VERIVERY, a seven-member boy group under Jellyfish Entertainment - consisting of DONGHEON, HOYOUNG, MINCHAN, GYEHYEON, YEONHO, YONGSEUNG, and KANGMIN, made their official debut on January 9, 2019, with the mini-album Veri-Us and it’s lead single “Ring Ring Ring.”
VERIVERY is a rising star in the industry, not only for their skills in vocal, rap, and dance but also their talents behind the scenes. In particular, the members have participated in songwriting and album production, as well as directing and editing music videos, to name a few. The group has established itself as one that is worth listening to because of its versatile discography, delivering new songs and fresh concepts each comeback.
With their latest release, “Crazy Like That,” VERIVERY embarks on a new chapter - telling the individual journeys of the members as they chase their dreams. Regarding the group’s current dream or desire, leader DONGHEON explained, “We are currently putting our utmost effort into sharing our music and communicating with K-Pop fans and music enthusiasts around the globe in order to achieve our dream in this K-Pop industry.” It's undeniable that the members have once again displayed their talents, executing on-point choreography and serving listeners with another dose of their vocal prowess.
To commemorate the release of their seventh mini album, Liminality - EP.DREAM, VERIVERY joined the media (myself included) for a roundtable interview to discuss their latest comeback, share details on their creative process, the secret to their teamwork, and more! Check out their interview below.
*Disclaimer: Minchan was not present for this comeback, as he is currently on hiatus.
Your new title, "Crazy Like That," has a more vibrant sound. It is brighter than your debut in 2018. What inspired you to change your sound and vibe in your new title?
VERIVERY (YONGSEUNG): Though the new title song may sound like our debut song, I think they are quite different. We really focused on interpreting the song, which is not too bright nor too dark in our performances. It is something we have never tried before, and we are confident that it is something unprecedented in the K-pop industry. We are really affectionate towards this title track, and we really hope that others catch that as well.
VERIVERY (KANGMIN): When we debuted, we put on cute performances asking the audience to remember and support us. The title track we released this time talks about dreams and encouraging people to work towards them, and I find this to be the difference between the two. We hope the listeners understand this as they listen to this song.
Can you tell us more about the song "Thank You, next?"
VERIVERY (GYEHYEON): This was something that we have never tried before, so we are certain that our fans will like the song. We have always put on very big, grand performances, so I think performing on this track would be something different.
What is the meaning of the parentheses in the title of the song, "Smile with you ( )" and can you tell me who came up with the idea? What was the production process like?
VERIVERY (DONGHEON): This song was written for our fans, who will be waiting for us in between our comebacks. The parentheses in the title represent blank, or the hiatus between our comebacks. We wanted to emphasize that.
What do you think is the killing part or the highlight of the song "Crazy Like That?"
VERIVERY (YONGSEUNG): I think it is DONGHEON's part after the first verse. I really like how he sings like he is whispering. I'm sad that he does it only once in the song.
VERIVERY (DONGHEON): There are a lot of repetitions in the chorus, so that would just play automatically in my head when walking on the street. I hope that many people would experience the same.
What was the creative process like for each song, and what is the message that you would like to convey?
VERIVERY (DONGHEON): When I first heard that the name of the album was going to be "Dream," I thought of the members and the fans. They are the closest beings there are to my dream, so I really wanted to share a message for my fans and the members in this album. In this process of working to achieve our dreams in the K-pop industry, I can never leave out the members and the fans. So the songs are like my journal entries, like writing letters to my fans and the members. The songs are definitely pleasing to the ears, but please keep in mind that the songs are about our stories.
Was there a memorable moment when preparing for the comeback or music video?
VERIVERY (HOYOUNG): When we were filming the music video, there was a scene where all of us had to go high up onto a truck. We were all too scared, so we had to hold hands. Staff handed us some tissue to wipe the dirt off our hands, but we were too scared to even grab it from such a high place. The entire filming process was really enjoyable, though.
VERIVERY (KANGMIN): There was a small accident as I was filming a scene from the music video, so I went to get a quick checkup at the hospital. The director and the staff were really worried, but I tried to act cool as if nothing has happened. Later I was complimented on how I coped with the situation. Just sharing a compliment I got.
VERIVERY (DONGHEON): There is a scene where YONGSEUNG takes off his shirt. To film that scene, he went on a really harsh diet and exercised twice a day. I was really impressed by his effort. I hope you notice that in the music video.
VERIVERY (YONGSEUNG): It was really hard!
What part of the album are you most proud of and why?
VERIVERY (HOYOUNG): I'm just proud of our group in general. This is the fifth year since our debut, and ever since then, we have tried a variety of genres. We have tried our best to show our colors in all of the songs, and as a member, I know all the efforts that we have put into this group.
Read the full interview on Hellokpop.