It is often said that change is the only constant in this world. Truer words could not have been spoken for an industry as volatile and ever-evolving as K-pop, where trends and lineups shift faster than anyone can keep up. This year in particular, the industry has seen multiple lineups decrease in numbers, as everyone seems to be leaving their groups.But when change is this constant, it is no longer a tall order for groups to move forward and carry on, no matter what the circumstances may be.
Jellyfish Entertainment’s group Evnne would know a lot about adapting to change. Initially a spin-off group from the Korean audition program “Boys Planet,” they became the first survival show derivative group to take on a permanent contract, but not without some shakeup.Earlier this year, two of their members, Yoo Seungeon and Ji Yunseo, left the group. The former is preparing for a redebut under YH Entertainment, with half of Zerobaseone’s members, who also departed from their respective groups: Zhang Hao, Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, and Han Yujin. Meanwhile, the latter is pursuing independent musical endeavors as a free agent.
That leaves Evnne members Keita, Park Hanbin, Lee Jeonghyeon, Mun Junghyun, and Park Jihoo to embark on a new journey together—one that stays rooted in their past while going full speed ahead. Lifestyle Inquirer spoke with Evnne via email to discuss their latest single album, “Backtalk,” their creative inspirations, and aspirations moving forward.
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An important turning point
“Since ‘뱉어 (Backtalk)’ was being released at such an important turning point for Evnne, including our transition into an official group, reorganization into five members, and first comeback in eight months, we spent a lot of time thinking about how we could truly differentiate ourselves,” says Park Hanbin.He also shares how the members had thorough discussions with their company to best represent their new beginning musically, “to create an album that tells a story only the current version of Evnne could tell.”
Renewed contracts in K-pop are almost always synonymous with renegotiated terms that favor the idols’ liberties. In Evnne’s case, they saw increased creative control, which allowed them to be deeply involved in the process of making their own music—from genre research to 10-hour-long songwriting sessions and everything in between.Throughout the process, the group shared how they drew inspiration from artists like SZA, Dean, and Penomeco.
More autonomy, more creative liberties
Members Mun Junghyun and Lee Jeonghyeon, meanwhile, emphasize this newfound autonomy as the highlight of their latest release. “The fact that every member was credited as a lyricist for this album is especially meaningful to us because it feels like the starting point of Evnne, showing our own music moving forward,” says Lee.
This level of involvement in their music allowed the group to better reflect on their next strides forward, as the creative process made them revisit “weaknesses and scars” that helped them best understand what this album truly needed. “We wanted to give fans something fun to discover in the lyrics, while also turning the journey we’ve gone through into music, which made us even more attached to the album,” says Keita.
“The image we’re showing through this album is an Evnne that acknowledges its past and weaknesses while still continuing to move forward,” says Park Jihoo.
When a group continues promotions after lineup changes and member departures, the remaining members feel the pressure of ensuring that no empty spaces are felt. Evnne recognizes this need uniquely, which has enabled them to encourage one another throughout struggles—and reminded them just how much their fans mean to them, especially in relation to their opportunity to continue on as a permanent group.
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“All-rounders”
As they transition from project to permanent group, Evnne has a growing bucket list to tick off: choreography involvement, composition credits, and a more extensive world tour. While Evnne has done Asia and America tours, the group has yet to visit the Philippines.
Leader Keita shared this message to Filipino Ennves patiently waiting for them: “To all our Ennves in the Philippines, thank you so much for continuously loving and supporting us for such a long time! With the right opportunity, we’re always ready to run straight to you and have an amazing time together, so we really hope we’ll get the chance to meet in the Philippines soon.”
More than anything, Evnne is adamant about being remembered as a group serious about music that’s distinct to them as well as an ensemble that knows how to have fun on stage.
“Ever since our debut, we’ve always said that the word ‘all-rounder’ suits Evnne best, so I hope we’ll continue to be remembered that way in the future,” says Mun Junghyun, banking on the members’ individual strengths coming together in an ideal synergy.
