[Exclusive]"'Road to KINGDOM' with the same fervor intact": The growth formula of 7th-year CRAVITY [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Even in their 7th year since debut, CRAVITY's keyword remained 'original intention.' "Not losing the initial fervor" was the driving force behind CRAVITY's growth, and with that mindset, they are moving forward toward even larger stages.

Debuting in April 2020, CRAVITY has consistently showcased original concepts, diverse live performances, and highly polished presentations, earning both the monikers 'Vocal Vity' and 'Performance Vity.' While building the group's identity, they have continued their step-by-step growth.

Marking their 5th anniversary last year, CRAVITY released their 2nd full album 'Dare to Crave' through bold rebranding, presenting a music world expanded one step further. All members participated in songwriting and composition, filling the album with 12 tracks. This album revealed not only the group's unique color but also the solid capabilities each member had built up. They topped music shows with two wins using the title track 'SET NET G0?!' and proved their presence on stage through their solo concert 'Dare to Crave.'

On December 6, CRAVITY was honored with the 'AAA Icon' award at the '10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025' (10th Anniversary Asia Artist Awards 2025, hereinafter 'AAA 2025') held at Kaohsiung National Stadium.

-At '10th Anniversary AAA 2025', you brought home no fewer than five trophies. How did you feel attending?

▶Wonjin=It was truly happy just to be on the same stage with artists I have always admired. Kaohsiung National Stadium was the largest venue I have performed at since debut, so it remains especially memorable in my mind. I felt that even the opportunity to stand on such a grand stage was a blessing, and that made my desire to perform even better grow stronger.

▶Hyeongjun=2025 was a year where we ran very hard alongside our rebranding. Receiving an award at the ceremony made me feel that our efforts were rewarded, and it became the driving force for us to work even harder in the future. It seems we were able to successfully conclude our comeback activities by channeling that energy.

-Allen served as the MC at 'ACON 2025' and performed well. How did you feel?

▶Allen=The members probably saw it from backstage, but it was actually comfortable because I wasn't in their line of sight. In fact, I had worries that performing or hosting in front of the members would make me more nervous.

Hosting was truly a great experience. Especially since my family came to the venue and brightened the spot, I imagine my father must have been very proud seeing so many fans cheering for me. It remains a gratifying memory that I did well in my own way.

CRAVITY released their 8th mini album 'ReDeFINE' last April. This album most vividly captures the current CRAVITY, expressing the youth who have gone through fear, longing, and the process of growth. The title track 'AWAKE' left a deep impression with its message that a moment once believed to be the end can become a new beginning, along with their ambition to move forward again.

-We are curious about your feelings after completing activities for the 8th mini album.

▶Serim=Previously, CRAVITY received relatively more attention for variety shows or supplementary aspects, but this time it seems the album received attention for its concept and songs, which I liked. I feel our pride in our album has risen, and it has also sparked a desire to show even better performances in the future.

▶Wonjin=Even amidst the accumulated years, not losing the initial fervor and goal we first had, and making each stage precious, was the biggest keyword of this activity. It seems that feeling was well conveyed, so fans paid a lot of attention to our stage, and thanks to that, we were able to gain confidence and pride.

-Members also participated in songwriting and composition for this album. Where do you usually get creative inspiration?

▶Serim=I have been participating in writing lyrics for title tracks for several years. First, I think a lot about matching the album's concept and the song's theme. As a member who writes lyrics and composes music, I tend to take notes of good sentences or impressive expressions from letters fans send. Also, sometimes good lyric ideas come to mind while watching dramas or movies, so I write them down separately. I often refer to those notes when working later.

▶Taeyoung=I also write down phrases I like while looking at my phone or reading books in my memo pad, and when making music, I take out the memo pad to write lyrics or set the direction of the track.

-This album captures the process of moving forward even when shaken. Did you write anything in Navy Headquarters about what 'the most CRAVITY-like thing' means?

