<div class="content-body">
    <div class="content">
      <div class="title mb-0">
        <h2><span>KEYVITUP</span> The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover</h2>
        <h3><span>By Hasan Beyaz</span></h3>
      </div>
      <div class="content-img pw80 noRadius">
        <img src="https://api.kpopworld.com/storage/articles/3109/0/cover.jpg">
      </div>
      <div class="title mt-0">
        <p class="credit">
          Interview: Hasan Beyaz //
          Photographer: Seong-Jip Hong //
          On-Site Producer: Stacy Nam //
          Hair: KIM BYUNGWOO @BLOW //
          Makeup: LEE JAEHEE @BLOW //
          Stylist: KIM YOUNGMAN @ssulstyle
        </p>
      </div>
      <p>
        Introduced through iNKODE’s INTHE X Project, a pre-debut trainee project that first revealed the members and
        previewed the group’s musical direction, five-member boy group KEYVITUP have now put their first musical
        statement into the world with their debut, self-titled EP. Built around a hip-hop foundation and a strong
        emphasis on performance, the release introduces HYUNMIN, TAEHWAN, SENA, JAEIN, and RUKIA as a group with a clear
        starting point and plenty of room to grow. The title track, "KEYVITUP", is the clearest expression of that
        direction, while "Polaroid" offers a softer contrast and shows another side of the group's sound.
      </p>
      <p>
        The members themselves are already taking an active role in shaping that identity, contributing to the lyrics
        and finding different ways to put something personal into the record. For RUKIA, writing the bridge of
        "KEYVITUP" meant making sure the words sounded like his real self rather than simply sounding cool. SENA
        approached his own lines through the concept's central ideas, while TAEHWAN focused closely on the rhythm and
        pronunciation of his delivery. Even at this early stage, the members are thinking about how KEYVITUP should
        sound when it comes directly from them.
      </p>
      <p>
        The group's identity is also becoming clearer through performance. Away from home on overseas schedules, they
        have found themselves growing closer in the ordinary moments between stages, while repeated performances have
        made their timing and energy increasingly instinctive. HYUNMIN describes the moment the music starts as an
        immediate immersion in the song, while JAEIN says his focus and immersion switch ON as his playful side switches
        OFF. That connection has begun to extend beyond the five members themselves. When their fans – known as KEYPERs
        – first sang along, RUKIA realised that the music had become something shared rather than something that
        belonged only to the group.
      </p>
      <p>
        Now, with their debut behind them, KEYVITUP are already looking towards what comes next – they want to make
        their musical colour more clearly defined while exploring darker and more experimental territory, with HYUNMIN
        interested in trying metal or a track built around a live session. If KEYVITUP’s debut established the
        foundation, the next release will reveal how much further they can push it.
      </p>
      <p>
        For our latest Digital Cover story, we talked with KEYVITUP about their debut, the process of finding their
        sound, writing and shaping their own music, the chemistry they’ve built as a group, and where they want to take
        KEYVITUP next.
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back1"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content" id="interview">
          <h5>
            <span>1</span>
            How would you introduce yourself to a new fan in one sentence?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>TAEHWAN</span> Hello! I’m TAEHWAN, KEYVITUP’s main vocalist and oldest member!
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content" id="interview">
      <p>
        <span>HYUNMIN</span> Hello, I’m HYUNMIN, the leader of KEYVITUP!
      </p>
      <p>
        <span>SENA</span> I’m SENA, the ‘creative boy’!
      </p>
      <p>
        <span>JAEIN</span> A playful ENFP through and through, I’m JAEIN!!
      </p>
      <p>
        <span>RUKIA</span> I’m the youngest member, RUKIA, and I want to be remembered for how I perform on stage!
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>2</span>
        Your concept plays with ON and OFF. What is the first thing that switches on in you when the music starts?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>HYUNMIN</span> Personally, the moment the music starts, I immerse myself in the thought that this music
        becomes me, so I think the first thing to switch ON is my facial expression.
      </p>
      <p>
        <span>JAEIN</span> When I switch to ON mode, the first thing that switches is my focus and immersion in the
        song, while my playful side switches OFF.
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back2"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content" id="interview">
          <h5>
            <span>3</span>
            You co-wrote lyrics on your debut EP. Which line was hardest to get right, and why?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>TAEHWAN</span> There’s a lyric in RUKIA’s part that goes, “Don’t wanna hide it, just pass it.” I spent
            a lot of time thinking about what pronunciation would suit RUKIA best when he sang it. I also wanted to use
            a word like “hide,” where you can catch your breath and enhance the rhythm, and a word like “pass,” which
            has a strong explosive sound, so I put a lot of thought into those choices.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content" id="interview">
      <p>
        <span>SENA</span> For me, it was the line, “Going my own way, following my heart.” Before writing the lyrics,
        we were given a concept guideline, and I spent a lot of time thinking about which words would fit best, so that
        part was particularly challenging.
