EVNNE Discusses Growth and Their 2nd Mini-Album, Un: SEEN

by Tayah Fox

 

If there's one thing Mnet's survival show, Boys Planet, has given us, it's a pool of exceptional boy groups. Emerging from the show, the seven-member group EVNNE shines brighter and ascends higher with each release.

Following their September debut, the group made their first comeback in January with their second mini-album, Un: SEEN. EVNNE explores the
"unseen" elements of themselves throughout the mini-album, conveying a sentimental message to their fans about acceptance. In our exclusive interview, we got to delve deeper into Un: SEEN, discussing the strong message and their artistic involvement.

Sweety High: Un: SEEN shows a new and mature side of EVNNE. What inspired you to make this change?

Keita: If our debut album Target: ME was the beginning of EVNNE, I think this album is an album that shows our growth. We thought it was important to show how much we grew as artists through various experiences we've had since our debut and through various performances, so we wanted to show you the "mature side of EVNNE."

Mun Junghyun: To show how much we've grown since our debut, we wanted to present more intense sides as rascals, and also our more mature sides to show how much we've grown in other ways. To do that, the RASCAL and vulnerable versions, respectively, represent the exciting atmosphere unique to EVNNE and the inner side of us hidden underneath it.

(Photo credit: Jellyfish Entertainment)

 

SH: The members participated in composing and writing lyrics for Un: SEEN. How did participating in creating the album directly affect your musical direction?

Lee Jeonghyeon: Since our debut, we've learned a lot from various experiences and felt a lot of new things. I think we've made a lot of efforts to express those emotions through music. As we wrote the lyrics ourselves and thought a lot about finding the words that best express our emotions or messages, I think our attitude toward producing music has improved.

Ji Yunseo: There are a lot of stories about pains and wounds in this album. While working on this album, we thought a lot about each person's inner wounds, and I think that we showed our sincere worries and pains through our active participation in the album. I believe it was an opportunity to capture the stories and emotions of our members, so we were able to grow a lot musically.

 

SH: Of the songs in your album, which track do you think best represents each member? Why?

Keita: For me, it's "Festa." I wrote this song myself, so I think it contains my most honest emotions.

Park Hanbin: For me, it's "K.O." There's a part that goes, "Don't stop, run, go beyond my limits, higher." I can resonate with this line as I feel like it describes my mindset well.

Lee Jeonghyeon: I think "SYRUP," which I wrote lyrics for, represents not only me but also EVNNE the best. The song itself means that once you fall in love with EVNNE's sweet syrupy charm, you can't get out of it. Its lyrics truly promote our charms as a group.

Yoo Seungeon: I'll choose "UGLY." I think this song is the best match for the theme of this album; "Ugly or not, it is all parts of me and I will confidently move forward." I'm usually the type of person who shows only my bright side and shares bright songs, but I think I can express my various inner sides, which can express strong concepts like "UGLY" and not be afraid to share personal wounds and pains.

Ji Yunseo: "Festa" is a song that expresses us enjoying ourselves the most freely with ENNVE on stage, and that's what I dreamt of, so I think this song expresses me the best.

Mun Junghyun: I think for me, it's "K.O." Just like the song's message, I'm going to overcome my limitations and continue to move forward no matter what.

Park Jihoo: It's "Festa," because I'm confident at singing refreshing and exciting songs.

(Photo Credit: Jellyfish Entertainment)

 

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SH: "UGLY" has a message that even your ugly self is embraced and accepted. How do you relate to this message?

Yoo Seungeon: The expression "UGLY" in this title track encompasses not only inner wounds or past experiences but also includes the "ugly appearance" that others may consider unattractive in a more abstract sense. Even if others look at us negatively, we become stronger and more mature by accepting and confronting any negativity. That process itself fits well with EVNNE.

Park Jihoo: Our members appeared on Boys Planet together, but we couldn't make a debut through the program. I think this could be considered an "ugly blemish" for others. We also had a hard time back then, but we finally debuted as EVNNE, and I think we've overcome our frustrations and expressed the message of "Let's accept ourselves and be confident" through our song "UGLY."

 

SH: What are your goals and achievements you want to achieve with this comeback?

Yoo Seungeon: The goal we wanted to achieve the most with this comeback was to win first place on music shows. We were so happy to achieve that goal twice. It wouldn't have been possible without the love of all the fans and the help of many people, so we were very happy and grateful.

 

SH: If you had to describe this mini album in just three words, which words would you choose?

 

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