Baekhyun reveals Essence of Reverie in a striking teaser that has set the tone for his long-awaited solo comeback. The EXO member released the black-and-white clip on Thursday, offering a brief but evocative glimpse into the mood of his fifth EP. In the video, he stares at a burning tree before meeting the camera’s gaze with a blank expression. Fans quickly responded to the haunting visuals, which suggest a more introspective musical direction. The new EP will be released on May 19.
Baekhyun reveals Essence of Reverie just eight months after his last solo project. His 2023 release Hello, World became his third solo album to surpass one million sales. That milestone solidified his status as one of K-pop’s most consistent solo performers. Expectations for this follow-up are high, particularly among global fans who have followed his solo work closely. With this EP, Baekhyun aims to blend emotional depth with sonic experimentation.
After dropping the album, Baekhyun will launch a solo international tour under the same name. The Reverie tour begins with two nights in Seoul on June 7 and 8. From there, he will perform in 28 cities, spanning South America, North America, Europe, and Asia. Stops include Sao Paulo, Santiago, Paris, and London. He will also visit six US cities and three locations in Japan.
Baekhyun reveals Essence of Reverie as part of a broader push to expand his global presence. Last year, he completed an Asia tour covering 13 cities, building momentum ahead of this larger-scale effort. This time, he intends to reach fans in new regions and reconnect with audiences in familiar ones. His agency has described the tour as both ambitious and deeply personal. Each show will reflect the themes of the EP, bringing its emotional narrative to life on stage.
The teaser and tour announcement signal a busy season for Baekhyun. As one of EXO’s most active solo artists, he continues to chart his own path. While his group activities remain paused, his solo output grows more complex and mature. With Essence of Reverie, Baekhyun positions himself not just as a vocalist, but as a performer with a clear creative vision. All eyes now turn to May 19 as fans await the full release.
