Antidote (Kang Daniel song)

2021 single by Kang Daniel

"Antidote"

Single by Kang Daniel
from the album  Yellow
Released| April 13, 2021 (2021-04-13)
Genre| K-pop
Length| 3:38
Label|

* Konnect
* Sony Music

Songwriter(s)|

* Kang Daniel
* JQ
* Lee Yeon-ji
* J14

Producer(s)| Jonathan Hoskins
Kang Daniel singles chronology
| "Paranoia"
(2021)  | "Antidote"
(2021)  | "Upside Down"
(2022)

|
|

Music video
"Antidote" on YouTube

"Antidote" is a song by South Korean singer Kang Daniel. It was released on April 13, 2021 by Konnect Entertainment and distributed by Sony Music Korea. The song serves as the lead single from his fourth EP Yellow.

## Background and composition

[edit]

With the single being inspired by Kang's personal experiences, he was asked what his antidote was during the difficult period he drew inspiration from. He expressed gratitude for the people around him who created "a great sense of stability" in response to this and specifically noted his manager, Konnect Entertainment's company staff as a whole, and his dance team.[1]

"Antidote" is an alternative R&B song with rock elements that blends grunge guitar riffs with 808 beats.[2][3] In an interview with fashion-industry trade journal WWD, Kang revealed that he drew inspiration for the various tracks on Yellow from his personal experiences during a difficult period in his career and is credited as the main lyricist for lead single "Antidote".[4] When asked how it connects to the pre-released single "Paranoia" that was included in the same EP, Kang explained that "if "Paranoia" represents the period going from happy to sad, "Antidote" represents the period from sad to happy".[5] Lyrically, MTV News pointed out that the song highlights the hardship and heartaches Kang has experienced throughout his career and his desire for a magical cure-all that would make them all disappear when he sings "I'm begging for the Antidote / Wipe my slate clean".[3]

## Music video

[edit]

The music video for "Antidote" was directed by Rigend Film and premiered on Konnect Entertainment's YouTube channel at 18:00 (KST) on April 13, 2021.[4] It was preceded by two teasers released on the same platform on April 7 and 12.[6][7] Konnect Entertainment noted that the storytelling in the video was connected to the previously released single "Paranoia".[6]

> In "Antidote," a silhouetted crowd aims yellow phone screens as he performs on stage. His reflection is often distorted through mirrors and water; at one point, he frantically sprints through a disorienting industrial space before emerging onto a rooftop to blue skies.

> — WWD describing the "Antidote" music video[4]

In connection with the lyrics of the song, MTV News pointed out that the visual continues that search of salvation, juxtaposing scenes of him performing in front of a crowd with him curled into a ball, hiding from the world.[3] It exceeded 10 million views in 12 hours, besting Kang's previous record and later becoming his first solo music video to exceed 30 million views, doing so in four days.[8][9]

## Commercial performance

[edit]

"Antidote" is Kang's first domestic number one single on the Gaon Digital Chart for the chart issue dated April 11–17, 2021.[10] According to the Korea Music Content Association, Kang achieved his first Gaon quadruple crown during the sixteenth week of 2021 in part due to "Antidote" ranking first in the digital, download, and BGM charts.[11] The song won a total of five music show trophies including his first Inkigayo win since debuting as a solo artist.[12]

## Critical reception

[edit]

"Antidote" was included in a hand-picked selection of songs under the name "Bop Shop" from the team at MTV News with the single being included as the only K-pop song among eight selections. Writing for MTV News, Emlyn Travis stated that the single was "raw and honest" and highlighted Kang's "artistry and humanity". In an in-depth review of the "10 Best K-pop Albums of 2021", Rolling Stone India described the lead single as "the absolute masterpiece of Yellow".[13] Flaunt also noted that the song had "mesmerizing choreography and lyrical references".[14]

Listicle for "Antidote"  Publication  | List  | Rank  | Ref.

|
|
|

MTV News | Bop Shop - These Tracks Will Get You Through the Weekend  | —  | [3]

## Live performances

[edit]

Kang performed "Antidote" on the Recording Academy's Press Play At Home as the first K-pop solo artist and third overall K-pop act to appear on the series.[15][16] Famous for its Grammy Awards, the Recording Academy noted that "K-pop singer/songwriter Kang Daniel delivers a mesmerizing performance [...] complete with colorful lights and fierce choreography."[17]

## Charts

[edit]

