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The Q&A session with reporters is the only moment where an artist’s own thoughts can be confirmed. So when an idol seems frantic just trying to read the sentences displayed on the prompter, a question naturally arises: “Is this really the artist’s own answer?”

Even if they don’t write or compose their songs, as performers they should at least be able to express — in even just a few lines — the emotions they felt during this album or the message the team wants to convey.

In contrast, well-prepared idols change the atmosphere with their attitude alone. BTS, even in their early days, would bring paper and pen to press conferences to organize their thoughts before responding. At &TEAM’s recent showcase, despite many of the members being Japanese, they approached the Korean Q&A session with sincerity, offering logical and thoughtful answers. Many other idols also articulate their own thoughts well during press interactions. Because of this, groups that cling to the prompter naturally stand out even more.

The mindset of taking responsibility for one’s team and one’s work collectively creates the image of a “prepared idol.” Idols who rely too heavily on prompters and read like machines should reflect on the fact that they themselves dilute their own authenticity.

Looking back on her idol days, she said that her time as a member of DIA and I.O.I became the foundation that made her who she is today. She shared, “Through being in DIA and participating in I.O.I activities, I definitely learned a lot. I think the job of being an idol is extremely broad in scope. You can’t help but experience many different fields, and you also have to accomplish them. Going through that since I was nineteen was a huge asset to me. Of course, there were hard moments, but thanks to those experiences, my way of thinking changed, and by accepting it well, I became who I am now. Rather than trying to erase it, it’s an experience I carry with gratitude.”

She still has a sense of wanting to give back when it comes to I.O.I’s short but impactful activities. Since their project group activities ended so soon, she did not hide her wish to someday stand on stage with them again.

“I.O.I is a team that was formed through the public’s attention and love. So the members and I always say that we want to repay that support by showing a good side of ourselves. Although I’ve now chosen the path of acting, I.O.I’s activities were so short that the regret is still big. The fact that it ended without us even knowing which performance would be the last is also something that lingers. If the opportunity comes, I want to properly bring closure. I hope we can stand on stage again and offer a performance that gives back.”

After solidifying her path as an actress, the work that most clearly showcased her trajectory was the recently concluded JTBC weekend drama Beyond the Bar. In the drama, Jung Chaeyeon played Kang Hyomin, a rookie lawyer at the law firm Yullim, who is smart but clumsy, confident but inexperienced in love. By portraying the wavering and growth of a young professional just starting out in society, she demonstrated her potential as an actress.

She shared that from the moment she first held the script, she wanted Hyomin to be portrayed as more than just a perfectly put-together rookie lawyer. She worried that a character who constantly shows off her knowledge and clashes with her superiors might create a sense of distance for viewers. Instead, she wanted to inject the awkwardness and mistakes that any newcomer to society might experience, turning Hyomin into a relatable character for the audience.

“When I first read the script, I honestly thought, ‘If this character just shows off what she knows and only butts heads with her boss, won’t viewers feel uncomfortable?’ So I wanted there to be elements that made people think, ‘Yes, that’s exactly how a newcomer might act.’ People behave differently at home and at work, right? I thought that if I could show both sides and help the audience understand that duality, I could portray Hyomin well.”

The biggest challenge Jung Chaeyeon faced while playing Hyomin was the courtroom scenes. She had to memorize long lines and unfamiliar legal terminology, so she devoted a lot of time to studying before filming. She admitted that episode 10’s trial scene was particularly daunting, but it ultimately became a moment of personal growth for her.

“Normally, I focus on exploring a character’s emotions and personality, but this time I had to study much more. The words were ones I don’t normally use, so it took a while before they really stuck in my head. Episode 10’s courtroom scene was the longest one, and I was scared, thinking, ‘Can I really pull this off?’ But when I actually faced it head-on, it worked. It took time, but eventually it became mine, and in that moment, I felt, ‘I really can do anything.’”

In the drama, Hyomin’s relationship with her boss, Yoon Seok-hoon (played by Lee Jinwook), sometimes hovered between respect and romantic attraction. Jung Chaeyeon also thought that keeping this relationship open-ended added to the drama’s appeal. She wanted to make the characters’ emotional layers richer by adding a touch of romantic tension, rather than showing them as merely a mentor-mentee pair.

“I also wanted viewers to wonder, ‘Is this respect or romantic attraction?’ I thought that would make it more interesting to watch. Senior actor Lee Jinwook really helped create that rhythm, too. In real life, he has this very boyish purity about him. He was the one who approached me first and made me feel comfortable, so we became close quickly, and I learned so much from both his attitude and acting. It made me think that when I become a senior one day, I want to do the same for my juniors. I learned from him that making your partner feel comfortable is the greatest form of consideration.”

Even after the drama ended, a lingering feeling stayed with Jung Chaeyeon for a long time — not just the sense of accomplishment from completing a project safely, but also a deeper reflection on herself as a person and her attitude as an actress.

“This project really made me think a lot. Even after it ended, the afterglow lasted a long time. In particular, I started to think more about fundamental questions like, ‘How am I living my life? What choices am I making?’ It was a project that made me grow not only as an actress but as a person, Jung Chaeyeon. Rather than just saying I finished filming, it felt like the work set a new standard for my life.”

After walking through ten years of her career, Jung Chaeyeon says that she wants to continue growing in the future while still preserving her purity. Her wish is to be loved for a long time not only for her achievements as an actress but also for her sincerity as a person.

“I want the public to remember actress Jung Chaeyeon as a pure person. I really want to do this job for a long time. So even after 30 years, I hope that my innocence is still preserved. I think that if a person stays pure, they can fit into any role well. To my colleagues, I want to remain an actress they want to work with. Just like Hyomin was that kind of colleague, I want to be remembered as that kind of actress.”

In a recent comeback interview with Xports News, POW (members Yorch, Hyunbin, Jungbin, Dongyeon, and Hong) shared their excitement and anticipation ahead of full-fledged promotions. Since their debut in 2023, they’ve steadily grown—and their upgraded performances and musical pride were clearly evident.

“For this promotion, I hope people say, ‘Wow, POW has grown so much.’ When they first saw us, we might’ve seemed cute or a bit shy. But now, I think we’re able to give off a more ‘cool’ vibe. I really hope that transformation comes through well.” (Yorch)

“This album feels like a turning point in the stories POW has been telling about youth and summer. We’ve been sharing those themes since debut, but of course, the summer we talked about back then and the summer now feel a bit different. As time passes, POW continues to grow and mature, so even the same season feels like it carries a new warmth. I hope that from this album on, the name POW brings to mind the keywords: growth, maturity, and anticipation.” (Jungbin)

Up to now, POW has been loved for their signature sentimental and emotional mood in music. However, since they haven’t yet showcased the intense and charismatic concept typically associated with K-pop boy groups, some might feel a sense of longing or curiosity.

“It’s true that we haven’t really shown strong performances or intense concepts yet. And honestly, it’d be a lie to say we don’t feel a bit of regret about that. That’s why this time, we wanted to show something a bit different—while still keeping the essence of POW intact. In the past, I tried so hard to ‘look cool’ that it sometimes felt unnatural, like it didn’t suit me. But while preparing this album, I let go of that mindset and focused on showing my natural self. I think that’s what real coolness is.” (Dongyeon)

This will become even clearer through POW’s future journey. From this comeback to their upcoming tour in the second half of the year, the path to POW’s limitless growth is expected to continue.

“These days, I feel like just listening to music isn’t enough anymore. That’s why I really want to show the energy that might be missing—through performances. I want to fully deliver the emotions and energy contained in each song through our stage. You can also look forward to our controlled movements and the kind of synchronicity that comes from our team chemistry.” (Dongyeon)

The title track “Being Tender” was largely produced by members Yorch and Jungbin, adding POW’s unique musical color. Through the members’ active participation, the group hopes that POW’s sincere stories will be delivered more deeply and authentically.

“We tried to directly infuse our own stories into this music, and thanks to the two of them, I feel like POW’s color became even richer. The rest of us were also able to naturally blend into that flow with our own mood.” (Hyunbin)

“I believe it was only possible because everyone came together. Not just this time, but we’ll keep working hard so we can continue telling POW’s story in new ways. Like with this album, we’ll keep showing various sides of ourselves filled with sincerity. I hope you’ll look forward to the different stories we’ll unfold in the future.” (Jungbin)

This wasn’t just a vision for the members, but also a picture of a brilliant future they hope to build together with their fans. With heartfelt gratitude, POW emphasized that it’s because of their fans that they exist and can continue making music.

“This album is deeply infused with POW’s essence. We had a strong desire to show the color we started with—but even more vividly this time. We’ve prepared performances for all the tracks in this promotion to show another side of POW as well. I hope you’ll look forward to it.” (Dongyeon)

“To all the fans who always support us—we truly love you. Our third EP album is filled with really charming songs, so I hope you’ll listen to it a lot and give it lots of love.” (Hong)

“Thank you so much for always staying by our side without change. We worked really hard on this album, so please give it lots of love. We’ll continue to repay you with good energy, good performances, and good songs. Please look forward to it!” (Yorch)

“This time, I wanted to show a slightly more mature and grown-up side than what fans might expect. I also want to keep challenging myself with various content, including acting. I hope you’ll continue to look forward to our growth as we take on new challenges in different areas.” (Hyunbin)

“I don’t think anyone can do everything perfectly from the start. Of course, there are areas where we’re lacking, but I’m always trying to recognize those things quickly—because that’s how we grow. I believe we’re still moving forward now, and I hope you’ll look forward to how we continue to evolve.” (Jungbin)

To celebrate the release of their new EP album, POW (Yorch, Hyunbin, Jungbin, Dongyeon, and Hong) sat down with Xports News for an interview, where they reflected on their journey of growth, shared the heartfelt messages embedded in the new album, and expressed their determination for the new chapter ahead.

The members first took a moment to look back on their two-year journey, retracing POW’s unique musical colors and the changes they’ve undergone throughout that time.

“During ‘Favorite’ and ‘Dazzling,’ I think we really gave off that youthful teen vibe — with more of a boyish charm. It was all fresh and full of bright energy. But starting from ‘Boyfriend,’ I think we became a bit more mature? Our way of expressing ourselves changed, and I think we showed a more grown-up side of ourselves.” (Dongyeon)

“During our first summer, since it was right after our debut, everything about being a singer was still so new to us — there were a lot of challenges. Each of us came from very different backgrounds, so while we had already worked to sync up during our trainee days, once we debuted, there were even more things we had to adjust to anew. Looking back now, I feel like it really took about a year and a half for everything to finally start coming together properly.” (Hyunbin)

“Lately, I think we're slowly refining POW's own unique color. At first, we were really like unpolished gems — rough and raw. But after meeting our fans and going through different experiences, I think little by little, those gem-like qualities of ours are starting to shine through. We’re still not finished, of course, but we’re shaping ourselves through every bump and clash. I can feel our distinct color becoming more vivid.” (Jungbin)

The youngest member, Hong, especially revealed a sense of pride in his personal growth, which made the older members smile. While he felt he had matured, the others still saw him as their lovable “maknae.”

