Unit members Doyoung and Seungkwan of Seventeen are receiving continued praise from foreign media for their mini album 'Soya-gok.' The UK music and fashion magazine Clash praised on the 15th (local time), "'Soya-gok' is a work that deeply explores Doyoung and Seungkwan's artistic sensibility," adding, "Each track completes a perfect emotional narrative. The album follows the trajectory of relationships through delicate vocals, carefully arranged compositions, and meticulously crafted sounds and silences."

Regarding the title track 'Blue,' they described it as "a song capturing the quiet cracks of a mismatched love," explaining, "Instead of exploding with emotion, Doyoung and Seungkwan express restrained sadness through refined harmonies. This gradual development perfectly builds the story of the song."

The American music magazine Rolling Stone focused on Doyoung and Seungkwan's wide musical spectrum. They noted, "As the unit formed by the team's main vocalists, they present a sound different from before, showing how diverse Seventeen is as a team." 'Soya-gok' was introduced as an album that crosses various genres from pop rock to ballad and R&B.

The global fashion magazine Marie Claire evaluated, "Doyoung's clear and bright vocals and Seungkwan's husky tone add emotion to the songs." Billboard Philippines described the unit formation as "a natural evolution as artists for those who have worked together for a long time." Vogue Singapore introduced 'Soya-gok' by saying, "The unique charms and expressions of the two members harmonize."

The global fandom's response is also positive. 'Soya-gok' entered the Worldwide iTunes Albums chart at number two immediately after release and reached the top spot within a day. The title track 'Blue' ranked first on Bugs' real-time chart on the day of release and also reached second place on Korea's YouTube 'Trending Music' chart. As the duet challenge where fans can harmonize with Doyoung and Seungkwan spread online, it also topped Instagram's 'Rising Audio' chart.

Doyoung and Seungkwan will appear on MBC's 'Show! Music Core' on the 17th to perform 'Blue.' On the 18th, they will take the stage on SBS's 'Inkigayo' and then meet fans at the fan party 'Live in Blue.' They are also actively participating in variety shows. On the 16th, they made a surprise appearance in a comic short movie on the YouTube channel 'Nerdult,' and on the 22nd, Doyoung will appear as a guest on the web variety show 'Buseungkwan's Bibidibabidu,' hosted by Seungkwan.