On March 13, 2023, at 6 PM KST, EXO’s KAI put out his third mini album accompanied by the titular Rover music video, which has once again established his artistic side, and even more so his dancing genius. Fans of the K-pop group managed by SM Entertainment, also known as EXOLs, can’t take their eyes off the song’s choreography, which seems to have been tailor made for the performer himself.
The eponymous mini album is the singer’s third EP following the release of Peaches – The 2nd Mini Album in November 2021. Rover consists of six songs on its tracklist, which starts off with the leading track, and is followed by its five B-sides Black Mirror, Slidin‘, Bomba, Say You Love Me and Sinner. The main track is a dance song and as its title suggests, it encourages people to freely wander without being held in society’s mould.
Born Kim Jong-in, the dancer assumes multiple identities throughout the video, much like the word’s meaning and the message he hopes to convey. It falls in sync with the image of him being a K-pop idol, and how needs to constantly switch his personas as a celebrity caught in the public eye. Adorning casual and chic outfits that are hot in style, KAI’s latest MV has caught the fans’ eyes and they’ve gotten hooked to every little detail therein.
Some members of his K-pop group’s fanbase even noticed how during a particular sequence in the video, he’s accompanied by ballerinas on his side, which again alludes to his own past and roots as a ballet dancer. Having fallen in love with The Nutcracker at a young age, he decided to specialise in this dance form and started taking dance lessons early on.
His eventual switch to the K-pop arena barely left him with a chance to tap into that origin story, and while the latest video too carries the new age sound embodying a fiesta-like energy, these small moments significantly highlight his beginnings as a dancer. A new trend of k-pop dance challenges has ensued in the industry, as per which, various idols briefly cover the hook steps of the brand new comeback titles. EXOLs are typing out their heartfelt thoughts on Twitter about how Rover‘s choreography can’t be pulled off by anyone else other than Jong-in because his definitive flair can never be refurbished.
Others also went on to add how this album is his best release yet because it uplifts the singer’s rich vocal tone and range unlike any other project. It’s believed that the magic he created with his first mini album’s title song – Mmmh – has come back amped up two notches higher this time, thus dethroning his 2020 solo debut mini EP. Originally taking on the role of the rapper in addition to being the main dancer of EXO, he’s now helmed the role of the vocalist too in his new standalone comeback, and pitched in high notes, in turn proving his ace-like capabilities yet again.
Check Out the Fan Reactions to Rover Music Video
Rover – The 3rd Mini Album is now streaming on Spotify.
What are your thoughts on the latest comeback? Which of the six songs on the album is your new favourite? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.