“Personally, I think I’ve matured a lot. Of course, to my hyungs, I’m probably still just a baby. But from my own perspective, I really feel like I’ve changed a lot. When I think back on my old mindset, there are so many moments where I go, ‘Wow… I was really so immature back then.’” (Hong)

“When Hong was in his teens, he was really just focused on getting through the day. But one day, out of nowhere, he asked me, ‘Hyung, what do you think you’ll do in the future?’ And that’s when I thought, ‘Wow, Hong’s really grown up.’ Now he thinks about tomorrow, and I can see how much his thinking has deepened.” (Dongyeon)

The members’ musical growth and depth have culminated in Being Tender. Through this album, what aspects of themselves were they most eager to show?

“I think POW’s vibe really goes well with lyrical emotions. We don’t just want to do music that’s cool—we want to tell real stories. Rather than singing someone else’s story like it’s nothing, if we put our own stories into the music, it lets us show sincerity, and it also conveys the brilliance of the youth we’re living right now. That’s why we want to keep showing this kind of music and performance little by little going forward.” (Jungbin)

You can feel this intent clearly through the tracklist, which features not only the title track “Being Tender” but also songs across various genres and styles. Each song reflects POW’s signature warmth and lyrical sensibility, while also hinting at the group’s growing potential to explore new musical directions.

What, then, do the members find most charming about the album’s B-side tracks? They each selected their personal favorite and shared honest reasons for their choices.

“Personally, my favorite is ‘Reason'. It really brings out POW’s uniquely understated tone, and the moment you hear it, there’s this bouncy feeling that lifts your heart. I also love the lyrics, which aim to sincerely encourage our fans. The rhythmic piano line, the bright melody, the fast BPM—all of it comes together to give off such a beautiful energy.” (Hong)

“I like ‘Reason’ the most too. I feel like fans are really going to love this song. It carries the message, ‘The reason I’m holding on is you’, and I think that’ll resonate differently with everyone. It’s the kind of song that gently stirs your heart.” (Jungbin)

“I recommend ‘Celebrate’. We naturally wove our branding slogan, ‘Creating Culture Everyday’—which means ‘making everyday life special’—into the lyrics of this song. It’s a track that delivers a lot of positive energy, perfect for those days when you want to make ordinary moments feel extraordinary.” (Dongyeon)

“I really love ‘Fingerprint’. It holds the meaning of leaving behind special memories like fingerprints, and I think it beautifully captures our desire to preserve every moment we’ve created with our fans since debut. Also, when I first heard the melody, I liked it so much that I started humming the hook right away—it’s super catchy.” (Hyunbin)

Before their full-fledged comeback, the members shared their excitement and determination for their promotions. Having prepared for a long time, they expressed great anticipation for reuniting with fans.

"I’m so excited and happy to meet our fans again after a long time. We truly poured our hearts into preparing this album with our staff, and I hope that sincerity is conveyed well." (Yorch)

"Since we made our pre-debut with Favorite, I think many fans are curious about what POW will bring this summer. Wanting to live up to those expectations, we worked hard to show even more diverse charms this time." (Hyunbin)

"We’ve really prepared a lot so that everyone can have a cool and refreshing summer. I hope you look forward to our music and performances full of youthful energy. Personally, hearing fans cheer from below the stage gives me such a huge boost of strength. I hope we can repay that support through our promotions." (Hong)

"Even during the break, I was always here waiting for our fans, and honestly, I’ve been looking forward to this album for such a long time. I already knew how good it was, so I was really eager to show it to everyone. But it was frustrating that we couldn’t reveal it right away." (Jungbin)

"At the beginning of this year, the members and I talked a lot about what POW needs most right now. In the end, we concluded that we need to build up our stamina. Since we're also considering going on tour, we thought we needed to get physically stronger. That’s why we started the ‘Today’s Workout Completed,’ or the so-called ‘today’s practice done’ challenge. As we kept it up, our stamina really improved, and I think we’ll be able to show a different side of ourselves this time." (Dongyeon)

This new album, which condenses POW's signature high-teen vibe known as POW-teen and their distinct European youth culture mood from previous works, delivers a deeper and richer sense of sparkle and freshness.

The title track, “Being Tender”, harmonizes POW’s signature refreshing tone with bright-sounding keyboard melodies and bouncy rhythms. With lyrics that anyone can relate to and the members’ individual charms, the song fully encapsulates POW’s unique color.

What were the members' initial impressions upon encountering the title “Being Tender”? The word “tender” carries a warm temperature and emotional nuance that likely resonated differently with each of them. It's a word that is unfamiliar yet exciting — one that makes you reflect inwardly. We asked how this theme influenced their emotional state throughout the album’s preparation.

“These days, society is so fast-paced and everyone is on edge. That’s why I think learning ‘how to be tender’ is more important than ever. To me, it’s about finding the right temperature in human relationships. I hope the song ‘Being Tender’ gently seeps into this sharp-edged modern society and melts it down just a little.” (Dongyeon)

“I really loved the word ‘tender.’ These days, with everyone so busy and constantly getting worn down by daily life, it feels like ‘tenderness’ is disappearing from the world. In everyday life, it gets reduced to just ‘kindness’ or politeness. But to me, there’s something so beautiful about the emotion that ‘tender’ conveys. I feel like it might be one of the last remaining forms of romance — and even ‘romance’ is a word people rarely use anymore. Maybe that’s why more people are yearning for it now.” (Hyunbin)

“When I first saw the title ‘Being Tender’, honestly, I thought, ‘Can I even understand what this means?’ I wasn’t sure if becoming tender is something you can achieve just by trying. I used to think that when you make an effort, that’s just ‘kindness.’ But tenderness felt like something deeper — like it required an emotional and heartfelt connection. But as I kept singing the song and reflecting on the lyrics, I started to feel like… maybe if you truly care and express yourself honestly, then tenderness can come through effort.” (Jungbin)

“Thailand is such a hot country, and I think that sometimes makes people unknowingly more sensitive. So lately, I feel like that tender feeling is disappearing more and more. Even one small word or action could end up hurting someone without you realizing. That’s why I hope this song can help people feel a little more tender — a little more gentle.” (Yorch)

“To me, tenderness ultimately means having the heart to try and understand someone. It’s about putting yourself in their shoes. If I think, ‘If I were in that situation, I’d feel hurt,’ then I end up choosing not to say something. And if I think, ‘Maybe I can say this in a more tender way,’ then I’ll be more careful with my words. I think tenderness begins the moment we start considering how the other person might feel.” (Hong)

Q. How do you feel ahead of your 3rd EP comeback? Hyunbin: We had our pre-debut in the summer with “Favorite”, right? So I think fans must have been curious about what POW would show this summer. To meet those expectations, we’ve returned with an EP filled with tracks that highlight even more of our charms. Dongyeon: Earlier this year, we talked a lot among ourselves about what POW needed most right now. The conclusion we reached was: “Let’s build up our stamina first.” So after practice every day, we started posting proof shots titled ‘Oyeonwan’ (short for “오늘 연습 완료,” meaning “Today’s practice completed”) to our fans. It was a promise between ourselves and our fans. Thanks to that, our stamina has really improved. It’s been about 8 months since our last official comeback ‘Boyfriend’, and I can’t wait to show how much we’ve changed. Hyunbin: It was a short break, but instead of resting, we focused entirely on preparing for the next comeback. We pushed ourselves harder and tried to grow in a better direction.

Q. How did you decide on the concept for this 3rd EP? Dongyeon: Recently, with “Boyfriend” and “Always There”, we showed new sides of us. But this time, we wanted to bring out POW’s original identity — the European youth culture — more strongly. Jungbin: There’s a behind-the-scenes story too. Yorch-hyung always kept a can of tuna in his bag to feed a stray cat he met on the street. Even when feeding, he’d keep his distance so the cat wouldn’t feel burdened. He posted about it on social media too. Fans would often comment, “He’s so thoughtful and sweet.” That episode naturally made its way into our music video and even influenced the album production.

Q. Who do the members think is the most ‘tender’ or kind member? Dongyeon: For me, it’s Yorch-hyung. Yorch: I think it’s Hong. When I’m sick and sleeping, he always wakes me up to remind me to take medicine. Hong: I’d say Jungbin-hyung is someone full of love. And love is deeply connected to tenderness, isn’t it? Jungbin: I choose Hong too. When I was sick, he gave me medicine and took care of me. Even though he’s the youngest, he sincerely looks out for the older members. Hyunbin: I pick Dongyeon. He’s a very practical person — his MBTI type is strongly T (thinking). But when it’s just the two of us, he really tries to understand and empathize with what I say. Jungbin: Isn’t that more like “kindness” than “tenderness”? Hyunbin: No, tenderness looks different depending on the person. I think that’s Dongyeon’s way of being tender. (laughs)

Q. You recently released the visual photos too. Can you tell us about the changes each of you made? Hong: I once dyed my hair blonde during “Valentine” promotions, and fans gave such a positive response. So for this “Being Tender” album, I decided to go blonde again. Hyunbin: I used to feel a bit hesitant about working out. But during this break, I wanted to show not just internal growth but also a visible, physical transformation. So I started exercising, and I’ve tried to show a more mature side of myself. Jungbin: I actually did the opposite of Hyunbin. I tried to reduce my muscle mass a bit. Since the “Being Tender” concept focuses more on soft visuals rather than a strong masculine image, I adjusted my diet to reflect that softer aesthetic. Yorch: I was already working out regularly, but this time I focused even more — researching diet plans and even cooking for myself. Dongyeon: We came back again with our signature European Youth Culture concept. In the past, our outfits had more of a natural mood, but this time we added an art school twist for a more conceptual visual. I hope everyone pays attention to our outfits too!

Q. Yorch and Jungbin, we heard you both participated heavily in producing this album. What did you focus on most? Jungbin: The most important thing for me was creating moments we could enjoy with our fans. When we first debuted, we’d just follow the demo tracks and rehearse as told. But over time, I began to understand what parts fans enjoy and react to the most. I wanted to reflect more of that in our music. Yorch: Jungbin and I kept brainstorming — like, “Should we add a part here?” or “Let’s try adding a chorus even if it wasn’t in the original.” We even wrote new lyrics where there weren’t any before. We worked closely with our company to polish those ideas and improve the overall quality of the songs.

Q. What are each of your favorite B-side tracks from the album? Hong: I like the song “Reason” the most. It has a simple, rhythmic piano melody layered with POW members’ soft and honest vocals. Of course, the title track is great, but the B-sides are all high quality too. Please check them out. Dongyeon: I’d recommend track 3, “Celebrate”. It’s a hip-hop and R&B-based song, and it includes lyrics inspired by our branding slogan, “Creating Culture Everyday.” It’s about cherishing everyday life and making it feel special. It makes you want to celebrate each and every day. Hyunbin: My pick is “Fingerprint.” It holds the message of remembering the time we’ve spent together like fingerprints — unique and lasting. It’s about recording and treasuring all the memories we’ve made with fans since debut, so it feels especially meaningful to me.

Q. You’re preparing for a tour later this year. Any words of determination? Dongyeon: We’re preparing performances for every track on this album. We hoped our music could naturally blend into someone’s daily life and give them a sense of positivity. But we realized just listening to it might not be enough—so we really want to convey the energy and emotions behind our songs live on stage. We’re working hard to create memorable experiences, so please look forward to it. Hyunbin: When we perform overseas, we usually include familiar local songs in our set. For this Asia tour, we’ve also been preparing a lot of new covers and special stages. We’re trying many new things to convey the emotions and vibes that can only be felt on stage. Please look forward to it!