      </p>
      <p>
        <span>RUKIA</span> I think the hardest part was my bridge on “KEYVITUP.” I wanted to write lyrics that sounded
        like my true self. Rather than just writing something that sounded cool, I wanted to make sure my personality
        and colour came through in every line.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>4</span>
        Which song on the EP would you most like a new fan to hear first?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>TAEHWAN</span> I’d like them to listen to “Polaroid”! As KEYVITUP’s music is intense and has a hip-hop
        foundation, I think this song shows another side of KEYVITUP sonically and lets people experience another side
        of us as an artist.
      </p>
      <p>
        <span>JAEIN</span> “KEYVITUP”! As our first title track, I think it best represents the direction we want to
        take as a group and clearly reflects our identity, so I’d recommend that one!
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back3"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content" id="interview">
          <h5>
            <span>5</span>
            What is one sound or genre you want KEYVITUP to try that you have not tried yet?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>HYUNMIN</span> I’d like to try metal, but I’d also like to challenge ourselves with something
            completely opposite, like a song built around a live session.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content" id="interview">
      <p>
        <span>RUKIA</span> I’d like to make something a little darker and more experimental. I think it would be
        interesting to mix hip-hop with electronic sounds. I feel it could show a completely new side of KEYVITUP.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>6</span>
        What is one moment since debut when you felt the five of you were really working as one?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>TAEHWAN</span> I think I feel that most whenever we’re backstage before a festival performance or music
        show when we are all gathered together, and I really feel we are looking towards the same goal.
      </p>
      <p>
        <span>JAEIN</span> I think I’ve felt it more and more while travelling overseas for schedules and events. The
        more time we spend together away from home, the more we naturally look after one another, and I think that
        brings us even closer.
      </p>
      <p>
        <span>RUKIA</span> I think it’s when the five of us naturally sync on stage. When our movements, energy and
        timing all connect, that’s when I think, ‘We’ve really become one.’
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back4"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content" id="interview">
          <h5>
            <span>7</span>
            What is one thing you have learned about each other since you started working together as a group?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>SENA</span> At first glance, many of our members seem extroverted, but through our activities, I’ve
            realised that they are more shy than I thought initially.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content" id="interview">
      <p>
        <span>HYUNMIN</span> We’re all around the same age, but we’ve grown up in very different environments, so I’ve
        realised just how different we can be. I think we’re now in the process of understanding and respecting those
        differences in each other.
      </p>
      <p>
        <span>JAEIN</span> Each other’s sleeping patterns. I’ve learned that some members can completely pass out the
        moment they lie down, while others can stay awake until sunrise.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>8</span>
        How are you different now compared to your INTHE X Project days?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>TAEHWAN</span> Since debuting as KEYVITUP and establishing a clear identity for the group, I think we’ve
        become much more united as a team, and we now have a much clearer direction for the kind of music we want to
        create.</p>
      <p>
        <span>RUKIA</span> I think I’ve gained a lot more confidence. Back then, I was focused on showing people what I
        could do. Now, I’m more focused on enjoying the stage and showing people who I am.
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back5"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content" id="interview">
          <h5>
            <span>9</span>
            Your fandom is called KEYPERs. What's a moment with KEYPERs that has stayed with you since debut?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>JAEIN</span> “It’s Live,” which we recorded the first week after we debuted, really stands out to me.
            It was memorable because it was the first time we were able to spend a long time enjoying ourselves together
            with our fans.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content" id="interview">
      <p>
        <span>RUKIA</span> The first time KEYPERs sang along to our songs was really special. That was when I realised
        that the music we had created was no longer just ours – it had become something we could share with others.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>10</span>
        What is one thing you want to do together as a group before the year ends?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>TAEHWAN</span> I want us to prepare our comeback album as soon as possible and finish our showcase even
        more impressively than we did for our first album!
      </p>
      <p>
        <span>HYUNMIN</span> I want to introduce KEYVITUP and our positive energy to as many people as possible and let
        more of the public know who we are. I’d also like us to make KEYVITUP’s colour even more clearly defined through
        our next album.
      </p>
    </div>
  </div>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://api.kpopworld.com/storage/articles/3109/css/style.css">

