On the Way (Wonho song)

"On the Way"
Standard cover
Single by Wonho
LanguageJapanese
B-side"Open Mind" (Japanese version)
ReleasedOctober 27, 2021 (2021-10-27)
Length3:27
LabelVictor
Composers
  • Wonho
  • Enan
  • Sun Ahn
Lyricists
  • Wonho
  • Enan
  • Sun Ahn
  • Laz
Wonho singles chronology
"Blue"
(2021) 		"On the Way"
(2021) 		"White Miracle"
(2021)
Music video
"On the Way" on YouTube

"On the Way" (also titled "On the Way ～抱きしめるよ～") is a song recorded by the South Korean singer Wonho. It was released by Victor Entertainment as the singer's first Japanese maxi single, featuring a Japanese version of "Open Mind" as its B-side. The song was composed and arranged by Wonho, Enan, and Sun Ahn, who co-wrote the lyrics with Laz, while the B-side includes additional Japanese lyrics by Show.

The single charted on the Japan Oricon Singles Chart for three weeks, peaking at number 15 and selling 4,114 physical copies. The release of "On the Way" was supported by the Japanese version of "Lose", originally recorded in Korean for Love Synonym Pt.2: Right for Us (2021), marketed as a "pre-debut single".

Background

Following his signing with Highline Entertainment in 2020 after his departure from boy group Monsta X,[1] Wonho began promotional activities in South Korea, with the first part of his EP, Love Synonym Pt.1: Right for Me, which was supported by the single "Open Mind".[2] The second part of the EP, Love Synonym Pt.2: Right for Us, was released alongside its single "Lose".[3] On July 27, 2021, the release of "On the Way" was announced, and a release date of October 27 was unveiled.[4]

Release and promotion

On August 4, 2021, a Japanese version of "Lose", originally recorded for Love Synonym Pt.2: Right for Us (2021), was released as a "pre-debut single".[5] A promotional livestream was held on video sharing site Niconico, with the song's music video being premiered during the livestream.[6] "On the Way" was released on October 27, 2021 by Victor Entertainment.[7] The single was made available on South Korean music platforms on December 6, 2021 by J-Box Entertainment.[8] "On the Way" was the ending theme song for TV Asahi's music show Break Out during November 2021.[9] The song was performed as part of Wonho's first solo concert, We Are Young.[10]

Composition

"On the Way" has been described as a medium-tempo ballad.[4] It was composed and written by Wonho, Enan and Sun Ahn, with additional lyrics by Laz.[11] According to Billboard Japan, the song's lyrics express joy at reuniting with fans and gratitude for their support.[12] The single's B-side, a Japanese-language version of "Open Mind", additionally credits Show for Japanese lyrics.[11]

Music video

A teaser of the music video for "On the Way" was released on October 5, 2021.[13] The full music video was released alongside the single on October 27, and takes place on Jeju Island, South Korea.[14] A karaoke version of the music video was subsequently made available on Joysound karaoke machines on December 18, and remained available for six months.[15]

Track listing

On the Way standard track listing[11]
No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."On the Way"
  • Wonho
  • Enan
  • Sun Ahn
  • Laz
  • Wonho
  • Enan
  • Sun Ahn
3:27
2."Open Mind" (Japanese version)
  • Williams
  • Brook
  • Fryzel
  • Kleinstub
3:10
Total length:6:37
On the Way first press edition DVD[16]
No.TitleLength
1."On the Way" (music video)3:33
2."On the Way" (music video making)31:15
Total length:34:48

Personnel

Credits adapted from the CD single's liner notes.[11]

Musicians

  • Wonho – background vocals (1)
  • Enan – background vocals (1–2), drums, bass, piano, synthesizer, guitar (1)
  • Sun Ahn – background vocals (1–2)

Technical

Studios

  • 821 Sound – mastering
  • Ingrid Studios – digital editing (1), recording (2)
  • Savage House – recording (2)

Charts

Chart performance
Chart (2021) Position
Japan (Oricon)[17] 15
Japan Top Single Sales (Billboard Japan)[18] 16

Release history

List of release history
Region Date Edition Format Label Ref.
Japan October 27, 2021 Standard CD single Victor [19]
Various
[20]
Japan First press CD single + DVD [16]
South Korea December 6, 2021 Standard
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 J-Box [8]