Q. Your Japanese cover songs got a lot of attention. Fans praised your pronunciation — how did you prepare? Jungbin: We’ve been taking Japanese lessons since our trainee days. Our teacher was very detailed with our pronunciation — even coming to direct us in person before recording. She told us not to just pronounce the lyrics clearly, but to incorporate real local expressions and intonation. I think that’s why it sounded more natural. Dongyeon: We’re also taking English lessons! And Yorch is now studying Chinese. Sometimes, I even learn Thai from Yorch. My mom is Filipino — I can’t speak Filipino fluently yet, but someday, I’d really love to perform in the Philippines.

Q. You tried acting for the first time in a web drama. How was that? Hyunbin: It was more fun than I expected. I was worried about how fans would react since it was my first time acting, but I received so much support — it really encouraged me. Dongyeon: A lot of our real stories were reflected in the script, so it was easier to immerse ourselves in the roles. And it was also a great time to discover new sides of each other. Yorch: I had acting experience as a kid, but it was the first time for the other members. Still, they were so good, it was hard to believe it was their acting debut!

Q. Any memorable scenes or behind-the-scenes stories? Hong: I remember Hyunbin and Jungbin’s fight scene. There was this part where Jungbin had to kick a bag hanging on a desk — and he actually kicked it so hard that the strap broke! Everyone was shocked. Hyunbin: The bag broke, and even my shoes got ruined. It was a very real action scene. Dongyeon: Actually, there was one more character aside from the five of us — a female character — and it turned out to be Yorch in drag! It was both shocking and refreshing. Yorch: As long as I’m pretty, everything is forgiven. (laughs) Jungbin: Before filming, Yorch was in the waiting room taking tons of selfies. Then he goes, “I think I’m really pretty today,” and kept admiring himself. But when it was time to shoot, he pretended to be shy. I secretly took pictures and shared them with the fans. (laughs)

Q. Are there any hobbies or interests you're into these days? Hong: Lately, I’ve been really into working out. I often go to the gym with the other members. Yorch: I used to mainly focus on writing lyrics, but now I want to try producing full songs. So I’ve been working hard on composing lately. Dongyeon: I’ve always liked drawing, but since the concept of this album is “art school life,” I’m enjoying it even more now. We’re even running a fan contest, and the members are participating too. Yorch and I drew pictures, and Hyunbin wrote a six-line poem using the title "Being Tender." Hyunbin: I enjoy watching anime — I watch all kinds, regardless of genre. Jungbin: I'm similar to Hyunbin, but lately, I’ve been watching a lot of romantic comedies. While chatting with fans, I realized that I always thought of myself as a “tender” person, but in truth, I might just be “kind.” That made me think more deeply about what tenderness really means, so I’ve been watching related content. I recently enjoyed My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.

Q. What do you think are each other’s roles in the team? Hyunbin: I think Hong is like a puppy. Even in situations where it would be normal to have mood swings, he always gives off bright and positive energy. Dongyeon: Agreed — he’s the team’s mood maker. Hong: Jungbin-hyung is like a real older brother. He’s always overflowing with love and says a lot of warm, encouraging things. Jungbin: Yorch-hyung is like “a youngest child in hyung’s clothing.” He has many cool sides, but when he’s relaxed, he can be really playful and pure. That makes him more lovable. Yorch: Dongyeon is like POW’s own “ChatGPT.” He speaks logically and clearly, and if we’re ever curious about something, he always has an answer. Dongyeon: I think Hyunbin is another mood maker, along with Hong. He’s playful and always brings laughter, even in tough times. Hyunbin: Does this mean I’m the second puppy of the group? (Everyone laughs)

Q. What first made you want to become a singer? Dongyeon: Around the end of middle school in 2018, I saw BTS Jungkook sunbaenim’s stage and thought, “I want to shine like that too.” Over time, more than just wanting to be on stage, I began to dream of being someone who could inspire others. Yorch: I used to be an actor for about 10 years, but I wanted to try something new. Some of my friends were K-pop fans, and after watching a lot of senior artists’ performances, I thought they were amazing and wanted to give it a shot. Jungbin: During a difficult time in school, IU sunbaenim’s music really comforted me. I wanted to become a singer who could bring comfort and encouragement through music, just like her. Hong: My older sister liked K-pop, so I naturally grew up exposed to music and dance. That led me to develop admiration for the stage, and I think that’s when my dream started. Hyunbin: I actually wasn’t interested in idols at first. But during my trainee days, I watched a stage by Taeyang sunbaenim and was so shocked by it — that’s when I started dreaming seriously.

Q. Yorch, we heard you went back to Thailand once and then rejoined the team. What led to that decision? Yorch: When I talked with our CEO, I felt like we genuinely shared the same goals. Also, the first song I received was so good — it kept playing in my head. I started thinking, “If I let this chance slip by, I’ll regret it.” I spent over a month thinking it through. I talked with my family and consulted my parents. In the end, I decided to start again with the mindset that this would be my final challenge.

Q. What's the biggest difference you’ve felt between dreaming of becoming a singer and actually debuting? Hyunbin: Honestly, as a trainee, I thought singing and dancing well was all that mattered. But after debuting, I realized that being an idol is a job for truly multi-talented people. It’s not just about cool performances — working as a team teaches you how to understand others, and you also learn to appreciate music on a deeper level. My perspective really expanded.

Q. Then, besides singing and dancing, what other skills do you think are important? Hyunbin: Through frequent interactions with fans, I realized how important your attitude toward people is. When doing interviews or meeting fans face-to-face, speaking skills and a sense for entertainment are necessary too. These days, with so many global activities, you also need to study languages like English, Japanese, and Chinese — and even acting skills are in demand. In short, you have to become an all-rounder.

Q. You must be very busy. When you feel exhausted, fans’ support probably gives you a lot of strength. Is there a moment you particularly remember? Hong: I still vividly remember our first music show stage after debut — our fans were so passionately cheering for us from below. It was so moving. Dongyeon: For me, it was during our fan concert in Bangkok. After the VCR ended, I looked up and saw every single fan holding a slogan with a message they wanted to tell us. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment. Even now, I see it when I close my eyes. Yorch: Same for me. I don’t usually cry in front of people, but I was so touched that day I ended up crying without realizing it. Jungbin: I remember a fan letter I received during our tough early debut days. The fan wrote that they’d come early every day, wait for us all day, and stay even if they couldn’t see us. Reading that made me think, “There’s someone putting in so much effort for me — I shouldn’t give up easily.” That mindset still keeps me going. Hyunbin: For me… honestly, it’s when fans say I’m handsome. (laughs)

Q. Is there a concept or genre you want to try in the future? Hong: I listen to hip-hop a lot, so although we’ve shown a lot of bright and bubbly sides, I’d like to try a chic, darker hip-hop concept someday. Yorch: Same here. I love hip-hop, and fans reacted well to our ‘Young Boss 2.0’ cover dance content. I want to do more of that style. Dongyeon: POW right now has a fresh and new-school image, but I think we’ll be able to show a more mature side in the future. We’re all sharpening our skills and getting ready for that day.

Q. Any message you’d like to say directly to fans? Yorch: Thank you so much for supporting us steadily without rest. We really worked hard to show our best through this album. Please give lots of love not only to the title track but also to the B-sides. Jungbin: More than anything, I want to say thank you for being part of POW’s youth. We believe this moment is the most radiant time in our youth — and we believe you, our fans, feel the same. Hong: Thank you for always loving us sincerely. Please continue to support our 3rd EP Being Tender. Hyunbin: I’m thankful to everyone cheering us on. We’ll keep showing you more of our charm, not just through music but through many different sides. Please keep watching us just a bit longer. Dongyeon: I hope you’ll listen to and love Being Tender a lot. If POW, who started off clumsy, has grown this far, it’s all thanks to you. Because of you, we’re able to be “POW.” We’ll always be a group that can offer a gentle word of kindness.

“POW’s Radiant First Summer – A Story of Our Youth”

Following the release of "Gimme Love" in February, POW returns with their first summer comeback just four months later.

Member Hong said,

“We’ve returned with music full of youthful energy so our fans can stay cool this summer.”

Yorch added,

“I’m so excited and happy to meet fans again after just four months.”

Hyunbin remarked,

“We pre-debuted in the summer, so we wondered what this summer of POW would be like. To meet those expectations, we prepared an album with even more variety.”

Jungbin expressed confidence:

“We’ve been preparing this album for a long time since the start of the year. The songs are great, and the performances are cool — I was so eager to show it, it made me feel frustrated.”

Their new album "Being Tender" captures the essence of POW’s unique “European youth culture” vibe seen in previous releases, now intensified with even brighter and fresher charm.

In the heat of summer comebacks, with countless artists returning, POW sought to define their own summer. Members Yorch and Jungbin, who participated in producing the album, shared:

“We wanted to capture POW’s very first brilliant summer. You’ll definitely feel our warm and fuzzy energy and unique charm.”

The title track “Being Tender” combines POW’s signature soft and refreshing vocals, bright keyboard sounds, and bouncy rhythms. It’s based on the members’ real stories about how treating someone precious with gentleness still feels unfamiliar and clumsy.

“We felt that sharing our unfiltered, real stories was the most sincere way to express ourselves,” the members explained. This sincerity is also woven into “Being Tender.”

When asked who the “tenderness” is directed at, the members mentioned Yorch and a cat — a symbolic link that also appears in the music video.

Dongyeon shared:

“Yorch used to carry a can of tuna in his bag to feed a stray cat on his way home. Stray cats need trust, so I saw how he kept a respectful distance, without pushing himself on the cat. That made me think — ‘Ah, is this what tenderness really is?’ It felt like true kindness, coming from delicate consideration. Too much attention can actually feel uncomfortable. Yorch showed me what gentle care really looks like.”

Yorch humbly added:

“I’m not sure if that’s really a ‘tender’ action (laughs). But I guess that part of me comes out naturally around cats or babies. When I was young in Thailand, I used to play with a stray cat near my house. After becoming a trainee in Korea and going back home, the cat was gone — and I felt really sad. Then I met a similar-looking cat here, and it reminded me of those old days. So I started buying tuna cans from the convenience store and carrying them around in my bag.”

The song not only captures this innocent and affectionate atmosphere, but the performance, including bright group sing-alongs, reflects POW’s energy and charm. Jungbin said:

“We wanted the song to be fun not only for those singing it, but for those listening as well. While working on this album, our biggest focus was on communicating with our fans.”

"From Thailand K-pop Festivals to Global Stages… POW Is Growing"

POW is a 5th-generation boy group that officially debuted in October 2023. With their refreshing energy and strong live performance skills, they've been steadily gaining attention and expanding their presence on the global stage.

Last summer, they performed for the first time at KCON in LA after debuting, and they also stood on stage at the Jingle Ball Tour, the biggest year-end show in the U.S. In February last year, they were invited to a major K-pop music festival held at Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand, where they received an explosive response. Local interest in Yorch, a Thai member, also raised the group's recognition — cheers for the team rivaled those for top artists.

