As actor/singer Seo In Guk’s 2017 enlistment date approaches, he’s tasked with leaving his final mark on the entertainment world until he returns to k-pop in a couple of years. When it comes to fans of male acts or groups, military conscription is a real thorn in the side. Fortunately, BeBe offers a glimpse at what we might expect from In Guk going forward, and it’s an unexpectedly edgy sound.

Before you go thinking that BeBe is some sort of hardcore dance track, rest assured that he hasn’t completely parted ways with his ballad-to-midtempo style. BeBe isn’t that revolutionary, but it does offer a sexier, more beat-driven approach than we’ve recently heard from In Guk. The track opens with a warped brass riff before launching into its r&b-heavy verses. The synths lurch underneath, providing a dynamic bed of sound that gives In Guk’s nimble melody plenty to work with. From there, the track segues into its spare, addictively catchy pre-chorus before the central hook comes crashing in with added weight.

BeBe plays like a cross between the futuristic r&b Crush and Jun. K have given us this year, and if it had been delivered by either of those guys it would probably be sitting at the top of the charts right now. Though Seo In Guk lacks the characteristic tone that’s made Crush such a superstar, he’s more than capable of delivering this style with the requisite swagger needed to make it a success. In fact, I think I prefer BeBe to any solo material that Crush has given us this year. It has a punch to it that gives the track an unexpectedly raw, immediate feel. If this is the last we hear of In Guk for awhile, at least he’s parting ways on a high note.