[Exclusive]"How Desperate Were We?" CRAVITY's Reason for Holding Onto Their Original Intentions Even in Their 7th Year [Interview ②]

*This content was translated by AI.

-Following Interview ①,

CRAVITY released their 8th mini-album 'ReDeFINE' last April. As the album that most vividly captures the current state of CRAVITY, it is a work that expresses the youth who have gone through fear, longing, and 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 once again.

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

▶Serim=While the previous CRAVITY received relatively more attention for variety shows or additional aspects, this album seems to have garnered attention for its concept and songs, which I am glad about. I feel our pride in our album has also risen, and it has sparked a desire to show even better performances in the future.

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

-The image of CRAVITY wearing priest outfits during this activity drew significant attention.

▶Hyungjun=We discussed among ourselves that we wanted this album to be conceptual. We wanted a song that could express us well within that concept. The jacket concept was already somewhat completed, but when we suggested the priest outfits, the company agreed it was a good idea.

-Many fans must be expecting a concept that goes beyond the priest outfits.

▶Taeyoung=We are also prepared to wear nun outfits.

▶Hyungjun=At least in terms of determination, yes. (Laughs) We broke out of our shells, so what could possibly be impossible? All members enjoy taking on challenges. Rather than settling in one place, we prefer to collide with and experience new things, so we are not afraid of any concept.

-What kind of challenges do you think you can take on within this system?

▶Hyungjun=It is not only musically; many members want to challenge more diverse genres than what we have done so far. I believe that when we show new sides in jackets and albums that are different from what fans have seen before, they will make a stronger impact. Of course, every time we challenge something new, there are moments of doubt or hesitation among the members. However, the desire to just try it once outweighs the hesitation.

-Members participated in lyric writing and composition for this album as well. Where do you usually get inspiration for creation?

▶Serim=I have been participating in writing lyrics for title tracks for several years. First, I think a lot about aligning with the album's concept and the song's theme. As a member who writes lyrics and composes music, I tend to memorize good sentences or memorable expressions from letters sent by fans. 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 a notepad, and when making music, I take out the notepad to write lyrics or determine the direction of the track.

-With 'Love Me Like You Do' from this album, you debuted with your first self-composed song. Did you produce it yourself as well?

▶Taeyoung=From the beginning of our debut until around the 3rd album, members watched each other's recording processes, but now we mostly record only our own parts, so I didn't have many opportunities to watch closely. However, this time, since I stayed behind and directed as well, I remembered the early days of our debut a lot. Most importantly, it was really nice to see the process of a song I created being completed with the members' voices.

-This album captures the process of moving forward even when shaken. Have you written thoughts about 'the most CRAVITY-like thing' on Navy Headquarters?

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

-As expected of 'Perfobity', the choreography for this song was also impressive. How was the choreography practice process?

▶Wonjin=Regarding choreography, members often give opinions on detailed parts. We practiced by gathering opinions and making corrections, such as adjusting the angle of our fingertips or aligning the formations in synchronized dance sequences.

▶Hyungjun=Since it has been six years since our debut, we each know well our best expressions, facial angles, and gestures. So, we do a lot of self-research and actively come up with ideas for key choreography points. It seems that these details accumulate one by one to create wonderful stages.

For our debut song, it took several months of practice, requiring a lot of time. However, now that we have been active together for a long time, we have learned how to synchronize well with each other. Thanks to that, our teamwork has improved to the point where we can shoot a music video after only about a week of practice.

-Have there been any changes since the 2025 rebranding?

▶Jungmo=I am glad that there are many reactions saying the team itself has become cooler. Thanks to those reactions, the members feel 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 I don't think that relationship was formed naturally. There must have been moments where you collided and experienced conflicts, becoming stronger.

▶Hyungjun=Now, we can say there is almost no fighting among the members. However, during activities, there are many times we need to express opinions, and we have many ambitions and things we want to achieve, so we are in the process of learning how to coordinate those things. I think that is a process of growth and accomplishment.

Among us, 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?

▶Hyungjun=Of course, there was the goal of winning first place on music shows, but we also discussed not losing our original intentions, expressing ourselves well on stage, and showing the audience so that they can be immersed.

-What is the original intention that CRAVITY reflects upon?

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

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*This content was translated by AI.