Plus Magazine

On August 12th and 13th, the 7-member boy band TEMPEST from Yue Hua Entertainment successfully concluded their debut showcase concert, ＜T-OUR＞, in Seoul. Living up to their team name ‘TEMPEST’ which means ‘storm,’ they boast a powerful performance. The group is distinguished by its solid choreography and musical prowess, encompassing both rap and singing. With intense tracks like ‘Dragon(飛上)’ and ‘Dangerous,’ TEMPEST has firmly established its presence. On September 23rd, they released their first single album [Into the Storm], featuring songs like ‘Vroom Vroom,’ which revisits their original sound, and ‘Dive’ with its soft texture, further diversifying and expressing TEMPEST's unique colors. Let's get to know TEMPEST, a band that values communication with its fan club, iE!

TEMPEST, could you please introduce yourselves to the readers of M Countdown Magazine who are meeting you for the first time?

TEMPEST: Hello, we are TEMPEST. We're so delighted to greet you all like this. We are the boy band known for our dazzling performances and strong teamwork. We hope for your continued interest and support.
 

On September 20th, 2023, you released your first single album [Into the Storm]. Could you share your feelings about it?
 

LEW: After 5 months, we've made our comeback with our first single album [Into the Storm]! As it's been a while since our last release and since it's our first single album, we prepared even harder. Most importantly, just like the name of this album, we've worked hard to ensure that many people are drawn into the storm that is TEMPEST and can feel its allure! Through this album, we aim to showcase our appeal once again!

What does your group name, TEMPEST, mean?

TAERAE: TEMPEST means ‘storm’. Just like a storm, our name embodies our strong ambition to emerge like a storm and take over the music scene!

Your team's performance is outstanding. What's the secret?

HWARANG: In preparing for a performance, we meticulously practice each move, paying attention to angles and expressions. We immerse ourselves in the music's mood while dancing. Above all, we believe that practice is the most important!

Each member has a unique keyword, for instance, HYUK's ‘Possibility’ and EUNCHAN's ‘Classic’. Could you introduce your keywords?
 

LEW: My keyword is ‘Present’. It means ‘gift,’ ‘now,’ and ‘current’. I want to be like a gift to someone and value the present moment more than anything, living my life passionately. This reflects my mindset!
 

HANBIN: My keyword is ‘CHALLENGE’. Ever since my trainee days and even after debuting, I've always been about taking on constant challenges. I think this keyword suits me well.
 

HYUK: As you mentioned, my keyword is ‘Possibility’. It means ‘potential,’ and I chose it because I want to provide infinite possibilities to many people and have a positive influence on them.
 

HYEONGSEOP: My keyword is ‘Passion’. The passion to pursue my dreams has shaped who I am today. This word embodies my ambition to face and overcome all future challenges with my own passion.
 

HWARANG: My keyword, ‘Freedom,’ represents not being tied down by anything and moving forward. It's a word that stems from my free-spirited nature.
 

TAERAE: My keyword is ‘Happiness’. Even in tough times, it signifies that I won't easily crumble and will overcome in my own way.

EUNCHAN: My keyword is ‘Classic’. It means that, in any situation, I'll stand tall and move forward uniquely.

What do you think is the defining keyword for TEMPEST's music?

HYEONGSEOP: We believe it's ‘Communication’. We embed our autobiographical stories in our music and honestly convey the growth, concerns, and emotions experienced during youth, thereby communicating with the listeners.

Your track ‘Vroom Vroom’ is futuristic and powerful. What is the main focus of the song?

HYUK: Even if we lose our way, the song embodies our confidence and conviction to move forward without hesitation. Accordingly, we emphasized a strong sound and intense performance for this track.
 

The title of your song ‘Bluetooth’ is unique. What inspired it?

EUNCHAN: Just like Bluetooth, which connects and becomes one, we also wanted to become one with iE, delivering empathy and comfort. That's where we got the inspiration.

The choreography of 'Dive' seems to depict waves, which is striking. What is the key point in the dance that we should look out for?

HANBIN: Please pay close attention to the part, “Oh, dive into the dazzling you!”

HYUK, you are a vocalist proficient in both mid and high tones. Do you have any favorite songs that you often sing or vocalists that you admire?

HYUK: I often enjoy singing songs by EXO's Baekhyun and BTS's Jungkook, and I deeply admire them!

LEW, HWARANG, and TAERAE, although you are rappers, you also participate as vocalists in songs. How do you think the approach differs between rapping and singing?

