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Eternal is the first EP by South Korean singer-songwriter Young K. It was released on September 6, 2021, by JYP Entertainment. The EP consists of 7 songs, all written and composed or co-composed by Young K, including the lead single "Guard You" and sub-single "Come as You Are". The EP features South Korean singer-songwriter Dvwn on "Microphone".

According to Young K, the name Eternal is derived from his Korean name "Young-hyun". He tweaked the words and changed it to "Young-won" which translates to eternal. Eternal tells a story of "Kang Young-hyun (Young K's real name) as a person" and “Young K as an artist”.

Young K enlisted in mandatory military service on October 12, 2021, a month after the EP release.

Background and release

On August 16, 2021 JYP Entertainment revealed that Young K is preparing to release his first solo album, six years after debuting as a member of Day6. On the same day, Young K held a V Live broadcast and confirmed that he will indeed be releasing a solo album titled, Eternal, soon. He also explained that the reason why he is releasing this album so soon after the release of Right Through Me, the second EP of Day6's sub-unit Day6 (Even of Day), is because he will be enlisting in the military soon on October 12, 2021. He added, "I'm working hard to prepare as fast as possible in order to show fans as much as I can before I go. Let's laugh and smile as much as we can. I wanted to show a good side of myself in order to make a lot of people happy."

Then on August 20 at midnight KST, JYP Entertainment announced via Day6's social media accounts that Young K's solo debut mini-album Eternal would be released on September 6, 2021, at 6pm KST.

An hour prior to the official release of the EP, Young K hosted a live showcase, and performed all the songs from the mini-album, in addition to talking about the creative process and story behind Eternal.

The EP was released to digital music and streaming platforms on September 6, 2021, along with an intense and dramatic music video for "Guard You". The album's CDs were made available for pre-order prior to the album release, and were released on September 6, 2023, as well. On September 13, 2021, a second soft, sweet and homely music video for "Come as You Are" was released.

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Young K, except where note.

Eternal track listing
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Best Song" (베스트 송)Young KHong Ji-sangHong3:41
2."Guard You" (끝까지 안아 줄게)Young KHongHong3:17
3."Not Gonna Love" (사랑은 얼어 죽을)Young KHongHong3:12
4."Microphone" (featuring Dvwn)Young KDvwnYoung KHotSauceHotSauce3:16
5."Want to Love You"Young KJeon Da-solJeon Da-sol3:27
6."Come as You Are" (그대로 와 줘요)Young KHongHong3:28
7."Goodnight, Dear" (잘 자라 내 사람아)Young KJukjae4:04
Total length:24:27

Charts

Chart performance for Eternal
Chart (2021)Peak position
Weekly charts Chart performance for Eternal Chart (2021) Peak position South Korean Albums (Gaon) 8Monthly charts Monthly chart performance for Eternal Chart (2022) Position South Korean Albums (Gaon) 10
South Korean Albums (Gaon)8
Chart (2022)Position
South Korean Albums (Gaon)10

Release history

Release dates and formats for Eternal
RegionDateFormat(s)Label
VariousSeptember 6, 2021Digital downloadstreamingStudio JJYP
South KoreaCD