South Korean musician WOODZ, known for his dynamic artistry, is stepping into a new phase of his career with the release of his first studio album, ‘Archive. 1’. The 29-year-old artist, born Cho Seung-youn, emphasizes his desire to explore various musical avenues and refuses to be pigeonholed into a single genre. In a recent interview, he expressed, “I want to keep trying and taking on new challenges musically. I continuously put myself into that situation where I need to break through.”
WOODZ has built a diverse career over the past decade, transitioning from being a member of two idol groups to establishing himself as a solo artist. His music has amassed over 1.1 billion streams globally, and with five EPs to his name, he is now ready to present a more comprehensive body of work. He describes ‘Archive. 1’ as a significant milestone, stating, “This is an opportunity for me to redefine myself.” The album reflects his artistic journey and personal growth, particularly after completing his military service.
The creation of ‘Archive. 1’ began nearly three years ago, with WOODZ drawing inspiration from his life experiences and musical preferences. Initially, he focused on producing music that would resonate with a broad audience. However, as he delved deeper into his artistry, he began to prioritize his own musical tastes, leading to a notable shift towards rock influences. This evolution became evident in his earlier work, particularly the rock-centric EP ‘OO-LI’, which featured the hit single “Drowning” that topped charts in 2025.
In crafting ‘Archive. 1’, WOODZ aimed to showcase a variety of genres, including ballad and metal, while maintaining a strong rock foundation. He approached the album with a commitment to authenticity, resulting in a diverse tracklist that captures different aspects of his identity. Each song is imbued with distinct themes, from love and loss in “CINEMA” to the thought-provoking “Human Extinction,” which addresses the complexities of the human experience.
Despite his extensive experience in the industry, WOODZ feels that he is only now beginning to gain recognition for his work. He reflects on the importance of self-discovery during his career, stating, “I got to spend a lot of time with myself, thinking, reflecting on who I am and how I want to be as a human being and an artist.” This introspection has allowed him to separate his identities as an artist and an individual, ultimately enhancing his creativity and connection with his audience.