T here’s something about summer that softens even the most stoic hearts, and Catch The Young’s new single, “이상형 (Ideal Type),” leans all the way into that tender, restless feeling of almost-love.

Released as their second single of 2025, the track trades in the experimental sprawl of April’s instrumental “The Young Wave” for something more immediate and emotional: a synth-kissed pop-rock daydream about youth, longing, and the jittery thrill of wanting to be seen in a new light.

In the accompanying music video, the band travels through sun-drenched fields and coastal backdrops, capturing fleeting moments of connection and introspection. It’s light on spectacle but heavy on feeling; much like the lyrics themselves, which centre on the quiet chaos of catching feelings and the nervous hesitation before confessing them.

With “Ideal Type,” Catch The Young once again prove their instinct for crafting music that balances musical ambition with emotional clarity – affirming their status as a band that doesn’t just write about youth, but lives in the heart of it.

The band also shared a selection of exclusive snaps from the “Ideal Type” MV with us, along with their thoughts on the creative choices behind the video’s story – and how the visuals bring the song’s charming, emotionally honest lyrics to life.

The “Ideal Type” MV features a few moments where you form a star shape together. What was the meaning behind that formation?

Kihoon We came up with a star-shaped formation so that every member’s performance and playing could be seen equally, without focusing on just one person.

Jungmo The formation was designed to offer a wider perspective and highlight each member’s strengths.

Namhyun We also incorporated various formations and performance elements to make our music videos and live stages more enjoyable to watch.

Junyong Catch The Young is a band that offers not only music but also a visual experience. We wanted our performance to be more dynamic and fun to watch!

The MV has a very grounded, real-life setting. Why did you choose this backdrop to express the feelings of the song?

Sani We thought it would be nice to go with a concept that many people could relate to, and more than anything, we felt that a travel concept really suited Catch The Young.

Kihoon We wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere that feels familiar and nostalgic for everyone, so we included scenes of going on a boys’ trip, such as running around, having fun, and making memories together. We hoped that those moments would bring out the emotions people feel when they go on a trip, hang out with friends, or even have a crush on someone.

Namhyun As you mentioned in your question, we filmed in settings that feel realistic and familiar, places where someone might actually meet their ideal type. That made the whole shoot feel comfortable and natural to us as well.

Jungmo We wanted the scenes to feel warm and relatable by drawing from experiences and memories that everyone can resonate with.

Junyong The concept of five friends going on a trip together led us to shoot in romantic, down-to-earth spots like a train station, a lighthouse, and a guesthouse. And I think these places felt both familiar and perfect for capturing the feelings of having a crush on someone.

This song talks a lot about hidden emotions and that nervous energy before confessing. How did you try to show those feelings through your expressions and acting in the MV?

Sani Instead of inserting many singing scenes in the music video, we focused more on adding our acting scenes as well as murmuring the lyrics, almost like talking to ourselves in everyday life. We really tried to bring out the fluttering emotions of a first love as much as possible.

Kihoon I wanted to convey that nervous, excited feeling, while still trying to play it cool in front of friends, acting indifferent on the outside but secretly hiding my feelings inside.

Namhyun I tried to express that mix of nervousness and excitement that everyone’s probably felt at least once in their lives. I remember thinking a lot about how to show those emotions through subtle expressions and gestures, like someone trying to keep their feelings to themselves, even though it’s already written all over their face.

Jungmo The biggest thing I tried to capture was the bittersweet feeling of wanting to confess love, even though you’re trying not to let your feelings show just yet.

Junyong Since the song is called “Ideal Type,” we knew we had to express the emotions of a one-sided crush. I tried my best to showcase that feeling by constantly thinking of the lyrics.

How does the visual progression in the MV mirror the emotional shift in the lyrics?

Sani I think the video shows how the narrator’s emotions become clearer as the trip goes on in the music video. There’s a storyline building up from the uncertain, hesitant moments at the beginning to the ending scene of confidently showing the photo.

Kihoon At the beginning of the video, we’re shown wearing casual outfits that create a relaxed, travel-like mood. Then, during the performance scene, we went for a fresh and youthful vibe, like a group of students enjoying summer. After that, we returned to more laid-back looks to bring back that everyday student feel.

Namhyun Throughout the video, in different places and scenes, you can feel how the narrator is thinking about and falling for the person referred to as ‘you’ in the lyrics. I think it adds a fun element that, in the end, it turns out the emotions portrayed throughout the video were for one person.

Jungmo Since the concept is all about your ‘ideal type,’ we didn’t want to miss the visual side of the story. Therefore, we paid close attention to the colors, backgrounds, and overall mood of each scene to match the emotions we were trying to convey.

Junyong From the acting of having a crush to the band’s performance scenes, I think the whole storyline plays out smoothly in the video. Just like the ending line in the song that goes, “Now I’ll confess, you’re my ideal type,” I think the video puts a nice ending to the story of having a crush.

The final scene closes with fireworks — a big emotional payoff after a more low-key, reflective video. What did that moment represent to you in the context of the song?

Sani Similar to what I mentioned earlier, I think the video reflects feelings that grow clearer over time. It shows how those growing emotions eventually lead to a confession.

Kihoon Emotions like having a crush or falling for your ideal type often become part of your memories when you look back. When people visit the beach, they often just enjoy fireworks or the ocean, and later, those small moments turn into fond memories. We tried to capture that kind of feeling, like a piece of youth, by including those scenes. It’s kind of like the romance of summer by the sea!

Namhyun I think it shows the narrator’s emotional state. In the final lyric, “Now I’ll confess, you’re my ideal type,” you can really feel the excitement and how overwhelming the emotions have become, and the fireworks capture it perfectly.

Jungmo We wanted to express the joy that follows confessing one’s shy, hidden emotions.

Junyong Since the last line of the song is “Now I’ll confess, you’re my ideal type,” the ending had to be bolder and more dramatic, and I think the finale scene of the video wraps it up really well.

From both the MV and the lyrics, it feels like this story is told through small details more than big drama. How do you feel that kind of emotional storytelling reflects Catch the Young’s identity as a band?

Sani I think this really reflects Catch The Young’s motto of doing music that resonates with all generations. As a band that is confident in representing youth, we focused a lot on capturing the finer emotions and added detailed touches throughout.

Kihoon Each member plays with a sense of story, just like the lyrics, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. And when all of that comes together, that’s when Catch The Young truly becomes a band that sings about youth.

Namhyun Just like in the music video, I think our band’s style is full of detailed and delicate charms. Our instrumental sounds are carefully crafted, and I think such attention to even the smallest elements reflects Catch The Young’s identity.

Jungmo I believe Catch The Young is defined by how we bring each member’s strengths together into one cohesive sound. That process of combining everyone’s stories and talents into each album is what conveys our identity.

Junyong We used the themes of ‘ideal type’ and ‘having a crush’ to express the youth’s soft and intense sides through rock. Since love is made up of so many complex emotions, we wanted to express that by incorporating different instruments and sounds.