In this exclusive interview, get to know the talented members of the rookie boy group ALL(H)OURS.
ALL(H)OURS, a seven-member boy group under EDEN Entertainment, burst onto the K-Pop scene with their debut mini-album All Ours on January 10, 2024. The group consisting of KUNHO (Leader, Main Vocalist), YOUMIN (Dancer, Lead Vocalist), XAYDEN (Main Rapper), MINJE (Vocalist), MASAMI (Rapper, Sub-Vocalist), HYUNBIN (Lead Rapper, Sub-Vocalist), and ON:N (Main Vocalist, Dancer, Maknae), has quickly garnered attention for their exceptional talent. Their name cleverly plays on the phrases "all ours" and "all hours," reflecting their commitment to giving their all at every moment.
Despite being newcomers, ALL(H)OURS has already demonstrated remarkable skill and versatility. The group's insane vocal prowess and dance skills have impressed both fans (endearingly called Min(ut)es) and critics. While they currently remain an underrated powerhouse in the broader K-Pop landscape, ALL(H)OURS is undoubtedly a group to keep your eyes on. Their dedication to their craft is evident in their active participation in the creative process, with all members contributing to writing "All Ours" from their debut mini-album of the same name and "Blah Blah" from their second mini-album WITNESS, released on July 2, 2024. With their rapid growth between albums - showcasing remarkable progress and maturity in just under six months - and undeniable talent, it's clear that ALL(H)OURS is not just a group to watch but one that's set to redefine the K-Pop landscape. Their trajectory suggests they're on the fast track to becoming frontrunners of the 5th generation, promising an exciting future for both the group and their devoted Min(ut)es.
In an exclusive interview with Hellokpop, ALL(H)OURS opens up about their latest release, WITNESS. The members share insights into memorable moments of the creative process, debate mint-choco, and more while working on their sophomore mini-album.
Congratulations on your second mini-album, WITNESS! If you could describe WITNESS in three words, what would they be and why?
KUNHO: Thank you. There are so many words that can define our second mini album, WITNESS, but to choose three words, it would be ambition, development, and possibility. We tried to prove our growth from our debut album, ALL OURS. With the release of WITNESS, we hope to reach more K-pop fans and diverse listeners who will be able to witness and discover ALL(H)OURS.
As a group, how have you evolved since your debut with ALL OURS earlier this year, and how does WITNESS reflect this evolution compared to your debut album?
YOUMIN: We practiced a lot to show a higher-quality performance of ALL(H)OURS by strengthening our live vocals and performance abilities. However, in this album’s promotion, I think we have been able to showcase our gained experience and our relaxed but still powerful demeanors since we debuted with “GOTCHA.”
The title track of WITNESS is "SHOCK." Can you tell us about the message behind this song and what you hope fans take away from listening to it?
XAYDEN: The concept of the new title track “SHOCK” is finding another ego hiding inside of us, personifying the ego of a goblin. This will give a new shocking wave to all K-pop listeners.
MASAMI: We are now able to show higher-quality performances, upgraded from our debut album, ALL OURS. Our title track, “SHOCK,” is up-tempo and dynamic, filled with our energy and passion, which is a key point that listeners should pay attention to. I heard this summer will be very hot and humid. Hopefully, “SHOCK” can give listeners a chill thrill, cooling off some heat.
Fans are always curious about behind-the-scenes moments. Can you share a funny or memorable moment that happened during the filming of your music video for “SHOCK?”
MINJE: When we were filming the performance scene for the “SHOCK” music video, there was fire in front of us. After finishing the performance, we went to touch up our makeup and were surprised to see ash all over our faces. We looked like we had just come from cleaning a chimney.
HYUNBIN: Another scene from the music video set that I remember is that we had to act in front of a green screen without any objects, and our members acted so well. I was surprised because none of our members had taken acting lessons before. It felt like we were filming one of the Marvel movies.
All of the members were involved in writing the b-side song "Blah Blah." Can you give us a glimpse into the songwriting process and how you collaborate as a team?
MASAMI: Writing lyrics in Korean was not easy because it’s my second language. I wrote the lyrics in Japanese first, then translated them into Korean. Whenever I had trouble finding the “right” word to translate, my members helped me translate it, making sure that it made sense.
HYUNBIN: Our company asked our members, “What if the members wrote the lyrics to our own song?” which made sense because it is our album, and it is the song that we will sing ourselves. I think we all took this as a challenge, and we wanted to do it properly and professionally. Since I am the rapper of the group, I focused on writing the rap lyrics to the song, from choosing which words to use and how to make the flow more harmonizing.
Aside from "SHOCK," WITNESS includes four other songs. Which B-side track resonates with each of you the most personally, and why?
MINJE: I like all the tracks in our second mini album, WITNESS, but personally, my favorite track is “PSYCHO MANTRA.” The concept is distinctive and unique, and because it was our first time trying such a deep and dark song like “PSYCHO MANTRA,” it felt like a new challenge for us.
ON:N: My favorite track of the second mini album, WITNESS, is “SHOCK” because it is energetic and makes me want to move and dance. But to choose from the B-side tracks, it would be “Blah Blah.” All the members took time to write the lyrics for the track, as well as “ALL OURS” from our first mini album. The song itself (“Blah Blah”) is very trendy, and it shows our ambition and passion as members of ALL(H)OURS.
It has been six months since your debut in January. What are some of the most memorable moments you've experienced during this time?
XAYDEN: The most memorable moment after debut is, obviously, our debut showcase. Performing in front of so many people felt so different; it was life-changing. From practicing with just our members or showing what we practiced to our teachers to performing in front of a whole crowd of our fans felt like a dream, and if it was a dream, I would not want to wake up forever.
