[INTERVIEW] EVNNE Talks About [Target: ME], Debut Preparations, and More

Seven-member South Korean boy group EVNNE (Evening’s Newest Étoiles), a subgroup assembled from former participants of Mnet’s K-Pop Survival program, BOYS PLANET, has made their debut with their first mini-album, [Target: ME]. In conjunction with their debut, members KEITA, PARK HANBIN, LEE JEONGHYEON, YOO SEUNGEON, JI YUNSEO, MUN JUNGHYUN, and PARK JIHOO sat down with The Seoul Story to talk about their debut preparations, the first mini album, and more!

Q: What was the process of preparing for debut like? Could you share with us a funny episode that happened during the preparation process?

MUN JUNGHYUN: In the music video, there’s a scene where we spin the roulette and place bets. When we were filming this scene, it was our first attempt at acting, and it felt quite awkward initially. We realized there were areas where we needed improvement, so we asked KEITA for advice quite a bit. At the start, all of us were somewhat uncomfortable with the acting, but after practice and reviewing the footage, we were ultimately pleased with the final result.

Q: What was the most difficult thing about preparing for your debut as EVNNE?

HANBIN: Although we gained stage experience during the program, we had never filmed a music video or interacted with our fans. During our preparations, it really hit me that we were on the verge of making our debut. The most challenging aspect was our lack of experience in these areas.

Q: Many fans out there know how physically and mentally draining an audition program can be. But what were some of the memorable parts about it that you’ll take with you forever?

SEUNGEON: Spending time with peers who share the same dream and experienced seniors who have already debuted provided invaluable learning opportunities. I gained valuable insights into the mindset and preparations required before stepping on stage, how to approach practice sessions, ways to look at the camera, and stage etiquette from these seniors who have the prior experience of making a debut.

Q: In specific reference to the meaning of your name, what does “Evening’s Newest Stars” mean to you?

SEUNGEON: Just like our team name, EVNNE, which stands for the evening’s newest stars, we aspire to become the newest stars in the K-Pop scene. We are committed to living up to the essence of our team name and showcasing all the diverse charms and talents we possess as a group.

Q: EVNNE as a group is described as being made up of seven rising stars and heavily allude to star imagery. If you were a constellation, what kind of perception would you like for people to associate with the EVNNE constellation and what shape would it take?

YUNSEO: I once thought about which constellation EVNNE resembles because there are seven of us, and I believe our group is like the Big Dipper. Just like the seven stars that make up the Big Dipper, we shine brightly in the sky and can serve as navigators for our fans. We hope to be a source of comfort and familiarity, much like how people find solace in looking at the Big Dipper, which is one of the most well-known constellations. In many ways, I think our group resembles the Big Dipper.

Q: It has not been long since you made your debut. Is there anything so far that stuck out to you as being different from what you expected?

MUN JUNGHYUN: We recently performed at the Idol Radio in Seoul concert, marking our first time on such a grand stage. Initially, we were quite nervous and anxious about how we’d perform. However, after the show, we realized it was actually a lot of fun, and I personally felt less nervous than expected. It also provided us with an excellent opportunity to connect with our fans more intimately. This experience pleasantly surprised me, as the stage turned out to be less intimidating and more exciting than I had imagined.

Q: KEITA, you are not only the leader of the group, but also most experienced as an artist. How do you assume this new responsibility as the leader of the group?

KEITA: Initially, when I took the role of the group’s leader, I had my doubts about whether I could fulfill the role effectively. However, as time has passed, I realized that all the other members are incredibly passionate and talented performers. I wouldn’t describe it as me leading the group; instead, we are collectively forging a new path and progressing together. Being the leader of this group is not only exciting but also a constant source of motivation and energy for me to move forward.

Q: What do you think is the killing part or the highlight of TROUBLE?

HANBIN: I’d say the chorus of TROUBLE is the song’s killing part. It’s the most intense section, with a beat that really hits hard. When you listen to the song while watching the choreography, you can feel that powerful intensity, so I’d pick the chorus as the highlight of the song.

Q: Are there any little or subtle details in the music video that you want fans to notice?