<p>For our latest Digital Cover, we sit down with HYUNMIN, TAEHWAN, SENA, JAEIN, and RUKIA to talk about their debut, finding their sound, writing and shaping their own music, the chemistry that holds them together, and where they want to take KEYVITUP next</p>

KEYVITUP - The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

<div class="content-body">
    <div class="content">
      <div class="title mb-0">
        <h2><span>KIHYUN</span> The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover</h2>
        <h3><span>By Hasan Beyaz</span></h3>
      </div>
      <div class="content-img pw80 noRadius">
        <img src="https://api.kpopworld.com/storage/articles/3037/0/cover.jpg">
      </div>
      <p>
        KIHYUN of MONSTA X released BORDERLINE on 7 July 2026, his second solo EP and the follow-up to 2025's YOUTH.
      </p>
      <p>
        YOUTH was built on looking backward: innocence, memory, the emotional residue of who he used to be. BORDERLINE
        turns that lens forward. "If my first EP was an album about looking back on the emotions and memories of my most
        innocent years, BORDERLINE is a more honest reflection of who I am today," KIHYUN says. The seven tracks trace a
        movement through wandering, clarity, uncertainty, and conviction, built on a rock foundation that stretches into
        pop and R&amp;B textures depending on what each song needs rather than a fixed genre plan. "I focused more on
        the emotion and message of each song than on deciding on a genre first," he explains.
      </p>
      <p>
        That instinct-first approach extends to the EP's construction. Rock, he says, is where he found the clearest
        sense of his own voice: "The songs that inspired me the most and gave me the strongest sense of confidence were
        all rooted in rock." Title track "So Good" embodies the EP's central argument, that trusting one's own direction
        matters more than locating the "right" answer, while the music video's journey through ruin and collapse toward
        a final scene of free-falling amongst the chaos mirrors that same arc in visual form.
      </p>
      <p>
        "Late Night Drive" – a smooth and soothing pop number – marked the EP's biggest departure during the writing
        process. He approached it with some hesitation, but it ended up becoming his favourite on the record. "Lazy Day"
        serves as a pause built into an EP otherwise defined by momentum. As he puts it: "I don't think a story about
        constantly running forward would feel very realistic."
      </p>
      <p>
        Running underneath all of it is the role KIHYUN has held for years within MONSTA X, the vocalist trusted to
        anchor and balance the group's sound. Solo work asks something different from that same instinct: carrying a
        full emotional arc alone, from first line to last, rather than holding one part of a larger structure.
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back1 contain"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content">
          <div class="text-xl-center">
            <h5 class="mb-0">
              For KPOPWORLD’s latest Digital Cover interview, KIHYUN walks through the process of creating BORDERLINE,
              from the sonic decisions behind "So Good" to the honesty he chased on closing track "Howling."
            </h5>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content interview">
      <h5>
        <span>1</span>
        BORDERLINE follows YOUTH, which looked back at youth and reflection. What made you want to
        turn toward the present this time?
      </h5>
      <p>
        If my first EP, YOUTH, was an album about looking back on the emotions and memories of my most innocent years,
        BORDERLINE is a more honest reflection of who I am today. I spent a lot of time thinking about what kind of
        music feels true to me and what direction I wanted to take, and the whole process felt like a journey in itself.
        Rather than simply looking back, I wanted to capture the thoughts I have, the choices I’m making, and the way
        I’m moving forward.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>2</span>
        "So Good" is about trusting yourself instead of finding the "right" answer. Where in your life did that
        idea come from?
      </h5>
      <p>
        I spent a lot of time figuring out what kind of music and artistic identity felt most like me, and I wanted to
        express that process as a journey. Ultimately, I see this album as a journey of finding myself. Rather than
        trying to find the “right” answer, I wanted to capture the process of trusting my own instincts and the
        direction I naturally feel drawn to. I think “So Good” captures that feeling especially well.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>3</span>
        The music video moves through ruins and a half-destroyed spaceship before you're singing freely. What
        does that path mean to you?
      </h5>
      <p>
        To me, it feels like a journey through uncertainty and wandering, eventually finding my way back to trusting my
        own instincts. The ruins and collapsed spaces represent a period when I was questioning myself and feeling
        unsettled, while the final scene, where I’m singing freely, represents coming through that time and being able
        to express myself again in a way that feels true to who I am.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>4</span>
