Baekhyun has gained worldwide recognition as a solo artist with the drop of his fifth mini album, ‘Essence of Reverie’ on May 19. The album sold over 1 million copies within three days, setting a record for the highest first-week solo artist sales in 2025.

Starting his comeback with the pre-release single ‘Chocolate’, Baekhyun engaged fans with live performances on music shows and presented the title track ‘Elevator’. He also entertained audiences on popular YouTube programs, showcasing his charm and humor.

To enhance his bond with fans, Baekhyun initiated various in-person events. In Seoul, a themed pop-up store at The Hyundai Seoul was open from May 22 to 28, featuring exclusive merchandise and displays related to the album.

At the same time, international promotions commenced. Pop-up events were held in eight U.S. cities—Los Angeles, Atlanta, San Diego, Murfreesboro, Orlando, Seattle, Tempe, and Washington, D.C.—between May 23 and 25. The album was made available in major U.S. retail outlets such as Target, Walmart, and Barnes & Noble, marking a strategic move into global physical sales.

‘Essence of Reverie’ swiftly climbed the iTunes charts, reaching No. 1 in Top Albums in 24 regions and Top Songs in 14 regions, surpassing the sales of Baekhyun's previous work.

Baekhyun is now preparing for his first solo world tour, 'Reverie', which kicks off with a two-night show in Seoul on June 7 and 8 at KSPO Dome. This tour signifies a new phase in his solo career on a global scale.