ONEUS Crosses the Seven-Year Hurdle to Reunite as a Full Five-Member Unit: "We Hope TMOON Is Satisfied" [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

The group ONEUS has once again gathered as a complete five-member unit, standing at the starting line of a new chapter.

ONEUS (Seo Ho, Lee Do, Geon Hee, Hwan Woong, and Si On) recently held an interview to commemorate the release of their 12th mini-album, "FIRST LIGHT : ," at a cafe in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.

This is the first full-unit album ONEUS has released since transferring to B-Wave Entertainment. Seo Ho, who enlisted last year, was discharged in August, allowing the group to reunite as five members after approximately one year and six months. The album, released on the 23rd of last month, features a total of five tracks, including the title song "Don't Look Away," "Runaway," "Even If I Meet You by Chance," "Our Story That Will Never End," and "We Run for Youth."

"FIRST LIGHT : " carries the meaning of creating a new beginning together once again with TMOON, the fandom that has illuminated ONEUS for a long time. Drawing on the concept of "light" that began with their debut album, "LIGHT US," the group infused the message of returning the love they received from fans through their music.

The title track, "Don't Look Away," is a pop song characterized by a powerful drop sound. It captures the moment of illuminating each other and moving toward a new beginning, like finally facing the first light after passing through a dark night. Producer R.Tee participated in the production, enhancing the completeness of the track.

Geon Hee said, "It was so good that I 'got carried away.' It also perfectly matched the message we were trying to convey." He added, "We have always expressed things metaphorically and beautifully, so it felt awkward to use such a direct expression for the first time, but it seems to suit us well."

He continued, "I wondered if it might seem a bit silly, but when we showed you the song and performance, there was nothing funny about it at all. We will try to persuade you through our stage presence," expressing confidence.

Si On also said, "Fans often tell us, 'With you guys here, where else would we look?'" He added, "Since the title of the song is 'Don't Look Away,' I think it will become a track that reinforces this impression even more."

In this album, fans can also encounter an aspect of ONEUS that goes one step further from their previous intense and conceptual image. Geon Hee said, "This time, we are fresh and cool," adding, "I think we will be able to show a look that is more ethereal, lyrical, and sexy than before. This ONEUS is fresh, ethereal, and sexy."

The collaboration with R.Tee also created a new color. Si On recalled, "At first, I was very nervous, but I was grateful that he said he wanted to write songs for ONEUS and be part of it." He continued, "We had many conversations in the studio, and he carefully looked over the recording process. It felt like working, but also like having fun playing with an older neighbor while working."

The members' musical participation continued as well. Hwan Woong, Lee Do, and Geon Hee participated in the lyrics and composition of the included tracks, adding ONEUS's unique story. Lee Do aimed to create ending songs that fans could enjoy together through "Even If I Meet You by Chance" and "Our Story That Will Never End," while Geon Hee directly added lyrics to "We Run for Youth," conveying a message of hope he wanted to share with his members.

In particular, Geon Hee revealed, "Through lyrics like 'I will embrace even the wounded heart' and 'You are dazzling in this imperfect world,' I included stories I want to tell members who may face difficulties someday." Hwan Woong said, "It was the first time I felt emotional while recording," adding, "It was enjoyable because I could express myself by immersing more deeply in the lyrics."

Another reason this comeback is special is that ONEUS left RBW, where they had been for seven years, and began the second act of their team in a new environment. In February last year, ONEUS signed an exclusive contract with B-Wave Entertainment to continue their activities as a full five-member unit.

In the process of choosing a new agency, the members prioritized continuing "ONEUS" above all else. Geon Hee said, "Even without talking much among ourselves, I thought we would do it together. It was easy to reach a consensus." He added, "I had confidence that we would continue our activities as ONEUS."

He continued, "The CEO is like a father figure to us. Seeing how highly he values us, I felt it would be good to work with him." He revealed, "When the time came when we needed to worry about the future, his words 'We should do it all together' seemed to come out without much hesitation."

Hwan Woong also reflected, saying, "Since the story of the 'magical seven years' for idol groups in the music industry is quite clear, we kept talking about it." He added, "We said things like 'How much longer can we do this?' and 'I want to continue.'"

He added, "Because we have always talked about trying our best in any environment, I had confidence that we would stay together even when the time for contract renewal approached."

Lee Do also showed exceptional affection for his members. He said, "Our personalities are very different, but because we treat each other like friends rather than in a vertical relationship, I think we have become closer." He continued, "In fact, we spend more time together than with our families. As a result, I think we have become even closer. We also go on trips together once a year."

Now back to five members, ONEUS will not limit themselves to domestic activities but will immediately meet global fans. Starting in Seoul on October 24 and 25, they will embark on the world tour "FULL MOON," covering Central and South America, Europe, North America, Asia, and more. As ONEUS is going on a world tour as a full unit, they are expected to present stages that encompass both existing songs and the new album.

Seo Ho hinted, saying, "There will be many songs appearing for the first time in a long while." He added, "People coming to the concert for the first time can get immersed thinking, 'Oh, there was such a song too?' We have also prepared stages that existing fans might think, 'I wanted to see this.'"

Lee Do also expressed anticipation for reuniting with fans in Central and South America. He said, "The culture is different in each country, and the way fans enjoy performances varies, which is interesting." He added, "It seems that as years pass, the cheering methods and ways of enjoying performances in each country are changing too. I look forward to seeing how they will enjoy it this time."

Having met fans for a long time, the group has continued to grapple with balancing popularity and their own musical color. Geon Hee revealed, "I think we always worry about popularity." He added, "Because the public may interpret the message we want to convey differently, we are always thinking about how to strike that balance."

Hwan Woong said, "I think TMOON is not narrow-minded. While we sing for TMOON, it ultimately connects with singing together with the general public." He added, "If we keep running while making the music we want to make, I think we will find a way to capture both popularity and the hearts of fans."

What ONEUS wants to gain from this activity is clear. Lee Do said, "Since we are appearing as five members for the first time in a long time, I would like to hear people say, 'That's what makes ONEUS, ONEUS.'" He revealed, "Our goal is to create memorable stages and activities that leave no regrets."

Geon Hee emphasized fan satisfaction over chart rankings. He said, "If we win first place on music shows or charts, I would be grateful, but this time, the fact that the five of us are active together after a long time is itself joyful." He added, "I consider creating activities that fans can be satisfied with as our greatest achievement."

Hwan Woong said, "Through this album, I want to receive the evaluation of being 'an artist whose next album you look forward to even more.'" He conveyed, "Since we are releasing our 12th mini-album in our eighth year, it will be a meaningful activity. Since we have been loved for various concepts, I also want to gain the descriptor 'fresh and cool idol' this time."

Additionally, Seo Ho said, "We are aiming for first place on music charts," adding emphatically, "I want to achieve first place anywhere, whether domestically or abroad."

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*This content was translated by AI.