        This EP is built on a rock foundation, more than your last release. What draws you to that sound right
        now?
      </h5>
      <p>
        I felt that it was finally time to really show the color of my voice. When I was thinking about what I wanted
        to express as a solo artist, the songs that inspired me the most and gave me the strongest sense of confidence
        were all rooted in rock. That naturally drew me deeper into the genre.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>5</span>
        You mix pop, rock, R&amp;B, and band sounds across BORDERLINE. How do you decide which elements belong
        in a song like "So Good" versus something like "Howling"?
      </h5>
      <p>
        I focused more on the emotion and message of each song than on deciding on a genre first. Some songs needed a
        rock sound to express a sense of energy and freedom, while others called for a different style to convey their
        emotions more delicately. I wanted to find the direction that would bring out the atmosphere of each song in the
        best possible way.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>6</span>
        "Domino" is about searching for freedom and refuge inside uncertainty. What does refuge look like for
        you at this point in your life?
      </h5>
      <p>
        For me, it’s work, rest, and MONBEBE. I know rest is important, but I actually feel more at ease when I’m
        working. Of course, too little rest can be a problem, but in general, I feel more grounded when I’m working. And
        I think MONBEBE is a big part of why I’m able to feel that sense of stability.
      </p>
      <div class="content-img">
        <img src="https://api.kpopworld.com/storage/articles/3037/0/01.jpg">
      </div>
      <h5>
        <span>7</span>
        "Late Night Drive" is a more intimate song than most of the EP. What did you want that stillness to
        hold?
      </h5>
      <p>
        If this album is largely a story about continuing to move forward, I think “Late Night Drive” is a moment to
        pause and look inward. I hope people can listen to it alone on a quiet night, or with someone they care about,
        and simply feel a sense of comfort and ease.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>8</span>
        "Howling" closes the EP as an explosive, instinctive track. What was going through you when you
        recorded it?
      </h5>
      <p>
        I wanted to capture my emotions as honestly as possible. Rather than trying to make everything polished or
        perfectly composed, it was more important to express what I was genuinely feeling in the moment. So I approached
        the vocals in a rougher, more instinctive way and tried to bring out as much of the song’s raw energy as
        possible.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>9</span>
        Within MONSTA X, you're known as the vocalist who anchors the group's sound. How does that identity
        shape the choices you make as a solo artist?
      </h5>
      <p>
        In the group, I’ve often taken on the role of anchoring a song and creating balance within the overall sound.
        As a solo artist, the difference is that I have to carry my emotions and story from beginning to end within a
        single song. That makes me think more deeply about what kind of story I can convey through my voice. The
        experience I’ve built with the group has also been a huge source of strength in my work as a solo artist.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>10</span>
        The seven tracks move through wandering, clarity, uncertainty, and conviction. Was there a song that
        changed the most from when you first wrote it to the final version?
      </h5>
      <p>
        I’d say “Late Night Drive.” Since it’s not a genre I’ve typically worked in, I was a little worried about how
        it would turn out. But I ended up being so satisfied with the final result that a song I was initially uncertain
        about became my favorite.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>11</span>
        "Lazy Day" is a reminder to slow down inside an EP mostly about pushing forward. Why did that moment
        need a place on the record?
      </h5>
      <p>
        I don’t think a story about constantly running forward would feel very realistic. In order to keep moving
        ahead, you also need moments when you can stop and catch your breath. I wanted “Lazy Day” to add another
        emotional dimension to the album and give listeners a moment to simply slow down and feel at ease.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>12</span>
        Looking at BORDERLINE as a full body of work, what do you hope stays with a listener after the last
        track ends?
      </h5>
      <p>
        More than feeling like they’ve found the perfect answer, I hope listeners are left with the feeling that it’s
        okay to keep moving forward in their own way, too. This album isn’t about someone who has all the answers. It’s
        about moving forward while questioning yourself, feeling uncertain, and still choosing to trust your own
        direction. I hope the album can convey that the process itself is meaningful.
      </p>
    </div>
  </div>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://api.kpopworld.com/storage/articles/3037/css/style.css">

