This week, we’re highlighting ONF to celebrate the release of their repackaged album, City of ONF. We chatted with the six-member boy group about their latest album and ever-changing sound, their favorite lyrics, and the highlights of their nearly four-year-long careers thus far. Check out our full interview below.
Can you tell us about your new repackaged album, City of ONF, and what you hope people take away from it?
Hyojin: This repackaged album, City of ONF, is composed of 14 tracks, including eleven tracks from our first full-length album and three new tracks. The music is more powerful and energetic, which is unique to ONF. I hope everyone can learn more about us as a group that can pull off various genres of songs.
How would you describe your sound and how it’s changed since your debut?
E-Tion: A xylophone—it sounds cute, clear, and sexy. I think it resembles my voice which has gotten deeper since our debut.
MK: I can describe it as a lemon. I’ve become more capable of controlling my voice quite freely since our debut.
Is there a moment that you’d consider the highlight of your careers up to now?
Wyatt: It was when we performed in front of FUSE. It was the happiest moment to enjoy the time together. It’s a real shame that we can’t perform in front of them due to COVID-19, and I want to enjoy a great performance on stage together with our FUSE again.
U: When we debuted as ONF, our first win on a music show, and meeting the most precious FUSE for the first time. There were so many great moments, and every moment makes me happy, so I’m having the greatest moment right now. I hope the pandemic will come to an end as soon as possible so that we can meet face-to-face with our fans and have greater moments.
What’s your favorite lyric from your discography and why?
Hyojin: I like the part of the lyrics I wrote for the song “My Name Is.” It’s about introducing myself. I tried writing lyrics for the first time, and I want you to find out who I am and my charm when you listen to the song.
E-Tion: I like the lyrics from “THE DREAMER,” where it goes, “You don’t have to run as long as your heart is beating.” I think the lyrics can be very encouraging for young people. I myself was comforted by listening to this song and felt relaxed and motivated.
What’s one thing that scares you and one thing that excites you?
Wyatt: Bugs scare me the most. I wasn’t scared of bugs before, but they looked scary later on. I have fun playing with the other members. We do fun things together when we’re on standby and during our practice.
MK: I get scared of ghosts, and I love making music and get excited about it.
Outside of music, what are each of you most passionate about? Are there any hobbies you use to de-stress?
J-Us: I’d say that sleeping is the best way to de-stress during our activities. I’m most passionate about exercise outside of music. I exercise on the days off and during our spare time.
U: I like editing, so I looked it up on the internet to learn more about editing. I de-stress by going outside for a walk and sleeping.
If you could have dinner with one person, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Hyojin: It would be Park Hyo-shin who is my role model. I would love to meet him in person to talk about music and songs over dinner.
U: It would be my family! I couldn’t visit my family in Japan for some time due to Covid 19. I miss my family, so I want to have dinner with them and catch up on many things.
MK: It would be Michael Jackson. Among the pop artists, he was the first artist I got to know. Since I was young, I have always respected Michael Jackson. I would have loved the opportunity to meet him in person.
Want more from ONF? Check out their video for Ugly Dance here.