EVNNE: I Hope People Remember us as an All-Rounder Group

EVNNE has been taking over our social media. The seven-member boy group joins Keita, Park Hanbin, Lee Jeonghyeon, Yoo Seungeon, Ji Yunseo, Mun Junghyun and Park Jihoo together following the end of survival program Boys Planet.

The group made their debut on September 19 under Jellyfish Entertainment, releasing their first mini-album Target: ME. EVNNE joined us and other media outlets for a roundtable talk discussing their debut album, where they let us pick their brains and find out more about them!

In Conversation with EVNNE

Joining us on the call were the seven members of debut team EVNNE, but if you looked hard enough you could catch the glimpse of the trainees first introduced to the world back in February 2023.

From Boys Planet to EVNNE

Coming together as a group after competing against one another could have presented the team with challenges on their teamwork or connection. However, the team’s youngest member Jihoo refutes this, “Even though we first met on a survival program, there weren't any challenges (working as EVNNE) initially. The real joy came when we regrouped after the show and were able to practice together wholeheartedly.”

EVNNE stands for the ‘Evening’s Newest Étoiles’, the evening’s newest stars, and Seungeon tells what that means for him. “Just like our team name EVNNE, 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.”

Many fans have associated the members with various different star constellations, with Yunseo sharing that he sees the group similar to 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.”

Navigating How EVNNE Works Together

With their time on Boys Planet, the members gained stage experience but nonetheless, shaking off nerves before performing on large-scale stages doesn’t come easy to anyone. “We recently performed at the <Idol Radio in Seoul> concert, marking our first time on such a grand stage,” shares Junghyun. “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.” 

One of the aspects that the members hadn’t anticipated was the sides of idol life that the programme hadn’t prepared them for. Hanbin shares: “Although we gained stage experience during the program, we had never filmed a music video or interacted with our fans (before). 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.”

One member of EVNNE whose past experience has helped guide this team is leader Keita. The 22-year-old who made his debut in Ciipher back in 2021 has been the person the team turns to for advice the most. Junghyun revealed that the roulette scene in the music video was difficult to film. “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.” “...After (more) practice and reviewing the footage, we were ultimately pleased with the final result.”

Keita expressed his thoughts on his newfound responsibility for this team. “Initially, when I took the role of the group's leader, I had my doubts about whether I could fulfill the role effectively.” He later reaffirms that this is because he saw how fellow member Hanbin displayed excellent leadership roles while on Boys Planet, but now works with his guidance and support. 

He continues, “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.”

Target: ME and Everyone’s Favorite Song “Role Model”

Target: ME is home to six tracks, all in which the members show their determination to excel in the K-Pop industry on a global forefront. “TROUBLE” stands as the group’s debut title track, with its hard hitting bass rap flows that sound fluid in the track. 

The track’s EDM infused chorus is what stands out to Hanbin the most: “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.”

Debut songs hold the first impressions groups wish to make on curious listeners. “TROUBLE” embodies that rebellious spirit, showing that EVNNE are truly here to shake up the industry. The various elements to the song provide the opportunities for the seven members to show off their rapping, singing, and performance shown in the choreography.

The members describe Target: ME in many different ways: as the beginning to their infinite journey, an album that flows with a powerful energy, to a rainbow as each song has its own unique charm. 

The members have been hands-on in the creative aspects of their album with many members participating in the lyric writing. Yunseo shared that it was his dream to be involved in the writing aspects of songs since his debut days. For the song “JUKEBOX,” which he and Jeonghyeon worked on, Yunseo shared, “I had discussions with Jeonghyun 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”."

The final track “Even More” was also co-written by Yunseo and Keita! Keita explained that they dedicated it for the 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.

While all songs on the album provide a different insight of the group, one song in particular dominated our media call discussions. “Role Model” follows the title as the second song on the tracklist, providing a fast-paced hip-hop track telling listeners to follow their lead into this new generation. The influence of hip-hop is prevalent within the six tracks in Target: ME, but Seungeon shares that “Role Model” is the one he recommends the most. “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.”

Members Jihoo and Yunseo emphasized that they feel that the track’s hip-hop elements align well with their personal styles and tastes. Yunseo continues by saying that the lyrics emulate the playful, energetic vibes that fit him perfectly.

As the premise of being a K-Pop idol is to inspire others, one of the questions we asked the team was what is a trait that they see in themselves that they want to work on, so that they can become a role model to other people too. Hanbin answered first by saying, “I believe my strengths lie in my stage presence, facial expressions, and the ability to captivate the audience's attention when I perform.” This was soon followed by Yunseo who continued with, “My strength lies in my versatility, as I embrace the roles of vocalist, dancer, and rapper without limiting myself to just one. I believe this versatility can inspire others to see me as a role model.”

The team’s youngest member Jihoo shared, “I consider my ability to genuinely enjoy the stage and connect with the audience during my performances as a strength. I hope that others can see this trait in me and look up to me as a Role Model.” And by his unwavering smile we’re sure that he already has been seen as one.

What’s to Come From EVNNE in the Future

EVNNE’s debut quickly gained them international attention shown through the streams of Target: ME, reaching over three million listens on Spotify (as of October 1, 2023). The six tracks displayed a range of genres that all hold an air of charisma and determination: EVNNE are here to make their mark.

While the mini-album shows a more powerful side to the members, Yunseo wants fans to be open to hearing new sounds from the group; “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.” With Jihoo echoing this earlier in the interview by saying, “We're eager to explore a wide range of concepts, from bright and refreshing to dreamy and nostalgic. We're open to trying out all sorts of different styles and ideas.”

While the group’s contract longevity is still in discussions, the members have proved through their debut promotions that they are a talented group of seven members whose hard work pays off. When asked what they want EVNNE to be remembered for in the future, Jihoo responds: “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-rounder group where every member can excel in all positions.”

This is still the beginning of EVNNE and they are ready to share music and memories to all their listeners. “"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.”

Target: ME is available to listen to on Spotify and all platforms.