South Korean indie rock band Se So Neon has finally released their highly anticipated debut studio album, ‘Now’, (stylized as <NOW>) last August 15, 2025. The 12-track album marks a pivotal moment for the band, following a period of significant internal changes that ultimately saw Se So Neon transition into a one-person project helmed by Hwang So-Yoon.
‘Now’ is a truly international effort, with primary recording sessions taking place in Los Angeles and New York between 2023 and 2024. The album boasts a list of esteemed producers, including Hwang So-Yoon herself, alongside Jon Nellen, Kim Han-joo, Mike Bozzi, and Kenny Gilmore.
From Trio to Solo: The Evolution of Se So Neon
The lead-up to ‘Now’ was characterized by a dramatic evolution in the band’s structure. Se So Neon, once a multi-member unit, underwent constant lineup changes. By February 2025, with the departure of bassist Park Hyun Jin, vocalist and guitarist Hwang So-yoon became the sole remaining member.
Hwang So Yoon had effectively spent the two years prior working on the full-length release during a hiatus from the group’s active lineup. In 2023, following the release of her solo project Episode 1: Love, Hwang admitted to feeling “anxious” about Se So Neon’s future.
This anxiety spurred her into intense creative focus, spending up to 10 hours a day recording for the debut album in New York. Recording also occurred in California and South Korea, before Hwang eventually mastered the album in Los Angeles. Notably, while Park Hyun-jin departed in February 2025, they were able to contribute to ‘Now’ during the recording process.
Singles and Promotion
‘Now’ was supported by five singles, two of which were released before the album entered full-time production and pre-dated the final lineup changes: “Jayu” (Released February 2021) was the only track on ‘Now’ produced when the band consisted of the original three members: Hwang So-yoon, Park Hyun-jin, and drummer U-su. “Kidd” (Released 2023) was the last song released while Se So Neon was still a multi-member project, following U-su’s departure.
The remaining three singles were released in early 2025 to officially promote the album as Hwang So-yoon’s solo project: “Twit Winter” (Released May 16, 2025) marked the first single released by Se So Neon as a solo project, co-produced by Hwang and Kenny Gilmore. It was accompanied by a self-directed music video by Hwang So Yoon.
“Remember!” (Released June 19, 2025) is Inspired by the passing of Hwang’s close friend, the legendary composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, this track was co-produced by Hwang and Jon Nellen and also featured a self-directed music video. The single’s release day was also when the band officially announced the album’s name and release date.
“New Romantic” (Released July 18, 2025): This final pre-release single was accompanied by an English version, a practice previously applied to “Twit Winter” and “Remember!”. To support the new release, Se So Neon immediately announced a promotional schedule, including a North American tour scheduled for later in 2025. Additionally, the band confirmed performances at the Yebisu Brewery’s Garden Hall in Tokyo and a headlining slot at the 2025 Setouchi Triennale music festival.
A shoutout to the Philippines
Ahead of her group’s November 2023 Manila concert, Hwang So Yoon spoke about her brief positive experience living in the Philippines while in high school and the good memories she made in the country. While in Manila for the concert, she was moved by the fans’ roaring cheers and recalled eating Jollibee with her band. Her primary hope is that her music and future releases will resonate with more Filipino listeners and she’s looking forward to meeting her Asian fans again in the future.
Check out the music video of Twit Winter:
