After two long years away, EXO’s Kai has finally returned—and he didn’t just come back, he DELIVERED. With the release of his 4th solo mini-album Wait On Me and its stunning title track MV, Kai reminds the world why he’s still one of the top-tier soloists in K-pop.
At a showcase held on April 21 at Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul, hosted by EXO’s Suho, Kai made his first solo comeback in over two years—his first since completing his military service. It’s no easy feat to return to a saturated K-pop scene where new artists emerge daily and trends change in a heartbeat. But if anyone knows how to make a moment feel iconic, it’s Kai.
From the first beat of “Wait On Me,” it’s clear that this isn’t just a comebackt. The song blends Afrobeat rhythms with Latin reggaeton and a splash of rap, layered over a strong beat and a hypnotic melody. It’s a sonic gem, boldly fresh yet unmistakably Kai. The choreography? Flawless. Sharp, sensual, and filled with his signature smooth power. There’s even a finger-point move that’s already being called the next point-dance craze.
“I wanted to show that the last two years weren’t just time that passed,” Kai told reporters at the showcase. “I built up a lot during that time. I know people were waiting for me—and I was waiting for them too. That’s why I wanted to come back with something even cooler and more complete.”
The music video for "Wait On Me" is a heatwave of style, set against desert winds and sun-soaked visuals that show off Kai’s body and bold fashion. When asked about the exposure, Kai cheekily replied, “Was it my choice? Or did the company make me?” He laughed, later saying, “It felt like a hot place, so I thought it’d look even hotter with a bit less clothing.”
The song is one of seven tracks on the album, including the already buzzed-about “Adult Swim,” “Walls Don’t Talk,” and “Flight to Paris.” With Wait On Me, Kai isn’t just returning—he’s expanding. There’s elegance, there’s grit, and above all, there’s that unmistakable Kai flavor we all missed.
Kai debuted solo back in 2020 with his self-titled EP KAI, followed by Peaches in 2021 and Rover in 2023. But Wait On Me hits differently—it’s personal. It’s powerful. And it’s proof that absence truly makes the stage burn brighter.
Fans already hailed “Adult Swim” when it dropped earlier this month, shooting to #1 on iTunes in 25 countries. But it’s “Wait On Me” that cements Kai’s place in the Top 5 solo male K-pop releases of 2025. No question.
More than just a dancer, more than just a vocalist, Kai is a complete performer. He’s returned not only to reclaim his spot but to push his artistry to new heights. From his military service to his work at a dementia center, from becoming a variety show darling to crafting this new era, Kai has grown—and it shows.
“I used to think I had to stick to certain images or rules,” he reflected. “But now I just want to be real—with no limits. As Kai, and as Kim Jong-in.”