To celebrate the release of his new album, CORE, WONHO has curated a playlist exclusively for KPOPWORLD. Split between songs that shaped the record and tracks he's been reaching for lately, the playlist comes together like a working notebook into his current creative headspace.

WONHO's relationship with music extends past his own catalogue, and this curated playlist offers a rare look at the reference points shaping his artistry. The influences lean electronic and atmospheric – Madeon's structural precision, Gesaffelstein's textural weight, Fred again..'s emotional builds – all pointing to WONHO's fascination with sound design as a craft in itself. Jenevieve's R&B vocal approach rounds out that side of the list, hinting at where his own voice draws its colour.

The second half turns more personal. "Answer" was the first song written for the album and nearly its title track, which explains why WONHO keeps returning to it. "Summer Blue" – also from the new album – gets singled out for its instrumental outro, a detail that says something about how he listens to his own work.

Together, WONHO’s playlist maps the space between influence and instinct that built CORE.

Madeon – "All My Friends"

I’ve admired Madeon for a long time, and this song was a huge source of inspiration. I was especially influenced by its structure, sound design, and overall atmosphere.

Gesaffelstein – "OPR”

I still listen to this song all the time. It taught me a lot about sound design, texture, and music production as a whole.

Jenevieve – "Baby Powder"

Jenevieve has been one of my favorite artists lately. I’ve been really inspired by her vocal style, her R&B sound, and the way she approaches the genre.

Toby Fox – "Hopes and Dreams"

I’ve loved this song for a long time. I was especially inspired by the way it builds and evolves, and by how it captures such an exciting, uplifting feeling.

Fred again.. – "Lights Burn Dimmer"

I learned so much from this song, especially from its structure, emotional progression, and overall atmosphere.

Cold war kids – "Hang Me Up to Dry"

I’ve been listening to this song a lot lately. It’s my go-to track whenever I go for a run.

WONHO – "Answer"

This was the very first song I made for the album, and it was also the first one I considered as the title track. Because of that, I find myself coming back to it often.

Franbroon – "Dream"

I listen to this song all the time when I’m on tour, traveling, or out for a run.

WONHO – "Summer Blue"

I’m especially attached to this song, so I listen to it all the time. Whenever I put it on, I end up replaying it over and over. My favorite part is the instrumental outro.

Justin Bieber – "Speed Demon"

At some point, this became my favorite song on the “SWAG” album. I’ve probably listened to it a million times. I can’t really explain why – I just absolutely love it.