What makes Base by Kim Jong-hyun notable?

'Base' received critical acclaim and commercial success, peaking at number one on the Gaon Album Chart. It helped establish Kim Jong-hyun as a serious solo artist within the K-pop industry, influencing future artists to pursue similar genre-blending approaches in their music. Released on January 1, 2015, 'Base' marked Kim Jong-hyun's debut solo EP following his success with SHINee. At this point, he was solidifying his identity as a solo artist while continuing to be a prominent figure in K-pop. The EP showcased his artistic direction, blending various genres while exploring personal themes.