs.co.kr/list_view.html?idx=348943) February 9, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

1. Lee, Hyuk-jae (2025). *Explorer* (photobook). South Korea: ODE Entertainment and [Dreamus](/source/Dreamus). Credits.

1. ["Album Chart for January 2025"](https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?serviceGbn=&termGbn=week) (in Korean). *[Circle Chart](/source/Circle_Chart)*. February 1, 2025. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250223095636/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?serviceGbn=&termGbn=month) February 23, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 23, 2025.

1. Cumulative Sales of *Explorer*: * ["Circle Album Chart – January, 2025"](https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=01&hitYear=2025&termGbn=month&yearTime=3) (in Korean). *[Circle Chart](/source/Circle_Chart)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250206085450/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=01&hitYear=2025&termGbn=month&yearTime=3) February 6, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 12, 2025. * ["Circle Album Chart – Week 6, 2025"](https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=06&hitYear=2025&termGbn=week&yearTime=3) (in Korean). *[Circle Chart](/source/Circle_Chart)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250220190606/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=06&hitYear=2025&termGbn=week&yearTime=3) February 20, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 13, 2025. * ["Circle Album Chart – Week 7, 2025"](https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=07&hitYear=2025&termGbn=week&yearTime=3) (in Korean). *[Circle Chart](/source/Circle_Chart)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250220190523/https://circlechart.kr/page_chart/album.circle?nationGbn=T&targetTime=07&hitYear=2025&termGbn=week&yearTime=3) February 20, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 20, 2025.

1. Kim, Sun-woo (January 25, 2025). ["슈퍼주니어 은혁, 데뷔 첫 솔로에 거는 기대"](https://news.jtbc.co.kr/article/NB12233278?influxDiv=NAVER) [Super Junior's Eunhyuk is looking forward to his debut solo] (in Korean). *[JTBC](/source/JTBC)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20250223232650/https://news.jtbc.co.kr/article/NB12233278?influxDiv=NAVER) February 23, 2025 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved February 9, 2025.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Explorer (EP)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_(EP)) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Explorer_(EP)?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.