WHIB

For the seven members of WHIB, their first mini album ROCK THE NATION arrives as a moment of consolidation. Since debuting in late 2023, the group have moved deliberately through a run of single albums – Cut-Out, Eternal Youth : Kick It, Rush of Joy, Bang Out – each release testing a different texture of performance, sound, and presence. But the shift into a first mini album marks something more significant: the decision to gather those experiments into one intentional statement.

What emerges most clearly in conversation is a growing sense of authorship. Members speak repeatedly about involvement – in planning, recording, and shaping the album’s direction – and about the confidence that comes from seeing their own opinions reflected back at them in the final work. For KIM JUNMIN, the mini album offered space to explore variety and enjoy the process of recording itself. For UGEON, it became a chance to reveal sides of the group that had not yet surfaced, including vocalists stepping into rap and unfamiliar genres opening new doors.

That sense of internal alignment runs through the group’s reflections. Several members describe WHIB’s evolution less in terms of reinvention than focus: teamwork tightening, communication deepening, individual skills sharpening. LEE JEONG points to a stronger sense of family within the group, while HASEUNG notes how their understanding of the recording process – and of their own musical identity – has matured with each release.

Although ROCK THE NATION projects confidence on first impact, the members frame it as something earned rather than assumed. LEE JEONG describes the album as driven not by bravado, but by a kind of grim determination – a desire to prove something through effort and precision. Others speak about study and preparation: time spent analysing images, sounds, and performance language in order to arrive at a clearer vision of who WHIB wants to be.

Looking ahead, the group’s answers suggest a shift away from external markers of success and toward internal measures: balance, consistency, mental strength, and pride in the stages they build together over time.

If ROCK THE NATION is a prelude, it marks the point where momentum gives way to intention, documenting WHIB at a moment when direction begins to matter as much as impact.

You released several single albums before your first mini album, ROCK THE NATION. What felt different about making a mini album? Did it change how you thought about your story or identity as a group?

KIM JUNMIN I feel a great sense of pride that we were able to include a wider variety of genres in this album, and I had a lot of fun during the recording process.

UGEON What sets this album apart is that our vocalists took on the challenge of rapping, and we included musical genres we hadn't showcased before. We really tried to show a side of ourselves that fans haven't seen yet. Since our opinions were heavily reflected in everything from planning to songwriting and composing, I believe we’ve moved much closer to the group identity we’ve always envisioned.

When you look back at your single albums, what part of WHIB feels most grown on this mini album? And what feels more focused rather than completely changed?

LEE JEONG The sense of family and teamwork among the members has grown much stronger, and our individual skills have also improved significantly.

HASEUNG I think the biggest progress is that WHIB has developed its own musical identity, and our understanding of the recording process has grown a lot as well.

This album has been called a “prelude.” Why did now feel like the right time to clearly define your direction, instead of continuing with single albums?

KIM JUNMIN As soon as I heard we’d be releasing a mini-album, I felt a strong desire to showcase our diverse sides in any way possible, and I saw it as a great opportunity.

WONJUN I feel like our teamwork has reached a new level; now, our choreography is much more synchronized even without having to say a word. Also, I believe our musical identity has become more firmly established.

ROCK THE NATION feels very confident, both musically and visually. Was that confidence already there before the album, or did it grow while you were making it?

LEE JEONG Rather than just confidence, we prepared with such a desperate heart that I think a certain grim determination was captured in this album.

HASEUNG Before the album's release, we studied a lot about the images and songs we wanted to pursue. I believe we grew significantly during that process of study and exploration.

While preparing this album, was there something that didn’t work at first – a song, concept, or performance – but later became an important part of the final result?

KIM JUNMIN In my opinion, this performance is very powerful and features many large movements. I believed that we could create a greater synergy when we synchronized these parts together, so I focused on the points where our movements align.

JINBEOM I think it was really helpful during recording and filming that we interpreted each song by relating it to our own personal situations.

You’ve gained attention steadily over time, rather than all at once. How has that slower build shaped the way you think about your career?

JAEHA I feel like we’ve grown to the next level by communicating frequently with the members and giving each other feedback.

HASEUNG I think we made new improvements based on the experiences of each album to find WHIB’s unique color. That’s probably why we’ve been able to grow steadily.

Looking ahead to 2026, what do you hope listeners understand about your identity that they may not have noticed in earlier eras?

KIM JUNMIN I am truly confident in showing my identity more firmly. I’d appreciate it if you could keep an eye on our future performances.

HASEUNG While I previously focused on my role as the main vocal, from 2026 onwards, I believe my identity lies in being the one who anchors the team's music.

JINBEOM I want to show a performance that is diverse yet consistent as a whole.

UGEON As the team's rapper, I believe my role and identity are to hype up the atmosphere during live performances and make the stage more vibrant.

LEE JEONG I think my role and identity in the team are to serve as the center that holds our performances together.

JAEHA I feel I can show a new identity by handling both singing and rapping.

WONJUN I believe my strength and identity lie in my ability to do everything with great balance.

Since debuting, is there something you’ve had to unlearn – musically, mentally, or personally – as you’ve grown as artists?

KIM JUNMIN While participating in the songwriting and composing for this album, I realized that our sincerity is truly felt when we approach our fans with music in our own unique way. That’s why I believe songwriting and composing are indispensable parts of our work.

HASEUNG Since our debut, I feel that my perspective has broadened beyond just singing and dancing; I’ve learned to view things through various lenses and gained a deeper understanding of music.

JINBEOM I believe that a healthy and positive mindset, a solid foundation that doesn’t easily crumble, and the persistence to rise again is what matters most.

UGEON I believe there are endless things to learn both musically and personally. However, I’ve realized that only with a healthy and positive mind can one recognize their flaws and move forward. Since our debut, I think my mental strength has changed and improved significantly.

LEE JEONG I’ve learned how precious the stage is. To be an artist worthy of standing on that stage, I am still striving to become a musician with true musical charm.

JAEHA I feel that I am being fulfilled not just on the outside, but deep within my inner self as well.

WONJUN Through this career, I’ve felt myself becoming mentally stronger, and I’m learning how to find my own musical identity.

As artists, how do you know when you’ve really moved forward? What signs tell you that you’re growing, beyond releases or schedules?

UGEON I believe the fact that we are standing on larger stages and that more people are coming to love us and our music is a clear sign that we are steadily growing.

WONJUN As long as we keep putting in the effort, I feel that we are constantly moving forward.

When you imagine looking back on WHIB years from now, what would make you feel proud beyond awards, numbers, or results?

KIM JUNMIN I think it would be the stages I’ve built up over time. Looking back, I believe those performances are what made me who I am today.

HASEUNG Starting in 2026, we’ll be showing WHIB’s true colors. I believe the experiences of creating every album that showcases our identity will make WHIB proud.

JINBEOM I think I’ll gain even more confidence by looking at the members who have shared these proud moments with me.

UGEON More than anything, I’ll feel proud of myself when the growth we’ve made on stage–from our debut to now and in the future–becomes clearly visible with each performance.

LEE JEONG The time I’ve spent striving for my dreams and having people by my side who recognize that value will make me feel proud.

JAEHA I would be proud to think there were moments when people found happiness while listening to our music.

WONJUN I believe the music and artistic works we leave behind will become our source of pride.