XLOV is changing K-pop as we know it. Meet the talented group in our exclusive interview!
On January 7, 2025, XLOV burst onto the K-pop scene with their debut single, "I'mma Be," introducing fans to a groundbreaking genderless concept. Managed by 25.7 Entertainment, this four-member group—Wumuti, Rui, Hyun, and Haru—is already making waves with its innovative approach to identity and style. By breaking away from traditional norms, XLOV aims to foster inclusivity while delivering compelling music and electrifying performances.
Each member of XLOV brings a unique story and talent to the group. Wumuti, from China, serves as XLOV’s leader and producer, drawing from his extensive experience on numerous survival shows, including Build Up, Under Nineteen, and Boys Planet, to name a few. Rui, hailing from Taiwan, caught our attention for his charm and dedication as a participant on Boys Planet. South Korea’s Hyun trained for five years, mastering dance, vocals, and songwriting, and his fluency in English and Korean highlights the group’s global appeal. Meanwhile, Haru from Japan, another standout from Boys Planet, adds boundless energy and charisma to XLOV’s dynamic lineup. Together, their diverse backgrounds and experiences create a harmonious blend of artistry and passion.
In an exclusive interview, XLOV opened up about their journey, aspirations, and the meaning behind their debut. Read on to discover the inspirations that fuel their artistry and how they plan to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.
Nice to meet you, XLOV, and thank you for speaking with me! Congratulations on your debut! Can you tell us more about your debut single, 'I’mma Be'? What can fans expect from the song, both in terms of sound and message?
XLOV: Thank you so much for your congratulations. First of all, we’ve been thinking about how to show our uniqueness in our debut song and how to reflect the color of XLOV through it. We chose “I’mma Be” as our debut single because we found its atmosphere incredibly captivating after listening to many songs.
WUMUTI: When I wrote the arrangement of this song, I was confident that I could show our members well with this song by maximizing the charming points that I felt when I first heard “I’mma Be,” so this song was chosen as our debut title.
What story did you aim to convey through "I’mma Be” lyrics and melody, and how does it reflect the essence of XLOV as a group?
XLOV: The most addictive part of “I’mma Be " is the black melody, “I’mma Be your Woo woo woo. " It’s reminiscent of a fox's cry. We think this melody alone expresses the “neutrality” and “delicacy” that XLOV pursues. Of course, we will showcase many of our ideas through outfits and performances, but we believe listening to “I’mma Be” will give fans insight into our direction.
The debut concept for XLOV is described as “genderless.” What does this concept mean to you personally, and how do you plan to express it through your music and performances?
XLOV: When we say “genderless,” we think it might be a little difficult for English-speaking fans to fully grasp. By “genderless,” we aim to break stereotypes that suggest only certain genders can do this or that. The art we express is “gender-free,” and we hope it empowers more people to embrace their true selves and pursue who they want to be.
Please share with us the creative process of the album production. Did any of the members contribute to the album or song production process?
XLOV: This album was made after a lot of meetings with the members of XLOV and the company, as well as various ideas and thoughts. We went through numerous revisions. For example, even while Wumuti was writing the title song, he was constantly meeting with the members and thinking about which lyrics would go well with the direction we wanted to go or which lyrics would better show the charm of this song.
XLOV is such an intriguing name. Can you tell us the meaning behind it, how it represents the group, and what your vision for your music is?
XLOV: X represents the unknown, LOV stands for negativity, and LOV also symbolizes unfinished love. The name combines words with different shapes and meanings. If you look closely, X.L.0.V resembles the face of an odd-eyed person. Isn’t that funny? (laughs).
Can you share any memorable experiences from shooting the music video for “I’mma Be?”XLOV: The weather forecast never predicted rain or snow, but during the music video shoot, it snowed heavily, surprising everyone on set.
How do the members balance being part of a group while ensuring their unique personality and artistry shine through in XLOV’s music?
XLOV: The art XLOV presents is an aesthetic we’ve all thought about and loved for a long time. It’s not just about one member’s taste—it’s something new and unique that many people, including ourselves, have been waiting for. It’s something we all resonate with, which makes the balance feel natural.
How do you envision XLOV's future music evolving? Will you continue exploring similar themes, or do you have plans to experiment with different styles?
XLOV: We’ve already been working on a lot of future XLOV music.
***Here’s a little spoiler: future XLOV music won’t be confined to any specific genre.
However, the message we want to convey and the direction we’re pursuing will remain consistent.
What are your biggest influences when it comes to music or artists? How did they shape the way you approach your art?
XLOV: We draw inspiration from various places, but one unique source is our drawings. In these sketches, we find much of our imagination and inspiration, which shapes how we approach our work.
What’s one trait or quality you admire in the other members that you think makes XLOV stronger as a group?
WUMUTI: We could talk endlessly about our members—like RUI, who has been an elite traditional dancer since childhood; HYUN, an all-arounder who honed his skills over many years as a trainee; and HARU, a dancing prodigy. Each of them brings something special, making XLOV stronger as a team.
What has been the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about each other during this debut process, whether it’s about your music-making or your personalities?
XLOV: At first glance, we seemed like a group with very different lifestyles and personalities, which was both exciting and a bit worrisome. What truly amazed us was how quickly everyone’s strengths came together. We improved not only in dancing and singing but also in many other aspects.
What kind of impact do you hope XLOV will have on listeners and fans with your debut? Are there any specific emotions or ideas you want them to take away?
XLOV: As we’ve said before, we hope our performances and music inspire a sense of freedom and liberation, motivating fans to embrace their true selves.
What are some of your individual goals as artists within XLOV, and how do they align with the group’s vision?
XLOV: We all share the goal of having people around the world listen to our music, watch our performances, and join us on this journey. Ultimately, we aim for XLOV to become the best team in the world.
Lastly, please leave a message for fans reading this.
XLOV: We hope you’ll support the debut of XLOV and follow our future activities. Thank you!
Listen to XLOV’s discography on Spotify or Apple Music.
*Special thanks to the members of XLOV and 25.7 Entertainment for this exclusive interview.
Image and Video Credits: 25.7 Entertainment