TVXQ’s U-KNOW Yunho is entering a new chapter of his solo project with two Japanese tracks that reveal contrasting sides of his musical identity. While one explores inner conflict and self-reflection, the other embraces funky rhythms and the ambition to keep moving forward.
The release arrives just days before the Japanese performances of “U-KNOW PROJECT 26 : SCENE #1 – EDIT.” With a Japan-specific concert production on the way and both new songs already appearing on Oricon’s daily digital singles chart, Yunho’s latest musical move connects his solo creativity with the next stage of his live performances.
Yunho Releases ‘Kimi ga Iru’ and ‘Biscuit’ as a Two-Track Japanese Single
Yunho released his new Japanese digital single on October 26, 2026, featuring the title track “Kimi ga Iru” (君がいる) and the companion song “Biscuit.” The two-track release gives listeners two distinct musical directions, bringing together an introspective ballad and a more energetic, rhythm-driven track.
The timing is significant for Yunho’s solo concert project. Following the completion of its Asian leg, “U-KNOW PROJECT 26 : SCENE #1” is moving into a Japanese edition titled “U-KNOW PROJECT 26 : SCENE #1 – EDIT.” Official Tohoshinki and Avex materials describe the Japanese show as an original production specially edited for performances in Japan.
Rather than simply repeating the Korean concerts, the Japan edition is built around Yunho’s exploration of his own identity and essence. The newly released music provides another perspective on those themes, with each track approaching personal growth from a different angle.
The official Japanese release contains two songs:
- “Kimi ga Iru” (君がいる)
- “Biscuit”
Both tracks became available digitally on October 26. An official dance practice video for “Biscuit” was also released alongside the music, giving the more performance-oriented track an additional visual component.
Another major K-pop release this week
Yunho’s Japanese tracks arrive during a busy period for solo K-pop releases and promotions. Readers following the latest releases can also check our Jisoo ADDICTED release date and time guide.
‘Kimi ga Iru’ Explores Yunho’s Inner Conflict and Changing Emotions
The title track, “Kimi ga Iru,” takes a more reflective approach. Officially described as a jazzy medium-tempo ballad with a neo-soul feel, the song focuses on suffering, inner conflict and changes in emotion.
Yunho also participated in writing the Japanese lyrics, adding a personal creative contribution to the release beyond his vocal performance.
One of the song’s central ideas connects it to his previously released track “You Go Ahead.” According to the official release information, the word “you” represents another version of Yunho himself.
That concept gives “Kimi ga Iru” an introspective focus. Instead of presenting the song solely as a performance-driven release, its lyrical direction centres on the struggle within oneself and the emotions that accompany personal change.
The official Japanese title is “君がいる,” romanized on the official Tohoshinki website as “Kimi ga Iru.” Its combination of jazz-influenced elements, a medium-tempo arrangement and neo-soul styling distinguishes it from the more energetic sound of the single’s second track.
The song also adds a new dimension to Yunho’s solo catalogue as he prepares for the Japanese concerts. Its themes of identity and internal struggle sit alongside the broader concept of “U-KNOW PROJECT 26,” which explores his own identity and true essence through the concert production.
‘Biscuit’ Brings Funky Hip-Hop and an Ambitious Message
Where “Kimi ga Iru” turns inward, “Biscuit” takes a more playful and energetic direction.
The track is officially described as an electro-pop song built around funky hip-hop. Its central concept draws on the English phrase “Risk it for the biscuit,” which conveys the idea of taking a risk in pursuit of a greater reward.
The official description connects this message to Yunho’s identity as an entertainer. Rather than becoming satisfied with the status quo, the song expresses his desire to continue evolving and aim for greater heights.
That makes “Biscuit” a different kind of statement from the title track. While “Kimi ga Iru” focuses on inner conflict and self-reflection, “Biscuit” channels ambition through a playful, rhythm-driven sound.
The accompanying dance practice video provides a performance-focused counterpart to the song’s musical direction. Its release alongside the digital single also gives fans an additional way to engage with the track as Yunho approaches the next phase of his concert project.
Together, the two songs present contrasting perspectives on growth. One examines the internal challenges that come with change, while the other embraces the willingness to take risks and keep moving forward.
Yunho’s New Japanese Songs Enter Oricon’s Daily Digital Singles Chart
Both songs made an immediate appearance on Japan’s Oricon Daily Digital Single Ranking dated October 26, 2026, the same day they were released.
Their debut positions placed the title track ahead of its companion song, with both entries appearing in the chart’s Top 10.
| Song | Oricon daily ranking | Chart date |
| “Kimi ga Iru” | No. 5 | October 26, 2026 |
| “Biscuit” | No. 7 | October 26, 2026 |
Oricon identifies both tracks as new entries dated October 26. The ranking is based on digital single download data supplied by participating music services and processed by Oricon.
The chart results give both songs an early showing following their release, with “Kimi ga Iru” entering at No. 5 and “Biscuit” at No. 7.
Their simultaneous appearance also reflects the different musical approaches offered by the single. The reflective title track and the more energetic companion song have both secured places in the daily ranking, giving Yunho two new Japanese releases to carry into his upcoming performances.
U-KNOW PROJECT 26 Japan Tour: Dates, Venues and Schedule
Yunho’s new music arrives just before the Japanese leg of “U-KNOW PROJECT 26 : SCENE #1 – EDIT” begins.
