Though VIXX haven’t disbanded, the group’s status seems in limbo. Hongbin left the group last year, Ravi and N left the agency (but not the group), Ken is serving in the military and Jellyfish Entertainment seem more focused on getting VERIVERY off the ground. Leo returned from his enlistment two months ago, and seems eager to get back in the swing of things. The pointedly-titled I’m Still Here (남아있어) reminds listeners just how missed his voice has been.
As expected from a main vocal, the song is a midtempo ballad infused with tons of emotion. It actually has the air of a farewell track, though I don’t imagine that’s the case here. Soft piano is joined by trap-influenced percussion for the chorus, painting a somber atmosphere. Leo’s voice is front and center, and he delivers a reliably strong performance. He wasn’t always able to showcase this side of his artistry within VIXX, and it’s nice to hear him stretch his vocals over an uncluttered instrumental.
When it comes to ballads like these, I always look for a moment of catharsis. It’s not that I’m Still Here needs to build toward a striking crescendo to find success, but the track misses the opportunity to foster a more engaging sense of musical storytelling. I wish it didn’t just fizzle out at the end. It feels like there’s a chunk missing – a needed inflection point that would drive home the sentiment. As it stands, I’m Still Here is a quiet effort, comforting and familiar but unlikely to leave a long-lasting mark.
| Hooks | 8 |
| Production | 7 |
| Longevity | 7 |
| Bias | 7 |
| RATING | 7.25 |
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
What I like best about this song and performance is that it is simple enough to sing along with even during the first listen. It isn’t complicated, but a straight ahead unadorned sentimentality. No tricks or heavy polishing, just singing. I wouldn’t be surprised if this recording is from one take, possibly two.
It’s a yes for me.
The live version is also quite good.
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Like with INFINITE, I’ll take whatever VIXX members release at this point. This is a very Leo-like song and it’s a nice one.
It would be really nice to have one more VIXX LR comeback before Ravi enlists tho… Some emo music please!
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The title immediately made me think of a certain scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail that I’m not going to repeat verbatim because it’s probably way too dark in context. I think anyone who know what I’m talking about can probably handle it, though. Anyhow, this song keeps slipping away from me. I love his voice, but listening to it yesterday after six repeats of D&E just made me feel tired. I tried the MV but had to turn it off because Janelle Monet is the only person I feel comfortable singing at me like that. It’s sitting in my temporary new music playlist for now and I’m not sure what’s going to happen with it.
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It’s just a flesh wound.
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Lol, that works too.
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Not my kind of song, but I’m overjoyed at what it represents. I love VIXX and want them to return.
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