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On June 22, 2024, HYBE LABELS released a video titled "UNTOLD Concept Cinema" by the group ENHYPEN. This promotional short film, written and directed by Lee Choonghyun, continues the story of their romantic vampire saga. The staging is breathtaking, highlighted by the excellent acting of the septet. From the first seconds, we are immersed in a dark and disturbing universe revealing the mysterious and intriguing concept of the film. The boys are vampires in a foreign English-speaking country where there is a war with humans. Aboard their vehicle driven by Jake, whose license plate "JHJJSSN" is formed from the initials of the members' first names, nostalgic memories are evoked around a piano and the character of Chloé. An intense action scene ensues showing the vampires fighting against an armed brigade. Rich in emotion, the ending shows Sunghoon entering a living room seen earlier as a memory. He puts down his gun and picks up an old audio cassette titled “XO.” A melody then begins to be played on the piano, foreshadowing the title track of their new album ROMANCE: UNTOLD, their second studio album.

A wave of emotions overwhelms the members of the group, where pain and sorrow mix. The film ends with the memory of Sunghoon playing this same tune on the piano and writing the final title on the score: “Only If You Say Yes,” a response that only the person concerned can give. Although intense in emotions, here “XO” symbolizes affection and friendship. Often used at the end of messages, “XO” represents kisses (X) and hugs (O). “XO” could also refer to the “Extra Old” abbreviation to describe a musical style often associated with dark, sensual, and sometimes melancholy atmospheres. This kind of music explores themes of passionate romance and confrontations with the darker aspects of life.

This masterpiece offers a captivating cinema concept as a promise to come where a sensitive and passionate atmosphere reigns, manifesting an important stage in the career of ENYHPEN.

ENHYPEN – ROMANCE : UNTOLD – TRACKLIST

01. “Moonstruck”
02. “XO (Only If You Say Yes)”
03. “Your Eyes Only”
04. “Hundred Broken Hearts”
05. “Brought The Heat Back”
06. “Paranormal”
07. “Royalty”
08. “Highway 1009” (Narr Ver.)
09. “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” (English Ver.) Feat. JVKE

“XO (Only If You Say Yes)”

On July 12, the release day of their new album, the title song "XO (Only If You Say Yes)" was uploaded to HYBE LABEL's official YouTube channel. The clip begins with a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors between the members, before transporting the viewer into their individual emotional stories. Each member reveals different personalities, also expressed through unique facets of their Webtoon characters. The atmosphere alternates between various atmospheres, sometimes hushed and romantic, sometimes dramatic. 

Jungwon, wearing a cap and holding an umbrella, delivers an attractive presence in the rain, reminiscent of the madly romantic scene from the K-Drama Lovely Runner. Heesung begins the first verse with his captivating voice and assertive style, while Sunoo moves in a more academic environment. A pensive Jake is filmed inside playing with his ring, and it's not until late that we see Niki in a car. As the music continues in a romantic, floral setting with Jay, the boys find themselves alongside the person they are attracted to.

At nearly two minutes in, the clip reaches one of its highest points. Sunghoon's face is brought to the forefront, huffing and whispering, revealing a candid beauty and a striking expression. This breathtaking scene draws the audience into an immersive experience. The song gradually gains momentum until it becomes explosive during the fireworks and the chorus, beautifully accompanied by perfectly illustrated and executed choreography. The boys' shy smiles give way to tenderness and loving happiness, before bringing the viewer back to reality with a close-up of Jungwon opening his eyes. This conclusion echoes the "Only If You Say Yes" part of the song, where the story seems to be a manifestation of the word "Yes,” thus expressing the desire for a boy willing to do anything for you if you allow it.

Sensual, romantic, and expressive, the song “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” perfectly illustrates ENHYPEN’s artistic sensitivity.

ARTISTIC INDIVIDUALITIES AND FICTIONAL CHARACTERS

Just like in the short film where Sunghoon participates in the musical composition, the members contributed to the production, notably for the song "Highway 1009 (Narr Ver.)" In “XO (Only If You Say Yes),” each member experiences a different story, with distinct traits, lives, and styles that highlight their unique personalities. Dynamic dance and unique choreography have also been arranged to highlight the individuality of ENHYPEN members.

During their performance on KBS WORLD TV on the day of their album release, we were able to enjoy individual dance parts allowing each member to express themselves. Like their characters in the Webtoon, each reveals exclusive characteristics.

On their physical album, we discover phrases such as, "Only you can allow me into this world," or, "If you say 'Yes,' I will protect this love," revealing the essence of this new opus. Much like “Twilight,” the story focuses on the romantic attraction between two people from a diametrically opposed universe, hiding their love and identity from the world. A bold and romantic nod to ENGENE.

Edited by Joi Berry