<p>KIHYUN of MONSTA X returned earlier this year with BORDERLINE, his second solo EP and the follow-up to 2025's YOUTH</p>

KIHYUN: The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

<p>For their new album &lt;itsnotover&gt;, idntt sat down with KPOPWORLD to talk about where they've been, what this group has demanded of them, and what they refuse to let go of</p>

idntt: The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

<p>On their fourth EP Imperfect-I'mperfect, FIFTY FIFTY push into new sonic territory – cyberpunk electronics, dreamy hip-hop, euphoric pop – all while carrying a message that hits close to home: it's okay to be imperfect. It's okay to not be okay</p>

FIFTY FIFTY: The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

<div class="content-body">
    <div class="content">
      <div class="title mb-0">
        <h2><span>ifeye</span> The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover</h2>
        <h3><span>By Hasan Beyaz</span></h3>
      </div>
      <div class="content-img pw80 noRadius">
        <img src="https://api.kpopworld.com/storage/articles/2706/0/cover.jpg?v=1">
      </div>
      <div class="title mt-0">
        <p class="credit">
          Photographer: DOO YOONJONG //
          Styling: SEO RIRA //
          Makeup: BAEK SONG YI, SUNG A YOUNG, LEE SU BIN //
          Hair: CHO CHUN IL, KIM YU MI, PARK SOO HYUN, CHOI HA NEUL //
          Video: TEAM EGO
        </p>
      </div>
      <hr>
      <p>
        With two EPs, a cult following, and a KCON LA set that turned heads, the six-member group ifeye spent 2025
        building something real
      </p>
      <p>
        ERLU BLUE introduced their range. "Bubble Up" was sleek and sophisticated; "NERDY" leaned into charm; "IRL"
        pulled somewhere else entirely, ethereal where the others were bright. It was a debut that didn’t settle on a
        single register – and for a new group announcing themselves to the world, that kind of confidence in their own
        variety was a statement in itself.
      </p>
      <p>
        sweet tang, their summer 2025 follow-up, made their potential even clearer. Across "loverboy," "friend like
        me," and the slick confidence of "round and round," the group moved between dance-pop, pop-rock, and back again
        without losing their footing. Then came "r u ok?" – a vibrant house number – and the MV made their ambition
        plain: members dancing on tabletops while farmyard animals roam free, choreography performed inside the back of
        a moving truck in a visual world that feels gleefully unhinged. Running through it all is a recurring motif of
        eyes – trucks painted with giant pupils, a makeshift outdoor cinema. In 2025, ifeye were being watched as a new
        group with something to prove; "r u ok?" suggested they were entirely comfortable with that – and had every
        intention of making it interesting.
      </p>
      <iframe class="mb-3" data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px"
        src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/74GrqeIqzA6dyVDPQ4nBBy?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="160"
        frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""
        allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy">
      </iframe>
      <p>
        Now comes their third EP, As if. Taerin traces the title back to its origins: the album began with the phrase
        "what if" – things they had imagined which started to come true. Rahee points to Spring – the excitement, the
        newness, the feelings that are slightly unfamiliar and not quite settled – as the album's natural home. "I'll Be
        There" opens with warmth; the title track "Hazy (Daisy)" captures the giddy disorientation of falling in love;
        "Touch" subverts its own directness, turning out to be about friendship rather than romance; and "Forever Us"
        closes the album as a fan song – a sincere, unhurried expression of gratitude to ifory, the people who've been
        there through all of it.
      </p>
      <p>
        Speaking to KPOPWORLD for our Digital Cover, the members reflect on a period of growth – of conversations that
        hadn't happened before, of individual skills sharpening during a longer break between releases. Kasia describes
        it as a time when the group grew closer. Hwayeon points to a conscious shift in how they think about music: less
        focused on execution, more focused on emotion, on making sure what they feel as artists actually reaches the
        people listening. It's a small adjustment in theory. In practice, it's the difference between performing and
        communicating.
      </p>
      <h4>
        For a group that spent their debut year proving they could hold a room, As if is the moment they start telling
        it something – and if this is what it sounds like, the world will certainly keep wanting more.
      </h4>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back1"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content interview">
          <h5>
            <span>1.</span> ‘As if’ is an interesting title for an EP – what does that phrase mean to you as a group
            right now?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>Taerin</span> This album began with the word "what if." It carries the idea of things we've only
            imagined actually coming true. Through this album, I think it reflects our hope to achieve the things we've
            been dreaming of.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content interview">
      <h5>
        <span>2.</span> The album is arriving in Spring. Does the season feel connected to what you were trying to
        express?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Rahee</span> I think the feelings of a new beginning, excitement, and slightly unfamiliar and hazy
        emotions that young girls experience match well with both the season of Spring and the overall mood of this
        album.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>3.</span> I'll Be There opens the album. What does that kind of promise mean to you – as artists and as
        a group?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Kasia</span> "I'll Be There" captures the moment when two people meet like fate, gradually grow closer,
        and become inevitable parts of each other. It reminded me of our fans. We're truly grateful that they've been
        with us through our growth, and I see that relationship as something destined, where we support and care for
        each other. Through this song, we wanted to express our gratitude and our desire to keep growing as artists and
        as a group.
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back2"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content interview">
          <h5>
            <span>4.</span> “Hazy (Daisy)” is the title track. What feeling were you trying to capture with it?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>Meu</span> With "Hazy (Daisy)," we wanted to capture the excitement of falling in love. It expresses
            the feeling of being shy, yet confidently lifting your head and eventually finding love. </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content interview">
      <h5>
        <span>5.</span> How did “Hazy (Daisy)” become the title track – was there a moment when you all knew it was
        the one?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Hwayeon</span> The more I listened to "Hazy (Daisy)," the more I found it appealing. The repetitive
        chorus is very addictive, and I think its easy-listening quality is what makes you keep coming back to it.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>6.</span> “Padam Padam” is a phrase associated with a heartbeat or a rhythm. What does that word evoke
        for you when you hear it?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Rahee</span> When I hear "Padam Padam," the first thing that comes to mind is the feeling of a racing
        heartbeat. It also reminds me of the girls' excitement that continues from the title track "Hazy."
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back3"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content interview">
          <h5>
            <span>7.</span> “Touch” is one of the more direct titles on the record. What did you want listeners to feel
            when they hear it?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>Hwayeon</span> This song represents friendship. I hope listeners can feel warmth while thinking of a
            friend who comforts and embraces them through difficult times.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content interview">
      <h5>
        <span>8.</span> “Forever Us” closes the album. Why did you choose to end there?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Taerin</span> The last track is a fan song dedicated to our fans, ifory. It reflects our genuine
        feelings, so we chose to end the album with it as a sincere way of expressing our hearts.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>9.</span> As a group, how do you make sure every voice is heard when you're creating together?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Meu</span> This album especially includes a lot of our ideas. We worked closely with the producers,
        communicating and balancing both their opinions and ours as we created the album together.
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back4"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content interview">
          <h5>
            <span>10.</span> What does music give you that nothing else can?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>Rahee</span> Music feels like the greatest comfort to me. Even during difficult times, I can find
            comfort
            through music, and being able to pass that same comfort on to others makes it very special.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content interview">
      <h5>
        <span>11.</span> What has changed in the way you think about your music between sweet tang and As If?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Hwayeon</span> I think we tried to focus more on emotions this time. As we thought about how people could
        truly enjoy our music, we realised that it's important for the artist's emotions to be fully conveyed. That's
        why we paid more attention to emotional expression.
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back5"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content interview pb-0">
          <h5>
            <span>12.</span> What does this era of ifeye look like to you, from the inside?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>Kasia</span> I think this is a period of significant growth for us, both as a team and as artists.
            During the long break, we had many conversations we hadn't been able to have before, which brought us
            closer. At the same time, we were able to grow individually in terms of our skills, so I believe this is a
            time where we've grown a lot and are continuing to grow.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content">
      <hr class="hide-lg">
      <p class="text-center">
        <small>
          <i>Sasha of ifeye was not present for this interview or photoshoot</i>
        </small>
      </p>
    </div>
  </div>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://api.kpopworld.com/storage/articles/2706/css/style.css">