LEW: When creating a song, various situations arise; sometimes, there's a need to showcase a softer tone, maintain dynamic rhythm and pronunciation, or highlight high notes and falsetto. I don't strictly differentiate between vocals and rap. Instead, I focus on what feels most suitable and fitting when I sing a particular line. I think the best approach is first finding my own voice and then figuring out which direction and method fits it best.

TAERAE: My voice leans more towards baritone, so deep-tone rap resonates well with and suits me. I leverage this strength when practicing rap. But, it's not just about rapping; I continuously practice and explore my vocal capabilities because I want to showcase that side of me as well.

HWARANG: When I switch between vocals and rap, I approach everything, from tone to pronunciation and breathing, differently. When I'm singing, I tend to approach it more cautiously and meticulously. In contrast, when I'm rapping, I think a lot about the pronunciation's focal points, the tone, and how much my voice resonates with the listeners.

Members like LEW and HWARANG are directly involved in songwriting. Where do you usually get your ideas for lyrics?

LEW: I believe all inspiration is embedded within my daily life. I tend to document emotions and feelings I experience on a regular basis, much like writing a diary. This has been of great help to me.

HWARANG: When I write lyrics, I often visualize scenes from movies in my head. I also meticulously contemplate various situations or objects and integrate them into the lyrics.

Your past title tracks like 'Dragon(飛上)' and 'Dangerous' had predominantly strong sounds. Is there any genre or style you'd like to explore in the future?

EUNCHAN: I'd like to try my hand at the old-school genre. I believe trying an old-school vibe would allow us to express a different feeling from what we've done before.

Instead of concentrating all the power in the chorus of songs, your song structure seems to accentuate each member's individuality. Can this be seen as TEMPEST's defining musical color?
 

HYEONGSEOP: TEMPEST is about the harmonization of seven distinct individuals coming together as one. This philosophy is reflected in our musical compositions. Assigning parts to each member based on their unique vocal tones and styles is one of the distinguishing characteristics of TEMPEST."

Who are the musical role models for each member?

HANBIN: There are so many artists I admire and respect that I can't choose just one!

LEW: My role models are IU and Taeyang. Not only do they showcase their incredible musical talents, but they also exert a positive influence in many other areas. I aspire to be an influential artist like them who can touch many people's hearts.

EUNCHAN: Every senior artist who has moved me with their music is a role model for me.

HYUK: My role models are Baekhyun from EXO, Jungkook from BTS, and Taemin from SHINee. I admire them for their standout vocals and performances within their groups, and their diverse musical genres and performances in solo activities. I respect their vocal abilities and dedication.
 

HYEONGSEOP: My musical role model is BTS. Just as they've comforted many people's hearts with their music, I too want to provide solace to many through my music.
 

TAERAE: Mine is also BTS. They constantly write lyrics and showcase amazing songs.
 

HWARANG: My musical inspiration and role model is Kim Kwangseok. I've always admired his poetic way of expressing lyrics and his attitude towards music.

What are the charms and strengths of a boy band comprised of one Vietnamese member and six Korean members?

HANBIN: I believe it's special that we can approach and convey our music to different cultures.
HYUK: It's the ability to progress globally. I think being able to showcase our diverse charms and strengths is a really crucial element!

When reading the comments on your YouTube videos, it seems you have many fans from Vietnam, Korea, and the USA. What does having an international fanbase mean to you?

HYEONGSEOP: Our fans, regardless of their countries, unite under the name ‘iE’ and are precious to us. Their presence provides us with the motivation to continue singing and dancing without getting tired. We wish to repay their love by consistently growing and showing our best.

In 2023, you've already garnered numerous awards, including the Idol Plus New Star Award at the 32nd Seoul Music Awards and the Male Idol Rising Star at the 2023 Brand of the Year Awards. Is there a specific award you dream of winning?

HWARANG: Our goal and dream for a long time has been to be the best, so we are continually working towards winning the grand prize. We will do our best to ensure that TEMPEST, as it continues to grow, can receive such great awards!
 

TAERAE: We'd love to receive an award at the MAMA Awards. We will continue to strive to become outstanding artists!

 

There’s only three months left in 2023. What are your future aspirations and plans?
 

LEW: I want to safely and healthily wrap up our remaining [Into the Storm] promotions and create new memories with the members and iE. Through these promotions, I hope to introduce more people to TEMPEST, showcase our skills and potential, and establish a stronger footing! We have been holding our T-OUR concerts up until now, and we plan to reach out to our fans waiting for us in various places, including overseas, to enjoy the stage together. Lastly, we wish to participate in various year-end award ceremonies this year! After a tireless 2023, we want to see the culmination of our efforts and end the year on a successful note!