“The Thailand music festival was the biggest overseas stage we performed on since debut,” said Dongyeon. “There were so many fans calling out to us from the moment we arrived at the airport. A lot of people called out Yorch’s name, but I also heard our team name a lot. I remember being shocked thinking, ‘Is it really to this extent?’”

“Each country has different cultures and atmospheres,” said Jungbin. “In Thailand, the support energy was incredible. People were shouting our names so loudly that we could barely hear — it gave us so much strength. We felt really grateful, and the energy we received was huge. Thai fans felt as kind and warm as our songs.”

Now racing toward their second debut anniversary, POW’s passion for music and thoughtful approach to their journey have deepened. Their mindset of “Let’s just work hard” has matured into a desire of “We want to improve musically.”

“I want to grow and develop even more,” shared Jungbin. “Sometimes it feels like 24 hours isn’t enough. I also think a lot about wanting to achieve real results.”

With this new album, POW hopes to showcase their radiant summer and shining youth.

“POW sings about youth. Some people think youth only refers to your teens or twenties, but we believe anyone can be youthful if they have passion and a forward-looking mindset. This album reflects our youth, and we tried to move forward in a good direction.”

“We didn’t debut with everything handed to us by a big agency,” they added. “But we’re steadily growing, like climbing steps one at a time. There are moments when we feel lost or progress slowly, but we’ll keep looking ahead. We want to share that growth journey together with our fans.”

When: May 30, 2025 Who: Ju Haknyeon, Male A (Japanese designer), Male B (designer’s acquaintance), Asuka Kirara, Japanese women C, D, E, etc. Where: Izakaya/pub (1 AM), karaoke (2 AM), private room (4 AM), Kirara’s home (6 AM), etc. What:

Ju Haknyeon met with a Japanese designer and acquaintances at a pub (1st round)

Then moved to karaoke (2nd round)

For the 3rd round, they moved to a private room, where Asuka Kirara and several women joined

After the drinking session, Ju Haknyeon and Kirara went by taxi to her home

Ju returned to the group’s hotel (members' accommodation) in the morning

How: According to a questionnaire from Shukan Bunshun, Ju Haknyeon and Asuka Kirara were seen engaging in physical affection (e.g., hugging) on the streets of Roppongi. Then they got into a taxi and headed to her residence. The media outlet requested the agency to confirm the nature of their relationship.

Why: ONEHUNDRED held meetings with Ju Haknyeon and the members to confirm the facts. Concluding that Ju’s private actions — including drinking with an AV actress, public displays of affection, and leaving the group’s hotel — would negatively impact the group's activities, they issued a notice of contract termination.

To summarize, the confirmed facts are:

Ju Haknyeon drank with Asuka Kirara

Afterward, the two went to her home by taxi

He returned to the hotel in the morning

Ju Haknyeon admitted to the incident during the first meeting with his agency. He reportedly said,

“I didn’t pay. The hyungs paid. I don’t want to cause any more damage to the members.”

ONEHUNDRED (his agency) had two major concerns:

The potential fallout if photos of physical affection with the AV actress were made public.

If his party paid compensation to the AV actress or others, it could lead to legal problems.

“According to Clause 6, Paragraph 3 of the exclusive contract — ‘Acts that damage the dignity of a pop culture artist to the extent that they interfere with entertainment activities’…” (ONEHUNDRED)

The agency invoked Clause 6-3 of the exclusive contract to demand termination, reasoning that:

Drinking with an AV actress

Public affection in the streets …would negatively affect the group, especially since their fanbase is largely female.

Additionally, testimony from a group insider played a decisive role in Ju's removal:

“Ju Haknyeon bragged that he slept with Kirara. Moreover, Kirara is engaged. There were concerns about backlash from both Korean and Japanese fans.”

A The Boyz staff member also shared:

“He didn’t return to the hotel that night. When asked where he was, he said he had been at Asuka Kirara’s house and boasted that he slept with her.” “Once the departure (from the group) was decided, he claimed it was unfair, saying they didn’t actually have sex at her place — that he only said it to ‘look cool’ and changed his story.”

“Aside from my former profession, I have never engaged in prostitution even once. No matter how large the amount offered, I have never received money in private to engage in sexual acts. Of course, I swear I did not engage in such acts this time either. I don’t know if people will believe me, but it is the truth. I don’t understand how this kind of baseless rumor spread.”

Ju Haknyeon has announced plans for legal action.

“I was unilaterally kicked out of the team just because I was in a private gathering with a famous person.” (Ju Haknyeon) “This society may become a place where those without power can be destroyed for things they didn’t do.” (Ju Haknyeon) “If there is any evidence that I engaged in prostitution, please reveal it immediately.” (Ju Haknyeon)

Currently, Ju Haknyeon is waging a battle over the “prostitution” accusation. However, the reason for his removal lies elsewhere — not legal guilt, but a matter of idol image and sensibility. Specifically: the drinking party with an AV actress, public affection in the street, and leaving the group accommodation — all seen as damaging to the dignity of an artist.

Finally, Dispatch revealed it exchanged DMs with Asuka Kirara. She initially stated:

“Outside of work, I have never engaged in prostitution. No matter how large the amount, I have never had sex in exchange for money in private.”

Dispatch followed up:

“What was the reason for attending that gathering?” “If there’s any misunderstanding, would you agree to an interview? We’re willing to travel to Japan.”

◇ Ultimately Ending in Praise, N.Flying's Intense Member Love

N.Flying is renowned as a band with exceptional vocal and instrumental skills, and overwhelming stage presence. However, even with their near-perfect abilities, live performances naturally entail minor mistakes. Especially, Seunghyub is known for turning lyric mistakes into amusing moments, often joking and laughing with fans, which has become a fun aspect of N.Flying's performances.

When asked about this, Seunghyub remarked, "Making noticeable mistakes can also be part of the performance. Unless it's a major mistake, fans enjoy it and find it funny in the moment. I think of these incidents as part of the experience." He added, "Of course, it shouldn't become too frequent. There's a difference between a mistake made by someone who is prepared and one made by someone who isn't. When you're in a prepared state and momentarily miss something due to enjoying the moment happily, the audience can also feel that emotion and laugh it off. But if you're not prepared and make a mistake, that can't happen. As long as it's not that, since I'm fully prepared, I can enjoy it enough."

He then quickly reflected, "Sometimes, even minor mistakes shouldn't happen. So, I'll strive harder."

On the other hand, Hweseung shared, "Even if others perceive it as a minor mistake, I've been influenced so much that after it's over, I wouldn't say a word in the car." He mentioned how he used to fall into despair when making mistakes in the past.

He explained, "I guess from the start with the hyungs, I wanted everything to be perfect. Especially joining as a new member, I wanted to quickly catch up with what the hyungs had been doing and show a harmonious appearance with them. So, I couldn't tolerate those minor mistakes. I tried hard, but in those moments, I regretted those mistakes continuously. That's why I couldn't take care of my mental health."

He continued, "The hyungs can tell just by looking at my expression, 'Oh, he's stuck in this again today.' In the car, they comfort me, saying, 'It's okay, it wasn't noticeable,' but it was like that for several years." He added, "I found myself trapped in a maze alone at home, and at some point, I realized I needed to grow up quickly and return to reality. Even if I keep dwelling on it, nothing will change, so it became 'Let's quickly move forward in a better direction.' And continuing to be trapped in anguish also meant taking away energy from the members, so I felt responsibility in that aspect too."

So he tried to find a way to quickly overcome mistakes. Hweseung added, "Instead of becoming numb to mistakes, these days when I make a mistake, it ignites a vengeance in me for the next time." He continued, "I remind myself a lot to burn brighter so that I can do better next time." Sitting beside him, Cha Hun looked fondly at his younger brother Hweseung with a smile.

Seunghyub chimed in, praising Hweseung's efforts, "He's really amazing. I've seen him in despair many times, and after every performance, it doesn't end there. He holds onto it for days, thinks a lot, and we talk to each other. Eventually, I realized that Hweseung's growth rate became so frighteningly fast."

He continued, "What I worry about is that there are many events and festivals, so I'm concerned about Hweseung's voice. The durability of vocal cords begins to wear out in your thirties, so we need to manage it well now to maintain this condition." He added, "That's why we discussed finding a direction, such as having other members play more, lowering the key, or turning the microphone to the fans. But Hweseung mentioned, 'I recently saw some seniors do something. If I learn the vocal techniques they use, I think I can solve that.'"

To this, Hweseung responded, "I'm researching something new right now. I want to receive what the seniors are doing and try to make it possible. So I'm currently experimenting with it," indicating his greater efforts and attempts as a vocalist.

Seunghyub then exclaimed, "Yesterday, during rehearsal, the sound changed a bit. I feel like the sound changes every time we practice." He marveled, "Normally, that doesn't happen. But I was so surprised at what he was thinking and living."

He continued, "MBC 'Song Stealer' senior Ha Dongkyun, SBS 'The Listen' seniors DK and Lee Hajun, and Park Hyoshin's musical 'The Man who Laughs' number—all these moments within the boundary are what I copy and show directly on stage," expressing his admiration for his younger brother. The interview room filled with Hweseung's cheerful laughter.

◇ "Always a Great Determination", "Proud Like My Own Child": N.Flying's Genuine Love

Naturally, the member praise session began. When asked when he relies on the members, Seunghyub responded, "Always. When I'm struggling, I naturally turn to the members." He continued, "In the life of making music moving forward, there may be lonely and difficult moments, but the members are always there for me."

Cha Hun recalled, "I can pinpoint it. It was on my birthday two years ago. I've lived as a very negative person from birth until now. We were all together at the time, and Seunghyub hyung said, 'Hun, take out the negativity and put in positivity.'" He added, "At first, I thought, 'How is that possible?' So I kept living in that state until Seunghyub hyung said the same thing again. That's when I thought, 'Let's give it a try,' and since then, my personality changed to one that tries to discard negativity and fill it with positivity," confessing how Seunghyub's advice became a turning point.

He went on, "If I didn't have the members, I wouldn't have had such thoughts or any changes." He expressed deep trust in the members, saying, "The reason I can resolve to change and believe in being able to change is because there are members I can rely on and treasure the most. It was the event that made me rely on the members and cherish them the most." Hearing this, Seunghyub jokingly remarked, "Even though I've been in this for 10 years, it's still awkward to hear such things," laughing cheerfully to lighten the mood.

Hweseung also shared similar emotions towards the members. He mentioned, "When I was struggling and made a phone call once, they all gathered together unreasonably," recalling a day when they unexpectedly gathered at his home. Seunghyub teased, "That's why I said it's awkward," adding humor to prevent the atmosphere from becoming too serious.

Hweseung continued, "Also, there are times when the hyungs play a central role in what they do. For example, when Hun hyung played a guitar solo with others at a joint concert or when he does something central alone, watching that gives me a feeling like 'raising a child well' inside." He expressed, "When our member shows something to the public that only I saw or something of their own, I feel pride vicariously, thinking 'This is genuine love.' It's so proud and proud that I think, 'Our member shouldn't be anyone else.'" He confessed his special love for the members.

In response to this, Seunghyub jokingly remarked, "How long will we be like this?" then directed to Cha Hun, "Try to remove some of the negativity," making everyone laugh again.

