October 14, 2025

Actor and singer Im Si Wan is preparing to make his long-awaited solo debut, teaming up with SM Entertainment for the release of his first solo album.

According to a report from JTBC Entertainment News on October 13, Im is currently working on the album with SM Entertainment, which is also expected to handle his future music activities.

An SM representative confirmed the news, saying, “One of our subsidiary labels is producing Im Si Wan’s solo album, and we are coordinating the release schedule and related details.”

Im Si Wan has been without an agency since August. While developing his solo project independently, he reportedly decided to collaborate with SM after receiving advice from senior artist Kangta. He was also said to be drawn to the company’s strong track record in managing top K-pop acts such as TVXQ, Girls’ Generation, NCT, aespa, and RIIZE.

The upcoming release, now in its final stages of production, will mark Im’s first official solo album. Although he has previously taken part in drama soundtracks and collaborations, this will be the first time he releases music solely under his own name.

Im Si Wan debuted in 2010 as a member of the boy group ZE:A, alongside Park Hyung Sik, Hwang Kwang Hee, and Kim Dong Jun, but the group has been inactive since 2017.

Despite his success as an actor, Im has often expressed his desire to return to music. In a recent interview for the Netflix film The Mantis, where he appeared with bleached hair, he said, “I’ve never given up on being a singer,” hinting at his renewed musical ambitions.

While Im has yet to sign with a new management agency for his acting career, industry sources say he is fielding multiple offers. He recently appeared in Netflix’s Squid Game Season 3 and starred in The Mantis, which premiered on August 26.

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Actor Choi Hyun Wook’s agency has issued a formal apology following the controversy surrounding his ceremonial first pitch.

On October 13, Gold Medalist told Dispatch, “Choi Hyun Wook feels a deep sense of responsibility for what occurred after the recent first pitch event.” The agency admitted that, as the pitcher, he should have been more mindful of safety precautions, adding, “We sincerely apologize for causing concern to so many people.”

Gold Medalist continued, “We extend our heartfelt apologies to the young batter and their guardian, who were undoubtedly startled by the unexpected situation.”

The agency further revealed, “We were able to get in touch with the child’s guardian through the team today and have personally delivered a written apology. Thankfully, the family has been very understanding.”

They also acknowledged shortcomings in event management, stating, “We recognize that there were inadequacies in our on-site supervision and prior coordination. We will review and strengthen our internal procedures to ensure such an incident never happens again. Once again, we offer our sincere apologies.”

The controversy began on October 9, during Game 1 of the KBO League semi-playoffs at Incheon SSG Landers Field, where Choi Hyun Wook threw the ceremonial first pitch while a young fan stood at the plate. The ball unexpectedly flew near the child’s head, shocking spectators and commentators alike.

The following day, on October 10, Choi addressed the situation on the fan platform Bubble, writing, “I should have thrown the ball more gently and from a closer distance since a young child was standing there. I was too nervous and didn’t think it through. I’m truly sorry.”
Before pursuing acting, Choi Hyun Wook had played baseball as a catcher until his first year of high school, when an elbow injury forced him to quit. He most recently appeared in the drama My Dearest Nemesis alongside actress Moon Ga Young.

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