Get to know the coolest guys in K-Pop, GREATGUYS, a veteran group that oozes charisma and talent.
GREATGUYS is an eight-member boy group under DNA Entertainment. It made its debut on August 25, 2017, and became a promising act of third-generation K-Pop with its synth-pop track "Last Men." The group captured the public's attention both domestically in Korea and abroad. The name "GreatGuys" signifies the group's ability to show a cool image on and off the stage, with each member assigned a different "cool guy image."
Consisting of all-rounded members Horyeong, Haneul, Daun, Donghwi, Dongin, Hwalchan, Uiyeon, and Baekgyeol, the group first caught our attention with their tropical dance song "Ganda." With charming vocals, masterfully synchronized dance skills, and captivating charms, GREATGUYS is a group worth anticipating every release and performance.
The men of GREATGUYS have already shown tremendous potential since their debut, winning the Rookie of the Year Award at the 2018 Asia Model Awards and Bright New Artist Award at the 2019 Issue Daily Awards. The members have various talents behind the scenes, including creating their own choreography for performances. In particular, member Dongin is an expert craftsman, writing and composing many of the group's tracks.
The group is set to return to the K-pop scene with the RECORD OF YOUTH EP. 1: DESTINY, marking their first comeback in almost eleven months since We're Not Alone Final: Only You, which was released back in July of 2022.
RECORD OF YOUTH EP. 1 DESTINY is the octuplet's fifth mini-album, featuring the title track "Luv Luv Luv," and the B-sides song "only U," along with Japanese and instrumental versions of both songs. The title song is a catchy song with refreshing lyrics, and GREATGUYS' distinctive vocal color blends well with the exciting backbeat, creating a pleasant energy.
Ahead of the release of their upcoming release of their fifth mini-album, RECORD OF YOUTH EP. 1 DESTINY (drops June 18 at 12PM KST), GREATGUYS spoke with me about preparing for the new album, their goals for the future, and more.
Congratulations on the upcoming release of your fifth mini-album, "RECORD OF YOUTH EP. 1 DESTINY!" It's been almost a year since your last album, "We're Not Alone Final: Only You," was released. How does it feel to be back in the K-pop scene, preparing for the album, recording the songs, preparing for promotions, and all that?
GREATGUYS (HORYEONG): Every time we release a new album, we realize once again how happy we are to be able to stand on stage like this. We sincerely thank our fans, who always stand by us and support us so that we can release a new album.
Could you share with us some of your favorite moments/highlights, from recording the tracks to filming the music video for the new album?
GREATGUYS (HANEUL): The title song, "LUV LUV LUV," is suitable for short-form content that anyone can follow. It includes very easy choreography. I had the most fun filming it when recording that part and shooting the music video, and I think I can say that it is the highlight of "LUV LUV LUV."
Were there any challenges or pressures you faced as a group during the preparation of this album? If so, how did you overcome it?
GREATGUYS (DAUN): Hmm. What was difficult was that this album is GREATGUYS' 5th mini-album. We have a total of nine albums, including the digital single album, so I was afraid that this album could do well. But we have GRACE, so I was able to be brave and try again.
What is the meaning behind the album’s name, "RECORD OF YOUTH EP. 1: DESTINY?" Could you tell us more about the album and the songs on it? What story does it tell?
GREATGUYS (BAEKGYEOL): "RECORD OF YOUTH EP. 1: DESTINY" is an album where GREATGUYS look back on the time they have spent since their debut until now and make new memories without forgetting the time so far. This is a new series that starts to record our time together as good memories for a lifetime. "LUV LUV LUV" means nothing else. It is a very lovely song where GREATGUYS confesses to GRACE that they want to be together forever and that they love and are very thankful for them.
What makes this album different from your previous releases? What do you want to show fans this time around?
GREATGUYS (DONGHWI): I wanted to convey my heart with this album. It is a very lovely album, showing GRACE the sweet side of GREATGUYS and that there are so many memories to be made with them in the future.
Which song from "RECORD OF YOUTH EP. 1: DESTINY" would you recommend the most to anyone who will listen to this album?
GREATGUYS (DONGIN): The title track, "Luv Luv Luv," is a synth-wave song with a cool and refreshing pluck sound lead and addictive vocal sampling. It allows you to fully experience the charms of GREATGUYS.
