Wonho Amps Up The Heat With His Latest Comeback ‘Lose’

South Korean pop star Wonho channels his deep-seated emotions in his latest comeback, “Lose.” The electronic-dance number oozes sensuality as Wonho sings about intimacy, heartbreak and the process of moving on. The track is the lead single off the vocalist’s sophomore EP Love Synonym #2: Right for Us, the follow-up to October 2020’s Love Synonym Pt.1: Right for Me.

The music video opens with Wonho seated in a recording room with his back facing the camera. Right before the track kicks in, the vocalist is seen rewinding a set of reels, symbolic of a journey into the past as he replays his recent memories. He seems to be looking back at moments from a past relationship and questioning what went wrong. The scenes alternate between slick sequences of choreography and clips of Wonho confronting his love interest. He’s confident and sexy, similar to the visuals for his 2020 single “Open Mind,” but there is a sense of angst and anger this time around. 

“Lose” sticks to low tempo beats, Eighties funky synth, and a powerful retro bassline over the chorus. While Wohno’s signature tenor-dominated vocals are prominent throughout the track, the artist displays seamless transitions to a falsetto during the addictive chorus, “Don’t wanna talk/ don’t wanna fight/ don’t wanna play/ I can’t get over you/ just wanna watch/ you leave tonight.“ As the song transitions from the chorus to its outro, there is a shift in Wonho’s perspective– he accepts that he needs to move on from the death of a relationship and there is a willingness to survive, made clear with the reiteration of “don’t wanna lose” throughout the outro.

Love Synonym #2: Right for Us showcases Wonho’s abilities as a songwriter and producer on five out of the eight tracks. The EP also features a collaboration with American singer and songwriter, Kiiara on “Ain’t About You.” Compared to its predecessor which centred around establishing Wonho’s identity as an artist, Love Synonym #2: Right for Us, seems to largely focus on the theme of love and relationships– be it the ones he’s experienced on a personal level or with his fans. 

Stream Wonho’s ‘Love Synonym #2: Right for Us’ below: