Roundtable Interview: OMEGA X Sub-Unit OX:N Discusses Group Dynamics and Creative Process

Photo: IPQ

With every new project, the creative process often results in making something completely different than originally planned. OMEGA X members Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, and Yechan felt this sentiment with the debut of their sub-unit OX:N last month. On June 20, the quartet released their debut EP, N—the culmination of deep discussions, precise planning, and rigorous recording sessions. 

That process helped OX:N further realize their passion for sharing music with the world. At its core, N presents the message of love in all its forms. Wanting to know more, The Kraze was ecstatic to join a roundtable interview with OX:N a few weeks after the release of N. Check out what the group had to say to us and our media colleagues about this exciting new chapter. 

*Q: N STANDS FOR BOTH THE ROMAN NUMERAL “IV,” REPRESENTING THE FOUR MEMBERS, AND THE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES WITH THE UNKNOWN. WAS THERE ANYTHING UNKNOWN ABOUT YOURSELVES THAT YOU DISCOVERED WHILE WORKING ON THIS SUB-UNIT, WHETHER MUSICALLY OR PERSONALLY?

Yechan: Our album N is really special to us. Throughout the process, there were a lot of challenges and things we had to overcome. But through it all, we realized just how deeply our love for what we do, making music and sharing it with our fans, can drive us to give everything we've got.

*Q: WITH TRACKS LIKE “SUIT&TIE” REVEALING THE CONTRAST BETWEEN OUTER POLISH AND INNER EMOTION, AND “ORPHEUS” DRAWING ON MYTHOLOGY, THE UNIT SEEMS TO LEAN INTO STORYTELLING THROUGH SUBTLE SYMBOLISM. IF THE SUB-UNIT IS A FILM GENRE, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY? 

Xen: On the way here today, we were actually talking about this. Can I share it? While we were in the car, this topic was brought up randomly. So, our members are pretty funny, and there's a funny Korean movie called Extreme Job. Were there four or five detectives?

Yechan: There are five detectives. 

Xen: Each of us has our own funny character or personality, so that movie came to my mind. While it's entertaining, it actually doesn't match up with “SUIT & TIE” though. What we said just now might've come off a little silly, so to add to that, our three-piece suits were inspired by the HBO drama Peaky Blinders. We got a lot of visual inspiration from that series, so I think our styling and vibe would fit that drama's mood.

*Q: OX:N AS A UNIT DELVES INTO A DEEPER, UNFILTERED SIDE OF YOURSELVES. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO EXPLORE THIS NEW TERRITORY AND CHALLENGE YOURSELVES LIKE THIS?

Jaehan: OX:N was formed with the hope of bringing all 11 members of OMEGA X back together. So, we always feel a strong responsibility to show a solid, distinctive presence both musically and in how we connect with fans and the public. We believe that by staying strong and true to our identity, we can hold that space until the full group returns. We're constantly studying and pushing ourselves to grow and bring even better performances in the future.

*Q: SOME TRACKS ON N EMBRACED THE RETRO SOUND. WHO SHAPED YOUR MUSIC TASTE AND INSPIRED YOU WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?

Yechan: When I was younger, I was really into Maroon 5's music. I grew up listening to their album, Songs About Jane, which features “This Love.”

Xen: A band just popped into my head. Do you know Muse? Their song “Time Is Running Out” suddenly came to mind.

Jehyun: Rain, a Korean singer, was someone I really looked up to growing up. Watching him as a kid left a strong impression on me, and I felt a deep sense of respect for him.

Jaehan: I'll go back to what Xen said because I also agree with him. When I first started a band back in middle school, the first song we played was Muse's “Time is Running Out.” Rock has consistently been my favorite style of music, and I feel like Muse was the band that made rock more approachable and accessible for me. 

*Q: “SUIT&TIE” TALKS ABOUT THE CONTRAST BETWEEN OUTER CALM AND INNER TURMOIL. FOR EACH MEMBER OF OX:N, WHAT'S ONE INNER THOUGHT OR FEELING YOU HOPE LISTENERS TRULY GRASP WHEN THEY HEAR THE SONGS ON N, BEYOND THE POLISHED EXTERIOR?

Jaehan: The overarching theme of this album is love, and as we all know, love comes in many forms. I believe that in order to give love to others, you have to take care of and love yourself first. So through this album, I wanted to convey the message that it's important to learn how to love yourself.

Yechan: Simply put, I just want to become a good person. On the outside, as an idol and a singer, I have to show a cool and polished image, but on the inside, there are dreams, ambition, and desire. I want to shape those feelings more healthily and grow not just as an artist, but as a person too.

*Q: FANS AND LISTENERS MUST HAVE SHARED THEIR FEEDBACK FOR THIS ALBUM. AMONG THOSE, ARE THERE ANY COMMENTS THAT LEFT THE BIGGEST IMPRESSION ON YOU? 

Xen: For me, the feedback that stuck with me the most was from our OMEGA X member Hangyeom. He told me that I was the only one off for the choreography in a part that goes “feels so easy” in “YOU.” That comment really stuck in my head.

Yechan: In our music video, I wore a sleeveless top. I wanted to look my best in those outfits, so I worked out to prepare for it. A lot of fans noticed and complimented me on it, which made me feel like all the effort was worth it and motivated me to keep working out consistently going forward.

*Q: WHICH TRACK CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION THE MOMENT YOU FIRST LISTENED TO IT, AND, NOW THAT IT’S BEEN OFFICIALLY RELEASED, IS IT STILL YOUR FAVOURITE TRACK OR HAS IT CHANGED? 

Jaehan: When I first heard the song “SUIT & TIE,” it was Yechan who played it for me, and I immediately said it was amazing. It matched the image I had of OX:N perfectly, which is why I was so drawn to it from the start. Even though our current title track is “YOU,” we chose “SUIT & TIE” as the first track because we felt it was the best intro to express our group's color and identity. Honestly, I can't pick just one favorite because they're all the best in their own way. But my initial feeling for “SUIT & TIE” hasn't changed, as it still gives me that good vibe.

*Q: IF YOU COULD DESCRIBE OX:N’S IDENTITY IN THREE WORDS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?

Yechan: I’ll say one thing. Feel good guys. 

Xen: FGG…Does anyone have other ideas? 

Jaehan: He already gave a good answer. 

Xen: I’ll say… What was it? Nice face Xen. 

*Q: THIS IS THE FIRST SUB-UNIT OF OMEGA X. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE IN A SMALLER GROUP, AND WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE AND CHALLENGING ASPECTS OF THIS SITUATION? 

Yechan: One of the strengths is that when we're moving or waiting, everything takes about half the time compared to when we're moving as an 11-member group. We can also use our energy more efficiently. But one of the challenges we always think about during performances is how to fill the stage with just four members. We constantly think about ways to make our performances feel full and powerful with fewer people.

*Q: WHAT ACTIVITIES DOES OX:N HAVE PLANNED IN KOREA OR ABROAD, CONSIDERING ITS DEBUT, AND WHAT COMES NEXT? 

Yechan: Even just earlier today, we had a lot of conversations about what’s ahead. For the rest of this year, we're planning to do as many performances as we can to make our fans happy. We're planning a tour, and I think we'll get to visit countries we haven't been to before. In Korea, the four of us will be working hard to prepare for the best performances, starting right after this interview.

Xen: We're also going to start working on our next songs before it's too late. 

*Q: WITH N IN MIND, HOW CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSICAL IDENTITY? HOW DO YOU FIND THE CONFIDENCE TO BE FIRM WITH YOUR IDENTITY DESPITE THE PRESSURE TO KEEP UP WITH TRENDS?

Xen: While preparing for our album N, we had more meetings than ever before not only among the members but also with the company staff. There were multiple days we spent half a day just discussing what kind of direction and image would be best for us. Through those meetings, we were able to clearly organize what we wanted to show and how to execute it. That process gave us a lot of confidence, and we feel like our new music represents the best version of ourselves.

*Q: CAN YOU SHARE YOUR DYNAMIC WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING AND CREATING MUSIC, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE AN IDEA OR CONCEPT YOU WANT TO APPLY?

Jaehan: When ideas come to mind, it often starts from casual conversations in daily life, like, “What do you think about this?” or, “Wouldn't it be cool if we tried that?” Once one idea is out there, talking about it usually leads to even more new ideas. For this album too, we had a lot of discussions between members, and I realized how much inspiration we get from those everyday conversations. I think we'll continue to grow by talking with each other and sharing thoughts like that.

*Q: WHICH EMOTION IS HARDEST FOR YOU TO TRANSLATE INTO YOUR WORK AND WHY? 

Xen: I think expressing joy or excitement is actually pretty difficult. I feel like those emotions can't be faked. Unless I'm genuinely thrilled in the moment, it wouldn't come across naturally. So, those two emotions are the hardest for me to show.

*Q: OX:N SHOWCASES A MORE ARTISTIC, MATURE, AND RELAXED SIDE OF YOU COMPARED TO YOUR PREVIOUS WORK AS OMEGA X. WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO REDISCOVER YOURSELVES CREATIVELY THROUGH THIS SUB-UNIT, AND WHAT ASPECTS OF THE MUSIC DID YOU MOST ENJOY EXPLORING?

