"On the Way" (also titled "On the Way ～抱きしめるよ～") is a song recorded by the South Korean singer Wonho. It was released by Victor Entertainment as the singer's first Japanese maxi single, featuring a Japanese version of "Open Mind" as its B-side. The song was composed and arranged by Wonho, Enan, and Sun Ahn, who co-wrote the lyrics with Laz, while the B-side includes additional Japanese lyrics by Show.
The single charted on the Japan Oricon Singles Chart for three weeks, peaking at number 15 and selling 4,114 physical copies. The release of "On the Way" was supported by the Japanese version of "Lose", originally recorded in Korean for Love Synonym Pt.2: Right for Us (2021), marketed as a "pre-debut single".
Contents
Background
Following his signing with Highline Entertainment in 2020 after his departure from boy group Monsta X, Wonho began promotional activities in South Korea, with the first part of his EP, Love Synonym Pt.1: Right for Me, which was supported by the single "Open Mind". The second part of the EP, Love Synonym Pt.2: Right for Us, was released alongside its single "Lose". On July 27, 2021, the release of "On the Way" was announced, and a release date of October 27 was unveiled.
Release and promotion
On August 4, 2021, a Japanese version of "Lose", originally recorded for Love Synonym Pt.2: Right for Us (2021), was released as a "pre-debut single". A promotional livestream was held on video sharing site Niconico, with the song's music video being premiered during the livestream. "On the Way" was released on October 27, 2021 by Victor Entertainment. The single was made available on South Korean music platforms on December 6, 2021 by J-Box Entertainment. "On the Way" was the ending theme song for TV Asahi's music show Break Out during November 2021. The song was performed as part of Wonho's first solo concert, We Are Young.
Composition
"On the Way" has been described as a medium-tempo ballad. It was composed and written by Wonho, Enan and Sun Ahn, with additional lyrics by Laz. According to Billboard Japan, the song's lyrics express joy at reuniting with fans and gratitude for their support. The single's B-side, a Japanese-language version of "Open Mind", additionally credits Show for Japanese lyrics.
Music video
A teaser of the music video for "On the Way" was released on October 5, 2021. The full music video was released alongside the single on October 27, and takes place on Jeju Island, South Korea. A karaoke version of the music video was subsequently made available on Joysound karaoke machines on December 18, and remained available for six months.
Personnel
Credits adapted from the CD single's liner notes.
Musicians
Wonho – background vocals (1)
Enan – background vocals (1–2), drums, bass, piano, synthesizer, guitar (1)
Sun Ahn – background vocals (1–2)
Technical
Arkade – mixing (2)
Dr. Ahn – mixing
Jeong Eun-kyeong – digital editing (1), recording (2)
Kim Soo-jung – recording (2)
Kwon Nam-woo – mastering
Enan – recording (2)
Studios
821 Sound – mastering
Ingrid Studios – digital editing (1), recording (2)
Savage House – recording (2)