Empathy () is the debut extended play by South Korean singer and actor D.O. It was released on July 26, 2021, by SM Entertainment and distributed by Dreamus. The EP features eight tracks including the lead single, "Rose". The physical album comes in three versions: one photobook version and two digipack versions (Blue and Grey).
Background In late June 2021, SM Entertainment announced that D.O. would release his debut solo album on July 26. Pre orders became available on July 1.
Composition Empathy features eight tracks and is based on acoustic pop and R&B. The album has two bonus tracks: an English version of the title track "Rose", and a Spanish version of "It's Love", called "Si Fueras Mía". D.O. is credited as a writer for the title song "Rose", and "I'm Fine".
Billboard described the lead single "Rose" as "breezy folk-pop", and praised the artist's storytelling ability throughout the album. Speaking of the acoustic theme of the EP, D.O. commented that he liked the sounds of acoustic guitar and the comfort that it brings.
Promotion A highlight medley was released on July 23, which previewed the tracks on the album. The music video for the lead single "Rose" was released on July 26, the same day as the album.
Track listing
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for Empathy Chart (2021) Peakposition Japan Hot Albums (Billboard Japan) 10 South Korean Albums (Gaon) 1
Monthly charts + Monthly chart performance for Empathy Chart (2021) Position South Korean Albums (Gaon) 2
Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for Empathy Chart (2021) Position South Korean Albums (Gaon) 36
Sales +RegionSalesChinaCumulative sales for Empathy:84,115Japan26,590South Korea380,178
Certifications
Accolades Year-end lists + Year-end lists Critic/Publication Year List Work Rank Harpers Bazaar 2021 Top-15-k-pop-albums-of-2021 "Empathy" 1 NME 2021 The 25 best K-Pop songs of 2021 "Rose" 16 Philstarlife 2021 Top-21-k-pop-b-side tracks-of-2021 "My Love" 1 Philstarlife 2021 Top-15-k-pop-title tracks-of-2021 "Rose" 16 K-Pop High India 2021 Top-10-k-pop-songs-of-2021 "Rose" - The Daily Box 2021 The Ultimate-10-k-pop-songs-of-2021 "Si Fueras Mia" -
Music show awards +Music show awards Song Program Date Rank Ref."Rose"Music Bank (KBS)August 6, 20211
Release history + Release history for EmpathyRegionDateFormatLabel South Korea July 26, 2021 Various
References