INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Debuting in January 2024 under Eden Entertainment, ALL(H)OURS has swiftly gained recognition as a standout rookie K-pop group, thanks to its seven members who each contribute unique charisma to their dynamic sound. Specifically, through two energetic releases ALL OURS, and WITNESS.

As they now reach their first anniversary, ALL(H)OURS is officially set to elevate their journey with their third mini album, Smoke Point—representing both thematic evolution and their intensifying transformation as artists. The concept of 'smoke point,’ the temperature at which oil begins to smoke, perfectly encapsulates their burgeoning fervor and artistic evolution. Because, through this new era, the group cooks up a confidence-infused musical experience, further elevating their rising position in the K-pop landscape.

On the heels of this new release, here’s what the members of ALL(H)OURS had to share about Smoke Point, their first anniversary, and the group’s artistic path forward.

The concept and sound of Smoke Point is very intriguing! How did you arrive at the theme of this album, and what does it mean to each of you personally?

KUNHO: We wanted to make a strong impression and prove who we are as a group to the audience through this album. Thus, the concept of Smoke Point was a perfect fit. We would like to show an upgraded confidence through this album and promotion.

YOUMIN: ALL(H)OURS has grown through the experiences we have gained from our previous albums, which is why we are trying to show the “Smoke Point” of ALL(H)OURS. The theme of our third mini album has not only enhanced our stage performance skills, but it also became my personal motivation. This album is not only just an album for me, but also a message for myself and all of us to prove and show who we are to a larger audience.

MINJE: Smoke Point, our third mini album title, refers to the temperature at which the oil begins to smoke. Just like this definition, it carries the ambition and passion of ALL(H)OURS, set to boil and smoke.

With the title Smoke Point, there's a fun sense of intensity and transformation. What would you say are some of the biggest ways that you have grown as artists and as individuals since your debut?

XAYDEN: I think we have grown a lot in terms of creating and performing our stage. Before our debut, we didn’t know what the stage would look like and how we would be shown in front of the camera. However, after appearing on music shows, monitoring our performances, and receiving feedback, I was able to identify areas that could be improved. Now, I always check and work on those areas when we’re practicing, trying to fill in the gaps and to make our performance more professional. The members and I pay even more attention to the placement and angle of our whole bodies in the choreography, each facial expression to make sure we are really emulating the correct energy and vibe of the song and overall messages of our music.

HYUNBIN: First of all, I think I’ve grown a lot in terms of self-development as an artist since our debut. Personally, I feel like I have definitely become more mature. I’m able to share opinions with others with an open mind. I try to listen to other’s opinions and try to incorporate them with my opinion as well. At times, when my opinion collides with others, I try to get through it by communicating with them more.

How did the process of creating Smoke Point differ from your previous albums, ALL OURS and WITNESS?

MASAMI: The concept for this album is different from the previous ones, and we worked hard to express more of our own unique color and style. Also, as all of ALL(H)OURS became all adults, congratulations to HYUNBIN and ON:N, I think we became sexier and we tried to show that in Smoke Point. Also, I think all of our visuals have upgraded as well, don’t we look more mature now?

ON:N: It has been a year already since our debut, and with the experience we gained, we learned to work more efficiently and professionally. In which showed its significance when we prepared for this album since September in between concerts and promotions, balancing preparing for an album between the schedules.

What message or feeling do you hope your fans take away from listening to this mini-album?

KUNHO: This album features double-title tracks, with the colors of both title tracks contrasting to each other, allowing our fans, Min(ut)es, to explore and dive deeper into ALL(H)OURS. I can’t forget to mention our B-side tracks as well. We prepared very diverse genres and concepts this time, hoping that the listeners can focus on many different sides of ALL(H)OURS.

YOUMIN: This album is different from the ones we have shown so far, it feels more intense and sophisticated to me. I believe that the confidence of ALL(H)OURS will stand out even more. I hope you all get to see a more mature of ALL(H)OURS through this album.

Outside of the title track, can you tell us about any particular song from Smoke Point that holds special significance for the group’s identity, and why?

XAYDEN: I would choose “Kings & Queens.” Kings and Queens are the highest cards in a deck. When you hold these cards in your hands, you feel more confident, thinking that you will win the round. Similarly, ALL(H)OURS feels more confident, as if we have these two cards in our hands, allowing us to perform with greater self-assurance. Thus, “Kings & Queens” holds special significance for ALL(H)OURS.

MINJE: I also chose “Kings & Queens” because the lyrics talk about how we just take the risk, and the more dangerous it is, we play harder, which in my opinion, shows the passion and the ambition we hold as a group.

MASAMI: I chose “Freaky Fresh” because I think the vocals show our identity. We sang it in a deeper tone, which makes the song sexier and cool.

ON:N: Personally, I think the first track, “Smoke Point,” shows ALL(H)OURS’ identity as a group. The mood of the song is very exciting, groovy, and very energetic, which represents the boiling passion and ambition we have as a rookie group.

Fans love to connect with the deeper meanings behind your lyrics. Is there a lyric or song from this album that you feel especially proud of (or that stands out as a favorite)?

KUNHO: I personally like “Kings & Queens” from this album, because I did really well recording it. But aside from myself doing a great job, I like it because it has a definite concept. I really like the lyrics “So, wanna play more? Wanna play more? 끝까지 가볼래” (So, wanna play more? Wanna play more? Let’s take it to the limit) because it talks about how we don’t stop, and we will push it to the limit. It feels like a line that truly represents us and our ambition, and it stands out in my memory.

YOUMIN: I like “떠오른 맘을 펼쳐내 느낀 그대로 Graffiti” (Unfold your thoughts, just feel the vibe Graffiti), which is the lyrics from “Graffiti.” I think this line can become a source of guidance for those people who are going through confusion and struggles in life.

MASAMI: I like the lyrics from “GIMME GIMME,” “뭘 의심해 what you waiting for? 이젠 가까워진 내 눈앞에 너” (What you doubting / What you waiting for? / You are closer now, the one in front of me). I think it’s really cool which suits perfectly with the concept of the album, and it shows so much confidence.

HYUNBIN: I personally really like “Freaky Fresh," especially because I wrote the lyrics for this song, which makes me a bit more attached to the song. The top line and the general theme of the song is very ALL(H)OURS-like, anyone who’s interested in ALL(H)OURS should try listening to it.

Now that you’ve just celebrated your first year as a group, what are some of the biggest highlights and challenges you've experienced this past year?

KUNHO: We are all thankful for every moment we experienced and went through. Among all those memories, the biggest highlight as of right now would be when we were preparing for our upcoming album, Smoke Point. We were eager to show and prove ALL(H)OURS to a larger audience, and we are proud to present this album. I believe we were able to create it because all seven of us supported and relied on each other throughout the process.

ON:N: My highlight would be our “Crowd Busking” just before our debut. So many people came interested and curious about a group that had not debuted yet, and it was a huge surprise for us. It was also our first time performing in front of an audience, and since it was really cold on the day of the busking, that made it even more memorable and one of my core memories since our debut.