Dear My Dear (styled as Dear my dear) (Korean: 사랑하는 그대에게; RR: salanghaneun geudaeege) is the second extended play by South Korean singer Chen. It was digitally and physically released on October 1, 2019, by SM Entertainment and distributed by Dreamus.[1] The title track "Shall We?" and its accompany music video were released along with the extended play.[2]
Background and release
On August 29, it was reported that Chen would release a new album in early October.[3] On September 11, the title and cover was revealed. The official release date was revealed to be October 1, 2019, and the online pre-order for both versions of the album began.[4] On September 20, the teaser schedule of the album was revealed.[5] On September 21, the track list of the EP was revealed.[6] On September 22, a photo teaser was also revealed.[7] On September 23, it was revealed that the title track is "Shall We?".[8] On September 24, a highlight medley of the tracks "Amaranth", "Hold You Tight" and "You Never Know" was released[9], along with five photo teasers of the singer.[10][11][12][13][14] On the same day, the album details were released.[15] On September 25, five photo teaser were released.[16][17][18][19][20] On September 26, a highlight medley of the tracks "Shall We?", "My Dear" and "Good Night" was released.[21] On the same day, another five photo teasers of Chen were released.[22][23][24][25][26] On September 27, additional four photo teasers were released.[27][28][29][30] On the same day, the first teaser of "Shall We?" music video was released.[31] On September 28, four cropped photo teasers of Chen were released.[32][33][34][35] On September 29, four photo teasers were released.[36][37][38][39] On the same day, the second teaser of "Shall We?" music video was released.[40] On September 30, two photo teasers were released.[41] On the same day, "Shall We" interview of Chen was released.[42] On October 1, at midnight, "Shall We?" music video was officially released.[43] On October 1-3, "Shall We?" music video behind photos were released.[44][45][46][47][48] On October 5, jacket making film video for the dear version of the album was released.[49] On October 6, a jacket making film for my dear version of the album was released.[50] On October 7, a jacket making film for dear my dear version was released.[51] On October 8, a close up cam video of "Shall We?" music video was released.[52]
Composition and production
"Shall We?", produced by Kenzie, is described as a retro pop song that combines a sophisticated mood and romantic melody created by standard classic pop arrangements and lyrics about love.[53] "Amaranth" is an impressive ballad with an acoustic guitar, with a message of longing and consoling your loved one.[54] "Hold You Tight" is an acoustic song with a cheerful guitar sound, the lyrics express the warmth and relief of hugging your loved one.[55] "You Never Know" is a ballad song that combines piano, double bass and drums, reminiscent of a jazz trio, combined with heartwarming lyrics about confessing to someone you love.[56] "My Dear" is described as brilliantly developed britpop song. Chen participated in writing the lyrics of the song which draws attention to the farewell of a beautiful love story.[57] "Good Night" is described as is a healing ballad with a warm message.[58]
Promotion
On October 1, before the album's release, Chen held a showcase event at Yes24 live hall in Seoul, South Korea for the media where he talked about the process of making the album.[59][60] On the same day, one hour before the album's official release, Chen held a comeback showcase titled "Dear FM to you who I love" which was streamed live on Vlive app.[61]
Chen will start promoting "Shall We?" on South Korean music shows on October 6.[62]
On October 4, the singer held album fansign event at Yes24 live hall in Seoul. On October 8, Chen will hold a fansign event at Lotte World Tower Auditorium.[63] On October 9, the singer will hold a fansign events in Busan and Daegu.[64]
Track listing
No.
Title
Lyrics
Music
Arrangement
Length
1.
"Shall We?" (우리 어떻게 할까요?; uli eotteohge halkkayo?; lit. What Shall We Do?)