How do you incorporate your own colors into GREATGUYS?
GREATGUYS(HWALCHAN): We, GREATGUYS, try to show our fans a variety of sides every time we release a new album. So, instead of sticking to one color, we set the message we want to convey for each album—sometimes it's red, sometimes it's blue. For reference, the color of this album is a very lovely pink.
Do you have any specific goals for your comeback? Are there any long-term goals you’d like to achieve for your group?
GREATGUYS (UIYEON): It seems like the goal of a lot of idol groups right now is to enter the 'Billboard Hot 100,' but I am well aware that it is a very difficult task. But to be honest, we also hope that this title track, "LUV LUV LUV," will make it to the 'Billboard HOT 100,' and furthermore, it will be ranked in the Top 10. While doing an arena world tour, I want to meet and communicate with people all over the world in person and make new memories. We want to be a group that can be remembered.
In addition to preparing for your comeback, how have you been spending time over the past few weeks?
GREATGUYS (DAUN): I am busy every day. Right now, we are holding concerts in Japan ahead of our comeback. After the concert is over, I go back to the practice room and practice for our comeback.
You've been to places like Europe, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. Are there any countries you’d like to visit or have a concert in the future?
GREATGUYS (HORYEONG): I really want to visit the United States because K-pop is very popular there right now.
This year marks GreatGuy's 6th anniversary - congratulations! What has been the most memorable experience or favorite moment of your career thus far?
GREATGUYS (DONGHWI): We, GREATGUYS, have never won first place on a music show and haven't achieved anything big yet. However, because I did not give up and ran harder than anyone else, the past six years have been so precious and memorable. I really liked and enjoyed all the moments when I met the fans in person and performed on stage.
In three words, how would you describe GREATGUYS?
GREATGUYS (HWALCHAN): In Korean, it is ‘너와나’ (neowana), and in English, it is ‘you and me’. The reason is that GREATGUYS can exist together with GRACE.
What's an interesting fact about you that your fans don't know?
GREATGUYS (HORYEONG): He has a friendly personality, dances very well, and has a great sense of humor!
GREATGUYS (DONGHWI): Unlike his cute visual, he has a very manly appearance with a twisted charm.
GREATGUYS (UIYEON): He has an attractive 4D personality.
GREATGUYS (HWALCHAN): He is a muscular man who is good at all kinds of sports and has a pretty smile.
GREATGUYS (DONGIN): He has naughty eyes, but he has a very cute charm.
GREATGUYS (DAUN): He is a warm-hearted person who is comfortable and fun, like a friend.
GREATGUYS (BAEKGYEOL): His tension is always good on stage and in everyday life, so the atmosphere is great.
GREATGUYS (HANEUL): He is a muscular man with a beautiful dance line and good self-management.
What does being a part of GREATGUYS mean to you? How do you continue to inspire and motivate each other every day?
GREATGUYS (BAEKGYEOL): GREATGUYS is a family that will be with you for the rest of your life. So, like real brothers, we worry about each other, care for each other, fill in each other's shortcomings, give each other advice, and try to improve every day.
How do you maintain your cohesion/harmony as a group?
GREATGUYS (HORYEONG): We gather once a week to share and talk about what we have to do in the future, what we are currently worried about, and what we feel sorry for towards each other.
Lastly, please leave a message to everyone reading this, as well as your fans around the world.
GREATGUYS (ALL): Thank you for reading GREATGUYS' interview. On June 18, we will make a comeback with our new album, "RECORD OF YOUTH EP. 1 DESTINY," and the title track, "LUV LUV LUV." It's a really lovely song that you can easily enjoy listening to with your family, friends, and lovers.
Please listen to "LUV LUV LUV" a lot, and thanks for sharing it in advance! We, GREATGUYS, will continue to learn a lot from you, strive to do our best, and convey happiness to many people. GRACE: Let's always be happy and love! Thank you!
You can follow GREATGUYS on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Official Fan Cafe.
Check out their discography on Spotify.
Photos and Videos Courtesy Of DNA Entertainment
Thanks to the members of GREATGUYS and DNA Entertainment for this exclusive interview.