Plus Magazine

The boy group ENHYPEN, which continually discovers and grows through persistent connections, has returned with their fourth mini album [DARK BLOOD] after a wait of ten months. In this album, the members stand out with a deeper and darker concept. We, M Countdown Magazine, had a conversation with ENHYPEN about their new album, which marks the start of the ‘BLOOD’ series.
 

Welcome back, ENHYPEN! You concluded the previous ‘BORDER’ and ‘DIMENSION’ series, and with this album [DARK BLOOD], you're announcing the beginning of a new ‘BLOOD’ series. Could you introduce your new album to the readers of M Countdown Magazine?

JUNGWON: Our new album is one where you can experience a lot of vampire-themed gimmicks. The album contains many fantastical elements, which I believe will be enjoyable to explore along with the music.

Your new album shares a narrative with the HYBE original story webtoon [DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR]. Could you tell us more about it?

JUNGWON: Just as the various stories that have come out so far have contributed to our albums, this narrative is also being used as a tool to make our story more engaging in this release.

Your new title track ‘Bite Me’ is a bit different from the previous music style of ENHYPEN. What were the members' first impressions of the title track?

SUNOO: This title track felt very different from our previous songs, so it felt even more interesting and new.

What do you think is the ‘killing part’ of the title track?

SUNGHOON: It's ‘Come here and get some / leave it on my neck’. Although it's my part, I personally think it's the ‘killing part’ of this song.

HEESEUNG directly participated in the recording direction of 'Bite Me'. What was the point you particularly focused on during this recording process?

HEESEUNG: I focused on making it pleasant for our fans, ENGENE, to listen to during this recording process.

Your dark and captivating performance this time is particularly impressive. Ni-Ki, who participated in planning the choreography, could you tell us about the key points we should pay attention to in your performance?

Ni-Ki: I would say that the chorus choreography, which incorporates many vampire-like elements, is a key point.
 

Producers Cirkut and Jason Evigan participated in composing your new title track ‘Bite Me’. They are famous producers who have worked with prominent pop stars such as Sam Smith, Maroon 5, The Weeknd, Ava Max, and Dua Lipa. Among the other songs they've produced, do you have any favorites? 

JAY: I would recommend ‘I Feel It Coming’ by The Weeknd, in which producer Cirkut participated.

The lyrics of your title track, such as ‘Just come kiss me and bite me,’ ‘The cells in me that were looking for you scream,’ are quite provocative. So, if you were to say one ‘provocative’ phrase to your fans, ENGENE, who are eagerly anticipating this comeback, what would you like to say?

JAKE: “This is ENHYPEN”

It seems like your dark concept, reminiscent of vampires, gives us a shiver. So, as the upcoming summer approaches, what is your way of dealing with the heat?
 

Ni-Ki: When it gets really hot, we try to cool down by turning on the air conditioner to the maximum.

In the intro track ‘Fate’ of this album, JUNGWON and JAY took on the narration roles. How did JAKE, who had mainly handled these roles before, assist them?
 

JAKE: I helped them with natural English pronunciation.

Besides the title track, what is your favorite track in this album?
 

SUNGHOON: My favorite track is ‘Chaconne,’ which has a melody line that suits my taste the most!

You successfully completed your first world tour, [MANIFESTO], from September 2022 to February 2023 and returned. How did you feel about meeting fans from all over the world?
 

HEESEUNG: Seeing many ENGENEs enjoying our songs together up close was truly gratifying, and we were thankful for it. Witnessing such moments made us realize that we need to work even harder in the future.

Due to busy schedules, it seems like you also get physically and mentally exhausted at times. Please share your own methods of recharging in such situations!
 

SUNOO: In those moments, simply getting plenty of sleep does the trick.

Your latest album, [DARK BLOOD], surpassed 1.1 million copies in sales on its first day and became a million-seller. Can you give a message of gratitude to your passionate fandom, ENGENE, who show unwavering support?

JAY: We will continue to work hard so that we can always exceed fans' expectations and repay them in the best way possible.

Lastly, what are your aspirations for your latest album?

HEESEUNG: I would like to create more memories with our fans and members through our latest album.