◇ Cha Hun, Hweseung's Description of True Leader Lee Seunghyub

The praise session that made Seunghyub feel awkward continued with highlighting "Lee Seunghyub's leadership." Hweseung commented, "It varies depending on the time, but what I feel is truly impressive these days, although I don't know exactly how much it is, isn't there something like brain capacity in people?" He continued, "The way hyung thinks about the members and our future feels like exceeding capacity."

He further said, "Yet, despite everything, what hasn't changed from the beginning to now is his saying 'I won't collapse,' 'I won't get tired.' It's really amazing to the point of being scary," expressing, "He even shows it in his results. That's why I always respect and think that this level is necessary to be a leader."

Cha Hun, who admitted, "I really don't trust people," added, "But when it comes to what Seunghyub hyung says and decides, I've never objected even once. He's someone who gives trust, and I feel that I can trust him," revealing, "I think this level of taking care of the members and having this level of leadership is what makes a leader."

However, this seriousness didn't last long. Shortly after, mixing past stories with jokes, Seunghyub said, "If we have something funny among ourselves, it becomes so cheesy that it's nothing special when we secretly whisper," and clarified, "It's not like that outside."

Hweseung also added, "I'm not like that either. When I appear on other programs, those who have seen me a lot as N.Flying would say, 'Hweseung, why are you so quiet?' or 'You're quieter than I thought.'" To this, Cha Hun quipped, "That's why I don't go outside," prompting Seunghyub to jokingly declare, "Everyone here has issues," causing laughter all around.

◇ Embracing a New Challenge… The Variety Show They Want is 'Jeon Cham Si'

Lee Seunghyub, following his appearances in tvN's 'Lovely Runner' and 'Love Next Door', is currently actively involved in filming the new drama 'Spring of the Four Seasons'. Yoo Hweseung successfully showcased his musical talents by leading the curtain call for the musical 'Next to Normal' in May. Cha Hun has also ventured into acting through a web drama.

Regarding his acting activities, Yoo Hweseung expressed, "I always have it in my heart and I ponder a lot. Nowadays, I want to take on new challenges." He mentioned, "I feel like I don't have much experience even within musicals. So, while I have many opportunities, I both desire to learn and grow within them and am fearful. It seems contradictory," he said, adding, "It's always fearful when facing new attempts. It's not yet time, but I'm preparing to face it. Someday, I want to try it, but there's also a fear of 'will I be afraid?'"

Cha Hun also remarked, "I always want to act. For now, I have a set schedule and there are many things I need to prepare for, so I haven't been able to receive lessons or audition after discharge. If I have time, I plan to receive lessons and audition."

Fans eagerly anticipate each member's turn in '승협캠프' (N.Flying's self-content), where expectations are high. Lee Seunghyub explained, "Actually, Hweseung and I planned to do 'Summer Seunghyub Camp' first. However, schedules overlapped with festivals and other events, preventing us from realizing our plans," expressing regret, he added, "'Director of 여승캠' also said, 'Isn't it only 여승캠 when all members are present?'"

So, are there any variety shows that N.Flying members want to appear in? Yoo Hweseung hinted eagerly, "There's a variety show I want to do with the members," mentioning MBC's 'Omniscient Interfering View'. 'Omniscient Interfering View' is one of the variety shows fans hope to see N.Flying appear on.

Cha Hun explained, "The chemistry among our members is great, but I also think the chemistry with those who join us is good," he said, adding, "I can't think of the right word, but I think it would be fun with a 'tit for tat' strategy against our managers."

Yoo Hweseung continued, "It's about chemistry, but there are still many things I don't know. I want to let viewers and many people know how much our managers are putting in for us," expressing, "Even though we can't see it, they wake up early every morning without weekends to tidy things up. I want to document and go out for that reason," expressing a special sentiment. Lee Seunghyub then added, "I want to capture Jin Young hyung (manager)'s crying face there. I think I might cry while doing an interview alone."

◇ "From Mark" and the Man with "Zero Immunity," Yoo Hweseung

N.Flying, known for their musical prowess and vocal abilities, is considered a top choice for various music programs. They've appeared prominently on KBS 'Immortal Songs' and MBC's 'King of Mask Singer', and recently showcased their overwhelming presence once again on MBC's 'Singer Stealer' and SBS's 'The Listen'. On 'Singer Stealer', they surprised everyone by selecting 'From Mark'.

Yoo Hweseung reflected, "When I first heard that song at the age of 20, I wasn't a singer. At that time, my spectrum might have been narrow, so I listened to delicate, pretty, and detailed sounds. However, 'From Mark' features delicate yet unrestrained vocalization and emotions. It was music I hadn't easily encountered before, so it was refreshing." He continued, "As I got absorbed in listening, I felt the intensity of the emotions there. Even when I searched for information about the song and album, it was all figurative expressions that didn't clearly explain it. I listened to it like solving a puzzle, not knowing exactly what it meant, but I received comfort from the emotions in the music."

He added, "So, interpreting it as 'Mark is where I want to go,' alone was charming. Of course, there must have been a fixed meaning, but the fun of interpreting and believing in the comfort I received from it as it is." He revealed, "When I first heard that song when I wasn't a singer, I eventually had the opportunity to perform on stage with a senior artist. With that feeling, I prepared to perform 'From Mark'."

Lee Seunghyub chimed in, "I (chose that song) and didn't like it very much. I thought that Hweseung would shine brightly on that stage, but I didn't know whether to choose that song. The production team was also very surprised, and silently thought, 'Are you going to do this?' The difficulty level was too high," he confessed honestly.

On November 10th, Yoo Hweseung's new song '미워하다, 그리워하고' will be released through music streaming sites as part of 'The Listen: Together Again'. He said, "I found out that the song was written by writers who were at the company, so I recorded it with pleasure." Self-proclaimed "man with zero immunity," Yoo Hweseung recalled his feelings during busking recordings, saying, "It was very cold. I'm weak against the cold, so I shivered a lot. Actually, I caught a cold right after the first shoot. After that, I immediately started wearing thermal underwear," reminiscing about the cold times.

◇ Youngest Member Discharged! N.Flying Gears Up as 4Flying

The youngest member, Seo Dong Sung, returns after completing military service on the 7th and joins the stage starting from the 'Hanwha Music Festival' in Gyeongju on the 8th. When asked to say a word to the youngest member, Lee Seunghyub remarked, "We talked just yesterday, and I think it could be both enjoyable and tough at times for you." He continued, "Come out and do your best at the things you haven't been able to do, and let's fight together for N.Flying until Jaehyun returns. Don't get tired and let's run hard for N.Fia."

Always putting their sincerity into music and stages, and deeply loving their members and N.Fia, N.Flying dreams of making music together until they're 80 years old. So what is N.Flying's 'romance'? Immediately answering the last question, Lee Seunghyub said, "N.F Village." He added, "I want to create a village unique to N.Flying, but when will that be possible?" He contemplated, "It feels like a romantic notion from the past." Hearing this, Cha Hun added, "I'm still here in N.F Village," giving strength to Lee Seunghyub's words. Yoo Hweseung also empathized with this sentiment.

"When all the members return, I want to tour overseas again and make many memories. My current romance is imagining the five of us back on stage. I don't know what emotions will come when that imagination becomes reality, but imagining that moment has been my strength while waiting for the two years for the members to return. This waiting itself feels romantic. I think I'm a romanticist. Haha. Standing on stage after the members return and seeing N.Fia again is also romantic. Finishing that stage well, gathering together after a long time to have a delicious meal, talk about what happened during military service, and have a beer together—it's our romance," Yoo Hweseung expressed.

◇ Special Request from the Affectionate Senior, Lee Seunghyub: "I Have Something to Say, Please Write This"

Lee Seunghyub actively supported AMPERS&ONE, a junior group under FNC Entertainment, by participating in the lyrics and composition of 'Fly', the first mini album 'ONE QUESTION', along with 'Calling You Back', 'Slide', and 'Whip It'.

In an interview with Joy News24, Na Kamden mentioned, "Senior Lee Seunghyub has so much to learn from. When Mackiah and I were doing rap making, he gave us feedback and told us to keep sending him raps via text." Kamden added, "Even though I could sense he was busy, he said it's okay and suggested we have a meal together." Lee Seunghyub even made a surprise visit to their practice room to show support.

Regarding this, Lee Seunghyub stated, "I have something to say about that. I really want to ask this." He continued, "They are very thankful to me, but honestly, I didn't do much. Kamden and the others mostly handled the work." He explained, "Their own colors were important in the lyrics, so I tried my best not to interfere and to preserve that. I haven't really done much, but they expressed gratitude so elaborately, and I understand their feelings."

He further commented, "I couldn't contact them separately, but I happened to receive the album. Actually, whether their sincerity can be distinguished from the writing is noticeable. These friends wrote from start to finish without any gaps. I'm very grateful." He praised, "I wanted to give strength in their efforts and accumulation, but it feels like I'm the one receiving it. They are friends who practice late into the night and think a lot."

Explaining about the question of why he didn't text, he added another explanation. He said, "I heard Kamden was wondering how to do better. So I called and said, 'Want to talk once? We can have a meal, and it doesn't have to be just about music.' He replied, 'Okay, hyung.' But after that, there was no contact." He clarified, "Recently, our schedules overlapped. He came to say hello, and I was glad to see him, so I asked, 'Why didn't you contact me?'"

Continuing, he shared a behind-the-scenes story of a surprise visit to the practice room. He said, "I'm currently working with a friend, and their practice room is close to Kamden's. I went there, and when I opened the door, Kamden passed by and was so surprised. That's what I saw when I went in." He revealed, "They speak highly of me, but it's actually all them. I just organized and gave direction there. I want to let them know they're doing well," encouraging and supporting AMPERS&ONE.

For instance, during the closing interview of the tvN drama Lovely Runner, Seunghyub greeted people so frequently that he ended up saying hello to one person four times in less than an hour and a half. At this recent interview celebrating the 20th anniversary of Joy News24, Seunghyub quietly opened a bottle and placed a drink in front of someone mid-interview and attentively looked out for the PR team. These gestures were done out of habit, with natural warmth. Similarly, Cha Hun’s attentive and thoughtful remarks and Yoo Hweseung’s warm eye contact and engaging responses show the same kindness. Even after a short conversation, it’s evident that N.Flying members are genuine and pure-hearted young men.

◇ "We Don't Want to Show the Same Stage, Our Desire for Musical Development Grows"

N.Flying's fan love is exceptional. Always pondering and putting into action how to make N.Fia happier and more joyful, N.Flying prioritizes "what N.Fia loves." Despite being incredibly busy with live broadcasts, fan communication platforms, and more, they actively engage with fans. However, many fans worry that their schedules have become too overwhelming and might take a toll on their physical stamina. In response, the members exude positive energy, stating, "It's not tiring at all."

Yoo Hweseung expressed, "Rather than being physically or mentally exhausting, meeting more people in more places naturally fuels our desire for growth." He revealed his musical passion, saying, "We don't want to show the same stage; we want to demonstrate musical progress."

He continued, "While many have steadfastly loved us from the beginning, there are also newcomers coming to see us for the first time. We want to show a variety of new music to our long-time fans so they can feel pride, and to newcomers, we want to show that we are cool people." Reflecting on this balancing act, Yoo Hweseung added, "It's not getting any easier because I want to excel in both areas every time."

