Since debuting in 2021, EPEX, the dynamic K-pop group formed under C9 Entertainment, has quickly earned itself a dedicated following. Which, is largely due to the group’s compelling exploration of themes pertaining to youth, social anxiety, and the quest for self-identity.

More recently, EPEX has continued their admirable journey with the release of their second studio album, Youth Chapter 2: Youth Deficiency. The eight-member group’s title track, "Universe," serves as a testament to their growth as artists, blending the members’ powerful melodies with a poignant message about the resilient spirit of youth. And by the time it comes to an explosive conclusion, it’s clear that the group has efficiently utilized this bold new era to showcase its capacity for evolution.

Now, the members of EPEX are breaking down their exhilarating new album, its addictive title track, and the group’s future aspirations.

Your upcoming album focuses on the universal struggles and decisions that youth tend to face. Can you share a personal experience that inspired, or applies to any of these new tracks?

BAEKSEUNG: Our second full-length album includes multiple sides of youth, including the dark one. But surprisingly, I found every moment in the current inspiring; promoting and preparing an album happily with people I love. It represented my youth itself. The main keywords around this album are ‘deficiency’ and ‘choice.’ There are many ‘choices’ followed by moments of ‘deficiency’ in youth, and I believe it is important in life to make certain choices and to overcome the moments of deficiency, just like how I never gave up and finally found the biggest inspiration at my peak happy moment.

KEUM: I resonated deeply with the overall topic of ‘deficiency and choice’ because I’ve always felt the deficiency in my ability and growth throughout my career. I always wanted to do better. I was able to overcome that thought by ‘choosing’ to work harder than just feeling defeated. I still find myself lacking in many areas, but now I consider it as a good stimulant or inspiration.

The album also explores themes of confronting one’s shortcomings. How do you hope your music will resonate with listeners who are going through similar challenges? 

AYDEN: Melodies in this album are great, but I hope everyone focuses a little more on the lyrics because the lyrics convey our expression of the youth’s struggles and the resolutions for such hardships. If you listen to our music while reading the lyrics, you’ll realize that EPEX is truly resonating with everyone’s various shapes of youth.

WISH: Many problems arise with the time of youth. It is natural to feel burdened or blocked when you face a problem, but I’m sure you’ll find yourself more mature after trying your best to resolve it. In my opinion, such a way of growth is the definition of youth. Today might have been a difficult one for you, but I hope you have a more energized tomorrow by listening to our music. 

This era offers listeners something familiar, yet it also marks a new direction for the group. How does this album differ from your previous works in terms of musical style and lyrical content?

MU: We talked about the youth’s ‘secret’ as a general theme in the first full-length album, and now we’re presenting a more serious and mature story of youth under the theme of ‘deficiency.’ Musicwise, we incorporated a band sound and rock elements, so you’ll find it refreshing and diverse.

JEFF: One difference between this album and the previous album is that each new song in the second full-length album contains a more mature vibe. We also prepared the performances with a deeper and more complex expression, so please look forward to our activities.

“UNIVERSE” seems to carry a sense of optimism that makes it an uplifting pop track. Can you elaborate on the meaning behind this song and what you hope fans take away from it? 

A-MIN: “UNIVERSE” has impressive lyrics that confess, ‘My universe must be you,’ while throwing all for that one person. I hope our fans, ZENITH, and all listeners can resonate with the sincere emotion that we tried to express through this track. 

YEWANG: In addition, “UNIVERSE” carries the wish to be with ‘you’ in my universe that ‘I’ chose. The main theme of the song could have been expressed softly, but we chose to describe it directly and powerfully. Please enjoy its calm introduction leading to a powerful melody and expression at the highlight of the song. 

“My Girl” is also a fun, retro-inspired R&B/Pop track that showcases your versatility. How would you say that concept or sound complements EPEX as a whole? 선공개곡 “My Girl” 

JEFF: I personally think EPEX can express the fresh vibe well, therefore we could really express the charm of “My Girl.” Furthermore, it carries a completely different atmosphere from the title track, “UNIVERSE,” so we were able to showcase our various charms before officially starting our promotion. I think it all came together well for EPEX. 

WISH: “My Girl” is a bubbly, fresh track that conveys a direct message of confession, so I thought it resembled how EPEX is when members are gathered and it helped us to perform the song more naturally. All members can pull off refreshing visuals as well!

In terms of other songs from your second studio album – what would you say is a potential dark horse track that listeners should make sure to check out (and why)? 

BAEKSEUNG: I definitely recommend “Closer.” The song itself is good, but also its lyrics and melody are very impressive, so I’m confident it will be in your playlist if you hear it once. My voice opens this track so give it a listen, please!

AYDEN: I recommend “Attosecond” because it showcases huge contrasts within the track, adding a funky vibe. I think you’ll have more fun if you dance however you like while listening to the song.

Can you share some insights into your creative process for this album? How do you collaborate as a group to bring your ideas to life? 

JEFF: We focused on details and delicacy when recording all songs, including the title track and all B-side tracks, to present a more mature and sincere version of EPEX. That’s why it took longer during the edit, but I’m very excited that we’re finally presenting a proud outcome to ZENITH and all listeners.

YEWANG: There were many acting scenes in the music video, and we wanted all the viewers to focus on various expressions and gestures that fit with the song. Therefore, we went to the shoot after several acting practice sessions in front of mirrors. All members have acting scenes in our new music video, so make sure to check it out!

As you transition from teenagers to young adults, how have your evolving perspectives and collective experiences as a group influenced the overall vision of this album? 

A-MIN: I think it helped in expressing the theme of youth. There are ‘choices’ and ‘deficiencies’ when a boy is growing into an adult, which is the process all members have gone through. We became more mature, and I think it blended well with this album. 

MU: Because we went through the process of growth, I believe we are able to convey the hardships or experiences of youth. In addition, we’re still in our youth. Therefore, I think this new album and music truly showcase our sincerity. 

Looking ahead, what are you currently manifesting for the future of EPEX? 

A-MIN: Our goal is to present cool performances and music with EPEX’s unique musical color for a long time. During that long period, it would make us even more happy if the listeners could resonate with EPEX’s music, expression, and messages [laughs].

KEUM: First of all, I hope all members laugh and feel happy together just like now! As a group, EPEX’s main goal is always growth, so I hope we can grow into a group with more charms, better music, greater accomplishments, and more love for our fans.