Samuel Reveals True Identity with Release of EP Album "SAMUELiTO"
Samuel has released his EP album, "SAMUELiTO" on June 8.
Everyone has a name that brings them back to their truest self, for Samuel, that name is "SAMUELiTO." By adopting the nickname that has defined him since childhood as the album's title, he translates the identity rooted deep within him into music.
The blend of Latin, Reggaeton, and K-Pop is not an unfamiliar experiment but a natural return to his roots—stemming from his background and innate sense of rhythm. It is a journey to discover the essence of Samuel that existed beneath his dazzling stage performances.
"SAMUELiTO" contains 4 tracks; the intro being simply 'HOLA!' a Spanish greeting with audio from Samuel's childhood, which concisely introduces his culture. The title track 'ZIGI-ZIGI-ZIGI' is song multilingual (English, Spanish, Korean) club anthem about bringing irresistible confidence and magnetic energy every room they enter, radiating a heat so intense he warns others not to get burned. The fire metaphor ("ardiendo" = burning) runs throughout, blending flirtation with self-assured swagger as the world watches and wants to follow his lead. In the music video Samuel shows off his expert dance skills.
samuel.lnk.to/SAMUELiTO
'NEVER SAY GOODBYE' captures the ache of a turbulent but addictive relationship, where they are fully aware they keep cycling through pain and reconciliation yet can't bring themselves to leave. The final track 'DDOOK DDAK' is a confident, self-aware anthem about magnetic, almost effortless allure.
Samuel debuted in the hip-hop duo 1PUNCH under the stage name "Punch" in 2015 and gained public attention in 2017 by participating in Mnet’s audition program Produce 101 Season 2, where he ranked 18th overall. He launched his solo career in August 2017 with his first mini-album, "SIXTEEN," and later showcased an impressive sound with his first full-length album, "EYE CANDY."
He subsequently released his second mini-album, "ONE," and the repackaged album "TEENAGER." After a long hiatus, he made a comeback in April 2024 under his independent agency with the EP "NOW"—conveying the message to "live the present moment more meaningfully"—and received acclaim from fans who had eagerly awaited his return. "SAMUELiTO" it marks a new beginning for Samuel as he confidently reveals his true identity to the world.