Therefore, it's not easy to set the setlist before every performance. Seunghyub mentioned, "We already know the exciting songs for festivals and what we need to do, but since both existing N.Fia and those who continue to come to see our stage are present, we think about how to satisfy both sides." He explained, "However, trying to satisfy both sides seems impossible. It's difficult. University festivals also have a certain atmosphere to maintain. Therefore, we changed our direction to set the setlist according to the characteristics of festivals and performances."

When asked about not including "Rooftop" in their setlist at the Awesome Stage held at Yonsei University in October, Seunghyub remarked, "I really didn't know. I heard fans outside singing 'Rooftop,' so at that moment, I thought, 'Oh, we didn't do 'Rooftop.' It seemed like we were really fixated on it. Since many N.Fia came to this performance, we wanted to quench our thirst for what we've been longing for. N.Fia seemed to notice that something was odd but brushed it off with laughter."

At the Awesome Stage where N.Fia packed the audience, N.Flying arranged relatively calm songs such as "Sober," "Moon & Cheese," "The Night," and "Zip." It was a different song selection compared to other festivals where they need to raise the tension from the beginning to lead enthusiastic cheers and excitement. Yoo Hweseung commented, "There are good aspects to not shouting. Even after almost ten years, there are still things I haven't gotten used to." He confessed, "After a song ends, even though I think N.Fia likes it and I'm sure they do, if there's no reaction on stage, I start thinking, 'Did I do something wrong?'"

Seunghyub added, "It seems to be a characteristic of our N.Fia. It feels like N.Fia should stand up when the concert starts. It's become a habit." He continued, "When performing with other artists, other fans sit while N.Fia tries to stand up. Since we often raise the tension, I think we resemble each other in that regard."

Furthermore, Seunghyub expressed, "As the number of performances increases, we try not to rely solely on the atmosphere of the moment. I don't like it when people think, 'These kids only have energy.' If we used to start with energetic songs like 'Monster' in the past, nowadays we don't. The setlist has changed a lot to start heating up from the first song." He emphasized their ongoing efforts and considerations to create better performances.

Hweseung mentioned, "Nowadays, after singing, I ask the fans during the show, 'Was that good?' When I worry about whether I did well after such a stage, I read the letters fans leave on fan cafes and they say they really liked it. Fans must have a thirst for songs they haven't heard just once or twice. When I gain confidence that they have that thirst, I feel that I did well."

Seunghyub reflected, "Certainly, when Hun returns, things change a lot again. With just the two of us without other members, suddenly there were many events, so the setlist felt somewhat similar." He continued, "With Hun's return, many ideas came in and there are many things we can do. So, when Dongsung and Jaehyun return, I imagine doing songs we've been thinking about in larger venues." He added, "There are many songs we've saved to do when we become a complete group."

◇ N.Flying's unforgettable stages filled with tears and emotion

As masters of live performances, N.Flying exude even more skill and charm on stage. They offer a significantly enjoyable experience live in concert compared to just listening to their songs. Therefore, post-N.Flying performances are never without praise such as "They were really entertaining and talented" or "I became a fan after seeing their performance." So, what are the memorable stages chosen by N.Flying members?

Hweseung recalled, "The first thing that comes to mind is when we first sang 'Stand By Me' in Japan and a few days later, we sang it again in Korea. I cried both times." Seunghyub added, "That's right. I cried a lot on the second performance."

Hweseung further shared, "I rarely cry, but at that time, it was a period of overcoming confusion. When I sing 'Stand By Me,' there's N.Fia. I remember looking at N.Fia while thinking about the lyrics. It was a moment when I felt really moved, grateful to N.Fia and having members beside me. It was overwhelming to have all those emotions come together."

"The second one is when we performed 'Flashback' for N.Fia at '&CON.' We couldn't see N.Fia for a long time due to COVID-19. 'Flashback' was released with those emotions in mind. After such a long time, we finally did '&CON' and thought we could convey what we wanted to say through 'Flashback.' I wanted to do better, so I even changed it to acapella in the middle to deliver it better. Actually, I was worried then too. It could have been tiring during that long period. It was a time of suffering not only musically but also externally due to COVID-19. However, fans who continued to wait patiently and didn't forget came back to fill the venue again for our first performance in a long time. I was really thankful. I had a lot of thoughts when performing songs we had been waiting to perform in front of N.Fia."

Chahun chose 'THE REAL' performed in Tokyo, Japan in 2018. He said, "At that time, I was foolishly worrying alone. I wondered how we could show more of the band's charm, how we could focus more on being a band rather than idols." He continued, "After the stage ended, looking at each other under the stage with the members, I felt 'If we naturally play together, communicate with N.Fia, and exchange glances, we are already a band and it's our stage. Why did I worry about how to be more like a band? We are already a band.' This stage left a strong impression on me with these thoughts."

Seunghyub added, "The PD came and said, 'You guys looked like a band for the first time,' 'You're a cool band.' Hweseung burst into tears."

N.Flying recently showed their full potential as a "trend-setting band" once again at university festivals after five years, including performances at Kyunggi University, Keimyung University, and Hanyang University. They garnered such a hot response that their name trended on SNS in real-time.

When asked about their impressions of university festivals, Seunghyub sighed and said, "It was challenging. We go on stage with the determination of 'Let's make sure these people can come to our next performance.' University festivals are not attended by many N.Fia, and there's a lack of familiarity, making it difficult to engage with the audience and get them to join in without prior information about us. It's quite different from regular festivals. We went into these festivals with that mindset. Recently, Hweseung sang 'Twenty-Five, Twenty-One' and received a lot of love."

Asked about appealing for next year's university festivals, Hweseung confidently expressed, "Next year, with five members, we can perform even better." Seunghyub added, "Next year, as a more developed N.Flying, we'll prepare a more enjoyable setlist and accumulate know-how to have fun. You should contact us."

◇ N.Flying's Everything = N.Fia: Gratitude and Apology

When it comes to N.Flying, one cannot leave out N.Fia. The love for N.Fia is so special that Seunghyub, when asked about them, wiped away his playful expression, showing a serious gaze. He once again expressed his affection, saying, "Every moment is so moving that it's hard to pick just one."

Hweseung mentioned, "As I consistently receive (emotional moments), I feel like I can't express enough. Recently, with more events, there are those who come closer, but there are also many who come from afar. Fans always come wherever we go. Even when we go abroad, Korean fans come, and when we have many domestic schedules, fans from overseas come." He continued, "So I want to repay them through performances, but due to the nature of concerts, we can only do two songs, and sometimes there are too many people, so we can't even greet them properly before we have to leave. Despite knowing this, fans still come. Therefore, I am deeply grateful, but also feel sorry in proportion to that. So, I burn with a desire for revenge to do better in the next performance."

Earlier, N.Flying faced a dizzying moment due to a sound accident at the Someday Festival. Despite the clearly bewildering situation, N.Flying showed flexible handling and fan service, allowing fans and audiences to communicate and complete a real festival experience with them. This led to a flood of praise for N.Flying. Soon after, they ascended the stage at the Bundang Park Concert, emitting tremendous energy and showcasing their live skills to complete an outstanding performance.

Reflecting on that time, Hweseung shared, "Actually, rather than resentment or confusion over such a sound accident, I felt that time was too precious. There are audiences who watch us, and even if they come from far away or nearby, I felt sorry for making them stand there quietly." He continued, "I wanted to use that time meaningfully and wanted to see their faces up close. That's why I did those actions (while circling the standing zone) and suddenly started dancing."

Seunghyub added, "The staff told us to go inside at that time. But I felt it was the worst time to go inside. I thought we should do something together, so I said, 'Please fix it quickly,' and stayed outside playing with the fans." He recalled, "Hweseung was shaking a water bottle and doing 'water flower play.' So I thought, 'Our Hweseung is really good at this.'" He explained the situation at that time.

Hweseung concluded, "It was more enjoyable than I expected. We received a lot of attention." Seunghyub said, "At that time, the audience treated us so well and gave us a lot of energy, so we finished well. And we set it on fire at the Park Concert." He continued, "The sound director who was at the Park Concert was also on our tour. He knew us very well, so it was a great environment to set on fire." He added, "So we didn't spare any effort and jumped more. Ironically, I felt more energized later." He concluded, "And then I lay in bed for a week," sharing the eventful behind-the-scenes of the performance.

◇ N.Flying: A Band Like Lifelong Friends, Aspiring to Be a Good Brand

"Good at performing," "good at singing" are words that naturally come their way, but especially when someone says "handsome," Hweseung has shown an immediate reaction, often causing laughter. He chuckled, saying, "That's a good one. Hahaha." He continued, "In the media, many people talk about it, but hearing such words directly isn't something common," and honestly confessed, "Everyone reacts positively when they hear those words. It feels good."

This led to N.Flying wondering what other epithets they'd like besides "trusted-listen band" or "youth band." Seunghyub expressed, "I hope people would exclaim, 'Have you heard of N.Flying?' and say, 'Wow!' That would be great." He added, "Being good at it and moving three-dimensionally on stage, going beyond just being a 'trusted-listen band,' would be wonderful."

Cha Hun said, "I'm not sure about the epithets, but I'd like us to be called a 'band like lifelong friends.' Doesn't everyone have friends they say, 'We'll be together forever'?" He explained, "Like a friend you can have by your side for a lifetime, I hope we can be a band where you can grow old together with our music and stage." To which Seunghyub jokingly added, "When we're about 50, I think Hun would be like, 'Hey, hey' to me."

Lastly, Hweseung stated ambitiously, "We want to become a brand. We want to consistently make good music for a long time." He declared, "During that time, as the years pass, we want to establish ourselves as a good brand and cultural presence that remains memorable."

Hweseung, reflecting on their current popularity, shared, "I’m truly feeling it. We put in a lot of thought and effort during the military hiatus, and the drama activities brought us some major attention. Now, with the calls for festival and music performances growing two- to threefold, I’m really experiencing it firsthand," he said. "That’s why I’m excited for the members’ return. Honestly, I’m even more ambitious and want to work harder so we can perform at even bigger venues. But even in this current situation, I feel a lot has changed, so I’m eager to experience it all with the members as soon as they’re back."

Cha Hun also shared how deeply he felt the band’s growth. He said, “Even while I was in the military, I could see that our vocalists were keeping their promises and that we were growing. Whenever I went out on leave or had time off, I never once went anywhere without hearing our music playing. Everywhere I went, our songs were playing,” he explained. “I could really feel how hard they were working, and as soon as I was discharged, we immediately started performing together at festivals and concerts. I try to remember every fan individually, and I noticed there were quite a few new faces. I realized that N.Fia has grown significantly, and now we have many more fans to meet and share our music with.”

◇ The Icon of "Re-Charting Success": Belief that “Good Music Eventually Connects”

During Lovely Runner, “Blue Moon” gained popularity, and more recently, the rock ballad “Firefly,” perfectly suited for fall, rose on the charts, earning N.Flying yet again the title of "re-charting icon."

Yoo Hweseung attributed their re-charting success to "the continuous efforts of Seunghyub hyung, who consistently produces and collaborates with us to create good music." He praised Seunghyub's exceptional songwriting and composing talents, which are the foundation of their success.

He continued, “Luck comes big to those who are prepared. Because we approach music sincerely and are well-prepared, more people have come to appreciate our music.”

