exclusive interview: Turning On ‘Airplane Mode’: SEVENUS Explore New Sounds, New Challenges, and New Stories with [White Fall]
Fresh off the excitement of their newest release, SEVENUS sit down with MY K-POP WIRE to talk about the stories, sounds, and heartfelt emotions behind their album. From diving into new genres to experimenting with choreography again, IREAH and HEEJAE open up about creative challenges, musical growth, and the personal messages they hope listeners — especially Malaysian fans — will feel through their music. Here, the duo shares their inspirations, behind-the-scenes moments, and what makes this comeback a true step forward for SEVENUS.
Q. Congratulations on your new album! Could you share the overall theme or message you wanted to express through this release?
IREAH: I wanted to talk about everyday life — the things everyone experiences. The tiredness from living in an age overflowing with information and constant sharing… The beauty and excitement when love comes into your life… And memories that linger like an echo after a breakup. The album expresses stories that anyone can relate to.
HEEJAE: Listeners will be able to see a new side of SEVENUS in this album. Our signature refreshing vibe has evolved, and we have also included genres we've never tried before. Through this album, we wanted to show once again that SEVENUS is a group with no limits when it comes to genre.
Q. How would you describe the album’s sound in three words?
IREAH: Freedom, love, longing (자유, 사랑, 그리움)
HEEJAE: A sound everyone will like (모두가, 좋아할, 사운드)
I think anyone who listens will find it easy and enjoyable, regardless of their preference.
Q. Were there any genres or musical styles that you explored for the first time in this album?
IREAH: I think ‘Sunny side up’ was that challenge.
It’s very pop-like music but with a heavy synth bass. Since it was my first time trying such a genre, it felt unfamiliar — but I decided to take it on.
HEEJAE: A big difference in this album is that one of the songs contains a lot of rap parts. We tried a more rhythmic genre compared to our previous songs.
Q. Is there a particular track that challenged you the most during recording?
IREAH: Also ‘Sunny side up’.
I was excited and worried at the same time — wondering how our voices would blend with the track. I hope people enjoy how it turned out.
HEEJAE: ‘Sunny side up’ was definitely the toughest for me too.
I participated in the lyric-writing, and it was difficult to find the balance between rhythm and natural storytelling. There are many rap parts as well, so it was quite a challenge.
Q. What’s one behind-the-scenes moment that fans would love to hear about?
IREAH: It was my first time filming a music video with a dog. They said the dog’s name was Cherry, so I imagined a tiny, cute puppy — but a huge dog showed up instead. It was so fluffy and adorable that my heart actually hurt.
HEEJAE: This is the first time IREAH and I co-wrote lyrics together. Blending our styles and ways of expressing things was fun and felt new to us.
Q. How do you think this album reflects SEVENUS’s identity as a duo today?
IREAH: I think this album shows a wider spectrum of who we are.
HEEJAE: It reinforces our unique identity as an all-rounder duo capable of covering a variety of genres with just the two of our voices.
Q. If you had to recommend one song to introduce new listeners to SEVENUS, which would it be and why?
IREAH: I’d like to recommend a song called 'An enduring dream (긴 꿈).' It’s a song that I wrote and composed, and while making it, I felt confident that we could tell this story well with our voices. I hope listeners will pay attention to the story in the lyrics.
HEEJAE: My favourite SEVENUS song is ‘Pretty Good’ — I think it expresses our uplifting emotions the best. But from this new album, I definitely recommend ‘Airplane mode.’ I’m sure it’s a song anyone can hum along to, anytime, anywhere.
Q. What kind of stage performances can fans expect from this comeback? Any new choreography or styling surprises?
IREAH: The title track includes choreography for the first time in a while — we prepared something fun, so please enjoy it!
HEEJAE: We’ll be dancing again for the first time in a while!! Just that alone will probably be enough to make fans excited.
Q. Are there any upcoming projects—concerts, fanmeets, tours, collaborations, content—that fans can look forward to?
SEVENUS: We’ll be seeing fans through more performances. We’re also hoping for and working toward collaborations with other artists and brands.
Q. What do you personally hope listeners feel when they hear the album for the first time?
IREAH: I hope you imagine the story of each song as you listen to our album.
For ‘Airplane mode,’ I hope you feel the desire to switch everything off and fly away.
For ‘Sunny side up,’ I hope you feel the happiness of warm love.
For ‘An enduring dream,’ I hope you relate to the longing that remains even as time passes.
HEEJAE: I hope listeners think, “Wow, SEVENUS suits this so well — they really have many colours.”
Q. Lastly, please share a message for your Malaysian fans who are excited for your new release.
IREAH: To all our Malaysian fans!
We’re also looking forward to the day we can smile and sing together on stage. Please enjoy and love our music!! Let’s definitely meet!!
HEEJAE: To our Malaysian fans who always support us!
We’ll show you great performances to repay your wait for this album, so please look forward to it. We’re looking forward to meeting you again. Always thankful — we miss you and love you! See you soon!!
Watch SEVENUS "Airplane mode" MV here!
Special thanks to PCS Entertainment for the opportunity.
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