New Delhi: K-pop boyband EPEX has made a splash with their first full-length album “Youth Chapter 1: Youth Days.” The octet, debuting in 2021, takes a trip down memory lane to when they debuted as teenagers. Now on the cusp of adulthood, the album captures moments from the past while also looking forward to new beginnings.

The album features eight new tracks, including the title track Youth2Youth, which comes with a strong message for youth, while Killshot, a poignant ballad of overcoming oppression, and Painkiller, an emphasis on feeling lighter in yourself. gives.

Pooja Talwar spoke to EPEX on her new chapter, her challenges and triumphs as well as being a fan of Indian food.

Question: Youth Chapter 1: Congratulations on Youth Day. What is your first full album, did you feel it was the right time, as spring is also a time for new beginnings?

MU: Like the expression “We’re in the blue spring” in the lyrics of the title track, we felt the atmosphere of this song suited the vibrant spring season. Additionally, this is also the time when all our members have become adults.


Desire: The words ‘소화 (So Hwa)’ in the album title reflect the beautiful scene of bright spring and bright times of youth. That’s why we thought it was the perfect time for us to start our youth.



Q: So what new experiences are EPEX looking forward to as a group? And what are the things you want to leave behind?

Ayden: The moment of receiving an award is always a joy, and I hope there will be many more days to come when we receive honorable awards. Just as the Hollywood Walk of Fame holds the marks of various notable actors, I aspire for EPEX to be an artist that leaves its mark in music history.


Yewang: I want to experience the year-end awards ceremony in the future. I want to create a great platform at the awards ceremony to show that we are a great performing team.

Jeff: I look forward to EPEX growing more every day. I hope we leave at least one memorable scene in the minds of many people.



Q: Youth2Youth aims to deliver a heartfelt message to your listeners. Has there ever been a time when you felt lost or incomplete?

KEUM: Pre-debut was probably the most anxious and challenging time for me! I wanted to quickly show my perfect self, but I also had moments of struggle with feeling incomplete.


Baekseung: I think I experienced a lot of those feelings during my trainee days. There was uncertainty about whether I would be able to make my debut or not and I was worried about whether I would be able to perform well. Even after our debut, we always consider how to effectively convey the message we want to convey to our audience.



Q: It’s been three years since your debut, what has been your biggest challenge and biggest triumph so far?

KEUM: One of the hardest aspects was adapting to the new concepts and atmosphere that come with each album change. This required absorbing them as if they were my own, which was challenging. However, overcoming such difficulties and seeing how well the final product has been received by our fans fills me with pride.


MU: In the early days of our debut, everything felt unfamiliar, and it was hard to adjust, especially when things didn’t go according to plan. But as we’ve grown and seen the love from our fans, I think that’s our proudest achievement.



Q: With K-pop becoming a global phenomenon, what makes it a special genre?


Desire: Rather than calling it special, I would like to say that it is a genre that has already established itself with the unique atmosphere and culture of Korea, and many people are enjoying it as a distinctive genre. Are!


Yewang: I think it feels special because we pay great attention to singing and dancing together, as well as ensuring an attractive performance that is pleasing to both the eyes and ears.


Ayden: I think the secret to K-pop’s popularity lies in its ability to try out all genres within music, making it always remain trendy!



Q: What have been your musical influences and are there any particular bands/groups you dream of collaborating with?

A-min: Since our debut, we’ve been singing songs that represent the emotions of our peers, so I think my musical inspiration comes from the people and situations around me. I would love to collaborate with senior artist Yunha. I previously participated in one of their albums as a chorus, so if I get a chance, I would like to sing together with them.


Jeff: I take a lot of inspiration from Coldplay. This is also the group I admire the most, so I hope to work with them someday.



Q: India loves K-pop. Are you familiar with Indian films?


Baekseung: I often look forward to visiting India as soon as possible. I also have a strong desire to show my platform to the Indian Zenith! Also, I have a very good impression of Indian cuisine because I enjoy it a lot.

A-min: I have a keen interest in India and I often watch videos about this country on YouTube! I hope to come here someday and experience its diverse culture firsthand. I would love to try authentic Indian curry at a local restaurant.