Jaehan: I'm not sure if creativity is the right word, but during my time with OMEGA X, most of the parts I sang were in the higher range. But while working on OX:N songs, I recorded across all ranges, including low, mid, and high, and I think I discovered a new side of my voice. Compared to high notes, the mid and lower tones seem to bring out a more mature vibe. So I definitely enjoyed exploring a new side of my voice through this sub-unit.

*Q: XEN AND JAEHAN, YOU BOTH WORKED ON THE PRODUCING AND ON THE LYRICS FOR SOME SONGS ON YOUR NEW ALBUM. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAD ANY INSPIRATIONS OR ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROCESS THAT YOU WANT TO SHARE WITH YOUR FANS?

Xen: “LET ME IN” was originally a completely different song with a different BPM, genre, and overall sound. As our group was discussing and thinking about what kind of mood and image we wanted to present to the public, this song came to mind. We ended up transforming it into something entirely new, and I think the conversations we had as members were the biggest source of inspiration throughout that process. I’m grateful to our members for that. 

Jaehan: I've always believed that we should never forget the gratitude we owe to our fans. Whenever I read their letters, those emotions hit me deeply. It reminds me that being loved like this is something I should never take for granted, and that I need to keep living with gratitude and always return this to them. I think “CAUSE OF YOU” expresses that feeling perfectly. 

*Q: AS A SMALLER UNIT, DO YOU FEEL A STRONGER SENSE OF CREATIVE FREEDOM OR RESPONSIBILITY?

Jaehan: I feel a stronger sense of responsibility. When we had 11 members, there was this subtle feeling that someone else would cover a certain part if I didn't. But now that it's just the four of us in OX:N, it's more like, “If I don’t do it, no one else will.” That shift has made me take more responsibility, and I think that mindset pushes us in a better direction.

Xen: I actually feel a stronger sense of creative freedom. When there were 11 of us, I had to convince 10 other people to get on board with my ideas. But now, I only need to persuade three, so I think I've gained more freedom to try things I've always wanted to do in this new environment. 

Q: WAS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR THAT HELPED YOU ADJUST TO MAKING NEW MUSIC AS A FOUR-PERSON UNIT AS OPPOSED TO 11 MEMBERS?

Yechan: We've been pretty quick when aligning our opinions because we talk a lot about music, especially in the car. Whether it's on the way to or from schedules, those little in-between conversations with the four of us make it easier to have deeper talks that might've been harder with all 11 members, which has been helpful.

Xen: I feel like working as a team of four has brought us even closer. It's easier and more natural to share all kinds of thoughts, even the most random ones. But sometimes, even those silly chats lead to great ideas. I think that's where our inspiration often comes from, and it's become an effective way for us to work together. 

Q: ON N, THERE’S A SONG CALLED “SUIT & TIE.” WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO ACCESSORIZE WHEN WEARING A SUIT?

Jaehan: I like having minimal accessories when wearing a suit. Not today, but I think a watch and a pair of glasses complete the look well.

Xen: I tend to go with similar accessories, but I think I pay more attention to my hair when wearing a suit. I feel like hairstyles can differ depending on different styles of suits.

*Q: HOW DID YOUR VISION FOR OX:N CHANGE FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE PROJECT TO THE FINAL RELEASE? 

Jaehan: I think this is something everyone can agree to, but when our unit was formed, we started with big dreams. We wanted to show our fans amazing performances with good music. Honestly, there are still some disappointments in our album. I know it's impossible to be perfect, and there will always be some regrets. But I really want to fill those gaps and lessen disappointments for our next album and try our very best again.

*Q: WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO SHOW TO THE PUBLIC, YOUR FANS, AND EVEN TO YOURSELVES THROUGH THIS UNIT?

Yechan: As mentioned earlier, we want to show everyone the FGG, “feel good guys,” side of us. Over the past half year, there weren't many chances to meet our fans, and now that our album is out and we have finally started seeing them. I think there might have been moments where fans felt a bit of longing or disappointment, so moving forward, we want to make sure there's none of that. 

We'll do our best to make everything we do feel like the most exciting and fulfilling part of the day, like having a favorite hobby. We want to be artists who always bring joy and satisfaction through performances.

IN CONCLUSION  

OX:N: This was OX:N! Thank you.  

It was a pleasure getting to hear from OX:N about their debut. We extend our appreciation towards the group and their company IPQ for their time, towards Helix Publicity for arranging the roundtable interview, and towards our fellow media colleagues for providing their additional questions. We wish OX:N the best for their future activities. You can keep up with OX:N and OMEGA X on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and X. 

*Questions asked by fellow media colleagues.