INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Rising from the reality competition series Boys Planet, K-pop group EVNNE (formed by Jellyfish Entertainment) rapidly emerged as a notable presence with the release of their dynamic EP Target: Me—displaying infectious energy through an effective pop sound that quickly resonated with both fans and critics.

Building on their initial success, EVNNE then released their second EP, Un: Seen, with their title track "Ugly” garnering significant acclaim and helping the group clinch their first music show win on Show Champion—a remarkable achievement for any rookie group. Maintaining a steady flow of releases, the group dropped their third EP Ride or Die just under five months later, with a video for the title track “Badder Love” generating nearly six million views.

With their latest comeback, a bold EP labeled HOT MESS, the dedicated pop group is now exploring a playful theme that encapsulates the lively chaos their title suggests. And if we’ve learned anything through this quirky new era, it’s that the group is still full of surprises (and hits).

HOT MESS incorporates a very charismatic and vibrant theme this time around! How did you channel the chaos and fun of this concept into the sound and visuals of the album?

Lee Jeonghyeon: We tried to express ‘relaxedness’ and ‘playfulness,’ the keywords of this album, in a free-spirited way. There are several songs in which we experimented musically, and we also worked to create an atmosphere that shows us enjoying ourselves through the music video, choreography, and album jacket photos. So please look forward to the energy that we will be manifesting through HOT MESS.

Creating the energetic title track must have been a fun experience. Can you share a specific moment in the studio—or during the production of the music video—that perfectly captured the essence of HOT MESS?

Ji Yunseo: There is a scene in the music video where we throw cakes and run around with other cast members. I think that scene captures the intended mood of “HOT MESS.” The fact that we were all enjoying the moment and playing with each other in such a chaotic situation seems to fit well with the message we intended.

Mun Junghyun: There is a scene in the music video where we enjoy a crazy party with the other actors. It was a whirlwind of events with an exciting atmosphere, and I think that scene goes really well with this album.

Your previous releases have each had their own distinct flavors. How does the carefree, bubbly vibe of HOT MESS reflect your current style as artists?

Park Hanbin: HOT MESS literally conveys a sense of disorder and messiness. The choreography and the concept photos actually give off chaotic and disorderly vibes. We aimed to express everything in a more free-spirited way.

Lee Jeonghyeon: I showed a completely different side of myself when we did dark and strong concepts, but I think you will be able to see who I really am in HOT MESS, as it captures my true self and natural charm.

Yoo Seungeon: I think I have taken a step closer to becoming a bolder artist who enjoys the moment, breaking away from the image of being virtuous.

How do you see the playful, bright energy of HOT MESS shaping the direction of your performances and stage presence for this comeback?

Park Hanbin: The choreography is relatively more free and flexible, so the performances can vary depending on my mood and how I want to dance. It is a performance where I can focus more on how I want to dance and how I want to be seen by our fans.

Mun Junghyun: The bright and vibrant energy of this album makes us enjoy the stage more and brings out more chemistry among the members.

Park Jihoo: Through the energy of this album, we want to genuinely convey our sincere feelings to the public!

Aside from the fun and playful vibe, what deeper message or themes do you hope fans will discover while listening to HOT MESS?

Lee Jeonghyeon: Like our album concept, I hope you overcome any unexpected, difficult situations with positive thoughts.

Yoo Seungeon: The title song “HOT MESS” has a free-spirited atmosphere, and I think it goes well with parties. I hope our fans listen to our songs and enjoy themselves at a party.

Mun Junghyun: You can have fun while listening to HOT MESS, but it also contains a message that we can always find joy even amid a mess. I hope the audience gains some energy by listening to this album when facing challenging situations and trying to overcome them.

Was there a track on HOT MESS that challenged you with a new sound or even a new vocal technique?

Keita: In this album's track “CROWN,” I challenged myself to deliver a new, more unique, and more energetic sound in the rap part!

Yoo Seungeon: To match my vocals with the strong and charismatic atmosphere of the B-side track, “CROWN,” I put in a lot of effort during the recording. I am proud to have learned how to create a stronger sound with my voice, and I am looking forward to the new songs I will experience in the future.

Ji Yunseo: I also think it’s “CROWN.”' It was very fresh for me to have to show my energetic vocals while expressing various emotions. The part where I am screaming was especially fresh, as it was my first time doing it.

Finally, given the title, can you share a moment during the making of the HOT MESS album when you felt the most creatively free and playful?

Keita: During the concept photoshoot, we painted on a white background that was set up behind us. I think the shoot with that wall came out the best, as it expressed ourselves and the concept well.

Park Hanbin: There are many instances where we go to the set and work together when shooting a music video. By doing so, we get to think more about how we can express and incorporate the specific lyrics using the filming space and the provided objects. This time, too, we changed our gestures, facial expressions, and choreography to fit the mood of the scene.

Lee Jeonghyeon: I think it was during the music video shoot. There were particularly a lot of freewheeling and acting elements in the “HOT MESS” music video, and I had fun filming while trying to show my true self.

Yoo Seungeon: When we were learning the choreography for the title song, the choreographer directed us to dance however we wanted during the chorus. It was fun trying new movements each time.

Ji Yunseo: I think it was the music video shoot and the process of working on the track “Love Like That.” I tried diverse acting when filming the music video, and I worked hard to write the unique and interesting lyrics for “Love Like That.”

Mun Junghyun: I really like the scene in the “HOT MESS” music video where the third verse chorus comes in, which is my part. I had fun filming that part, thinking about how I could enjoy it more and look cooler.

Park Jihoo: I tried a new hairstyle while shooting the music video, and I remember feeling fascinated with the new style.