References

  1. ^ Delgado, Sara (April 10, 2020). "Wonho, Former Member of Monsta X, Embarks on Solo Career With Highline Entertainment". Teen Vogue. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  2. ^ Kim, Eunae (September 4, 2020). "'솔로 데뷔' 원호, 전매특허 '매혹 카리스마'로 글로벌 정조준" [Wonho, who made his solo debut, aims for global success with his signature captivating charisma]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  3. ^ Garcia, Cara Emmeline (February 26, 2021). "Wonho releases captivating music video for "Lose"". GMA Network. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
  4. ^ a b "ウォノが10月に日本デビュー、ファンへの思い込め自ら日本語で書き下ろしたミディアムバラード" [Wonho will make his Japanese debut in October with a medium ballad written in Japanese with his heartfelt thoughts for his fans.]. Natalie (in Japanese). July 27, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  5. ^ "Wonho、日本プレデビューシングル「Lose（Japanese ver.）」配信" [Wonho releases Japan pre-debut single "Lose (Japanese ver.)"]. Barks (in Japanese). August 4, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  6. ^ Seok, Jae-hyeon (October 27, 2021). "원호, 오늘(27일) 싱글 "On the Way" 발표…日 접수 나선다" [Wonho releases single "On the Way" today (the 27th) and takes on the Japanese market.]. Single List (in Korean). Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  7. ^ Lee, Jae-eun (October 27, 2021). "원호, 27일 일본 데뷔 싱글 발표" [Wonho to release Japanese debut single on the 27th]. Sports Khan (in Korean). Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  8. ^ a b Wonho (December 6, 2021). "On the Way ～抱きしめるよ～". Retrieved February 23, 2026 – via Melon.
  9. ^ Lee, Seung-hoon (December 21, 2021). 원호, 열도 인기 입증한 美친 음색.."White Miracle" 日 방송 엔딩 테마곡 선정[공식] [Wonho's insane vocals prove his popularity in Japan.."White Miracle" selected as the ending theme song for the Japanese broadcast]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  10. ^ Ahn, So-yoon (November 15, 2021). "원호, 첫 오프라인 단독 콘서트 성황…"함께 해줘 고맙다"" [Wonho's first offline solo concert a success… "Thank you for joining us."]. Newsis (in Korean). Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  11. ^ a b c d Wonho (2021). On the Way (liner notes). Victor Entertainment. 4988002912544.
  12. ^ "Wonho、ファンに贈るバラードで待望の日本デビュー" [Wonho makes long-awaited Japanese debut with ballad for fans]. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). July 27, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  13. ^ Jeong, Hee-yeon (October 6, 2021). "원호 일본 데뷔…뮤비 티저 공개" [Wonho's Japanese debut… Music video teaser released]. Sports Donga (in Korean). Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  14. ^ "Wonho、日本デビューシングル 「On the Way ～抱きしめるよ～」MV公開" [Wonho releases music video for his Japanese debut single "On the Way ~Embrace~"]. Barks (in Japanese). October 27, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  15. ^ Wonho Official Japan [@official_WH_jp] (December 13, 2021). #WONHO 日本デビューシングル「ON THE WAY ～抱きしめるよ～」期間限定でMusic Videoのカラオケ配信が決定しました💙 配信期間：2021年12月18日（土）〜　※約半年間予定 機種：JOYSOUND 是非チェックしてみてくださいね♪ (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  16. ^ a b "On the Way ～抱きしめるよ～ [CD+DVD] ＜初回限定盤＞" [On the Way ~Embrace~ [CD+DVD] <First press limited edition>]. Tower Records Japan (in Japanese). October 27, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  17. ^ "Oricon Weekly Single Ranking – 2021-11-08". Oricon News. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  18. ^ "Billboard Japan Top Single Sales". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). November 8, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  19. ^ "On the Way ～抱きしめるよ～＜通常盤＞" [On the Way ~Embrace~ (regular edition)]. Tower Records Japan (in Japanese). October 27, 2021. Retrieved February 23, 2026.
  20. ^ Wonho (October 27, 2021). "On the Way". Retrieved February 23, 2026 – via Apple Music.
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