SEOUL, South Korea – Renowned artist WOODZ (Cho Seung-youn) has officially marked his return to the music scene with the release of his highly anticipated digital single, “I’ll Never Love Again,” on September 24, 2025. This marks the artist’s first new music since completing his mandatory military service in July 2025, signaling a significant new chapter in his dynamic career.
A New Chapter Begins
WOODZ, known for his versatile musicality and compelling artistry, has been actively re-engaging with his career following his discharge. Just days after his return, he preempted his single release with the visualizer for “Smashing Concrete” in July, and has since been performing at various festivals, including Summer Sonic and the Busan International Rock Festival, to reconnect with fans and showcase new material. The digital single “I’ll Never Love Again” features two tracks: the titular song and the previously hinted-at “Smashing Concrete”.
Musical Depth and Narrative
The title track, “I’ll Never Love Again,” is described as an alternative rock song with a folk sensibility, characterized by WOODZ’s delicate vocals and a grand choir that conveys profound themes of love, heartbreak, and resolve. The song poses introspective questions about love and perception, encouraging listeners to view their circumstances from a different perspective. In contrast, “Smashing Concrete” leans into an alternative metal sound, blending WOODZ’s rap and vocals with intense guitar and drum work. This track delivers a powerful message of breaking through obstacles and stress, offering a sense of energy and liberation. Both songs showcase WOODZ’s deep involvement in songwriting and composition, reflecting his mature artistic vision. The accompanying music video for “I’ll Never Love Again” aims to combine various forms of love, WOODZ’s performance, and the song’s grand sound to create a powerful narrative and stunning visuals.
Resilience and Chart Dominance
This release follows a period of unexpected success for WOODZ, even during his military service. His 2023 self-composed song “Drowning” experienced a significant resurgence, topping major music charts such as Melon TOP100, Genie, and Bugs, and securing first place on music shows. The viral performance video of “Drowning” in military uniform on KBS2’s “Immortal Songs” alone has surpassed 20.29 million views on YouTube, underscoring his enduring popularity and connection with his audience. This resilience highlights WOODZ’s consistent impact on the music landscape.
Artistic Vision and Future Endeavors
WOODZ has established himself as a singer-songwriter and producer celebrated for his distinct musical style, emotional depth, and creative approach to his craft. His previous projects, including “QUAL,” “SET,” “ONLY LOVERS LEFT,” “COLORFUL TRAUMA,” and “OO-LI,” have garnered critical acclaim and achieved chart success. His career is marked by a commitment to authenticity and a fluid exploration of genres, often defining his sound as “alternative” to encompass his diverse interpretations.
Looking ahead, WOODZ has announced plans for a new album in 2026, with anticipation already building for his future musical direction and potential global touring. His agency, EDAM Entertainment, has been instrumental in orchestrating his comeback, managing the release of teasers, tracklists, and concept photos that have heightened public curiosity.
Conclusion
The release of “I’ll Never Love Again” is more than just a new single; it’s a declaration of WOODZ’s renewed vigor and artistic evolution following his military service. It serves as a powerful testament to his enduring talent and a promising prelude to the new music and experiences fans can expect in the coming years. His return is a major news event for the music industry, reaffirming his status as a prominent artist.
