DRIPPIN's Cha Dong-hyeop Starts Anew With '두근대' — X1 Reunion Undecided, Seasonal Track as Bold Move

DRIPPIN's unit Cha Dong-hyeop stepped in before fans with music as refreshing as a spring breeze, announcing a new beginning. Made up of Junho Cha, Dongyoon Kim, and Hyeop Lee, they released their first single '두근대' on the 12th, kicking off their active period in earnest. The release, featuring the title track '두근대' and the B-side '봄산책', is described as blending nu-disco-based uptempo rhythms with bright synth textures and funky guitars. logo design was personally contributed by Woollim Entertainment's CEO Lee Joong-yeop, and the three members hope this spring-spun album brings fans the joy of a new season. Cha Dong-hyeop said they want to convey the flutter of spring and the vitality of everyday life through '두근대'. Junho Cha commented, 'It's been a while since we promoted; as we open with a unit, we want to do our best to show something even cooler.' Lee Hyeop added, 'With a fresh start approaching, I want to show a more lovely charm.' Each member's concept is clear: Junho embodies nerdy vibes, Dongyoon a hip-hop rapper vibe, and I take on a lovely concept; outfits and props were carefully curated. Notably, the chorus of '두근대' is catchy and memorable, emphasizing a refreshing image. The B-side '봄산책' is a mid-tempo R&B track with a breezy groove and bright harmonies, and the three members’ vocal harmonies maximize its refreshing appeal. Cha Dong-hyeop said the goal of this activity is music that fits the season well, hoping to be known as 'the one for seasonal songs.' Meanwhile, they support one another, having met on a TV program. They stated there were no major plans for X1 reunion, but added that all the members remain close and cheer for each other in their respective positions. Junho Cha spoke about longstanding interests, saying, 'There are no concrete plans, but if there are events or gatherings, we help each other.' Lee Hyeop also supported his fellow members, saying, 'X1 is a group we deeply care about.' They also noted growth through individual activities over the past year; Hyeop explained that the experience from BOYS PLANET 2 connects with the excitement of facing the new song '두근대', and Kim Dongyoon noted that acting helped him convey emotions in the music video. At this moment, Cha Dong-hyeop steps forward from nearly a two-year hiatus, signaling a new start after gaining a sense from short-form content production and solo activities. They also expressed hope that fans will use their songs more often on social media. AlphaDriveOne’s comeback news was also mentioned, and interest and support for each other’s activities continued. The trio reiterated that despite the long hiatus, they want to build memories with fans, and their mutual trust and sense of responsibility strengthen the group. Cha Dong-hyeop emphasizes 'seasonality' as the album’s distinguishing feature. Junho Cha said he hopes to tackle autumn- and winter-inspired tracks or music with a larger vocal emphasis next. Hyeop added that this time it was a refreshing and soft cotton-candy vibe, but next he hopes to show a mature mood of excitement as well. Finally, the three left a simple message for fans: Junho Cha joked about 'Samjeon, Hynix, Cha Dong-hyeop' keeping the door open for encouragement, while Kim Dongyoon quipped, 'This stock is going to work.' Lee Hyeop said X1 reunion hasn’t been confirmed yet, but the current journey with good friends gives them greater strength. Cha Dong-hyeop’s '두근대' begins in his twenty-fifth spring, and fans are eager to see how the group’s seasonal colors and new musical experiments will expand.