Singer and actor Oh Jin-seok, known as OBON, releases his first mini album RE:BORN on May 2, 2025, marking his musical comeback after six years. The album shares his personal journey through three heartfelt tracks.
Album Details and Themes
Oh Jin-seok dropped his first mini album RE:BORN on May 2, 2025, at 6 PM KST through various music platforms. This release follows his 2019 digital single Good Time (feat. nov), making it his first project in over six years. The album includes three tracks: O, Zero Gravity, and Fantasy, each reflecting a stage of his life—past, present, and future.
The album goes beyond a typical growth story, offering an emotional journey. Oh Jin-seok wrote the lyrics for all three songs, focusing on raw honesty. He avoids fancy words, instead sharing his struggles and moments of healing in a calm, relatable way.
“I wanted to express my real feelings without hiding anything,” Oh Jin-seok said about his songwriting process.
Track Breakdown
The title track, O, is a rock-based song that captures the thrill and resolve of starting anew. It explores themes of rebirth and connection, reflecting OBON’s current mindset. The song’s energetic sound and bold lyrics set the tone for the album.
Zero Gravity, the second track, dives into a darker, more confusing time in Oh Jin-seok’s life. Its dreamy vibe and delicate emotions create a vivid picture of vulnerability. The song resonates with listeners who’ve faced uncertainty.
The final track, Fantasy, looks to the future. It portrays a world that’s not always bright but is filled with hope through imagination. The song addresses anxiety and loneliness while encouraging self-support, making it deeply personal.
Oh Jin-seok’s Artistic Journey
Born on January 7, 1995, Oh Jin-seok, also known as OBON, is a South Korean singer, dancer, rapper, actor, and model. He first gained attention as a contestant on Mnet’s survival show BOYS24 in 2016. He later debuted as the main rapper of UNIT BLACK, a promotional group formed after the show, with their single Steal Your Heart in April 2017. The group disbanded after four months.
In 2019, OBON debuted as a solo artist with Good Time. He then explored modeling, appearing in ads for BMW and Coca-Cola in 2020. His acting career began in 2021 with a role in the web drama Woof & Meow – Do You Love Me?. He has since appeared in dramas like Shooting Stars (2022), The Heavenly Idol (2023), and Love Playlist: Season 4 (2019).
“He’s so versatile, from singing to acting!” a fan commented on social media.
“His role in The Heavenly Idol was so charming, even as a villain,” another fan added.
OBON is currently under HICON Entertainment and has built a diverse career across music, modeling, and acting.
Album Release and Pre-Order
RE:BORN is available for streaming on platforms like Melon, Genie, and Spotify. The physical album will be released on May 8, 2025. Pre-orders began before the digital release, with options on sites like Yes24, Hottracks, Aladin, Ktown4u, and Makestar.
Fans have shared excitement online about the pre-order process.
“I pre-ordered the album, and I can’t wait to hold it!” one fan posted.
“The teaser visuals were so cool, OBON is back!” another wrote.
First Solo Concert Announcement
Oh Jin-seok will perform his first solo concert, 2025 OBON 1st Live RE:BORN, on May 10, 2025, at Musinsa Garage in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The concert will feature songs from RE:BORN and offer fans a chance to see OBON’s live performance skills.
A special event tied to the concert includes merchandise sales and a photo event. Fans purchasing merchandise worth 10,000 KRW will receive a scratch card for a chance to join a special photo session after the show.
“I’m so excited for his first live! OBON’s stage presence is amazing,” a fan shared online.
“The photo event sounds so fun, I’m saving up for the merch,” another commented.
Public Reactions and Fan Support
Fans have shown strong support for OBON’s comeback. Social media posts highlight enthusiasm for the album’s emotional depth and Oh Jin-seok’s growth as an artist.
“The lyrics in Zero Gravity hit me so hard, it’s so honest,” a netizen wrote.
“OBON’s voice in O is powerful, I’ve been replaying it all day,” another fan shared.
“Fantasy makes me feel hopeful, like I can face anything,” a supporter added.
Some fans also praised his acting, noting how his roles in The Heavenly Idol and Shooting Stars showcased his charm.
“His evil role in The Heavenly Idol was so good, but his music is even better,” a viewer commented.
“I started following him after Shooting Stars, and now I’m obsessed with RE:BORN,” another said.
Background and Career Highlights
Oh Jin-seok’s journey began with his passion for dance, inspired by TVXQ. He participated in the dance competition Dancing9 in 2013 and was a former YG Entertainment trainee. He’s also friends with artist BIGONE, a former member of 24K.
His time on BOYS24 included being part of the Yellow, Black, and White units. He filmed a special music video for the song E with E-Chan from DKB. Despite leaving the show before the finals, his performances left an impression.
In 2020, OBON expanded into modeling, gaining attention for his work with major brands. His acting roles have grown steadily, with fans eager to see more.
“I hope he gets more acting roles, he’s so talented,” a fan posted.
“His modeling for Coca-Cola was iconic, and now this album is everything,” another wrote.
As of May 2, 2025, Oh Jin-seok’s RE:BORN is gaining traction online, with fans streaming the album and sharing their favorite tracks. The physical album release on May 8 is expected to boost sales. His upcoming concert on May 10 is a major milestone, marking his first solo live performance since debuting.
OBON has expressed gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thank you for listening to RE:BORN! Which song is your favorite?” he posted on Instagram.
“I’m so thankful for everyone who’s been with me on this journey,” he added.
Fans are eagerly awaiting his concert and future projects, both in music and acting.
CREDITS: Naver, X (twitter)
