Singer-songwriter Hong Isaak will release his new EP 'Castle In The Air' and unveil its title track, 'Doesn't Matter,' at 6 p.m. on the 23rd.
The EP acts as a record for people wrestling with the gap between ideals and reality. Across five tracks, he captures the realization that accepting one’s imperfect self frees you to live in the present, and he threads a determination to acknowledge flaws and move forward throughout the record.
The title track, 'Doesn't Matter,' conveys the album’s message most directly. Built on an EDM-style kick and bass, it layers upbeat guitar riffs and taut rhythms into a punk-rock framework, and Hong’s vocals insist on standing firm and pushing ahead no matter the circumstances.
The released album jacket presents Hong in stark black-and-white. The pared-down images and his direct stare visually express the album’s inward message.
The live clip for the pre-release track 'Lean on Me' also attracted attention. Hong accompanies himself on acoustic guitar and adds sparse drums to preserve the immediacy of the live performance.
After previewing new material at festival stages, Hong will continue with in-person shows. He will hold his 2026 solo concert 'Sway' from May 23 to 25 at the Ticketlink 1975 Theater in Neung-dong, in Seoul’s Gwangjin District.
The new EP 'Castle In The Air' will be released across major online music platforms at 6 p.m. on the 23rd.
