EXO’s KAI on new album ‘Wait on Me’: ‘I want it to reflect my growth’

After a two-year break, KAI is ready to embrace his “new beginning” as he marks his comeback with his hotly anticipated fourth mini-album, Wait on Me.

The artist, who gained fame with the trailblazing K-pop group EXO, will also make his long-awaited return to the UK as he performs in London for the first time in five years at SMTOWN Live in London at Twickenham Stadium on June 28. He will be joined on the stellar lineup by fellow EXO members SUHO and CHANYEOL as well as aespa, NCT 127 and NCT DREAM.

During SMTown, KAI will perform ‘Wait on Me’, the title track of his latest mini-album, which he told us felt like the fitting song to make his long-awaited comeback to music with.

“After a two-year break, it felt like the perfect song to reignite the spark in your hearts and to mark the start of a time where we will no longer be apart,” said KAI. “The lyrics also capture the beauty of emotions that unfold gradually through waiting without rushing, which is why I believe this song is especially meaningful and perfectly suited for this moment.”

The K-pop idol admitted that there was no “perfect” moment to make his comeback to music but he just wanted to release music as quickly as possible for the fans who had been so patient.

Therefore, the mini-album was made in a short two month period and he believes that there may be parts “that feel a little unfinished or things we had in mind but couldn’t fully include.”

“But I believe that if it reflects the feelings we’ve deepened during the time we spent waiting, then it can make up for any gaps or regrets. To me, this album is about reconnecting – a way for us to meet again and reaffirm how we feel,” added KAI. “What mattered most was getting back to the fans who waited for me, even just a minute sooner. I simply wanted to see everyone again as soon as I could. That’s why I didn’t overthink the timing or anything else. I just ran straight toward you.”

KAI will be performing in London to celebrate the 30th anniversary of SM Entertainment – one of the largest entertainment companies in South Korea that helped lay the foundations for K-pop to become the global powerhouse it is today.

The idol said that there have been difficult moments throughout his career but the guidance and advice from the team at SM Entertainment have helped “give him hope” and guide him through these challenging experiences, especially during his training.

“Over the years, many teams have encouraged me and offered thoughtful advice, but the words from the training team have especially stayed with me. I’ve heard they often tell stories about my trainee days to younger artists, even showing them my old practice videos and performances,” said KAI.

“Hearing that reminds me that my time as a trainee wasn’t in vain, that I was on the right path. It makes me proud, but also fills me with a deep sense of responsibility. I think that feeling is what continues to drive me forward in my career as an artist.”

During the SMTown concert in LA, KAI performed ‘Wait on Me’ before joining his EXO bandmates SUHO and CHANYEOL onstage to perform ‘Git It Up! 鬪志’ – which was one of the highlights of the night. KAI declared how much this moment meant to him to perform with EXO once again.

“I couldn’t join the group for our 7th full album two years ago, so it feels like time that had stopped is finally moving again, and I’m incredibly grateful for that. The performance of ‘Git It Up! 鬪志’ by SUHO and CHANYEOL at SMTOWN LIVE 2025 in Seoul was truly amazing, and seeing that stage reminded me once again just how much I appreciate the members who have continued to carry EXO forward,” said KAI.

Having sold over 35 million album equivalents, EXO have had an undeniable impact on the K-pop industry as they were one of the first groups to break through in the West before acts like BTS and Blackpink took it to the next level with a global takeover.

From winning awards to performing for fans across the world, KAI said there have been many “proud and unforgettable moments” throughout his career as he created a legacy with EXO and with his solo career.  However, something that comes to mind as the most “meaningful moment” was during EXO’s debut stage.

“That was when I truly became KAI, and I’m incredibly grateful for it. Everything was so new back then, and I think that’s why I was able to simply enjoy the stage with such pure, unfiltered excitement,” he said.

Following their performance at SMTown in LA, EXO announced that they’ll be making a comeback and working on a new album, once member Sehun finishes his military service in South Korea.

Alongside reuniting with EXO, KAI also has big plans for his solo career in 2025 as he is set to embark on a 10-date concert tour across Asia and prepares for his next album. “With this upcoming album, I hope to deepen the connection I share with fans. I want it to reflect my growth and allow the listeners to feel that on a more meaningful level,” said KAI.