Male? Female?… XLOV Opens Up About Their Bold Gender-Free Concept [Star Scene] [Comprehensive Report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The boy group XLOV displayed exceptional confidence in their gender-free concept.

On the 28th, a showcase was held at the Cube Convention Center in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, to mark the release of XLOV's (Umuti, Louis, Hyun, Haru) third mini-album 'I Equals I (i=!)'. Hyun was unavoidably absent from this showcase following medical advice due to a leg injury.

'I Equals I' focuses on moments of choice and the other possibilities that exist behind them. While addressing the fear and confusion felt before outcomes change with a single choice, it also poses the question that unchosen possibilities may still exist somewhere, presenting an expanded worldview.

The title track 'Hush' depicts the duality of life through contrasting entities: a 'god' that guides people onto the right path and a 'god on the opposite side' that maximizes nightmares. It unfolds a situation where one is rendered unable to do anything due to trauma, using XLOV's unique sound.

Louis recalled the moment he first heard 'Hush'. He said, "I was listening for the first time with earphones in an airplane. As soon as I heard the instrument sound at the very beginning, I felt like it was 'done!' Even while on the plane, I kept listening and making facial expressions, thinking, 'Just by hearing it, you can tell it's an XLOV song,'" expressing his confidence.

The other double title track is 'Toussemchiwawa'. Louis said, "It felt dreamy, cute, yet sad. I had a lot of worries about how to approach it during recording. Fortunately, Umuti explained the story in great detail, so we wrapped it up well," smiling.

Umuti explained about 'Toussemchiwawa', "When people just saw the title, many reacted with curiosity and amusement, asking, 'What is this?' The message contained in the song is a fairy tale. It is the story of a wolf chihuahua raised by a chihuahua mother after being separated from its wolf pack."

XLOV is a boy group that has been active under the concept of gender-free, which does not set standards or boundaries based on gender, a first in K-pop. In March last year, RBW acquired 257 Entertainment, XLOV's agency, and in August, 257 and WM Entertainment began a new chapter as a single entity named StrangeLab Co., Ltd.

Regarding the negative reactions pouring in from some quarters due to the polarizing gender-free concept, Umuti stated, "We started our activities thinking that this is an incredibly new path and that there would be diverse perspectives. However, what we always want to convey is that we hope the lifestyle and direction we introduce will serve as inspiration or an option for the public, broadening their horizons to realize that 'such a style also exists' as they live their own lives, rather than telling them to 'do it like us.'"

He continued, "Right now, many people are sharing moving stories with us and saying that our presence has changed their lives. It is not simply about being gender-free. People from various age groups tell us they have found hope and motivation. Since we are a group that chose one path, it feels fulfilling and empowering to see that our courage is becoming a source of courage for many people to move in directions suitable for their own lives."

So, what kind of impact does XLOV want to have on K-pop with this concept? Umuti said, "While I think it is still too early for a group like XLOV in K-pop, which was started by outstanding seniors, we are active with the mindset of becoming a new window on a wall that had none for many artists." He added, "I believe that if we create this art with different perspectives and thoughts, even small differences in vision will lead to different outcomes. In the future, I want to be a good source of inspiration and strength for many artists and trainees who will debut, sharing the many worries and hardships we experienced as seniors."

When asked if there was a specific descriptor or reaction they wanted to hear, Louis replied, "I want to create the descriptor 'the ultimate beauty.' For us, hearing 'Wow, you are truly beautiful' is the most pleasant compliment, rather than just 'pretty' or 'handsome.' I hope that when people see the ultimate beauty, XLOV comes to mind."

On the other hand, Haru confessed, "I don't particularly want a specific descriptor." He pledged, "I would like you to remember the name XLOV not just as a group name, but as the word itself. I hope you view 'XLOV' as a single mood or genre, like a hashtag."

Finally, XLOV shared their goals. Louis said, "I look forward to our music show activities. It would be great if we could win first place with this opportunity." Umuti confessed, "The story we always tell each other and the wish we make before every comeback is winning first place on a music show. From being young children who dreamed of becoming K-pop idols to becoming artists standing on stage today, it has always been our goal and dream. We will work hard and definitely aim for that spot."

'I Equals I' was released at 6 p.m. on the 28th through various online music platforms.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original