EXO’s Kai has finally made his long-awaited return with the release of his fourth mini album, Wait On Me. The excitement surrounding his comeback reached new heights on April 21 when he held a press conference to celebrate the album’s launch, with fellow EXO member Suho stepping in as the MC for the event.
At the press conference, Kai shared both his excitement and nerves, revealing how special it felt to make his first solo comeback in a while. He took the time to introduce the various tracks on his new album, including the pre-release single Adult Swim, which he described as offering a completely different vibe compared to his title track, Wait On Me.
When discussing the B-side Walls Don’t Talk, Kai expressed his hopes that fans would feel as though they were on a date with him while watching its music video. Suho, meanwhile, enthusiastically suggested that Flight to Paris would make a perfect addition to any EXO-L’s travel playlist.
As for the title track Wait On Me, Kai hinted at an extraordinary performance that pairs a soft, captivating charm with a stunning dance break. He also shared details about the music video, mentioning his enjoyment of filming a segment where he and his dancers performed while walking down a long hallway, something he described as a thrilling new type of performance.
The press conference was full of playful moments, with Suho jokingly teasing that he too was preparing for his own album. He also complimented Kai’s performance, praising the “world-class” artist and encouraging fans to show support for the Wait On Me album.
Following Kai’s live performance of Wait On Me, Suho expressed his admiration, calling it a fantastic showcase. When the topic of Kai’s skin-baring outfits in the music video came up, Kai explained that the desert backdrop made it feel natural to wear less clothing, as adding more fabric would have made the scene feel uncomfortably hot.
Kai also reflected on his reputation as a “cropped shirt icon,” expressing his enjoyment of the title and recalling a playful moment when EXO’s Doh Kyung Soo asked him why he was “lacking so much fabric.” Kai joked that perhaps next time, he would surprise fans by wearing something more covered, like a padded jacket.
Looking ahead to EXO’s future, Kai shared that the group has been in talks with their company about potential future activities. He hinted that if the opportunity arises, EXO might come together for more performances like the press showcase, with discussions ongoing.
Reflecting on his time serving in the military, where he worked with elderly people suffering from Alzheimer’s, Kai shared how rewarding the experience was. He spoke about making meaningful memories with the elderly and learning more about Alzheimer’s, emphasizing that he gave his best to those in need.
As for his musical journey, Kai shared that his goal is to keep showing different sides of himself, both as Kai and as Kim Jong In, his real name. He noted that while his past performances have explored various concepts, this album allowed him to dive even deeper into new experiences and styles.
Kai revealed that the two months before his comeback were the slowest, filled with a longing for the stage. Performing again filled him with excitement and gratitude, and he admitted that he wanted to continually improve his stage presence. He emphasized that his passion for performing has only grown stronger.
Kai also took a moment to express his appreciation for junior artists who have cited him as an inspiration. He mentioned NCT WISH, sharing that he recently participated in a dance challenge with them and thoroughly enjoys their music.
Looking ahead, Kai excitedly teased his upcoming solo tour, KAION, which he views as an opportunity to reconnect with his fans around the world. He playfully suggested that the tour would give him a chance to compare which group’s love is greater—the fans’ love for him, or his love for them. Kai also hinted at performing a special EXO medley during the tour, with his own unique twist on the group’s iconic songs.
Wait On Me dropped on April 21 at 6 p.m. KST, and fans can now enjoy the accompanying music video. For more details on Kai’s KAION tour, be sure to stay tuned!
