Plus Magazine

Returning with their [2ND FULL ALBUM ‘REBOOT’], TREASURE is gearing up for another reboot. They've transitioned from shirts brimming with bright energy to mature suits, which now catch the eye more than anything else. The passion they've poured into showcasing their various and unique sides, and capturing their own distinct color, resonates throughout the entire album. The members took part in 9 out of the 10 songs, focusing more than ever on creating music that's uniquely TREASURE's. Aren't you curious about their passion, sound, and performance? Experience the dazzling presence of TREASURE through M Countdown Magazine!

Hello, TREASURE! Could you first greet the readers of M Countdown Magazine?

Hello, readers of M Countdown Magazine! We are TREASURE, back with [2ND FULL ALBUM ‘REBOOT’]!

You've been active as units, but it's been a long time since all the members have come together. How do you feel about returning with your 2nd full album?

Yes, our album has finally been released! Even while on tour this year, we consistently worked on our songs whenever possible. The album, which includes our title song ‘BONA BONA,’ features a total of 10 tracks. With genres ranging from pop, hip-hop, to ballads, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We've brought a splendid gift that will surely make the time our fans spent waiting for us feel worthwhile. We humbly ask for your high expectations!
 

The title of your latest album, [2ND FULL ALBUM ‘REBOOT’], is striking. It literally means ‘rebooting,’ so we’re curious about the significance of the album title. What does it represent?

The title represents the idea of 'starting anew,' reflecting TREASURE's determination to embark on a fresh journey. Until now, we've frequently showcased our vibrant, sporty, friendly, and bright sides. However, with this release, we wanted to present a more mature aspect of ourselves, both externally and internally. We pondered on the musical directions we could take and approached the project with an excited heart. As the title suggests, we will be showcasing our ‘REBOOTED’ appearance extensively, and we hope you'll appreciate our diverse facets.
 

The first thing that stands out from your new album is its power and energy. The style and sound have become more robust overall. In this album, what aspects did you focus on the most?

Our aim was to encapsulate an upgraded version of TREASURE throughout the album. "From a musical standpoint, we explored old-school and acoustic genres, infusing each track with various elements. The overall concept and costumes were styled with looks like suits and military to showcase a more mature side of us. This time especially, we participated in writing the lyrics and composing 9 out of the 10 songs. We've given our best to fill the album with new songs that can properly display our team's unique musical color.

It seems like adapting and adjusting to the new changes wouldn't have been easy for you. Were there any particular challenges or issues you faced?

Instead of facing specific challenges, our main focus was on how to sincerely convey our emotions and genuine feelings through our music. All the members are deeply passionate when it comes to the musical process. There's so much we wanted to express through this album, leading us to work diligently and put in a lot of effort. As a result, we feel this album validates TREASURE's growth and progression, and we're quite satisfied with it.

With the pre-release of your single ‘MOVE (T5)’, the T5 unit began their promotions first. Didn't the other members feel a bit restless?

Absolutely. Given the array of fantastic tracks in the [2ND FULL ALBUM ‘REBOOT’], including the title song ‘BONA BONA,’ we were incredibly eager to showcase them as soon as possible. That drove us to be even more committed during the final stages of the album's production. We wholeheartedly supported T5's ‘MOVE (T5),’ and by any measure, it was truly spectacular. We're thankful to the T5 members for setting such an enthusiastic tone leading up to the album's official release.

The approach to the chorus in your title track ‘BONA BONA,’ as well as its brass sound, gives off vibes reminiscent of BLACKPINK's ‘Kill This Love’ from the same agency. What was your initial impression of this song?

As soon as we heard it, we said to each other, ‘This is so YG!’ and ‘It feels like YG but also distinctly TREASURE!’ We have fond memories of being excited about it.

In ‘BONA BONA,’ what does ‘BONA’ exactly mean? Does it match the pronunciation of the lyrics ‘BORN TO LOVE YA’?
 

Yes! The title ‘BONA BONA’ captures the meaning of ‘BORN TO LOVE YA’. While working on the song, in an attempt to give it a more rhythmic and catchy tone, it naturally turned into ‘BONA’. The term felt somehow familiar and had a catchy feel when we pronounced it, leading us all to conclude, ‘This is the one!’

‘BONA BONA’ features a mix of EDM style, brass, marching, and even electric guitar, packing a variety of charms into one song. What do you think is the musical highlight?
 

‘BONA BONA’ starts with a dreamy verse ambiance in the early part of the song, but the hook has a surprising twist with the sound making a 180-degree shift, giving it a majestic feel. We believe this section is the biggest highlight.

Could you also introduce the key dance moves from your intense title track? Do you have any planned challenges, similar to the ‘#TreasureMoveChallenge’?
 

The choreography for this title track, particularly in the chorus, reminds us of a marching band as we march forward and stomp our feet powerfully to the drumbeat. The ending features a point move where we beat our chest and finish with a salute; it has a very dignified and strong feeling. We hope you see it that way.
 

We didn't expect to see her name here. It's Lee Young Hyun, who participated in ‘G.O.A.T (RAP Unit) (Feat. Lee Young Hyun)’. Even though it's a song from the rap unit, the vocal unit probably felt envious.
 

Yes, you're right. She's a respected senior artist that our vocal unit has always wanted to collaborate with someday. We'll definitely seize the opportunity next time!

From rock, ballads, dance to songs specific to each unit, this album really showcases your diverse experiments. Is this an attempt to overcome the sophomore slump, or should we see it as a challenging spirit?
 

To present a more mature and richer musical color unique to TREASURE, we embarked on various endeavors. We consistently immersed ourselves in diverse genres of music, learning and crafting, deeply contemplating, 'What kind of music do we want to present?'. As a result, many of our members are credited in this album, making us proud. We hoped to pleasantly surprise our fans, prompting them to think, ‘As expected, TREASURE is a YG artist. They can really pull off this kind of music!’ We are overjoyed to receive even more positive feedback than we anticipated.

Do you have your own way to deal with summer?

We believe in the saying ‘fight fire with fire’. So, we practice even more diligently to overcome the heat!

If you were to pick a song from this album that embodies summer, which would it be?

WONDERLAND,’ our collaboration with AKMU's Lee Chanhyuk, has a tropical sound that might make you feel as if you're at the beach. We strongly recommend playing it when you're heading out for a summer vacation.

Could you create a three-line acrostic poem for TREASURE MAKER using ‘Treasure’ or ‘Reboot’?

Re - Reviving our journey, with melodies so sweet,
Boo - Boosting passion, with every heartbeat,
T - Treasure's ‘Reboot’, an album you must meet!

Could you give a final greeting for your fandom, TREASURE MAKER?
 

Thanks to the unwavering support of TREASURE MAKER, we've been able to perform joyfully and in good health. We, TREASURE, will always cheer for our beloved fans, aiming to bring happiness to each of you. We love you!