On May 2, 2022, Konnect Entertainment posted a surprise comeback trailer video for what would be Kang Daniel's first full-length album The Story, set for release on May 24.

[10] A press conference was held on May 24 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas for the release of Kang's first full-length album.

[21] In an article collecting Brazilian entertainment website Omelete's favorite albums of 2022, Kang's catalogue of music was described as having a theatrical edge that was enhanced with the release of The Story and its repackage The Story: Retold due to the composition, music video, and choreography attached to the different tracks of the album.

Writing for the publication, Caio Coletti highlighted certain tracks by describing "Parade" as "a melodically mesmerizing elegy" and "Nirvana" as "evoking an intoxicating urban romance".

[24] This marked his US television debut with host Kelly Clarkson introducing him as "one of the most successful K-pop solo acts to date".