<p>ifeye are back with their third EP, As if – and it's clear that 2025 was just the beginning. From the cult following that grew around "r u ok?" to a buzzed-about KCON LA set, the six-member group spent their debut year proving they could hold a room</p>

ifeye: The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

<p>For our latest Digital Cover, the seven-member virtual idol group SKINZ sat down with KPOPWORLD to talk through their debut mini album SKINZ IS SKINZ – a record that doesn't try to explain itself</p>

SKINZ: The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

<div class="content-body">
    <div class="content">
      <div class="title mb-0">
        <h2><span>Baby DONT Cry</span> The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover</h2>
        <h5>
          They call themselves Baby DONT Cry, but nothing about the group reads passive or fragile.
        </h5>
        <h3><span>By Hasan Beyaz</span></h3>
      </div>
      <div class="content-img pw80 noRadius">
        <img src="https://api.kpopworld.com/storage/articles/2536/0/cover.jpg">
      </div>
      <p>
        While their name sounds soft at first glance, almost tender, the four members talk about it with a conviction
        that undercuts any hint of delicacy. “It represents a pure yet powerful energy when facing the world,” Beni
        says, describing it as a kind of vow – a refusal to fold, even when the pressure hits. That duality sits at the
        core of the group’s growing identity. They’re bright, cheerful, outwardly easygoing, but there’s an unmistakable
        sharpness underneath. A sense that they’re sprinting toward something and they don’t intend to slow down for
        anyone.
      </p>
      <iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px"
        src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/6z3A3qvpEVKsG1pvIqEyqP?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="160"
        frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""
        allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy">
      </iframe>
      <p>
        Their debut single “F Girl” dropped into the 2025 landscape with the confidence of a group that knew exactly
        what they were doing. The music video passed 20 million views within the first four days, an early-career
        anomaly that even they hadn’t fully anticipated. Kumi describes the moment with a kind of stunned sincerity –
        surprised, grateful, fuelled by the early wave of support. It set the tone for everything that followed, pushing
        Baby DONT Cry into a global conversation they’d only just stepped into.
      </p>
      <p>
        What’s clear is that the group’s chemistry is already distinct. Mia talks about their different tones,
        expressions, and personalities, and how those differences create a unity that feels bigger than the sum of its
        parts. It’s the type of answer you hear from teams that actually pay attention to one another, rather than
        performing unity for the sake of it. And when they talk about their debut stage – specifically the dreamlike
        shock of standing there for the first time – there’s no disconnect between ambition and gratitude. They’re aware
        of what they’ve stepped into, but they haven’t let the momentum harden them.
      </p>
      <p>
        All of that feeds directly into their new single “I DONT CARE”, the track anchoring this next era. The title
        might read like defiance, but the group frames it with more nuance. Kumi calls it a message about valuing
        yourself, not in a careless or reckless way, but in a way that feels rooted – a maturing sense of self that’s
        very different from the explosive debut energy of “F Girl”. Beni explains the contrast cleanly: if the debut was
        all impact, this comeback leans into depth. More dynamics, more vocal detail, a shift from loudness to something
        closer to immersion.
      </p>
      <p>
        There’s a build in the track that mirrors the arc they’re in as artists. Yihyun talks about a choreography
        moment where they shake their heads while shouting the title phrase, capturing the emotional rush of running
        toward your dreams. It’s a simple explanation, but it reflects how they think about performance – not just as
        movement but as a physical extension of anything they’re trying to say.
      </p>
      <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/KEUlytSqlsU?feature=shared"
        title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0"
        allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share"
        allowfullscreen>
      </iframe>
      <p>
        Mia’s favourite line in the song – “Depending on my mood, I might go anywhere” – feels like the kind of
        free-spirited bravado you only get from rookies who haven’t been boxed in yet. The group is still discovering
        the edges of their sound, but they’re already speaking in the language of freedom and possibility. Fittingly,
        when asked to sum up the single in one word, Beni chooses “youth”, framing it not as innocence but as a kind of
        beauty that only exists in a certain chapter of your life.
      </p>
      <p>
        Their early global exposure at KCON LA 2025 seems to have accelerated that growth. Mia is candid about the
        pressure that comes from standing on a massive stage, and the parts she wants to improve next time. She talks
        about watching seniors command the audience and wanting to earn that same level of presence – not by imitation,
        but by stepping up to the challenge. They’re learning in real time, and they’re honest about where they are on
        that curve.
      </p>
      <p>
        That vulnerability shows up again in smaller moments. Kumi mentions that every stage feels different, something
        that’s made her want to cherish each one. Yihyun explains how forcing herself to smile on hard days sometimes
        helps real energy follow. Mia talks about seeing Yihyun speak English and feeling inspired to start studying
        harder. These aren’t dramatic revelations, but offer a rare insight into the mechanics of how young artists
        evolve by watching one another.
      </p>
      <p>
        Even their team dynamic has a softness to it. Kumi says they can understand each other without words. Beni
        talks about looking into fans’ eyes from the stage and wanting to give even more. And when the conversation
        shifts toward future goals, they don’t hesitate: they want their first music-show win, they want to make their
        fans proud, and they want to grow into artists whose sincerity cuts through the noise of trends.
      </p>
      <p>
        Looking toward 2026, Yihyun sums it up simply – they want to become more honest on stage, more skilled, more
        acknowledged for who they are and what they can do. Baby DONT Cry may still be early in their story, but their
        answers share the same through-line: they’re building something that’s emotionally direct, and they’re doing it
        without losing sight of the people they want to become.
      </p>
      <h5 class="mb-0">
        Keep reading our full interview with Baby DONT Cry as we celebrate their new single, the momentum of their
        breakout year, and what lies ahead for 2026.
      </h5>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back1"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content interview">
          <h5>
            <span>1</span>
            “F Girl” made a huge impact right after debut. How did it feel seeing the music video blow up so quickly?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>Kumi</span>
            I was really surprised, and it made me genuinely happy that so many people watched it. All the
            positive reactions gave us a lot of strength.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content interview">
      <h5>
        <span>2</span>
        How would you describe Baby DONT Cry’s style or personality in your own words?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Yihyun</span>
        We’re all bright and cheerful girls! But that doesn’t mean we are delicate on stage. Just like our name, we
