Despite garnering huge success as part of idol group Wanna One, Ong Seungwu’s post-disbandment activities have focused more strongly on acting than music. His solo work has been limited to a fun (but forgettable) summer single and an OST for his drama At Eighteen. He’s yet to actively promote a song on music shows, and I’m assuming that pattern will remain for new single We Belong.

Because of this lack of active promotion, Seungwu’s music tends to feel more like a side project than his main focus. Even We Belong, which is dubbed his first digital single, comes across as a bit inconsequential. It’s a nice, clean little pop song, which is both a compliment and a critique. On the plus side, the straightforward structure and crisp, easily-memorable melody works to the track’s advantage. Its guitar-plucked groove is not ambitious, but every other production element supports it well, resulting in a finished product that feels cohesive and pleasant.

On the other hand, there’s only so high that a “nice, clean little pop song” can aim. We Belong will offend no one, but I doubt it’ll exhilarate many listeners either. Seungwu has a natural charm that goes a long way towards making the track work, and I’m happy to see that he’s listed as a co-writer. His vocals sound stronger than I’ve ever heard them, and We Belong’s simple chorus gives him a chance to belt powerfully without overextending himself. Yet, when the song is over there isn’t anything pulling me back for a repeat listen. I bopped my head, I tapped my toe, and then I was done. That’s hardly a resounding recommendation, but there are certainly worse time-fillers out there.

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