YOON SAN-HA Is Changing the Game As He Shows Into Every Shade on CHAMELEON

From sweet-faced rookie to full-fledged soloist, YOON SAN-HA has grown right before our eyes—and now, he’s showing us just how many sides of himself he’s ready to reveal. Spoiler alert: it’s a lot, and we’re absolutely here for it.

Photos by fantagio

On June 23, SAN-HA kicked off the official countdown to his second solo mini album with the release of a beautifully haunting mood film for CHAMELEON. The video, posted to Fantagio’s official social channels and YouTube, immediately set a cinematic tone—soft lighting, moody shadows, and a quiet intensity that made fans pause and say, “Wait… this is SAN-HA?” It’s been 11 months since his solo debut with DUSK, and while that project gave us a gentle introduction to his artistry outside of ASTRO, CHAMELEON feels like a whole new chapter. This time, SAN-HA isn’t just stepping into the spotlight—he’s rewriting what it means to be in it. He’s not waiting for direction anymore. He is the direction.

Let’s take it back for a second—because SAN-HA’s story didn’t start here. He made his official debut on February 28, 2016 as the lovable maknae of ASTRO, alongside MJ, JinJin, Cha Eun-woo, Moonbin, and Rocky. Their first single, “Hide & Seek”, introduced fans to a group overflowing with charm—and SAN-HA quickly stood out with his bright energy and one-of-a-kind voice. Clear, emotional, and instantly recognizable, his vocals had their own sparkle. Over the years, he didn’t just stick to music. SAN-HA’s goofy personality and warmth made him a favorite on variety shows, and he built his acting resume with roles in dramas like To Be Continued (2015) and Crazy Love (2021). Whether he was being playful or serious, fans always knew one thing for sure: SAN-HA’s heart was always 100% in it.

CHAMELEON Concept Photos by fantagio

But in August 2023, he surprised us all by turning inward—with DUSK, his first solo mini album. Soft ballads and reflective melodies filled the tracklist, and the visuals matched: cozy, minimalist, and full of raw emotion. The project felt like reading someone’s journal by candlelight—personal, vulnerable, and comforting in the quietest way. SAN-HA let us into his world for the first time, and it left fans wondering: What’s next?

Well, CHAMELEON is what’s next—and this time, he’s turned the volume all the way up.

Starting in early July, SAN-HA began revealing concept photos for the new album, and they were nothing short of breathtaking. He didn’t stop at just one vibe—instead, he gave us four bold, totally different versions, each with its own personality. Each version of CHAMELEON brings out a completely different mood and color from YOON SAN-HA, starting with EXHALE, which showed him at his softest and most serene. Dreamy and introspective, this version captured SAN-HA in a delicate light—emotional and almost weightless, like a quiet moment just before sunrise. Then came INEXORABLE, a total contrast in tone. With sharp silhouettes, a piercing gaze, and intense styling, this version felt dark, cinematic, and bold—a transformation that pulled SAN-HA into full dramatic mode. EXCURSION, on the other hand, brought a refreshing burst of energy. It gave off carefree, road trip vibes with a breezy and youthful feel, full of playful charm and movement. Finally, there was INCHOATE—an abstract, almost surreal version of SAN-HA that felt like a metaphor for artistic rebirth. With dreamy visuals and a sense of mystery, it hinted at new beginnings, like standing right at the edge of something extraordinary. CHAMELEONs not just about trying on looks—it’s about shifting the energy and allowing yourself to be more than one thing. SAN-HA isn’t choosing one version of himself. He’s choosing all of them.

Then on June 26, the official track list was revealed—and it was full of surprises. The album includes five songs:

1. EXTRA VIRGIN (Title Track)

2. AURA

3. Bad Mosquito

4. 6PM (Nobody’s Business)

5. Love you like fools

   
   

In his album commentary, SAN-HA said:

CHAMELEON Highlight Medley

“This album will showcase a completely different transformation from my previous work. With a variety of styles in one album, listeners will experience a new side of YOON SAN-HA. I plan on showing many different charms, to meet everyone’s expectations.”

And we can already tell he means it.

Just reading the track list is a ride. “Bad Mosquito”? That title alone has us so curious. It sounds like it could be funky, chaotic, or totally unexpected—maybe even all three. On the flip side, “6PM (Nobody’s Business)” feels like it’s going to break our hearts in the most beautiful way. And then there’s the title track, “EXTRA VIRGIN,” which seems to hold the center of the album together—a refined blend of R&B, pop, and SAN-HA’s emotional voice at its strongest. For longtime AROHA, this comeback is more than just a new album—it’s watching someone we’ve loved for years step into his own story. SAN-HA, who once felt like the little brother of ASTRO, is now confidently carving out his space as a soloist. He’s experimenting. He’s growing. And he’s doing it all in a way that feels true to him. And if you’re just discovering him now? CHAMELEON is honestly the perfect place to start. It’s got the softness fans know and love—but it also brings bold new flavors, unexpected turns, and a much deeper emotional palette. Just like a chameleon, SAN-HA is showing us he can shift, adapt, and thrive—while staying completely himself.

✨ YOON SAN-HA’s second solo mini album CHAMELEON releases on July 15 at 6PM KST on all major streaming platforms. ✨