        always try to show a strong energy.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>3</span>
        What do you think makes your team stand out from other new groups?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>MIA</span>
        We each have different charms, from our vocal tones to the expressions we show in performances, etc. But when
        the four of us come together, we blend in a harmonious way. Individually we’re all different, yet as a group we
        feel unified.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>4</span>
        Your name has a strong and emotional ring to it. What does Baby DONT Cry mean to you personally?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Beni</span>
        ‘Baby’ in Baby DONT Cry isn’t about being cute or fragile. It represents a pure yet powerful energy when facing
        the world. We might look delicate, but the name carries the determination of “we won’t cry, no matter what”.
        It’s the strength that keeps us going.
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back2"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content interview">
          <h5>
            <span>5</span>
            What moment since debut has felt the most exciting or unforgettable?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>Yihyun</span>
            I would definitely have to say our debut stage! It was the moment I had been dreaming of for such a long
            time, and it remains the most unforgettable.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content interview">
      <h5>
        <span>6</span>
        “I DONT CARE” sounds like a strong statement. What message were you hoping to share through this comeback?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Kumi</span>
        I think “I DONT CARE” carries a deeper message of valuing yourself. That’s the feeling we wanted to express!
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>7</span>
        How is this new single different from “F Girl” in sound or energy?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Beni</span>
        If F Girl was an explosive energy, this time the song feels deeper and more lingering. Sound-wise, we added
        more dynamic arrangements and delicate vocals, which helped shift the energy from “explosive” to something a bit
        more “immersive”.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>8</span>
        The track builds in intensity from start to finish. How did you capture that feeling of running towards your
        dreams in the recording or choreography?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Yihyun</span>
        In the choreography there’s a part where we shake our heads from side to side while shouting “I DONT CARE!”, and
        it expresses the overwhelming excitement of running towards our dreams.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>9</span>
        What part of “I DONT CARE” do you think fans will connect with the most?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Mia</span>
        I like the lyrics “Depending on my mood, I might go anywhere,” because it feels free and shows confidence in
        yourself! I hope fans notice the excitement in our expressions as well.
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back3"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content interview">
          <h5>
            <span>10</span>
            If you could describe the new song in one word, what would it be?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>Beni</span>
            I’d say “youth”, because I believe this song captures the kind of beauty that can only be expressed at our
            age well.
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content interview">
      <h5>
        <span>11</span>
        Performing at KCON LA 2025 so early in your career is a big deal. What did that experience mean to you?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Mia</span>
        It was a stage where we learned so much! I was really nervous performing on such a big stage in front of so many
        people, and there were definitely parts I know I can improve. But thanks to the fans’ cheers we were able to
        enjoy it to the fullest. Watching our seniors perform and seeing how they engaged the crowd made us want to give
        that same energy to our fans. If we get the chance to stand on a big stage again, we want to give a performance
        we won’t regret.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>12</span>
        What’s something you’ve learned about performing since debuting?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Kumi</span>
        I realised that every stage is different and no moment is ever the same. It made me want to cherish each one
        even more.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>13</span>
        How do you keep your confidence when things get challenging?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Yihyun</span>
        Even when I’m feeling tired, if I keep smiling through it, I naturally start gaining more energy.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>14</span>
        What inspires your group’s visuals and fashion choices for this comeback?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Mia</span>
        Just like the title, “I DONT CARE!”. Instead of being inspired by one specific thing, we tried to express a
        sense
        of freedom. Compared to F Girl, this song feels much freer and more kitschy.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>15</span>
        What kind of artists do you hope to become as you keep growing?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Beni</span>
        Even as time passes, we want to be remembered as artists whose sincerity can always be felt. Trends change with
        time, but music that moves people always comes from the heart.
      </p>
    </div>
    <div class="row g-0" id="sideImg">
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6">
        <div class="section-box noFade">
          <div class="bg-wrap">
            <div class="bg back4"></div>
          </div>
        </div>
      </div>
      <div class="col-12 col-xl-6 d-flex">
        <div class="content interview">
          <h5>
            <span>16</span> What’s one thing you’ve learned from another member recently?
          </h5>
          <p>
            <span>Mia</span>
            I saw Yihyun speaking English recently, and she looked so cool. It felt like a whole new world opened up,
            and it made me want to study English even harder!
          </p>
        </div>
      </div>
    </div>
    <div class="content interview">
      <h5>
        <span>17</span>
        How do you cheer each other up during busy schedules?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Kumi</span>
        Even without saying anything, we can understand each other just by looking. Just having each other by our side
        gives us so much strength.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>18</span>
        What’s your favourite thing about being part of Baby DONT Cry?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Beni</span>
        My favourite part of being part of Baby DONT Cry is getting to meet our fans, Cherries! When I look into their
        eyes from the stage, I get emotional and want to show them even more amazing performances!
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>19</span>
        What goals or dreams are you most focused on right now?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Yihyun</span>
        I really want to get 1st place on a music show! We want to give Cherries the first of a 1st place win.
      </p>
      <h5>
        <span>20</span>
        As you head into 2026, how do you hope to evolve as artists and performers?
      </h5>
      <p>
        <span>Yihyun</span>
        On stage, we want to show an even more honest and genuine version of ourselves. We also want to keep improving
        our
        skills and grow into artists that many people can acknowledge and admire.
      </p>
    </div>
  </div>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="https://api.kpopworld.com/storage/articles/2536/css/style.css">

