#catchtheyoung

ateez_official_:

Korean rock band Catch The Young has released a new digital single, “이상형 (Ideal Type),” to cool down the summer heat with its refreshing, youthful sound. Following the band’s first instrumental single, “The Young Wave,” which was released on April 29th, “이상형 (Ideal Type)” is their second release of 2025.

Besides the release of the new single, Catch The Young will also demonstrate their continuously growing musicality and artistry by once again performing at the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival and the 2025 Jeonju Ultimate Music Festival for the second consecutive year. And for the first time, they will also be performing at the 2025 Sound Planet Festival.

Catch The Young shares more behind-the-scenes process about their release and also their preparations for the festival in a recent interview with global media outlets.

Q. For your new single “Ideal Type,” which member do you think suits this release concept the best?

Junyong: I think it's me. The lyrics of "Ideal Type" are about having a crush, and I feel like that fresh, youthful vibe of experiencing first love suits me well.

Sani: Sounds like you have a crush right now.

Junyong: It's not like that! But if you look at the music video concept or the vocal style of the song, I feel like I pulled off the acting pretty well.

Jungmo: In the music video, yes you did.

Q. How would you describe your music to someone who didn't hear about Catch The Young?

Kihoon: If I were to describe our group, especially to people around our age, I'd say we're a team that grows together, creating music that feels like youth. We want to make songs that, when you look back one day, feel like cherished memories. At the same time, we aim to be a group that creates music that moves forward into the future and can grow and evolve with.

Kihoon (left), Junyong (right)

Q. Your music often explores themes of youth, dreams, and emotion. What kind of feelings or thoughts do you hope fans take away from “Ideal Type”?

Namhyun: With the song "Ideal Type," we hope listeners can enjoy it by imagining their own ideal type. But at the same time, the title can go beyond just a person but also represent following and pursuing your dreams or hopes, which can give encouragement to everyone.

Q. You guys have all taken part in your previous songs' writing and composing to varying degrees. The vibe of “Ideal Type” feels much more upbeat and energetic than your previous songs. What sort of inspiration or thought processes do you work with when coming up with fresh, new songs of different styles like this?

Sani: When it comes to composing a song, you definitely need a lot of technical skills and music theory, so I rely on those a lot. But in the initial stage of creating one, inspiration is something you can't ignore. Whether it's from personal experiences, something I’ve seen, or even a piece of art, a film, or a book, I sometimes think about what emotions I would've felt in those moments.

Q. Are there any memorable behind-the-scenes moments from the making of the music video that you can share?

Kihoon: There was a scene we filmed at a countryside guesthouse where we ate watermelon together and chatted about random things. I thought that scene showed what youth really feels like and how those small moments can become a lasting memory in our lives. While we were filming, I also found myself thinking that this exact moment would become a memory someday, which made that scene more memorable.

Namhyun (left), Jungmo (right)

Q. What are your hopes or goals for this single — both artistically and in terms of reaching new audiences?     

Jungmo: We think it's great to have big dreams and goals, but at the same time, a dream without a foundation can feel empty. That's why we believe in building from the ground up. First, we want to make Catch The Young known here in Korea as a representative K-band. Once we've laid that foundation, our goal is to expand globally and become a team that shares our unique color with fans all around the world.

Q. What songs from your discography are most personal to you and why?

Junyong: I think it would be this latest single, "Ideal Type." The concept of the music video and the song itself talk about having a crush, something you can often experience during your school years. As a high school student right now, I feel like it captures those fresh, youthful emotions you experience at school really well.

Sani: For me, it's "Cactus Boy" in our first album. When I wrote the lyrics for that song, I thought about when I was going through a really tough time, so it feels the most personal and closest to my own story.

Namhyun: I would choose "The Way to You." The lyrics are also really sweet and youthful, literally about going to see someone you care about. I think that emotion is so similar to how I feel when I'm on my way to meet Catchers. Every time we have a performance, I go with that same excited, fluttering feeling, so I think this song matches my emotions.

Q. You guys have also performed at various university festivals for crowds that were around the same age as you. How was that experience like?

Namhyun: Since the audience was around our age, I remember how we got drawn into their energy during the performance. It felt different from a festival. While festivals are more about showing our skills and band sound to the fullest, university festivals were more about having fun together and giving comfort to students who are tired from studying. So, we approached it with a more relaxed and playful mindset, enjoying the moment with everyone.

Sani

Q. What is the biggest challenge while preparing for the festivals, any difference from performing on a broadcast stage?

Sani: At festivals, each team is given a set amount of stage time, and it’s important to stick to that for the teams before and after us and to provide the audience the best experience. So, I think one of the hardest parts is creating and rehearsing a setlist that fits perfectly within the given timeframe. Something we always feel is that, especially for this festival, instead of just performing one song at a time, we want to create a flow that feels like watching a short film with a story. The biggest difference from music shows would definitely be the live performance settings.

