Trainees from BOYS PLANET Come Together to Debut as EVNNE on September 19.
EVNNE, the seven-member sensation from Jellyfish Entertainment, has made a resounding entrance with its debut mini-album, [Target: ME]. Throughout this album, KEITA, PARK HANBIN, LEE JEONGHYEON, YOO SEUNGEON, JI YUNSEO, MUN JUNGHYUN, and PARK JIHOO unveil their multifaceted talents: at one moment, they radiate with boundless ambition and wild energy, and in the next, they effortlessly summon their inner boyish charm. It's a thrilling musical journey from start to finish, meticulously crafted to capture the affection of global fans.
From discussing their musical inspirations to the thrilling journey of crafting their debut album, we get an up-close and personal look at the rising stars in their recent media roundtable.
The world of audition programs is notorious for its physical and mental challenges, a grueling path strewn with trials and tribulations. Yet, for EVNNE, the journey through these trials became a repository of invaluable memories. YOO SEUNGEON reflects on the experience, sharing some profound insights into their journey. "Spending time with peers who share the same dream and experienced seniors who have already debuted provided invaluable learning opportunities," he revealed. These experiences offered "valuable insights into the mindset and preparations required before stepping on stage, how to approach practice sessions, ways to look at the camera, and stage etiquette from these seniors who have the prior experience of making a debut."
EVNNE's star is not just rising in South Korea but has transcended borders, captivating a sizable international fanbase. Their fans, spread across the globe, eagerly anticipate the day they can hear EVNNE's music live and witness their electrifying performances in person. PARK JIHOO, with heartfelt gratitude, reassures their international supporters, saying, "We are eager to meet you all in person as soon as the time allows. If possible, we would love to come and see you right now!" The warmth and sincerity in his words undoubtedly make that day of an in-person encounter even more eagerly anticipated.
The name EVNNE exudes a celestial aura, hinting at star imagery and aspirations. When asked to envision their group as a constellation, JI YUNSEO sees their group as the Big Dipper. Just like the seven stars that make up this iconic constellation, EVNNE shines brightly in the K-pop sky, serving as navigators for their fans. Much like people find solace in looking at the Big Dipper, one of the most well-known constellations, they aspire to provide comfort and familiarity to their fans. In specific reference to the meaning of their name, "Evening’s Newest Étoiles" holds deep significance to the members. Just like it suggests, EVNNE is committed to living up to the essence of its name, intending to showcase all the diverse charms and talents they possess as a group, illuminating the K-Pop sky with their brilliance.
In their debut mini-album, [Target: ME], EVNNE explored their creative sides as JI YUNSEO and LEE JEONGHYEON participated in the writing lyrics for "JUKEBOX" while JI YUNSEO and KEITA participated in writing "Even More." JI YUNSEO, driven by a deep-seated passion for the creative process, seized the opportunity to contribute to their debut album without hesitation. "JUKEBOX" carries a profound message: encouraging listeners to escape from reality and savor the present moment. The lyrics, a result of discussions between JI YUNSEO and LEE JEONGHYEON, reflect their commitment to shaping the creative concept of their debut album. EVNNE's involvement in the album's conceptualization emphasizes its dedication to providing fans with a multifaceted experience.
The road to debut isn't just about discipline and dedication; it's also about fun and camaraderie. MUN JUNGHYUN recounts one such amusing memory during the filming of their music video. "In the music video, there's a scene where we spin the roulette and place bets. When we were filming this scene, it was our first attempt at acting, and it felt quite awkward initially. We realized there were areas where we needed improvement, so we asked KEITA for advice quite a bit. At the start, all of us were somewhat uncomfortable with the acting, but after practice and reviewing the footage, we were ultimately pleased with the final result." This willingness to embrace challenges, learn, and grow together exemplifies their dynamic approach to their careers.
"TROUBLE," the album's title track, boasts a powerful and unforgettable chorus. PARK HANBIN aptly identifies it as the song's killing part, with its pulsating beats and electrifying choreography, delivering a musical experience that is both captivating and dynamic. The chorus is the heart of the song, where EVNNE's infectious energy and passion shine through.
Furthermore, the music video for "TROUBLE" is a visual delight, adorned with subtle details and hidden gems for viewers to discover. YOO SEUNGEON shared, "The intro of the music video is meant to showcase our troublemaker side. We engage in activities like spray-painting and riding bicycles while throwing smoke bombs, and there are wanted posters with our faces on them. These scenes are intended to portray us as troublemakers who are aiming to bring change to the world. It's one of the noteworthy details in our music video." When combined, all elements contribute to the portrayal of EVNNE as change-makers on a mission to leave an indelible mark on the world.
To encapsulate their debut album, [Target: ME], each member offers a unique perspective, using a single word or phrase. These descriptions collectively convey the album's multifaceted nature. From KEITA dubbing it "reborn" to LEE JEONGHYEON likening it to a "colorful mix of styles, much like a rainbow," their array of expressions hints at the dynamic and vibrant musical journey they beckon their audience to partake in.
Additionally, the album bears the imprint of their hip-hop influences while still exploring a wide spectrum of sounds. When asked to recommend a song for first-time listeners, YOO SEUNGEON enthusiastically endorsed the b-side track "Role Model." He explained, "We grew up listening to K-Pop, and we aspire to be role models for others, so this song holds a special place in our hearts. It's an exciting track that perfectly encapsulates our team's energetic and fun-loving spirit on stage." Further inspired by the song, YOO SEUNGEON also shared that if given the chance, he would love to spend a day with his role model, BAEKHYUN, engaging in fun challenges and topping it off with a memorable karaoke session.
KEITA, EVNNE's leader and the most experienced artist within the group carries the mantle of leadership with grace and humility. He emphasized, "Initially when I took the role of the group's leader, I had my doubts about whether I could fulfill the role effectively. However, as time has passed, I realized that all the other members are incredibly passionate and talented performers. I wouldn't describe it as me leading the group; instead, we are collectively forging a new path and progressing together." Unquestionably, his position serves as a constant source of motivation and energy, inspiring the entire group to move forward with a shared vision.
For the future, EVNNE hopes to be remembered as an all-around group where every member excels in various positions, embodying the spirit of all-rounders rather than being confined to specific roles. They invite their fans to look forward to the boundless possibilities they plan to explore.
As we eagerly await future activities, EVNNE keeps the door wide open to their imagination. When asked about their future plans and the colors they wish to emulate, JI YUNSEO emphasizes versatility and boundless possibilities. Their strength lies in their versatility and their ability to excel in any concept, and they don't want to limit themselves to a specific style or image. Instead, they aspire to evolve continually, offering limitless possibilities to their fans.
Listen to their discography on Spotify and Apple Music.
*Special thanks to the members of EVNNE, Jellyfish Entertainment, and Helix Publicity for inviting me to participate in this media roundtable.