SEUNGEON: The intro of the music video is meant to showcase our troublemaker side. We engage in activities like spray-painting and riding bicycles while throwing smoke bombs, and there are wanted posters with our face on it. These scenes are intended to portray us as troublemakers who are aiming to bring change to the world. It’s one of the noteworthy details in our music video.

Q: There is a reference to Harry Potter in the lyrics of your title track. If the members were enrolled into Hogwarts, which Hogwarts House do you think each of the members would be sorted to?

KEITA: I’m a huge fan of Harry Potter, and if I were to sort EVNNE into a Hogwarts house, I believe we would belong to Gryffindor. Our unwavering determination to chase our dreams, even in the face of challenges and difficulties, reflects our passion and courage. These qualities align well with the characteristics of Gryffindor, making it a fitting house for our group.

Q: In your debut mini-album [Target: Me], YUNSEO and JEONGHYEON have participated in the writing of the lyrics of JUKEBOX and YUNSEO and KEITA also participated in writing Even More. Could you tell us more about your creative process? Did you guys also take part in other aspects of the creative conceptualization of your debut album?

YUNSEO: For me, ever since my trainee days, I’ve dreamt of being involved in the creative process and writing lyrics for an album. When the opportunity to contribute to the lyrics of our debut album arose, I eagerly accepted it without hesitation and actively participated. Specifically, for the song JUKEBOX, I had discussions with JEONGHYEON about the song’s message. We aimed to create lyrics that would encourage listeners to escape from reality and fully enjoy themselves whenever they hear JUKEBOX. That’s how the lyrics for JUKEBOX came to be.

Q: KEITA, you and YUNSEO both wrote Even More together. What was it like to write a song together and what kind of message you wanted for that particular song?

KEITA: While working on writing this song, we aimed to create a song dedicated to our fans. We wanted the lyrics to convey all the messages and feelings we have for our fans but may not have expressed fully before. We poured our sincerity into the lyrics.

Q: How would each member describe the album in one word or phrase?

SEUNGEON: In a nutshell, I would describe this album as “attractive troublemakers.”
MUN JUNGHYUN: Given the title [Target: ME], this album serves as our initial introduction to the public, showcasing our presence.
YUNSEO: I would describe it as the beginning of an infinite journey.
JIHOO: I would say the album is overflowing with powerful energy.
LEE JEONGHYEON: I would describe it as a rainbow. Each track has its own unique charm, ranging from strong and intense to playful and refreshing. It’s a colorful mix of styles, much like a rainbow.
HANBIN: I think the keyword for this album would be “a twist,” as the album shows different images from what we’ve previously presented to the public.
KEITA: I would choose “re-born.”

Q: Your hip-hop influence is manifested in this album, [Target: ME] but it still shows your versatility by exploring different sounds. If you have to recommend just one of your songs for someone to listen to EVNNE for the first time, which one would it be and why?

SEUNGEON: I highly recommend the second track from this album, Role Model. We grew up listening to K-Pop, and we aspire to be role models for others so this song holds a special place in our hearts. It’s an exciting track that perfectly encapsulates our team’s energetic and fun-loving spirit on stage. If we have the chance to perform this song at a concert or tour, it will undoubtedly be an opportunity to showcase how much we enjoy performing and connect with our fans through music.

Q: Inspired by your song, Role Model, if you could spend a day with your ultimate role model, who would it be and what would you do with them?

SEUNGEON: BAEKHYUN, a fantastic singer, dancer, and entertainer, has been my role model since I was young. If I could spend a day with him, I’d like to film a challenge and go sing at a karaoke together.

Q: Since debuting, have you learned anything new about the member sitting next to you?

JIHOO: Compared to how he was on BOYS PLANET, KEITA sleeps a lot and he channels all that energy into his stage performances.
MUN JUNGHYUN: SEUNGEON sang a lot on the show BOYS PLANET, but I’ve learned that he sings restlessly on a daily basis. His vocal cords must be very strong.
YUNSEO: When I first met JEONGHYEON on BOYS PLANET, I thought he was very reserved and somewhat intimidating. However, now that we’ve made our debut together, I find him somewhat cute and very down-to-earth.
HANBIN: JIHOO is the youngest member on our team, and he appeared very youthful on screen during BOYS PLANET. Now, it seems like he has adjusted to being part of the team and has also made some personal growth. 
SEUNGEON: (To JIHOO) Yes, I’m so proud of you!
KEITA: On BOYS PLANET, HANBIN was an excellent leader with strong leadership skills. Now that I’m the leader of the team, he provides me with valuable support, and I truly appreciate it.

