ASTRO member and acclaimed solo artist MJ has officially announced his much-anticipated return to the music scene with a new digital single titled “12시 25분 (CLOCK).”
The announcement, made on December 8th KST via his official social media accounts, marks his first official solo comeback in approximately four years, following the release of his single “Happy Virus” in 2021.
This track is poised to be a special winter offering, scheduled for release on December 16th at 6 PM KST, perfectly timed for the holiday season.
The initial teaser content has already sparked excitement among fans, showcasing a cozy, festive concept tailored for a Christmas-themed release.
Concept and Visual Teasers
The initial teaser image provided a strong visual hint of the single’s concept, immediately evoking a festive and warm Christmas atmosphere.
In the image, MJ is seen embodying comfort and holiday spirit, dressed in a vibrant red knit sweater paired with a cozy knitted hat.
He is pictured lying contentedly on a bed of snow, with the overall aesthetic clearly designed to align with the charm and warmth of the winter holiday season.
This visual direction suggests that the song “12시 25분 (CLOCK)” will lean into a sentimental, heartfelt theme, potentially one tied to romance, nostalgia, or the sheer joy and anticipation of the Christmas period.
The choice of title, “12시 25분 (CLOCK),” which translates to “12:25 (CLOCK)” in English, holds significant seasonal meaning, strongly hinting at 12:25 AM or PM on December 25th (Christmas Day).
This specific time reference adds an intimate, time-sensitive layer to the track, leading to fan speculation that the song might revolve around a pivotal, perhaps romantic, moment occurring at that specific hour.
It could detail the anticipation of the moment Christmas officially begins at midnight or a deep, heartfelt thought shared just after the holiday has dawned.
The time stamp effectively makes the song a musical snapshot of a moment in time that carries deep emotional weight during the most festive time of the year.
Context of Recent Activities and Long-Awaited Solo Return
While this single marks MJ’s first official solo comeback since his 2021 track “Happy Virus,” the artist has maintained a visible presence in the music world through various projects.
He contributed the track “Why So Pretty?” to the “K-Music ON!” project in September 2024.
Although this earlier release was part of a specific compilation and not a formal solo comeback, it helped keep his individual artistic persona active and his vocal talents fresh in the minds of the public.
Furthermore, MJ has continued to be a dynamic force within his main group. Last August, he debuted as a member of ASTRO’s latest subunit, ZOONIZINI, alongside fellow member JinJin, with the release of their mini-album DICE.
These varied activities demonstrate his continuous dedication to diverse musical endeavors, even as his fans eagerly awaited a dedicated, signature solo single release.
The upcoming digital single “12시 25분 (CLOCK)” is therefore highly anticipated, as it returns the spotlight squarely to MJ’s individual artistry and distinctive vocal talents.
His established reputation within ASTRO and his prior solo work set a high bar for this new track.
The strategic release date of December 16th positions the song as a key, mood-setting track in the lead-up to the peak of the Christmas festivities.
Fans are looking forward to a melodious and charming addition to their winter playlists, expecting the single to fully showcase MJ’s ability to convey emotional depth and versatility as a solo vocalist, thereby cementing his position as a multifaceted artist within the competitive K-Pop landscape.
A Merry Little Ex-Mas, Netflix’s latest holiday rom-com, centers on Kate and Everett’s final Christmas together before their divorce, but it is Chet, played by Pierson Fodé, who brings most of the laughs and levity to the screen.
Chet is introduced as a free-spirited, slightly over-the-top neighbor who tries to cheer Kate up after she discovers Everett is dating Tess. He shows up at the door dressed as Santa, offers his number, and quickly becomes the unofficial comic relief of the movie.
Reviewers and fans alike highlight Chet’s ability to lighten the mood, whether he is sliding on ice, attempting to put out a kitchen fire with his clothes, or delivering jokes with a wink.
His character is written as someone who does not take himself too seriously, and his antics are a deliberate contrast to the more serious emotional drama unfolding between Kate and Everett. Chet’s presence is so central that some critics describe him as the glue holding the film’s lighter moments together.
The Romance That Doesn’t Take Off
Chet’s role goes beyond just comic relief; he is also positioned as a potential love interest for Kate. After Everett’s new relationship is revealed, Kate seeks comfort and distraction, and Chet steps in with his easygoing charm.
He invites her to events, tries to impress her with his adventurous spirit, and even surprises her with a kiss at the end of the party. However, Kate remains focused on her own journey and ultimately turns him down, explaining that she is not ready to move on.
This rejection is a key moment for Chet’s character. While he is disappointed, he does not spiral into bitterness or anger. Instead, he maintains his upbeat attitude, showing maturity beneath the surface.
His ability to handle rejection with grace adds depth to what could have been a one-dimensional comic character, and it is this mix of humor and heart that makes Chet memorable.
The Last Laugh: Chet Finds a New Connection
Despite not winning Kate’s heart, Chet does not leave the story empty-handed. After Tess breaks up with Everett and decides to leave, she ends up spending time with Chet. The film hints that the two form a new connection, finding comfort and companionship in each other.
This turn of events is a classic rom-com twist, giving Chet a happy ending of his own , even if it is not the one he initially expected.
Critics and fans have noted that Chet’s arc is satisfying because it does not rely on him being the main character’s love interest to feel complete. Instead, his journey is about discovering happiness and connection in unexpected places, reflecting the film’s message about second chances and new beginnings.
A Merry Little Ex-Mas (Credit: Netflix)
His ability to bounce back from rejection and find a new connection with Tess is a testament to his resilience and good humor.
Why Chet’s Story Resonates
Chet’s journey in A Merry Little Ex-Mas resonates with audiences because it balances humor and heart in a way that feels authentic. He is not just there for laughs; his character has depth and a clear arc that adds to the film’s emotional impact.
His ability to handle rejection with grace and find a new connection at the end of the film makes him a standout character in a genre that often relies on predictable tropes.
The film’s ending, with Chet and Tess together, is a reminder that happiness can come from unexpected places and that sometimes the comic relief character is the one who gets the last laugh. Chet’s story is a celebration of resilience, humor, and the ability to find joy even when things do not go as planned.
In the end, Chet’s journey in A Merry Little Ex-Mas is a testament to the power of humor and heart in holiday films, and his happy ending is a fitting conclusion to a character who brings so much joy to the screen.
