LE SSERAFIM, Hardened and Stronger: "We Shared Fears and Loneliness Together" [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

The group LE SSERAFIM returns with their first full-length album in about three years. Through the new album, the members spoke of their musical growth, deeper teamwork, and the inner strength they gained by facing "fear."

LE SSERAFIM (Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Huh Yunjin, Kazuha, Hong Eunchae) recently held an interview to commemorate the release of their second full album, "PUREFLOW pt.1," at a café in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

This album is their first full-length release in about three years since their debut full album "UNFORGIVEN" in 2023. It features a total of 11 tracks, including the title track "BOOMPALA," and charts a new chapter unique to LE SSERAFIM through diverse genres and narratives.

Huh Yunjin said, "I'm so happy to be back after three years. This time, we were able to include 11 tracks, allowing us to cover various genres and stories. I'm also looking forward to seeing how our fans, Peris, will receive it." Hong Eunchae added, "I realized once again how precious full albums are. This album is the one that most deeply conveys our gratitude to those who seek out and listen to our music."

The members' active participation also stands out in this album. Sakura said, "My level of involvement is much higher than in our first full album. While recording, I was able to try out various voices and expressions." Kazuha stated, "In the early days of our debut, we just ran forward, but this time, we prepared with fun while thinking about what kind of image we wanted to show."

Huh Yunjin confidently remarked, "This album contains much more diverse musical feelings than our first full album, and the members' expressive abilities shine even more." Hong Eunchae explained, "On track 6, 'How Can We Be Friends Even More?', I expressed my emotions as if crying out, while Chaewon unnie delivered hers calmly. Each member's personality and way of expression are fully captured in the song."

Huh Yunjin continued, "I was truly surprised when I heard Eunchae's recording. This album will allow us to hear many new voices from our members." Kazuha expressed satisfaction, saying, "We worked on each track as if swapping our identities."

Especially, this album captures LE SSERAFIM's sincere story of facing "fear" head-on. Huh Yunjin said, "From the initial planning stage, I often wondered, 'What story can only we tell?' We included themes of the group's relationships, solidarity, friendship, and the stronger bonds formed through our activities, as well as stories about fear."

Hong Eunchae said, "While having new experiences, there were many moments when I hit a wall alone, and I also felt the fear of losing someone close. Rather than avoiding it, I think the message of this album was born through the process of acknowledging fear and moving forward."

Sakura also shared, "The more love we received, the more pressure I felt to do better. After 'Spaghetti' was loved, I felt a fear of needing to do even better this time. However, by sharing the same emotions with the members, we became more reliant on each other, and I think the message that we grew stronger through this process emerged."

Huh Yunjin said, "It seems like an era where everyone inevitably feels loneliness. We also feel loneliness, but the moment we realize we share the same feelings with our members, we receive great comfort. That is the power of solidarity and becomes the driving force to move forward."

The members also continued to make new attempts during the music production process. Regarding the work on the track "Trust Exercise," Kazuha said, "It was my first challenge to record freestyle with only the track available. I was very nervous, but I felt the fun of watching the song come to completion, and I want to keep challenging myself in the future." Huh Yunjin praised her, saying, "Even though it was your first time, you did really well. In session work, it's important to express yourself confidently, and you did it so well." Hong Eunchae also chimed in, saying, "You sounded like someone who had practiced for a month."

The members also continued to participate in choreography production. Hong Eunchae said, "It has been my dream to participate in choreography production for a long time. Although it wasn't adopted, I learned a lot while working sincerely, and it felt like the start of a new challenge." He added, "I also looked up the Macarena choreography a lot, which created some memories of my own."

The title track "BOOMPALA" samples "Macarena" and is an energetic song based on Latin sensibilities. Huh Yunjin explained, "I wanted to convey a positive and enjoyable message. It includes stories about inner peace and taking care of oneself, so it fits well with keywords like meditation." Sakura said, "When I heard the 'Macarena' sample, I was certain that this would work. I hope it becomes a representative song to enjoy enthusiastically in the summer."

LE SSERAFIM immediately embarked on their second world tour upon their comeback. Huh Yunjin said, "I saw the setlist and the production, and I'm really looking forward to it. Since we have more songs with this full album, I'm curious about how they will be expressed during this tour." He continued, "Our first world tour remains a good memory, so we are working hard to show an even better performance."

Hong Eunchae said, "It hasn't been long since our first tour ended, so I'm grateful to be able to tour again. Since we will be visiting the places where Kazuha used to practice ballet, I think this will become a more meaningful project." Kazuha said, "It was a place where I used to worry about surviving alone, but now I'm going there with the members, so I'm more excited and want to create good memories."

The members selected "CRAZY" as the concert's "signature stage." Hong Eunchae explained, "There are many group sing-alongs overseas. It's a song where both the audience and we pour out all our remaining energy." He added, "I hope 'BOOMPALA' also becomes a new signature song." Sakura said, "'CRAZY' is a song that everyone can enjoy in a state of ecstasy," and Kazuha remarked, "The atmosphere where the audience genuinely enjoys the music and the space is impressive."

Finally, the members expressed their hope that LE SSERAFIM becomes a team that gives strength to someone. Hong Eunchae said, "Don't we all have big and small fears and hardships in our lives? I sincerely hope that through our music, messages, or interviews, you find comfort and courage in the thought, 'I'm not the only one struggling.'"

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*This content was translated by AI.