Q: If you could choose one member to be your stylist for a week, which member would that be?

ALL: JIHOO!
JIHOO: Yes, me!
YUNSEO: Yes, you!
JIHOO: But why did you choose me?
MUN JUNGHYUN: JIHOO has a great sense of style and always dresses well, putting thought into his appearance. I believe he would make an excellent stylist.
HANBIN: Also, JIHOO has a lot of interest in fashion. It is not even autumn yet, and he is already looking into winter clothes and how to style them. I can tell that he is really passionate about fashion.

Q: What would you like EVNNE to be remembered for in the future?

JIHOO: I hope people remember us not just for our individual roles in the group, like main vocalist, main dancer, and main rapper, but as an all-arounder group where every member can excel in all positions.

Q: What variety shows would you like to go on in the future?

MUN JUNGHYUN: I’d really enjoy appearing on variety shows like Earth Arcade, where we can simply be ourselves, have fun playing games, and answer quizzes. Additionally, a show like Amazing Saturday, which quizzes on song lyrics, would be a blast, especially when guessing the lyrics to fast or challenging songs.

Q: What’s something that you are grateful for from the person next to you?

SEUNGEON: I initially saw MUN JUNGHYUN as just a young person, but I’ve come to realize that he is incredibly kind-hearted. He recognizes people’s strengths and offers relevant compliments.
MUN JUNGHYUN: YUNSEO is a fantastic person to share jokes with, despite being older than me. He wholeheartedly embraces all the members, and I’m truly grateful for his kindness.
YUNSEO: I’m immensely grateful to all of the members, and I believe EVNNE wouldn’t exist without all seven members coming together. So I’m very grateful for their presence and existence.

Q: If you could hold a concert anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

JIHOO: We would love to hold concerts anywhere in the world, wherever our fans are.

Q: You have a large international fanbase who are very excited to hear your music and see you in person one day. Is there anything you want to say to them until you see them?

JIHOO: I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our fans for patiently waiting for us. We are eager to meet you all in person as soon as the time allows. If possible, we would love to come and see you right now!

Q: Since fans are eagerly awaiting to see you and how your synergy would come together in future activities, are there any future plans or specific colors that you want to emulate in the future?

YUNSEO: In this album, we showcased a powerful and energetic side of ourselves, but I want our fans to keep their imagination wide open. I believe our team’s strength lies in our versatility, and our ability to excel in any concept. I don’t want us to confine ourselves to a specific style or image. Instead, I hope we can continually evolve, and explore limitless possibilities. I hope our fans look forward to all that.

Q: What would you like to say to any new fans or first-time listeners?

YUNSEO: TROUBLE and [Target: ME] mark the beginning of our journey. If you became our fan through this album, please know that this is just the start. We have many more improvements and growth ahead, and I would deeply appreciate it if you could join us on this exciting journey and enjoy the entire process together.

About EVNNE

EVNNE is a seven-member South Korean boy group managed by Jellyfish Entertainment. The members include KEITA, PARK HANBIN, LEE JEONGHYEON, YOO SEUNGEON, JI YUNSEO, MUN JUNGHYUN, and PARK JIHOO, all of whom have already been recognized for their talents through music survival shows, most notably, Mnet’s popular K-Pop Survival program, BOYS PLANET. The group name EVNNE, which stands for “Evening’s Newest Étoiles,” holds the members’ wishes to shine higher and brighter than anybody else and to have all eyes on them.

EVNNE has made their debut with their first mini-album, [Target: ME]. With this release, the members showcase their various contrasting sides, including one that is ambitious and wild while the other is more relatable and boyish. By showing off their different charms, they aim to become the “target” of everyone’s attention.

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Big thanks to Jellyfish Entertainment and EVNNE for the interview opportunity!

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