MINJE: I remember both the busking before our debut and the busking promotion for our first comeback very fondly. It was so much fun. During busking, when we showed fans stages that hadn't been revealed before, I felt exhilarated watching their reactions. Fans anticipated our performances, and seeing them excited made us nervous and thrilled at the same time.
We were lucky to see you during your debut period in Seoul at Simply Kpop Con-Tour in February. Your performance of “WAO WAO” was impressive, with its strong lyrics, beat, and powerful choreography. Do you ever feel nervous before going on stage, and how do you prepare to deliver such powerful performances?
KUNHO: Before stepping onto the stage, I do get nervous about making mistakes, but the excitement of showing a great performance to our fans and the audience outweighs it. Our title track, “SHOCK,” took about three to four months from the moment we received the song to record it and learn the choreography, and then we performed it on stage. From morning till night, we sweated it out with the members to showcase it to our fans and everyone who loves K-pop.
YOUMIN: However, our practice doesn't end once just because our activities have started. We always make it a point to monitor our performances after being on stage. This allows us to continually synchronize with each other and ensure we present an even better performance in the future.
To lighten the mood, can each member share one item they absolutely can't leave the house without?
KUNHO: My wallet. It has my identification card, transit card, and my money as well!
YOUMIN: I always carry my lip balm around. Min(ut)es advised me to apply it every day, and thanks to my fans, my lips always stay moisturized.
XAYDEN: I need to always have my hat; it is essential for me.
MINJE: I cannot leave my house without my phone because I need to use the map to find directions and to communicate with the members.
MASAMI: It would be my earphones; I get bored when I do not listen to music.
HYUNBIN: I usually do not like to carry many things when I leave my house, but when I do, I stuff my wallet and earphones in my pocket.
ON:N: I have to take my bag with me. In my bag, I have a pouch, a charger, and propolis candies.
Mint-choco - Love or Not?
Mint-choco lovers: XAYDEN, MASAMI, YOUMIN, ON:N
Mint-choco haters: KUNHO, HYUNBIN, MINJE
If you could swap places with another member during your next comeback, who would you choose and why?
KUNHO: If I must switch my position with another member, it would be YOUMIN, because I am actually jealous of his flexibility when he dances.
YOUMIN: I would like to switch with ON:N because I think ON:N has parts that showcase his vocal abilities.
XAYDEN: I want to try taking on some sub-vocal parts. I have a bit of ambition when it comes to vocals. Since we do not have defined positions, it is hard to say exactly who I want to swap with.
MINJE: I would like to take XAYDEN’s place because I want to try rapping with a low voice.
MASAMI: I would like to take KUNHO’s position because he can sing and rap simultaneously. I would also like to try a vocal position someday.
HYUNBIN: Personally, I would like to take MINJE’s position because I have done rapping so far, so this time, I would like to try singing vocals.
ON:N: I would like to swap with XAYDEN because he has the opposite position and physicality to what I have. I think it would be fun to experience it.
Who or what inspires your songwriting, and how do you incorporate these influences into your music?
MINJE: The reason we are able to create exciting and danceable music is thanks to the energy and love our fans have given us. We have gained a lot of inspiration from seeing fans enjoy our music and have fun with it.
XAYDEN: I also gained a lot of inspiration from listening to various types of music and watching performances by different artists. We were greatly influenced by the powerful performances and energy of senior groups like Stray Kids.
What are some of your goals for the future as a group, both in terms of music and your overall career?
MASAMI: Our goal for this promotion is to receive love from many people through our music and performances. Especially, we hope that “SHOCK” receives a lot of love so that we can perform it on various stages.
KUNHO: As a group, we have many goals we want to achieve, but our biggest aim is to be recognized on the global stage for our unique music and powerful performances. While trying out various genres and styles, we want to maintain our distinct identity and continue to grow through communication with our fans. It is also our dream to meet fans from all over the world in person, perform for them, and share ALL(H)OURS' energy with the world. By continuously striving and challenging ourselves, our goal is to become the best group in both our music and live performances.
Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you can share with us?
MASAMI: Although we cannot give you specifics yet, we are working hard day and night to reach out to as many Min(ut)es as possible. We are planning to get even closer to our fans, so we ask for your continued interest and love for ALL(H)OURS.
Lastly, please leave a message Min(ut)e.
KUNHO: Hi Min(ut)e! Thank you for always liking us, believing in us, and cheering for us! Thanks to all of you, we feel strong enough to keep moving forward once again. Just like our team name, which means “giving our best at every moment,” we will cherish every single stage! We are always thankful for your presence. Thank you for being our motivation.
YOUMIN: Min(ut)e! Thank you for being by our side and always cheering for us. Whenever you get tired, do not forget that we are always here for you as well! We will do our best, thinking of our Min(ut)es on stage and offstage as well. Thank you, Min(ut)es. I love you so much!
XAYDEN: Now that we have returned with an even more intense and passionate album, let's rock this summer together!
MINJE: We will make sure to create awesome stages that you can enjoy as much as the support Min(ut)es are sending us!
MASAMI: Let’s stay together forever, Min(ut)es!
HYUNBIN: Min(ut)e! It has been six months already from “WAO WAO” to “SHOCK.” Thank you so much for waiting. We will try our best to show you everything. Stay with us forever and ever! I love you.
ON:N: To our Min(ut)es, do not forget that because you exist, we, ALL(H)OURS, exist. We will try our best and give everything to you so that we do not disappoint you. Stay with us, and keep sending us your love!!
Connect with the members of ALL(H)OURS on Instagram, X, X(members), TikTok, and YouTube.
Listen to their discography on Spotify or Apple Music.
*Special thanks to the members of ALL(H)OURS, EDEN Entertainment, and Helix Publicity for this exclusive interview.
Image and Video Credits: EDEN Entertainment