Kang Daniel Searches For an ‘Antidote’ in His Latest Comeback

Following the success of the February 2021 release, “Paranoia,” South Korean soloist Kang Daniel is back with a thought-provoking music video for “Antidote,” the lead single off his third EP, Yellow.

“Antidote” encapsulates Kang’s chilling experiences with depression, offering listeners a peek into the turmoils that reside within his mind. Composed by producers Anthony Pavel, Jonathan Hoskins and MZMC, Kang offers a part of himself in the lyrics along with co-writers JQ, Lee Yeon Ji and J14. The alternative R&B and rock record features Kang wanting to start over by escaping the darkness in his mind as he sings, “Trapped in this cold silent night/ The shadow covering the room/ There’s no time to breathe/ A trap that suffocates me, oh-oh, oh, oh.”

Fueled by expressive dance pieces, the music video opens with Kang in solitude, surrounded by dismantled mannequin. As an eerie sound engulfs the visuals, the vocalist dances amongst a group of performers, building up to the powerful chorus where he’s surrounded by a sea of camera phones focused on him. As the video proceeds, it unravels to show poignant placements of mirrors, suggesting a social commentary on moments of reflection before Kang attempts to break free from the darkness in his life.

Kang’s five track EP Yellow features an impressive list of collaborations with alternative Korean pop group Balming Tiger’s Omega Sapien and singer-rapper Wonstein.