Song Review: XngHan & Xoul (Seunghan) – Waste No Time

“XngHan & Xoul” may not be a familiar name yet, but “RIIZE’s Seunghan” certainly is. Seunghan debuted with SM Entertainment’s RIIZE in 2023 but was forced out of the group soonafter for insanely ridiculous reasons. For a moment, it seemed as if he would re-join their ranks, but fan toxicity caused him to debut as a soloist instead. He remains with SM alongside a dance crew (hence the name XngHan & Xoul) and has made his long-awaited step back into the industry with Waste No Time.

Truthfully, I had no idea what to expect from this debut. I remember Seunghan saying how much he enjoyed hip-hop and that seems to be the preferred mode for most male K-pop artists. However, Waste No Time is targeted much more to the dancefloor. It takes many of today’s popular trends (ie: early-2000’s percussion) and kicks them up a notch or two, resulting in a far bouncier track than most of his peers. Apart from a needless tempo shift after the first chorus, this works well for Seunghan. He doesn’t have the most distinct voice, but his light tone glides over the song’s buoyant groove. I especially enjoy the hints of brass that pop up here and there.

True to form, I long for a better chorus. I appreciate how Waste No Time takes a melodic approach to its centerpiece, but the hook is so repetitive. I’m afraid this will blunt the song’s longevity, though I’ll always be happy to hear a bright jolt of energy like this on my playlist.

Grade: C