MIRAE, a seven-member boy group under DSP Media, made its first appearance as a group in the K-Pop scene on March 17, 2021, with the release of their first mini album, KILLA. Consisting of highly talented members, JUNHYUK, LIEN, DOHYUN, KHAEL, DONGPYO, SIYOUNG, and YUBIN, the group first caught our attention with their debut title track of the same name.
The boys of MIRAE have already shown tremendous potential, both on and off stage. With strong vocals and rap, eye-popping synchronization, and adorable charms, it's no wonder the group has captured the attention of fans across the globe. However, MIRAE takes its talents a step further, with various members participating in writing, composing, and producing songs for the group.
After nearly ten months, MIRAE is ready to return to the K-Pop scene with a new album titled Boys Will Be Boys. Boys Will Be Boys serves as the septet’s fifth mini-album and tells the story of the typical and unsurprising behavior of energetic young men. Members KHAEL and JUNHYUK contributed their songwriting talents to the track “So Different,” with KHAEL also producing the title track “JUMP,” among a few others on the album.
To celebrate the release of Boys Will Be Boys on July 19th, MIRAE sat down with Hellokpop to discuss the album, share what the phrase “boys will be boys” means to them, what they bring to K-Pop, and more. Keep reading to know more about MIRAE!
Disclaimer: MIRAE leader JUNHYUK is currently on hiatus due to suffering an injury on the set of their music video and was not available for this interview. We wish him a speedy recovery!
Congratulations on your upcoming fifth mini-album, “Boys will be Boys.” Can you share the concept of the album?
MIRAE (KHAEL): The previous album, OURTURN, contained the image of a dreamy boy. Whereas this album, Boys will be Boys, contains a more refreshing and sporty image of a boy.
MIRAE (YUBIN): This is an album that goes well with the current season, summer. We will deliver not only the freshness of upgraded MIRAE but also brighter energy.
Your albums always convey something meaningful. Is there something in the “Boys will be Boys” storyline you find the most interesting?
MIRAE (LIEN): Since it's the first refreshing concept we're going to show you, I think "JUMP!" was really fun, and it was also interesting while preparing for "GIRL."
MIRAE (SIYOUNG): I think it was very interesting to see a boy who doesn't know the feeling of love expressing the message, "What is love?"
The phrase “Boys will be Boys” can mean various things. How would each member define it in your own words?
MIRAE (LIEN): It hasn't been completely shown so far, but in fact, all MIRAE members originally had boyish charms! I think it's the meaning of the album.
MIRAE (DOHYUN): I heard that the phrase "Boys will be Boys" means "All boys are like that!" But we think, paradoxically, that each of us shows our individuality. In this album, there are also boys who feel and get to know the feelings of love for the first time by asking the question, "What is love?" You can see how each boy expresses love in various ways.
MIRAE (DONGPYO): I want those who watch and listen to our performances and music to say, "As expected, MIRAE is the future.” I want you to feel that we are irreplaceable.
MIRAE (YUBIN): We’ll show you our charms. Please watch over us.
MIRAE (KHAEL): Leave it alone. That's the charm.
MIRAE (SIYOUNG): I think I interpreted it to mean, "Boys are still immature." I think it's the stage of adapting to this society, and the small mistakes made by pure boys are not yet good at it, and I think it works as cuteness.
You seem to be having a great time together. Are there any memorable behind-the-scenes stories from filming the music video or recording the tracks on the album?
MIRAE (DONGPYO): In this music video, there were a lot of scenes where the members had to talk or contact each other among the music videos up to this point. It was a bit awkward since there hadn't been any scenes like that before, but it was fun and new. It was also nice to get in the car together and laugh and act. It was like playing together at night.
MIRAE (DOHYUN): This time, while filming the music video, JUNHYUK was injured, and it was very sad. I want him to recover quickly and work together.
Which member do you think perfectly fits the new concept the best?
MIRAE (DONGPYO): I think we all fit the concept very well! I think that the youthful beauty and coolness of MIRAE are well expressed and us.
MIRAE (KHAEL): I'll pick myself. I like my rap!
MIRAE (LIEN): I think it’s Lien. He’s such a grape baby cutie.
MIRAE (DOHYUN): I think all the members look good together. Everyone is over 20 years old now, but I think the advantage of MIRAE is that the freshness of teenagers remains. I think that's why this concept fits well for us.
MIRAE (YUBIN): I think this album is very refreshing, so all of our members fit well together. Everyone fits the concept well, but I think I look the best among them.
MIRAE (SIYOUNG): I thought the maknae Yubin looked the best. It's a concept that's perfect for his age, and I think there are members whose color matches this album the best.