Hweseung also expressed gratitude, saying, “Another thing to be thankful for is that other bands have been making great music, helping to revitalize band music for a larger audience. We’ve been influenced a lot by the music of other artists, and I think that our own music activity combined with others’ has led to a broader base of band music listeners. Because of that, more people discovered our songs, allowing us to re-chart, and this makes performing music so enjoyable."

Seunghyub then mentioned, “Hweseung has always said, ‘Good music is something people will eventually find.’ So, we often talked about leaving these kinds of songs as album tracks.” He also praised Hweseung’s voice, saying, “His vocals are just amazing—how could anyone not listen?” Hwiseung laughed, and Seunghyub added, “He’s unmatched.” Sitting between them, Cha Hun joked, “It’s a little awkward being stuck between these two,” making everyone laugh.

As Yoo Hweseung mentioned, Lee Seunghyub showcases his producer skills by writing and composing N.Flying’s songs. Their music, full of the members' shared desire to "provide comfort to the audience," often conveys hope and energy. Rather than urging listeners to "just be strong," their songs acknowledge personal struggles, fears, and insecurities, inviting listeners to move forward together despite these challenges. Messages like "You’re not alone; let’s face it together" provide profound comfort and encouragement.

Drawing on personal experiences to create highly relatable lyrics, Seunghyub said, “It feels like a time when, as N.Flying and as musicians, we need to adapt to reach a broader audience.” He explained that he now adds a touch of imagination to his experiences in his writing. “Nowadays, I’m starting to think that always viewing everything ideally when creating music might be a bit naive. Maybe I’ve matured, or I’m in the process of maturing—it feels like I’m at that point now.”

Seunghyub then shared that his MBTI changed from ENFP to ESTP around two years ago. Cha Hun responded by saying, “I think once all five of us are back together, Seunghyub hyung might return to being an ENFP. I believe he could be an ENFP before because he had faith that, no matter what, the members would manage things well. That’s why I feel that with each member going to the military, he shifted to ESTP. When Jaehyun returns and we’re stable as five again, he might return to ENFP.”

Lee Seunghyub agreed with Cha Hun’s comments, admitting, "That's somewhat accurate," and adding, “When it’s just Hweseung and me, our conversations are very calm, like, ‘The sound is like this today. How’s my vocal tone?’ But after Hun was discharged, it felt like I became a kid again. I realized that whether or not members are around has a significant effect on me.”

Indeed, since Cha Hun’s return, Seunghyub and Hweseung have shown even more energy and playfulness on stage. Seunghyub remarked, "Not just on stage, but in general, there’s a lot more playfulness now." Cha Hun chimed in, "While I was performing ‘4242’ on the guitar, they came over to both sides and pushed me down. I thought, ‘What’s going on here?’ Before joining the army, I was already a bit mischievous, but being less ‘socialized’ after military service makes it even more noticeable now." Seunghyub playfully teased, "You’re still not fully socialized," to which Hun, switching his tone, responded, "Is that so?"—making everyone burst into laughter.

Cha Hun had previously mentioned in a military video that he got used to eating three meals a day in the army. When asked if he still maintains that habit, he replied, “I thought it would stick, but I quickly reverted to my old ways. I used to eat just one or two meals, and even in the army, I divided my usual amount into three portions instead of truly eating full meals. So the absolute amount hasn’t really changed.” At this, Seunghyub jokingly sighed, “This is serious.”

Known for his love of food, Hoe-seung remarked, “Still, I think Hun’s eating habits have improved and become healthier.” Hun explained, “I used to look like I was barely eating, but now I can at least make it look like I’m enjoying a full meal—something I learned in the army.”

Hweseung added, “To eat well, you need to enjoy your food, but Hun only likes things like vegetables and konjac. He barely eats even a small portion of salad, which can be concerning. But lately, he’s been eating more balanced meals.” Hweseung also mentioned he hasn’t yet enacted his plan to “get back at” Hun for his military bugle wake-up calls. “Since I’m the morning wake-up master, just wait—I’ll do it when the time is right,” he said with a mischievous smile.

◇ Music Rooted in History: The Foundation of N.Flying

Released in 2019, Rooftop became a signature song for N.Flying, known for its comforting message to weary youth and its popularity at festivals where audiences sing along. This self-composed track by Lee Seunghyub experienced a resurgence in popularity, topping digital music charts and music shows. However, defining N.Flying’s music solely through Rooftop would be incomplete. From their long trainee years to indie activities in Japan, and ongoing musical growth post-debut, N.Flying has consistently taken on diverse challenges and evolved in their sound.

Naturally, curiosity arises regarding the track that the members consider the “root” of N.Flying. Without hesitation, Lee Seunghyub named their debut song, Awesome, explaining, “When I think of our roots, our debut track immediately comes to mind, regardless of whether Hoe-seung was part of the group then or not.” N.Flying debuted in 2015, with Yoo Hweseung joining as a new member in 2017.

Seunghyub elaborated, "My long trainee period still influences me, and I sometimes feel like my approach to rap doesn’t feel quite right anymore. I’ve grown to prefer focusing less on rapping, as I'm no longer sure if it's truly fitting for me. That’s how songs like Bloom and Flashback came about, with Hweseung’s voice now being central to our sound.” Yet, he added, “Still, if we’re talking about our roots, it would probably be one of our energetic tracks that our fans, N.fia, love jumping around to.”

Cha Hun said that if he considers the relationship between N.Flying and their fans, Stand By Me seems to embody their connection. Yoo Hweseung emphasized, “In a band, history matters a lot. Many other bands may feel similarly, but I think we have truly had a spectacular journey.” Reflecting on the difficult times, he explained, “Music from our most trying periods carries memories of resilience and comfort, and performing these songs often stirs up strong emotions.”

Hweseung continued, “Each song and album encapsulates moments—times of joy and struggles that nobody else knew about. Each of these experiences forms part of our roots.” Adding to this, Hweseung recalled, “When I saw Awesome during my military service, I was deeply moved,” which caught Seunghyub’s attention. However, Hweseung then playfully clarified, “I was just thinking, ‘Oh, my hyungs had already debuted,’” making Seunghyub laugh in realization.

◇ Celebrating a Decade and Anticipating the Next: N.Flying’s 10th Anniversary as a Complete Group

2025 marks not only the return of drummer Kim Jaehyun, bringing N.Flying back to a full lineup, but also the band’s 10th debut anniversary—a momentous year for both the members and their fans, N.fia.

Reflecting on the band’s journey, Cha Hun said, “Our group has been through all sorts of ups and downs, both good and bad. I know every group goes through this, but we’ve faced many challenges. As these ten years have passed, we’ve only grown closer and stronger as members, with no distance growing between us. This makes our 10th anniversary even more exciting, with the next ten years feeling even more promising.”

Looking back, Lee Seunghyub noted, “When Hweseung joined, it was like N.Flying started a second life—a true rebirth. It’s like we hatched from our shell and then hatched again.” Cha Hun added, “We started walking after we first hatched, and Hweseung gave us wings to fly.”

Lee Seunghyub continued, “Hweseung was really the one who solidified our unity back then. He’s the mastermind behind bringing us together,” which led to Hweseung’s laughter, and Cha Hun chimed in, “We should have noticed that back then!”

Seunghyub elaborated, “Though he was the youngest member at the time, Hweseung had a sense of direction for the group. His actions helped change us all, instilling responsibility in us, and it felt like we were reborn. Over the years, we’ve truly become one. The moments when we felt like one, with our strongest unity, were when our performances felt the most meaningful. We’ve managed to keep that sense of unity strong from then on.”

Hweseung then shared, “This moment feels like another turning point. Maybe it’s just confidence, but I truly believe that when we’re all together again, we’ll gain a new set of wings. We’re working hard, not only for that moment but also to make great music. Next year, I think we’ll step into a new phase we haven’t reached before, and I look forward to that.”

Although Hanni didn’t specifically name the individual, it is presumed she was referring to Chairman Bang. Previously, rumors of a conflict between Min Heejin, the former CEO of ADOR and the chief producer of NewJeans, and Chairman Bang surfaced, leading to speculations that HYBE had treated NewJeans poorly.

Hanni also claimed, "Judging from the atmosphere within the company, recent events, and the fact that HYBE employees have been criticizing NewJeans on the Blind, I’ve become convinced that the company dislikes us."

When asked why she thought HYBE disliked them, Hanni explained, "It’s because we debuted through a different path. We didn’t follow the company's typical route, and because we’ve been successful, they’ve tried to put us down. That’s the reason I believe they dislike us."

When asked whether the conflict between Chairman Bang and former CEO Min affected the way NewJeans was treated within HYBE, Hanni emphasized, "It’s impossible for it not to have had an effect. There’s no need for this to happen, but since it’s happening, I can’t stay silent anymore."

Unlike other groups under HYBE, where Chairman Bang Si-hyuk is involved in producing, NewJeans debuted under the leadership of former ADOR CEO Min Heejin. Previously, conflicts between Chairman Bang and former CEO Min had surfaced.

"ADOR’s efforts to resolve harassment issues are insufficient," claims Hanni

Hanni also stated that she had asked Kim Juyoung, the CEO of ADOR (a HYBE subsidiary), to take action regarding workplace harassment but received insufficient feedback.

On the other hand, Kim Juyoung, who is also HYBE’s Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), responded by saying, "I believe in Hanni's claims. Unfortunately, we were unable to secure evidence," adding, "I believe I took all the measures I could, but seeing that Hanni has reached this point, I reflect on whether there was more I could have done."

However, Hanni directly criticized this response, saying, "I don't think (Kim Juyoung, ADOR’s CEO) did their best. There was certainly more that could have been done." She continued, "You said from the beginning that you would protect us, but if you want to protect us, you need to fight. However, there was no will to fight or take action, so I don't think you can say you did your best." She firmly added, "I know very well that if I say, 'I hope you try harder in the future,' this issue will be brushed aside. Please solve this issue quickly before talking about the future."

In response, CEO Kim said, "As Hanni mentioned, I will listen more closely to the voices of artists and strengthen communication. Since there are conflicting claims between the parties involved, it’s important to confirm the facts. I will cooperate faithfully with the ongoing investigation by the Ministry of Employment and Labor to clarify the facts and will do my best."

“If people were respected as human beings, there would be no harassment.”

Towards the end, Hanni eventually broke into tears. She said, "Today’s session is about addressing workplace harassment and ostracism. While going through this ordeal, I thought a lot about how, although the law cannot solve every problem in the world, if people were respected as human beings, there would be no issues of workplace harassment or ostracism," as she teared up.

Expressing gratitude for the attention given to the issue, she added, "I hope seniors, peers, juniors, and trainees don’t have to worry about this." She also mentioned, "I’ve seen messages from people expressing concern for me, and I’m thankful."

While reflecting on why she had to experience such situations in Korea, she mentioned that many people apologized to her. However, she emphasized, "The members and staff, whom I now consider like a new family in Korea, don’t need to feel sorry."

Instead, she stated, "The people who should actually be apologizing, such as Chairman Bang and others, don’t realize this. If they had nothing to hide, they should come forward openly, but it’s frustrating that they avoid situations like this."

