Join me as I go behind the scenes with Bae JinYoung, BX, Hyunsuk, Seunghun, and Yonghee for their latest album, “0 to 1.”
Since their debut in 2019 with the captivating mini-album 'Hello' Chapter 1: Hello, Stranger,' CIX, the five-member boy group under C9 Entertainment, has been a force of innovation in the K-pop scene. With members BAEJINYOUNG, BX, HYUNSUK, SEUNGHUN, and YONGHEE, the group has continually pushed the boundaries of creativity, captivating audiences with each subsequent project. From the enigmatic world explored in the 'Hello' Chapter series to the introspective narratives of the 'OK' Prologue and Episodes, CIX has cemented its reputation as trailblazers.
With their latest release, ‘0 to 1,’ CIX took it a step further, using a series of tantalizing AI-generated teaser videos and futuristic-themed concept images to hint at the innovative direction of their first single album. The group’s musical abilities and development were further highlighted in the addicting title track, “Lovers or Enemies,” leaving fans curious and excited for what CIX’s new chapter will unveil. Once more, CIX affirmed its one-of-a-kind status in the industry, showcasing an unparalleled discography that introduces new and fresh songs with every comeback. The members consistently present captivating visuals, each time providing unique perspectives and compelling storylines.
In this exclusive interview, CIX provides insights into the creative process behind "0 to 1," challenges, they faced, feelings on the end of the "OK" series, and of course, FIX. Let’s dive in.
Congratulations on your comeback with “0 or 1.” What messages or feelings do you hope fans take away from your new music?
BAEJINYOUNG: FIX is the being that moves us! We hope our fans know that FIX is the only one for us, and it would be fun if you felt the straightforward message we are trying to convey through this album and interpreted it with your own emotions.
HYUNSUK: We hope you listen carefully and consider our direct expression of love. The song will sound more interesting if you focus on its message.
This is your first comeback in eight months. How did the group spend this time, and how has it influenced the creative direction of the new album?
SEUNGHUN: I took a good rest and focused on maintaining my physical health for this promotion. Thanks to such physical management, I could distribute my physical strength much more efficiently when dancing.
YONGHEE: We each practiced, exercised, and cared for ourselves regularly to enhance our charms, and I believe the results are well reflected in this concept.
As your first single album, "0 or 1" represents a fresh start for CIX. How does it signal a new chapter, especially considering the closure of the "OK" album series over the summer?
YONGHEE: It would be great to think of this as a chapter where you can take a break from our universe after completing the ‘OK’ album series. It maintains CIX’s unique styles but expresses a different side of us that has never been seen before. This single album, 0 or 1, is composed of two songs, “Lovers or Enemies,” a straightforward confessional song telling people to choose between being a lover or an enemy, and “My Name is Shadow,” which contains a message of dedicated love that it is okay to be someone’s shadow.
The title track, "Lovers or Enemies," explores a dance-pop genre with retro elements. What inspired this musical choice, and how does it contribute to the overall theme of the album?
SEUNGHUN: It felt retro yet sophisticated and cute yet sexy. We thought we could show our unique side through music that has many different charms simultaneously. We also wanted to express the complex feelings of love in various ways through elements such as lyrics and choreography of the B-side track, “My Name Is Shadow.”
Can you share details about the creative process behind "Lovers or Enemies"? Any interesting TMIs or challenges faced while working on the song?
BX: We really liked the song when we heard it, but we also felt worried about whether the song would go well with the choreography if we were to incorporate one. When we saw the choreography after it came out, contrary to our worries, we were glad that the song and choreography went well together, so we were able to work and proceed with a little more peace of mind.
BAEJINYOUNG: I initially had a hard time figuring out the AI concept. But I personally enjoy challenges, so I worked on this album thinking about how I could incorporate this concept into the song.
The album teasers feature AI versions of yourselves. How did this concept come about, and what role do these AI representations play in the storytelling of "0 or 1"?
SEUNGHUN: We thought it was a way of thinking similar to a computer binary system to express very complex feelings of love as 0 or 1, just like the lyrics of “Lovers or Enemies.” As we were thinking about what an android would look like as it realizes its emotions, we thought it would be fun to express it by turning it into a humanoid.
Closing the "OK" album series marked the end of a significant chapter. How do you reflect on the growth and evolution of CIX throughout this series, and what lessons have you learned?
YONGHEE: I am proud that this series has shown growth in all aspects and is well-loved by fans. If I’ve learned anything from this series, it would be about life.
HYUNSUK: I believe that the concept and on-stage expression have improved further through various experiences. We learned that we can excel in certain elements or challenges.
With the closure of the "OK" series, what specific messages or emotions do you want listeners to take away from "0 or 1”?
BX: We hope you look forward to a more diverse style from CIX in the future, and hope you have more expectations for us.
HYUNSUK: We would like to say that we can express certain concepts well through certain songs, and we hope that you will take away the message or emotion we are trying to convey.
As a group, how do you navigate individual growth while maintaining a cohesive sound and image for CIX? Are there challenges in balancing personal artistic expression within a collective vision?
BX: For our group work, I enjoy working in our distinctive colors. When I work alone, I can focus on songs in a style I like, so I think both have their charm and I maintain a balance by going back and forth between the two. We talk to each other, share a vision as a group, and try to bring that vision to life together. I believe that the process itself contributes to our personal growth.
BAEJINYOUNG: It seems like we are striking a balance by talking and thinking together a lot. There are always difficulties and novelties, and because we want to do well every time and show only our best side, we put a lot of effort into practicing and overcoming difficulties to grow.
Looking ahead, what goals or aspirations do you have for CIX? How do you envision the group's growth in the coming months and years?
YONGHEE: Our goal and dream is to meet more FIX and show good performances. If we work hard and do our best to show this kind of stage, we will be able to meet more FIX and become a more developed team.
HYUNSUK: We want to do more things in the future so that more people can like us while maintaining our unique colors. If we move forward at our own pace, we cannot predict growth in detail, but we will become a more improved CIX than now.
Lastly, do you have a message you want to share for your FIX across the globe?
BX: To all FIX around the world, thank you for always being with us. We will meet you soon, so please wait a little more. We love you!
BAEJINYOUNG: FIX! I will always be with you so, please stay healthy always. We love you!
Listen to CIX’s discography on Spotify or Apple Music.
Connect with the members on Instagram, X, X (members), TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Weibo, and Fan Cafe.
*Special thanks to the members of CIX, C9 Entertainment, and Helix Publicity for this exclusive interview.
Image & Video Credits: C9 Entertainment