Chart (2021)  | Peak
position

|

South Korea (Gaon)[18] | 1
South Korea (Kpop Hot 100)[19] | 56
US World Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[20] | 21

## Accolades

[edit]

Year  | Award  | Category  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2021  | Asian Pop Music Awards[a] | Top 20 Songs of the Year – Overseas  | Won  | [22]
2021 | Gaon Chart Music Awards | Song of the Year – April  | Won  | [23]

### Music program awards

[edit]

Program  | Date  | Ref.

|
|

The Show (SBS MTV)  | April 20, 2021  | [24]
Show Champion (MBC M)  | April 21, 2021  | [25]
Music Bank (KBS2)  | April 23, 2021  | [26]
Show! Music Core (MBC)  | April 24, 2021  | [27]
Inkigayo (SBS)  | April 25, 2021  | [12]

## Release history

[edit]

Region  | Date  | Format  | Label

|
|
|

Various  | April 13, 2021  |

* Digital download
* streaming

* Konnect Entertainment
* Sony Music

## See also

[edit]

* List of Gaon Digital Chart number ones of 2021
* List of K-pop songs on the Billboard charts
* List of The Show Chart winners (2021)
* List of Show Champion Chart winners (2021)
* List of Music Bank Chart winners (2021)
* List of Show! Music Core Chart winners (2021)
* List of Inkigayo Chart winners (2021)