Hanni also shared that the Australian embassy had contacted her parents out of concern, and she expressed her gratitude, adding, "Lastly, if I have to come out again, I will study Korean more diligently and speak better next time." She noted that during the hearing, she struggled to understand some of the rapid Korean questions from the lawmakers.

The issue of whether celebrities are considered "employees" arises… HYBE's designation as a 'Top Job-Creating Company' in Korea is also questioned.

During the National Assembly audit involving Hanni, the main issue under the Labor Standards Act was whether the members of NewJeans qualify as "employees." In the past, the Ministry of Employment and Labor had determined that it is difficult to classify entertainers with exclusive contracts under the Labor Standards Act as employees.

However, the prohibition against workplace bullying in the Labor Standards Act only applies to workers who have employment contracts. This is why the prevailing view is that it's difficult to recognize the "worker status" of celebrities under exclusive contracts with their agencies. Kim Yoojin, the Director of Labor Policy at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, also stated at the audit, "There is a reality where it is difficult to apply the current Labor Standards Act."

That said, there are voices calling for attention to the blind spots concerning idol labor rights. Generally, when idols sign contracts with their agencies right before debut, it is hard for them to be in an equal position. Furthermore, idols are usually subject to various restrictions from their agencies even during their trainee days.

Ahn Hoyoung, Chairman of the Environment and Labor Committee, emphasized, "This issue should not be viewed as merely a problem for a specific idol group or a gossip-related issue. It symbolically represents workers who are not protected by labor laws. The government and National Assembly need to come up with measures to eliminate this blind spot."

Rep. Park Jeong of the Democratic Party also criticized, "If we cannot raise an issue because the Labor Standards Act doesn't apply, this problem will only continue to repeat itself."

During the audit, the issue of HYBE being selected as one of the "Top Job-Creating Companies in Korea" this year was also raised. The Top Job-Creating Companies are 100 companies recognized for their efforts to create jobs and improve work conditions, including work-life balance. The selected companies receive various benefits, such as a presidential certificate, preferential credit evaluations, lower loan interest rates, priority in government procurement, and expedited immigration processing.

Lee Jeonghan, the Director of Employment Policy at the Ministry of Employment and Labor, explained, "HYBE was selected based on recommendations from the public. We evaluated various aspects beyond just a horizontal organizational culture, such as turnover rate and support for work-family balance. We also conducted on-site inspections and reputation checks with labor and management organizations. Since we found no issues during this process, the decision was made fairly by a committee of private experts." Regarding the possibility of revoking the certification, he added, "A complaint has been filed with our local office, and we will carefully review the results of the investigation."

Previously, during a NewJeans YouTube live broadcast last month, Hanni claimed that a manager from another HYBE group deliberately said "ignore her" loud enough for her to hear. The manager in question is responsible for the group "I-Land." The group's label, Belift Lab, has denied the accusation, citing CCTV footage and their investigation. Kim Juyoung, the CEO of ADOR, stated that the facts are still being verified due to conflicting opinions.

It is highly unusual for a current idol to appear at a National Assembly audit. Idols typically avoid sensitive issues, making Hanni's decision to speak out a notable example of assertiveness. When Hanni arrived at the National Assembly, the area buzzed with press activity. She also briefly addressed her fanbase, Bunnies, saying, "I know you all already understand without me having to say anything, so I don't need to explain further."

Hwang Inyeop: Yes, it was. (laughs)

The word "harmonious" is typically used for families, but hearing it makes me realize it applies to colleagues as well.

Jung Chaeyeon: It really was like that. We clicked exceptionally well, so it felt comfortable.

This vibe seems to be reflected in the drama Family By Choice. From the preview, the relationships between the three characters seem warm and affectionate, like both family and friends.

Bae Hyunsung: Exactly. When I first read the script, it felt warm. Although each character has their own pain and sorrow, their efforts to overcome it also felt heartwarming.

Hwang Inyeop: While working on this project, I cried a lot and laughed a lot. All three characters are bright, but you can sense their sadness underneath. They live brightly, even though they carry sadness.

Bae Hyunsung: That’s how it is for everyone, right? Life can be tough, but when you're with someone you love, you're happy just being together, and you smile. But sometimes, when you look into each other’s eyes, you can feel sadness. We had a lot of scenes where we looked into each other’s eyes, and I often felt that emotion.

Jung Chaeyeon: I think I was drawn to this drama because of that warmth.

How did each of you interpret and explore your characters—Sanha (Hwang Inyeop), Juwon (Jung Chaeyeon), and Haejun (Bae Hyunsung)?

Jung Chaeyeon: Juwon is a person full of energy and brightness, though there are underlying reasons for that. I tried to bring out the most positive and bright side of myself. When something happens, Juwon doesn’t try to look at things from the side or the back but approaches them in a straightforward and simple way. That’s her style, and I tried to think that way as well.

Bae Hyunsung: Unlike Sanha and Juwon, Haejun is, in a way, a character who is completely alone. He receives a lot of love and support from his friends and family, but at the same time, he feels burdened by it. I once lived with my uncle’s family for a short time during my childhood, and I remember feeling a strange sense of pressure then. I tried to recall that feeling while thinking about Haejun. Essentially, it was a process of suppressing sorrow and amplifying brightness.

Hwang Inyeop: Every time I play a new character, I try to get as close to them as possible, but I wonder if it’s ever possible to completely understand them. It’s hard enough to fully know oneself, right? So, I always approach characters without the assumption that I know them entirely. But interestingly, with Sanha, at some point, it felt less like I was interpreting and expressing him and more like I was absorbing him. It wasn’t about thinking, “Sanha is somewhere out there,” but more like, “What I’m doing is Sanha.” Compared to Juwon and Haejun, Sanha is quieter and more relaxed, but there are moments when he suddenly bursts out. I tried to express that without second-guessing myself, and I think it came through well when I watched the monitor. (laughs)

It sounds like the moment you felt fully immersed in your characters and the story was quite valuable. In a way, that could be the purpose of exploring and acting out these roles.

Hwang Inyeop: The process of the three of us becoming “us” in the story was similar to that. All of us are pretty shy in real life, but in the drama, we’re portrayed as friends who have been extremely close since childhood. I was worried about how we could quickly build up that chemistry, but once we started filming, we just naturally became “us.” There’s a scene where Haejun is playing basketball, and Sanha and Juwon are cheering him on. While shooting that scene, I found myself genuinely rooting for him. That was the day I felt, “Now we’ve really become ‘us.’”

Now that filming is over, it seems none of you are ready to let go of your characters. What does Family By Choice mean to each of you?

Jung Chaeyeon: I’m not sure how the behind-the-scenes footage of the last filming day will turn out, but all three of us cried a lot. We cried so much that the director had to shoot other scenes first and save our trio’s scene for the last. It was especially hard to say goodbye to this project, so it will stay in my heart for a long time. When describing our drama, people use words like youth, romance, and warmth. For me, the few months of filming truly felt like my youth. I worked hard, I was passionate, I had fun, and I was really happy.

Bae Hyunsung: That’s right. Even after a long time has passed, I don’t think I’ll feel distant from it.

Hwang Inyeop: I’m glad that the sincerity came through. I always try to be sincere, but that’s not always easy. It’s not necessarily bad when it isn’t. Sometimes, sticking to each person’s goals and desires leads to better results. But when everything aligns and feels right, that’s the best, because it’s rare and precious.

Jung Chaeyeon: This is the first time we’ve met after a month and a half since filming wrapped up. Usually, there’s a bit of hesitation or distance in those situations. But today, we started joking around right away, and I realized, “We really have become friends.” I think we’ll stay in touch for a long time.

Hwang Inyeop: Maybe it’s because we worked together on this project, but in some ways, the three of us seem alike. None of us get angry easily, and we’re all quite bright… or am I not? (laughs)

Jung Chaeyeon: You’re not dark. We are similar.

Earlier, when you all burst into laughter at the same time, I thought your cheerful energy was alike. You’ve definitely become friends. (laughs)

Bae Hyunsung: In the drama, we play family and best friends, and I think we’ve become something like that, too.

Hwang Inyeop: We all have bright personalities at the core. Each of us has a different vibe, though. Hyunsung is gentle, Chaeyeon is lively, and I… I don’t know. (laughs)

Jung Chaeyeon: You’re warm.

Bae Hyunsung: You’re warm-hearted.

Hwang Inyeop: That’s a good choice of words. Yes, I’ll take that. (laughs)

Now 37 years old, Ham Eun-jung once dreamt of getting married at 40.

"Actors who were former idols seem to hit a reset after getting married post-40 and enter a new phase of middle age. I think it’s because I’m such a workaholic. Marriage is important, but so is my current life. I want to build and prepare over the next three years and get married after I turn 40. I do worry about how my image might change once I’m married. Even now, when I play the role of a mother or a married woman, people question why I’m doing it when I’m single or suggest that I play younger roles to extend my career. But I don’t think that way. I can play roles that match my age. If I play these roles more now, people might think, 'Wasn't she already married?' when I do get married, so there will be less pressure later."

"I like keeping my personal life separate from my public work. I want to keep working for as long as I can. My main concern is how marriage might affect my acting and change my image. But since so many people already assume I’m married, I feel like it won’t matter much if I marry late. Even if people say all the good men are taken, I’m fine with that. What matters more to me is my stance on my work—T-ara and acting are my priorities. Actually, my current dilemma is about how to furnish my home, now that I've recently moved out on my own,"

"At first, I wanted to win an award individually, but as the end of the drama approaches, those feelings have faded. Now, I really want to win the Best Couple Award with Baek Sunghyun. It would be such a meaningful award and would give a proper conclusion to our work. I want to show that if the chemistry between the male and female leads is great and the team atmosphere is positive, it’s possible to win an award. Baek Sunghyun and I even go to the same salon, so we see each other every day,"

Ham Eunjung, who debuted as an actress before her activities with T-ara, shared her thoughts on both careers:

"I always saw my singing career as an extension of my acting career. It just suits me well. Each song in our music career had its own concept, and the lyrics felt like lines from a script, so it was like acting. In fact, the reason T-ara was so beloved wasn’t just because we had amazing dance moves or vocals, but because our ability to express ourselves on stage was like something out of a theater program. I found joy in seeing it as an extension of acting and approached variety shows like I was filming short dramas. However, I’ve become more cautious with reality shows when I’m focusing on acting. Too many people associate my real-life persona with my characters, and I think it’s respectful to be seen as only the character when working on a project."

Ham Eunjung reunited with Baek Sunghyun after 11 years, having last worked together on Queen Insoo. In that time, both have grown in their respective careers.

"In the time since, Baek Sunghyun got married and even has a child now. He’s really matured, and I can rely on him more; there’s a sense of dependability now. While I was busy with T-ara activities, Baek Sunghyun consistently worked as an actor, and I could see the seniority in him from that. The fact that we already knew each other made it easy to click right away."

"Because we’re close, we could argue comfortably. If we didn’t like each other’s acting, we’d say so. But that’s only possible because we trust each other. There was also this thought, 'If I make a mistake, you’ll cover for me.' Even if our performance changed from rehearsal, there were no hard feelings—he was a truly great partner. I even sang at his wedding, and there was a time when I appeared on a variety show as a guest without knowing who else was there, only to unexpectedly run into Baek Sunghyun. I kept thinking, 'What a strange fate we share.'"