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.