Q. How do you approach creating harmony and balance in your live performances?

Jungmo: Through daily rehearsals and jams, we make sure that when it comes to playing, everything feels smooth and natural, and we don't have to worry about it on stage. We believe that if we're having fun on stage, the audience will feel that same energy, too. Instead of stressing about making mistakes, we focus on locking in with each other, whether it’s harmonies, timing, or groove. When we trust each other, stay true to our roles, and have fun doing it, that's when our unique band sound comes through.

Thank you Evermore Entertainment and Helix Publicity for the invitation.

Watch Catch The Young “Ideal Type” MV here!

*photos courtesy of Evermore Entertainment

Don’t forget to like, follow and subscribe to MY K-POP WIRE & POPPIN’ WIRE for more interview, debut, comeback and event updates!

X (Twitter): mykpopwire

Instagram: mykpopwire & poppin__wire

TikTok: mykpopwire & poppin__wire

Facebook: MY K-POP WIRE

YouTube: MY K-POP WIRE

Connect with Catch The Young!

X (Twitter): CATCH THE YOUNG (캐치더영)

Instagram: CATCH THE YOUNG(캐치더영)

TikTok: CATCH THE YOUNG 캐치더영

Facebook: CATCH THE YOUNG 

From left: Jungmo, Junyong, Namhyun, Sani, Kihoon

Catch The Young return with their second mini-album, [Catch The Young : Fragments of Odyssey]. This is a direct continuation of their debut mini-album, [Catch The Young : Fragments of Youth], which was released four months ago. Through this second mini-album, they compare life to an adventure and talk about the various emotions one can experience along the way. Catch The Young shares more about their new album and music growth in the recent interview with global media outlets.

Q: ⁠What do you want to convey to your audience with [Catch The Young : Fragments of Odyssey]?

Sani: Our second album builds upon the themes of our debut, exploring a range of emotions like love, sadness, and passion. Our aim was to connect with listeners on a deeper level, particularly through the title track "Voyager," showcasing our band's evolving direction and musical journey.

Namhyun: To elaborate, we aimed to express our unique perspective on the experiences of youth, which are universally relatable to everyone in their lives.

Q: Your previous album, [Catch The Young: Fragments of Youth], signalled youth and the start of your band's journey. Now, [Catch The Young: Fragments of Odyssey] and the title track, “Voyager,” seems to portray an adventure and the evolution of that journey. Can you share how this album aligns with your band’s distinctive style and the deeper significance behind your band's name?

Sani: Our second album encompasses various elements of the youth pop-rock genre. Tracks like "Sentimental Journey" capture the youthful spirit, "Voyager" and "Always, Forever" highlight the 'pop' element, and "The Legend" embodies the essence of 'rock'. This album showcases the colours and strengths of Catch The Young. Compared to our debut album, I believe we have grown and evolved significantly in terms of our music.

Namhyun: The current moment represents the youngest phase of our lives, and we aimed to capture this by likening youth to a journey, an odyssey. Through the tracks of the album, we expressed the feelings and experiences that one encounters throughout their youth.

Q: What did you enjoy the most while preparing for [Catch The Young: Fragments of Odyssey]?

Namhyun: While filming the music video for "Voyager," there was a scene where we all ran together simultaneously. We had to shoot the scene multiple times, making it physically demanding. Additionally, the weather wasn't favourable, and there was mud on the set. However, stepping on the mud and running through it created a great memory. During the chorus recording for "Voyager," there's a part where we all sing together, so we entered the recording booth as a group to record that segment. It became a fun experience, especially when someone made a mistake and we all tried to figure out who it was, sharing jokes.

Q: Out of all your song releases, which song do you relate to or find resonates with your personality?

Sani: I think it is the third track, "The Legend." The song embodies a fiery spirit, burning brightly and then fading away, and I think it is quite like my personality.

Kihoon: I think it is "Light on Me (1101)". I try to be a person that others can rely on, so I choose this song.

Namhyun: "The Legend" is my favourite, but the song that resonates with my personality is "Stay By My Side." It is one of the songs that I can easily immerse myself into without trying. Also, I think the song's vibe is quite similar to my own.

Jungmo: For me, it is the first track, "Sentimental Journey." The beats from a synth-pop are somewhat like my bubbly personality.

Junyong: I also choose the first track, "Sentimental Journey." Its rhythmic electric sound and energetic drums resonate with my bubbly personality. The lyrics, especially about moving forward without fear, resonate with me as the youngest member of the group.

Q: You guys wrote all the songs in the album. Have you ever stumbled upon a writer block when you are making your music? When you encounter such troubles, how do you overcome them?

Kihoon: When I get stuck, I often pause because I worry that referencing other material might lead me to mimic it. Instead, I prefer to channel my emotions into the songwriting process. When working with Sani, he wrote the first verse of the song "My Own Way."  He said he is not going to work on this song anymore, but I decided to complete the song and developed into the final version. This is an example of how I work.