<p>They call themselves Baby DONT Cry, but nothing about the group reads passive or fragile</p>

Baby DONT Cry: The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

Choi Yu Ree habla sobre Stay: Two, el capítulo final de su serie Stay, explorando la vulnerabilidad, el amor, el miedo y las emociones silenciosas que dan forma a la vida cotidiana a través de su composición íntima.

Choi Yu Ree Sigue Siendo Fiel a Sí Misma

Desde LOONA hasta su evolución como artista solista, Yves habla sobre su trayectoria, identidad creativa y los desafíos detrás de su crecimiento en una conversación honesta y sin filtros en 2026

La autoimagen de Yves

Para nuestra última portada digital, nos sentamos con HYUNMIN, TAEHWAN, SENA, JAEIN y RUKIA para hablar sobre su debut, cómo encontraron su sonido, escribir y dar forma a su propia música, la química que los une y hacia dónde quieren llevar a KEYVITUP a continuación

KEYVITUP - La portada digital de KPOPWORLD

Si hay un aspecto del ciclo promocional del K-pop que se considera el más integral, son los music shows y, en consecuencia, las victorias en music shows

¿Qué es realmente una victoria en un music show, y cómo la consiguen los grupos?

KickFlip están listos para dar inicio a un nuevo capítulo. Antes de su primera gira mundial en 2027, las rookies de JYP Entertainment se sientan con KPOPWORLD para hablar de su nuevo álbum KICK OFF THE WALL Pt. 1

Portada

Tendencias

Cart