The project originally launched in South Korea, where Yunho held his first solo concert performances in Seoul from July 17 to 19, 2026. The Japanese edition has been described in official announcements as a Japan-original production specially edited for the local performances.
The concert’s narrative centres on Yunho’s journey to explore his identity and true essence. The currently announced Japanese schedule covers four regions and eight performances.
| Region | Dates | Venue |
| Kanagawa | October 31 and November 1, 2026 | Yokohama Arena |
| Osaka | November 14 and 15, 2026 | Osaka-jō Hall |
| Aichi | December 8 and 9, 2026 | Kuroko-kun Hall, formerly Nippon Gaishi Hall |
| Tokyo | December 12 and 13, 2026 | Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium |
The Japanese run opens at Yokohama Arena in Kanagawa on October 31 and November 1. According to the venue’s official event listing, the October 31 performance has a scheduled opening time of 6 p.m., while the November 1 performance is scheduled to open at 4 p.m. The venue also notes that event details may be changed by the organiser.
After Kanagawa, the project moves to Osaka on November 14–15, Aichi on December 8–9 and Tokyo on December 12–13.
As listed on the official Tohoshinki schedule, the Japanese performances are currently scheduled to run from October 31 through December 13, 2026.
Yunho Completes His Asian Solo Tour Across Eight Regions
Before the Japanese performances, Yunho completed the Asian leg of “U-KNOW PROJECT 26 : SCENE #1,” with the final concert taking place in Hong Kong on September 26, 2026.
The official tour schedule lists performances across eight Asian regions:
| Region | Performance date |
| Seoul | July 17–19, 2026 |
| Macau | August 8, 2026 |
| Singapore | August 15, 2026 |
| Bangkok | August 29, 2026 |
| Taipei | September 5, 2026 |
| Jakarta | September 12, 2026 |
| Ho Chi Minh City | September 19, 2026 |
| Hong Kong | September 26, 2026 |
The Ho Chi Minh City performance was subsequently added to the schedule, bringing the Asian itinerary to eight regions. The final show took place at AXA Dreamland in Hong Kong on September 26.
According to SM Entertainment’s account of the tour finale, Yunho performed solo songs including “Thank U,” “Vuja De,” “Stretch” and “Time’s Tickin’.” The concert also featured “Puzzle” as a special stage.
Fan interaction was another part of the tour. Yunho read stories submitted by local fans in their respective languages and responded to them during the performances.
The completion of the Asian itinerary set the stage for the Japan-specific edition. Although the Japanese concerts retain the broader U-KNOW PROJECT concept, the official announcements describe a production specially adapted for audiences in Japan.
What Yunho’s New Music Means for the Japan Concerts
The release of “Kimi ga Iru” and “Biscuit” gives Yunho two new Japanese tracks as he prepares to begin the next stage of his solo concert project.
Their contrasting styles offer different expressions of the themes associated with his current work. “Kimi ga Iru” explores suffering, inner conflict and changing emotions, with Yunho contributing to the Japanese lyrics and connecting the song’s concept to “You Go Ahead.” “Biscuit,” meanwhile, uses funky hip-hop and electro-pop influences to express a desire for continued evolution and greater ambitions.
Both tracks entered Oricon’s Daily Digital Single Ranking on October 26, with the title song debuting at No. 5 and “Biscuit” at No. 7.
The Japanese concert run is scheduled to open at Yokohama Arena on October 31, before continuing through Osaka, Aichi and Tokyo in November and December. Its Japan-specific production builds on the Asian tour while placing Yunho’s identity and personal essence at the centre of the show.
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Conclusion
U-KNOW Yunho’s October 26 release brings together two contrasting sides of his solo music, pairing the introspective “Kimi ga Iru” with the energetic “Biscuit.” Both tracks have entered Oricon’s daily digital singles chart, while Yunho prepares to begin the Japanese performances of “U-KNOW PROJECT 26 : SCENE #1 – EDIT.”
With eight Japanese performances currently listed across four regions, the project moves into its next phase following the completion of the eight-region Asian tour. The new single adds another musical dimension to that transition, balancing self-reflection with a message of ambition and continued growth.
Source and Research Disclaimer
This article has been prepared based on research of the sources listed below and the information available in those materials as of October 27, 2026. Details are presented according to the supplied official announcements, schedules, chart information and reporting. The article does not imply independent verification beyond those sources. Concert schedules and event details may be subject to change by the relevant organisers.
Sources
- TOHOSHINKI Official Website: “Kimi ga Iru” Digital Single Announcement
- Avex Portal: YUNHO from TOHOSHINKI “Kimi ga Iru” Release Announcement
- TOHOSHINKI Official Website: “U-KNOW PROJECT 26 : SCENE #1 – EDIT” Announcement
- TOHOSHINKI Official Schedule
- Oricon: Daily Digital Single Ranking, October 26, 2026
- Weverse: Official U-KNOW PROJECT 26 Tour Schedule
- Yokohama Arena: U-KNOW PROJECT 26 : SCENE #1 – EDIT Event Information
- Yonhap News Agency: Yunho Releases Japanese Single and Begins New Tour
- StarNews: Yunho Concludes First Asian Tour Across Eight Regions
Featured Image Credit: 아이돌스토리 / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
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