There’s nothing better and more life-changing than a new DAY6 release. After delivering a masterpiece of a debut solo album with Pilmography back in 2022, making it one of the most timeless releases in DAY6’s discography, Wonpil is back to offer us something completely different. The genius mind behind some of DAY6’s greatest music and the beautiful voice behind some of their most impactful tracks, Kim Wonpil, just released Unpiltered, taking a pop-rock route, exploring love, loss, yearning, angst, and everything in between. Here’s Unpiltered, track by track.
The Title Track: ‘Highs and Lows’
Spoiler alert: Unpiltered is a flawless masterpiece, but ‘Highs and Lows’ has to take the crown as not only the best song in the mini-album, but also Wonpil’s best song ever. With an electric beginning, the angst and yearning that pour out of this pop-rock song are simply exquisite. This is real music, with a build-up leading to an explosive chorus that highlights the full extent of Wonpil‘s vocal abilities, both in range and in his ability to express emotions through his tone. Tied together with a flawless instrumental and melodies that will get stuck in your head, ‘Highs and Lows’ is, without a doubt, a song so perfect it feels like a dream. ‘Highs and Lows’ alone can make you understand how this is one of the best releases of 2026, and not just in K-pop.
Unpiltered – The B-Sides
‘Toxic Love’
Unpiltered, just like Wonpil’s first solo release, explores different themes, but it all starts with ‘Toxic Love.’ It opens the mini-album letting us know right from the bat that this is nothing like Pilmography: this is Wonpil’s take on pop-rock, with his special, unique touch, of course. ‘Toxic Love’ follows similar themes to the title track, making it the perfect song to open Unpiltered, thanks to its infectious energy, addictive guitar riff and rhythm, and anthemic elements.
‘Already Grown Up’
‘Already Grown Up’ is where things start to mix up, and Wonpil shows the full extent of his versatility and the way he blends and mixes genres so flawlessly. The song feels like a mixture of a late DAY6 release, with Pilmography and Even of Day poured into it. It’s a song that shows just how much of a musical genius Wonpil is, especially in the lyrics, which encapsulate the bittersweetness of growing up and going through life beaten down by reality. The way he mixes gloomy lyrics with a lively melody is so distinctly DAY6, and it leads to one of the best moments of the mini-album.
‘Up All Night’
‘Up All Night’ is the song that brings all the lightness and joy to Unpiltered, with a truly groovy sound. The production in the track and its structure are what make it so special and keep you on your toes throughout the song. It is simply such a fun song to experience with its excellent sense of musicality and cheeky lyrics about being attracted to someone.
‘Step by Step’
The everlasting hope and optimism in ‘Step by Step’ are comforting and refreshing. The song explores inner struggles, but it offers help as Wonpil shows resilience and tries to hold on despite the pain, taking it step by step, and day by day. The second pre-chorus, the way things slow down to let Wonpil’s flawless falsetto shine, is one of the absolute best moments of this entire release; right after the chorus of ‘Highs and Lows.’ The way Wonpil ends the song, with the high notes and his final message of hope, makes the song even more special.
‘Hold My Love’
The brightest song in Unpiltered has to be ‘Hold My Love.’ While many of the songs in Unpiltered explore falling out of love or being caught in a bad situation, ‘Hold My Love’ is straightforward and hopeful, showcasing unconditional love in its most unfiltered form. The song is a beautiful encapsulation of what a love confession is. It’s bright, joyful, and brings something necessary and beautiful to the mini-album.
‘Piano’
We all know Wonpil‘s instrument is the piano, so with only the title, we had a feeling this would be a special one. And indeed, ‘Piano’ is such an important song in Unpiltered. While it starts with a ballad-like energy, ‘Piano’ soon explodes into an emotional, poignant pop-excellence song. We find all the yearning from ‘Highs and Lows’ again, along with the vulnerability it brings, as the song explores wanting someone back after a break-up. If the entirety of Unpiltered hadn’t been enough already to prove Wonpil’s musical genius and unfiltered way of tackling emotions in his lyrics, ‘Piano’ is the perfect closure to explore all the aspects of Wonpil’s art. 10/10 isn’t a good enough grade to talk about a release like Unpiltered.
What’s your favorite song out of Unpiltered? Did you expect this change for Wonpil? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
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