Go behind the scenes with DRIPPIN as they offer fans an exclusive peek into the creative process behind their highly anticipated fourth single album, 'Beautiful Maze,' in this exclusive interview.
DRIPPIN, the sensational six-member boy group under Woollim Entertainment, is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated fourth single album, "Beautiful Maze," set to drop on April 3rd. Following their debut in October 2020 with the captivating mini-album "Boyager," DRIPPIN has consistently impressed with their exceptional talent and unwavering passion for music. Comprising members Hyeop, Yunseong, Changuk, Dongyun, Minseo, and Junho, this powerhouse group has captivated audiences with its dynamic performances and infectious energy.
Since its debut, DRIPPIN has been on a remarkable journey of musical exploration, releasing a series of impactful projects that have solidified its position in the industry. From mini albums like "A Better Tomorrow" and "Villain" to their studio album "Villain: The End," DRIPPIN has showcased their versatility and ability to evolve with each release. Their previous single albums, including "Free Pass," "Villain: Zero," and "Seven Sins," have garnered widespread acclaim and further established their reputation as rising stars in the K-pop scene. Now, with "Beautiful Maze," DRIPPIN is poised to captivate listeners once again with their unique blend of charisma and talent.
In an exclusive interview with DRIPPIN, the members express their excitement and anticipation for "Beautiful Maze," sharing insights into the creative process behind the album and their hopes for the future. From reflecting on how they’ve grown from their last release to the messages they want to convey through this comeback, DRIPPIN offers DREAMING a glimpse into the passion and dedication that drives their artistry.
Disclaimer: Although member Changuk participated in the album's recording, he is currently on a hiatus due to health issues.*
Congratulations on your first comeback in nearly a year! How does it feel to be back with new music for your fans?
YUNSEONG: Since we are making a comeback after a year, I am excited to meet DREAMIN as soon as possible and make great memories.
MINSEO: This is our first comeback after a long time, and I'm really sorry to DREAMIN for not being able to come back earlier. I will give great performances this time!
Can you tell us the message or theme you wanted to convey to your fans through this comeback album?
HYEOP: This is a new beginning with DREAMIN, with a new look for our DRIPPIN. We ask you to look forward to it.
What was the creative process like for this album?
JUNHO: I think I put the most effort into it out of all the albums. I paid a lot of attention to time and concentration, and it was that hard.
DONGYUN: For this album, we spent a lot of time recording and revising the point choreography in a better direction, so it was a period of careful preparation.
Each member brings a unique energy to the group. How did you collaborate to ensure energy translated into the music and visuals for this comeback?
JUNHO: The members paid a lot of attention to identifying their own style and styling to look their best, and also paid attention to weight control to fit the outfits well.
HYEOP: We all took good care of ourselves and worked hard to express ourselves more musically.
What was the most rewarding part of working on this album for each member?
YUNSEONG: I had the role of main point of the song, and it was quite rewarding as I tried to keep that part from looking ugly.
DONGYUN: It was rewarding when the choreography for the title song was completed.
HKP: Can you share any funny or memorable moments from the music video shoot for the title track? Is there anything fans should keep an eye out for?
YUNSEONG: In the evening, there was a scene in front of a fire, and it looked like a caveman, which was funny. There are quick shots of each of our faces, so I hope you don’t miss that part!!
MINSEO: The most impressive scene was running all together. It was really cute to see all the members laughing and running together.
Among the tracks on the album, what song is your favorite and why?
YUNSEONG: When I first heard ‘Get LOUD,’ I thought it was kind of bright, and DREAMIN would like it. So, if I were to choose a song other than the title song, I would say ‘Get LOUD.’
JUNHO: ‘Get LOUD’ is my favorite song. It has bright and exciting energy. When I feel down or have a hard time, I listen to this song!
DONGYUN: My favorite song is our title song, ‘Beautiful MAZE,’ because it has my favorite beat style!!
MINSEO: I like ‘Get LOUD’ because it’s a refreshing and bright song.
HYEOP: I will say, ‘Get LOUD.’ DREAMIN and many other people can enjoy listening to it comfortably.
Your songs' lyrics often resonate deeply with listeners. Can you highlight any particular lyrics from this album that hold special meaning for the group?
JUNHO: From ‘Get LOUD,’ I like the lyric, “A picturesque scene is perfect with just you.” I was touchy because I felt a lot of love for “you” in that particular lyric.
HYEOP: In ‘Get LOUD,’ the lyric “My bursting heart, until it reaches to you” is meaningful because I sang that part in hopes of conveying the gratitude and love I feel to DREAMIN.
How do you think your sound has evolved since your last release? Were there any new influences or experiences that shaped this album?
JUNHO: While we were trying a lot on the last album, there were times when it felt like the concept and the member’s style clashed. However, we all thought we should try to make the music fit our mood better, so we paid more attention to that.
HYEOP: Although it’s a little heavier, we tried to make it comfortable and express our true feelings, and we practiced and studied to develop it that way.
Your performances are always filled with energy and passion. How do you prepare for a comeback stage, both physically and mentally?
YUNSEONG: When I have time because I like the cold, I go for a short walk.
DONGYUN: I worked hard for the comeback stage and got ideas from watching other groups’ performances and stages.
MINSEO: This time, I prepared with the mindset that I wanted to show to the public that I have really grown on the stage compared to before.
What are your goals as a group for this comeback? Is there anything specific you want to achieve with this album?
DONGYUN: As this is our first comeback in a year, I hope we can communicate with our fans in various ways and do many activities together. Also, I want to win first place on a music show!
MINSEO: Likewise, I want to win first place on a music show!
Let's lighten things up a bit! If you could describe this comeback album using only emojis, which ones would you choose?
DONGYUN: 💨❤🩹
MINSEO: 😊
YUNSEONG: 😌
JUNHO: 😊
HYEOP: 🥺
If each member of DRIPPIN could swap roles for a day, who would you choose to trade places with and why?
YUNSEONG: I thought about it carefully, and I decided that I want to live like this. No change!
JUNHO: I want to live as MINSEO. Out MBTI is completely the opposite, so I want to sympathize with how he lives.
DONGYUN: I want to change to HYEOP and sing all day long.
MINSEO: HYEOP! I want to sing high-pitched songs!
HYEOP: I want to change to YUNSEONG and dance freely.
Lastly, please leave a message to your fans reading this around the world.
YUNSEONG: This is the first time our DRIPPIN has made a comeback in a year. We will try to show different charms when listening to just the title song and listening to the song together on stage, so please pay a lot of attention to those aspects as well, and please support ‘Beautiful MAZE’!!! Love you!
JUNHO: We will do our best to make it great as you have waited so long!! We missed you a lot. Thank you!
DONGYUN: DREAMIN, who have been waiting for!! As much as you have waited so long, let’s have a fun and energetic time with this comeback and activity! I love you!
MINSEO: We sincerely thank you for trusting and waiting for us, DRIPPIN, for a very long time. We will repay you for your patience and waiting!
HYEOP: Thank you for continuing to support and waiting for DRIPPIN during the fairly long gap of about a year! We’ve done our best to prepare for this activity, so please look forward to it! Love love!
Listen to their discography on Spotify and Apple Music.
*Special thanks to the members of DRIPPIN and Woollim Entertainment for this exclusive interview.
Image and Video Credits: Woollim Entertainment