ONEUS: "We Want to Capture Both Popularity and Artistry"... Goal in the Eighth Year of Debut [Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

Group ONEUS has revealed new goals while reflecting on its appeal to the general public.

ONEUS (Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, Siwon) recently held an interview to commemorate the release of their twelfth mini-album 'First Light: Jeong (FIRST LIGHT: )' at a café in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

ONEUS is scheduled to meet global fans through a world tour immediately following their comeback. The '2026 ONEUS WORLD TOUR "FULL MOON"' will kick off on October 24 in Seoul and proceed through Central and South America, Europe, North America, and Asia.

On that day, Seoho commented on the stage performances for the world tour: "There will be many songs making their debut again." He added, "For first-time concertgoers, we've prepared a stage where they might say, 'I didn't know this song existed?' and get drawn in. For existing fans, we've also prepared moments that will make them think, 'This is what I wanted to see.' We hope you look forward to it."

Especially ahead of the Central and South America tour, Leedo expressed his anticipation for meeting local fans. He said, "It will be fun to go back again. Cultures differ by country, and how fans enjoy performances also vary, which is interesting. As time passes, I feel that cheering styles and ways of enjoying concerts in each country continue to change. I'm looking forward to seeing how they'll enjoy it this time."

As they continue to meet fans both domestically and internationally, ONEUS is also contemplating ways for their music to reach a broader audience. Keonhee stated, "I think we always ponder what it means to be popular. Since the message we want to convey might be interpreted differently by the public, we constantly consider how to strike the right balance."

Hwanwoong similarly remarked, "I don't believe our fandom, 'TWOUS,' is narrow-minded. While we sing for TWOUS, it ultimately connects with singing alongside the general public. As we continue making the music we want and keep moving forward, I believe we will find a path that captures both popularity and the hearts of our fans."

In their efforts to consistently share ONEUS's music with both fans and the general public, the period of absence due to Seoho's military enlistment also presented another challenge for the members. ONEUS continued team activities without pause, releasing Japanese singles, Korean albums, and embarking on tours.

Keonhee reflected, "We were determined that fans shouldn't feel any gap in ONEUS's activities. We aimed to maintain communication with fans so that Seoho's absence wouldn't be perceived as a decline for the group. Making music together as four members also became an opportunity to discover another side of ONEUS."

He added, "I think we all tried our best to protect ONEUS from our respective positions. We shouldered responsibility and worked to safeguard the team, and as a result, we were able to make it through well and prepare for a new beginning."

Seoho also expressed gratitude toward the members who upheld the group in his absence. He said, "Watching my members continue their activities while I was away made me proud, and I felt their prioritization of the team, which moved me deeply. During my military service, I also worked hard to ensure I wouldn't be forgotten as 'ONEUS Seoho' by participating in auditions for events like the Army Festival. While my members put in effort too, I hope they recognize that I made significant efforts as well."

As ONEUS has protected the team from their respective positions, they cited their long-accumulated performance skills and stage presence as key strengths. Leedo noted, "Our performances grew significantly during our survival program experience. While singing is important, it seems the visual enjoyment we provide is equally significant."

Hwanwoong explained, "We have consistently delivered performances that satisfy multiple senses—wow moments, artistic direction, and sweet vocal tones. I believe this is one of the reasons fans seek us out in many countries."

Through this comeback, ONEUS aims to reestablish their unique presence as a complete five-member group. Leedo said, "Since we're appearing together as five members after a long time, we hope people will say, 'As expected, this is what ONEUS should be.' Our goal is to create memorable stages and activities that leave no regrets."

Keonhee emphasized fan satisfaction over chart performance. He stated firmly, "While we would be grateful for a number-one spot on music shows or charts, what truly brings us joy this time is the fact that all five members are active together after such a long period. We consider creating activities that satisfy our fans as our greatest achievement."

Hwanwoong shared, "Through this album, we hope to be recognized as 'artists whose next album fans can't wait for.' Releasing our twelfth mini-album in our eighth year will make this a meaningful activity. Having been loved through various concepts, we also aim to earn the title of 'refreshing idols' this time."

Seoho emphasized, "Our goal is to reach number one on music charts. We want to achieve number-one positions regardless of whether it's domestically or internationally."

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*This content was translated by AI.