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Hosted by the Hong Kong Asia Pacific International Group and Sunway Records, the Asian Pop Music Awards bases its winners on the "Asian Pop Music Chart" which opened in September 2019.[21]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "강다니엘 "마음 힘들었던 시절, 나의 '안티도트'는 주위 사람들"" [Kang Daniel "When I was having a hard time, my antidote was the people around me"]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). April 13, 2021. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2022 - via Naver.
2. ^ "강다니엘 컴백 타이틀 'Antidote' 직접 작사 "기존 틀 깼다"[공식]" [Kang Daniel's comeback title 'Antidote' directly written "Breaking the Existing Mold" [Official]]. Star News (in Korean). March 26, 2021. Archived from the original on March 26, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2021 - via Naver.
3. ^ a b c d "BOP SHOP: SONGS BY TAYLOR SWIFT, TERRY PRESUME, KANG DANIEL, AND MORE". MTV News. April 16, 2021. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
4. ^ a b c "The Colorful Journey of K-pop Singer Kang Daniel". WWD. April 27, 2021. Archived from the original on April 27, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
5. ^ "Kang Daniel on vulnerable new mini-album 'Yellow': "All I have is myself and my story"". NME. April 20, 2021. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
6. ^ a b "강다니엘 'Antidote' MV 티저 공개…시공간 경계 초월" [Kang Daniel 'Antidote' MV teaser released… transcending space-time boundaries]. Newsen (in Korean). April 7, 2021. Archived from the original on February 25, 2022. Retrieved February 25, 2022 - via Naver.
7. ^ "강다니엘, 신곡 'Antidote' 마지막 티저 공개..독무 퍼포먼스" [Kang Daniel, the final teaser for the new song 'Antidote' released.. Solo performance]. Herald POP (in Korean). April 12, 2021. Archived from the original on April 11, 2021. Retrieved February 25, 2022 - via Naver.
8. ^ "강다니엘, 'Antidote' MV 12시간 만에 1천만뷰 돌파..자체 최단 [공식]" [Kang Daniel, 'Antidote' MV exceeded 10 million views in 12 hours.. Self-shortest [Official]]. Osen (in Korean). April 14, 2021. Archived from the original on April 15, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2021 - via Naver.
9. ^ "강다니엘, 'Antidote' MV 데뷔 첫 3000만뷰 돌파..뜻깊은 기록(공식)" [Kang Daniel has exceeded 30 million views for the first time since his debut with 'Antidote'.. Significant record [Official]]. Herald POP (in Korean). April 18, 2021. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021 - via Naver.
10. ^ "Kang Daniel tops South Korea's Gaon Digital and Album charts simultaneously". NME. April 22, 2021. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021.
11. ^ "강다니엘, 변화 옳았다…가온차트 4관왕" [Kang Daniel, the change was right... Gaon Chart 4 Crowns]. Ten Asia (in Korean). April 22, 2021. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021 - via Naver.
12. ^ a b "'인기가요' 강다니엘 1위·5관왕 "다니티 여러분, 항상 고맙고 사랑해♥"(종합)" ['Inkigayo' Kang Daniel 1st place·5 crowns "Danity, thank you and I love you always♥" (Total)]. Herald POP (in Korean). April 25, 2021. Archived from the original on April 25, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021 - via Naver.
13. ^ "10 Best K-Pop Albums of 2021". Rolling Stone India. December 31, 2021. Archived from the original on December 31, 2021. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
14. ^ "KANG DANIEL – THOSE OCEANIC RHYTHMS". Flaunt Magazine. May 6, 2022. Archived from the original on May 7, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
15. ^ "강다니엘, K팝 솔로 최초 그래미 '프레스플레이' 선정..5월 컴백 예고" [Kang Daniel, the first K-pop solo to be selected for Grammy's 'Press Play'.. Notice for comeback in May]. The Financial News (in Korean). April 22, 2022. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022 - via Naver.
16. ^ "Wow, Kang Daniel Is The 1st K-Pop Solo Artist To Appear In The Grammy Press Play Series". Cosmopolitan Philippines. April 25, 2022. Archived from the original on April 25, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
17. ^ "Press Play At Home: Kang Daniel Goes All Out For Jaw-Dropping "Antidote" Performance". Grammy Awards. April 21, 2022. Archived from the original on April 22, 2022. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
18. ^ "Digital Chart – Week 16 of 2021". Gaon Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
19. ^ "Korea K-pop Hot 100 – Week of April 24, 2021". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 22, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
20. ^ "World Digital Song Sales – Week of April 24, 2021". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
21. ^ "2020亚洲流行音乐大奖结果出炉 林俊杰获5奖成最大赢家". VCT News (in Chinese). December 28, 2020. Archived from the original on January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
22. ^ "【APMA 2021】亚洲流行音乐大奖2021年度获奖名单（完整版）" [[APMA 2021] Asian Pop Music Awards 2021 winners list (full version)]. Weibo (in Chinese). December 27, 2021. Archived from the original on December 27, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
23. ^ "[2022 가온차트] 아이유·강다니엘·BTS, 디지털 음원 부문 올해의 가수상" [[2022 Gaon Chart] IU · Kang Daniel · BTS, Digital Music Singer of the Year Award]. Maeil Business Newspaper (in Korean). January 27, 2022. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2022 - via Naver.
24. ^ ""다니티♥" 강다니엘, '더쇼' 초이스 1위 [종합]" ["Danity♥" Kang Daniel, 'The Show' Choice 1st place [Comprehensive]]. Osen (in Korean). April 20, 2021. Archived from the original on April 25, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2021 - via Naver.
25. ^ "'쇼챔' 강다니엘, 영광의 1위 "마지막까지 달려준 다니티에 감사" [종합]" ['Show Champion' Kang Daniel, No. 1 in Glory, "Thanks Danity for running to the end" [Comprehensive]]. Xports News (in Korean). April 21, 2021. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021 - via Naver.
26. ^ "'뮤직뱅크' 강다니엘 '안티도트' 1위 "다니티, 앞으로도 잘 부탁해..사랑♥"(종합)" ['Music Bank' Kang Daniel "Antidote" No. 1 "Danity, please continue to take care of me..Love♥" [Total]]. Herald POP (in Korean). April 23, 2021. Archived from the original on April 23, 2021. Retrieved April 23, 2021 - via Naver.
27. ^ "'음악중심' 강다니엘, 1위 4관왕..소란·피원하모니 컴백 [종합]" ['Music Core' Kang Daniel, 1st place 4 crowns [Comprehensive]]. Osen (in Korean). April 24, 2021. Archived from the original on April 24, 2021. Retrieved April 24, 2021 - via Naver.

* v
* t
* e

Kang Daniel

* Discography
* Videography
* Achievements

Studio albums|

* The Story

Extended plays|

| Korean|

* Color on Me
* Cyan
* Magenta
* Yellow
* Realiez
* Act

|

Japanese|

* Joy Ride
* Re8el

Singles|

* "What Are You Up To"
* "Touchin'"
* "2U"
* "Paranoia"
* "Antidote"
* "Upside Down"

Filmography|

| Series|

* Rookie Cops (2022)

|

Shows|

* Produce 101 Season 2
* It's Dangerous Beyond the Blankets
* Master Key
* Street Woman Fighter
* Street Dance Girls Fighter
* Street Man Fighter
* Street Woman Fighter 2

Related articles|

* Wanna One
* Konnect Entertainment

* Category
* Commons

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