▶Serim=As a member who makes songs, I think the keyword that best expresses CRAVITY is 'youth.' Fans also like the family-like chemistry among the members, and we also cherish that relationship. Therefore, I think music that sings about various emotions and moments of youth is the most CRAVITY-like color.

-Have there been any changes since the 2025 rebranding?

▶Jeongmo=I am glad there have been many responses saying the team has become cooler. Thanks to those responses, the members also feel like they want to take on more challenges, and it seems their mindset for future activities has become even stronger.

-When you think of CRAVITY, family-like chemistry comes to mind, but that relationship probably wasn't formed naturally. There must have been moments where you collided and experienced conflicts, becoming stronger through them.

▶Hyeongjun=Now, you could say there are no fights among the members at all. However, while we are active, there are many times we need to express opinions, and we have many ambitions and things we want to accomplish, so we are in the process of learning how to coordinate those things. I think that is a process of growth and accomplishment.

We call it a 'family meeting.' We gather together to talk, sharing what each person is thinking, and even before a comeback, we set goals together.

-What was the goal you set before this comeback?

▶Hyeongjun=Of course, there was the goal of winning number one on music shows, but we also talked about not losing our original intention, expressing ourselves well on stage, and showing the audience so they can immerse themselves.

-What is the original intention CRAVITY reflects on?

▶Wonjin=We often think back to the 'Road to KINGDOM' period. Even during practice, if we sometimes feel slack, we recall that time and encourage and motivate each other by saying, 'How fervent we were. How much we wanted to be number one. We have to pull ourselves up again.'

-Recently, the members' individual activity areas are expanding, and as each takes on new fields, what impact are the experiences gained having on group activities?

▶Woo-bin=Recently, I debuted on the musical stage with 'Romeo and Juliet.' The process of getting on stage was truly new, and the process of learning and syncing with new senior actors was not easy either. Still, as I gradually adapted and became more comfortable, it seems I was actually able to enjoy it once the performance started. But honestly, it was difficult.

-Hyeongjun also took on his first drama challenge. Do other members not have ambitions for acting?

▶Hyeongjun=When doing group activities, I thought there was a certain correct answer. You just have to match the choreography, record well, and there is a set framework. But acting is expression, so it felt like there was no correct answer. Since I experienced it for the first time, it was definitely difficult, and when scheduling, since the members weren't there, it was definitely lonely.

▶Wonjin=I have experience as a child actor. I also appeared briefly in the movie 'The Man from Nowhere.' Because I have those memories, I think it will be difficult for now, but I want to try when I am in my 40s or 50s. I think I need to manage myself so I can age gracefully.

▶Serim=There is no age limit for acting. It is also a field I might challenge someday. If given the opportunity, I am confident I can work hard.

-Seven years is a very important number for an idol. With contract renewals approaching, did you have any conversations among yourselves?

▶Hyeongjun=After activities ended, we talked among ourselves, and overall, opinions converged in a positive direction. We are not yet at the stage of having specific conversations with the company or hearing their opinions, but at least among ourselves, we are thinking positively. Actually, I think I can only say this much for now. However, I want to tell fans not to be too anxious, to trust us, and to wait a little longer.

-We are curious about CRAVITY's long-term goals.

▶Jeongmo=It is my dream to hold a solo concert at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena (KSPO DOME).

▶Allen=We often say 'Let's be together forever.' But 'forever' is too unknown a number, so I want to become a 'long-lasting idol.'

▶Serim=To become a 'long-lasting idol,' it is also true that we must be recognized as such. I want to grow even more with the members and stay together for a long, long time.

-Finally, do you have any words for Lovey (CRAVITY's fandom name)?

▶Wonjin=If Lovey is always by our side, we are ready to walk even through thorny paths.

▶Allen=It is an expression also found in the lyrics I wrote: If Lovey is at the end of this path, it is fine to walk it many times.

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*This content was translated by AI.