Fresh off their highly anticipated debut, the boys of TEMPEST took the time to chat with The Kraze and share a little more about themselves with the K-Pop world!

Q: For our readers who are getting the chance to know you for the first time, can you please give a little introduction about yourself?

Hanbin: Hi! I am the oldest, the lead vocalist, and the lead dancer, Hanbin!

Hyeongseop: Hi! I am Hyeongseop, the charming vocalist of TEMPEST. I play a great part in our team’s energy with my unquenchable passion.

Hyuk: Hi! My name is Hyuk, the main vocalist of TEMPEST! Hope you look forward to us.

LEW: Hi! I am TEMPEST’s leader and the fairy who wakes [everyone up] in the morning. I am the lead rapper and sub-vocalist.

Hwarang: Hi, I am the main rapper and main dancer, Hwarang. Please look forward to us.

Eunchan: Hi! I am the sub-vocalist, Eunchan.

Taerae: Hi! This is Taerae, the youngest member of TEMPEST and the sub-rapper.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit more about your debut mini-album?

HS: Our first debut and mini-album, It’s ME, It’s WE, is a self-introduction letter announcing seven of us who have different charms gathered from “It’s WE.” It contains various genres of music, from intense to cool, and it is an album with a high level of musical perfection constructed by the members’ vocals, rap, and dance.

Q: Who is a senior you would like to collaborate with? Why?

L: I really want to collaborate with IU. Personally, I respect and look up to her. She is my role model and I was able to grow and receive comfort through her music.

H: I would like to collaborate with BTS, whom I admire and take as role models. And personally, I would like to work with Bruno Mars.

Q: What artists were your inspiration for getting into music?

HR: Highlight[’s] Yoon Doojoon. I first dreamt of being a singer because of BEAST’s “Fiction.” Since then, and still, up to this day, Yoon Doojoon has always been my role model.

Q: What’s one genre of music you’d like to experiment with?

HS: This genre might be quite a challenge, but I would like to try Cyberpunk music with a futuristic feel.

Q: What would you like fans to gain from listening to your music?

H: We hope that our listeners will be moved and comforted by our various genres of music but also listen to our charms like a refreshing soda.

Q: While preparing for your latest album, what has been your favorite part of the process?

HR: When we went to the recording studio with the lyrics we wrote, we couldn’t forget the thrill of being able to reflect the lyrics we wrote but worried that the lyrics might not be reflected. I will keep on working harder.

TR: When I first started learning the choreography for the title song, “Bad News,” I was seriously excited and happy.

Q: What are you currently watching (movies, TV shows) and recommend for fans to see?

EC: I am watching Hello Ghost and On Your Wedding Day. Both are genres that I like and the storyline is impressive.

Q: What are some new hobbies that you’d like to try out?

H: Personally, I like to watch soccer matches, but I would like to play soccer.

Q: What are some things you do to relax when you are done with schedules for the day?

L: I read handwritten letters from iE and the letters on iE’s official cafe while listening to music before going to bed.

Q: What song or album have you been listening to lately that you can recommend to fans?

HR: Kendrick Lamar, “LOVE.”  I like Kendrick Lamar as an artist; “LOVE” is my favorite song among his love songs.

HB: Lana Del Rey, “Happiness is a Butterfly.” I often listen to this song during a break in the middle of a busy day or days off, and the calm and upbeat melody puts my mind at ease.

Q: What kind of games/phone apps are you into in your off time?

L: These days I use “Papago” (translation service). I use it often to translate and read the letters from iE’s abroad.

Q: Favorite go-to snack/meal from the convenience store when you need a break from working on music?

EC: I often buy banana milk, which I have always liked, and lately I’ve been buying a lot of cereal bars.

Q: Last question: is there anything specific you’d like to share with your fans and our readers?

HS: Hello, we are TEMPEST. We are a group that stands out with overflowing energy, nobleness, and good teamwork. The different charms of each of the seven members, which is no less than our teamwork, are a significant advantage of our team. Since our members have gone through arduous times to debut, we are truly working hard on every stage. We would like to please your eyes and ears through our music and stage. Come and join us, your companion TEMPEST.

Edited by Kelly Sipko