Q: What has been the most difficult thing in preparing for your first comeback compared to your debut?

Kihoon: We wanted to show a more grown, evolved versions of ourselves so in order to do that, we were really sensitive and focused during the album production period. I think that was the challenging part.

Jungmo: I agree with Kihoon's point. One of the toughest challenges for us was the burden and pressure of presenting ourselves as a group committed to constant improvement in our debut album. Demonstrating this was particularly challenging.

Namhyun: Under pressure, we did not lose the excitement when preparing for the second album. As much as we announced ourselves to improve, I think we are ready for that which I'm very excited about.

Q: Do any of you have a goal to meet with this comeback?

Kihoon: Our short-term goal is to perform "Voyager" at a festival. For this year, we hope to host a concert for an audience size of 1,000 people and perform for them.

Q: What do you think is Catch The Young’s distinctive charm as a group, and what charms do each of you bring to the group?

Namhyun: The unique charm of our group lies in our passion on stage, using head-mics and performing with all our heart. Our music, which embodies the youth-pop rock genre, resonates with universal experiences of youth, connecting deeply with listeners. As for my individual charm, I focus on continuously improving my vocal and performance skills, along with maintaining a kind and approachable manner.

Jungmo: As for our team's unique charm, Namhyun has articulated it well. Additionally, Junyong and I playfully debate over who brings the most 'cuteness' to Catch The Young, as I believe I have a significant role in adding that aspect to our group. Recently, Junyong has been eyeing it.

Junyong: I do bring a certain cuteness factor being the youngest, but I don't obsess over it. I believe I also embody a mix of cute and sexy qualities, depending on the situation. As you get to know me better, you'll see more of the sexy side to my personality.

Kihoon: I am a very playful person off stage, but I believe I exude a sexy vibe while performing on stage.

Sani: I see my role as a mediator, maintaining a neutral stance similar to Switzerland. While I value others' opinions, I don't always adopt them outright; instead, I hold my own opinions, although I may not always vocalize them.

Thank you Evermore Entertainment and Helix Publicity for the invitation.

Watch Catch The Young ‘Voyager’ MV here!

*photo courtesy of Evermore Entertainment

Don’t forget to like, follow and subscribe to MY K-POP WIRE for more K-Pop interview, debut, comeback and event updates!

X (Twitter): mykpopwire

Instagram: mykpopwire

TikTok: mykpopwire

Facebook: MY K-POP WIRE

YouTube: MY K-POP WIRE

Connect with Catch The Young!

X (Twitter): @catch_theyoung

Instagram: catch_theyoung

TikTok: catch_theyoung

Facebook: Catch The Young

Catch The Young return with their second mini-album, Catch The Young : Fragments of Odyssey. This is a direct continuation of their debut mini-album, Catch The Young : Fragments of Youth, which was released four months ago. Through this second mini-album, they compare life to an adventure and talk about the various emotions one can experience along the way.

“Since it is our second album, we wanted to include many interesting elements to showcase Catch The Young’s color more vividly and invite all listeners to have fun, even more than the first album. We also anticipate releasing this album, and we look forward to a wonderful promotion.” – Kihoon, Member of Catch The Young 

“This album feels very special because it contains a song we wrote a long time ago as well as a recently written song. Some of these songs took extra details and care from the demo, arrangements, and performances, therefore I feel like they’re my own children.” – Sani, Member of Catch The Young 

The mini-album includes seven new songs. The title track “Voyager” is a song that expresses how the group can live harmoniously together even when each person has taken on different forms in life. “Sentimental Journey” portrays taking a step forward with the dreams from pure childhood. “The Legend” encourages listeners to believe in themselves despite their doubts with lyrics inspired by Korean professional gamer, Faker. “Always, Forever” directly expresses the emotion of love and fondness with a significant piano sound. The song “About Us (상상해왔던 모든 게 이루어지고 있는 순간)” sings about one’s reunion with personal memories while highlighting the vocal ability of the band. The Korean title directly translates to “The Moment When Everything We’ve Imagined Is Coming True.” “Light On Me (1101)” is the band’s first fan song and details the gratitude they have for their fans who have stayed by their side. The final track, “Stay By My Side,” delivers a reassuring message about staying next to each other. This album is composed of tracks all written by the members.

Watch Catch The Young 'Voyager' MV here!

*photo courtesy of Evermore Entertainment

Don’t forget to like, follow and subscribe to MY K-POP WIRE for more K-Pop interview, debut, comeback and event updates!

X (Twitter): mykpopwire

Instagram: mykpopwire

TikTok: mykpopwire

Facebook: MY K-POP WIRE

YouTube: MY K-POP WIRE

Connect with Catch The Young!

X (Twitter): @catch_theyoung

Instagram: catch_theyoung

TikTok: catch_theyoung

Facebook: Catch The Young