“We will remain a team that makes fans proud.”
“I was so confident that I decided to release it as an album.”
The group ONEUS (Seoho, Leedo, Keonhee, Hwanwoong, Sion) solidified this determination as they released their special album ‘Dear.M’ on the 14th. Although ONEUS has reached their 7th year since debut, their hearts are as eager and intense as those of a first-year trainee waiting to debut.
In a recent interview, Keonhee said, “While preparing for this album, I wanted to pour out the charms we haven’t shown until now. It became a precious album that instilled good and passionate feelings as we started the year.”
‘Dear.M’ is an album prepared for their fandom ‘ToMoon’, who have always been by their side with love and support. It contains the musical journey ONEUS has built up over the years, along with their enhanced musical capabilities and warm music for their fans. The album includes 17 tracks in total, featuring 4 new songs, a fan song, and re-recorded versions of their past title tracks.
In particular, the title track ‘IKUK’ is a rearranged version of ‘I KNOW YOU KNOW’, which ONEUS presented as their final live competition song during their appearance on Mnet’s ‘Road to Kingdom: Ace of Aces’ last year. It features a funky and groovy sound combined with beautiful vocals.
Keonhee explained, “During our appearance on the program, the fans really cheered for us. The stage concept was without an audience, but I wanted to show the stage and I had confidence. That’s why we decided to create an album to show more people.”
He also added an explanation about the re-recording of the title track. Seoho said, “We didn’t re-record all the title tracks, but made partial modifications. Some members took on new parts. While recording, we were able to feel each other’s vocal and rap capabilities that we didn’t know about, and it became an opportunity for growth.”
ONEUS ranked second in the final of ‘Road to Kingdom: Ace of Aces’. They started with the determination to showcase their abilities while competing with junior idol groups like Tempest, Eightturn, and Cravity.
Keonhee said, “The stage itself was very precious to all of us. As time passed, I felt that we became stronger and better. At that point, I had a strong desire to show our own things well again.” He continued, “I think our hard work and the way we decorated the stage were beautiful.”
There was certainly pressure regarding competition with junior groups. Member Leedo was the only one who opposed participating in ‘Road to Kingdom’. He recalled, “As we gained experience, I felt a bit of pressure to perform skillfully and comfortably. While performing well is important, I hesitated to participate because of the system that ultimately judges by ranking.”
However, after considering the opinions of the members, ONEUS ultimately decided to participate. After their appearance, Leedo changed his mind. He said, “It was a competition where we could learn a lot from each other, regardless of seniority. There were joint missions, and since each of us had different characteristics, it felt meaningful. I think we did well.” Hwanwoong also recalled, “I think we talked for over 4-5 hours about participating with the members. Above all, I couldn’t stop my heart from racing. That was the decisive reason for participating, and I was also confident that we could do well.”
ONEUS is a team that is serious about stage performances. Like other idol groups, every move of ONEUS is demanding for the viewers. Their determination to pour their passion into their performances is evident. Seoho said, “Our goal and duty is to create a perfect stage without harming our bodies. Before going on stage, I always gather my thoughts with the mindset of being the best.”
Keonhee added, “In fact, there are quite a few performances where we could get hurt if our stage doesn’t sync well. As we try to eliminate those points, it seems we naturally develop. The thought that we need to show more than that is our driving force,” and he expressed, “I hope our energy can be felt by the viewers outside the screen.”
ONEUS hopes to become a performance-oriented team, a ‘performance hotspot’. Hwanwoong said, “There are many idol groups out there. Among them, our position is to be a team that is expected to deliver live performances. I am confident that our fans have been able to feel proud among many fans.” He added, “I want to perform until my joints can’t move anymore. I want to be a team that continues to grow and can be a source of pride for our fans.”
Maintaining a team in the 7th year of debut is not an easy task. Many groups are launched and quietly disappear. The members have worked hard to maintain the team along with their solid musical identity. Keonhee said, “It’s true that we are facing re-contracting as we reach our 7th year,” and added, “Our discussions start with the idea of protecting the team. Regardless of the direction, all the members love and cherish the team, so ‘protecting ONEUS’ will be a priority.” Hwanwoong reassured fans, saying, “There are fans who worry about the team’s existence, but I think they don’t need to worry at all.”
As the eldest member, Seoho, all the members are also facing military enlistment. Regarding this, Seoho said, “I will faithfully respond to the call of the country.” Keonhee predicted, “While fulfilling our military duty, I think we will adjust our schedules according to the direction of our team and consider the timing of enlistment.” He added that this year, they will meet fans only through music activities without enlistment issues.
In conclusion, ONEUS expressed, “We hope to engage in activities that can be enjoyed. This is our first January comeback since our debut album. We hope to create joyful memories with our fans with a fresh start.”
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
