INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

The all-male K-pop group VANNER (@vanner__official) has experienced a wildly unique industry journey so far, becoming one of the rare instances where — after years of performing as underrated artists — an evolutionary leap would allow them to take the next step in their long-awaited career where their undeniable talent is recognized and valued.

Now, more than a year after their life-changing exposure on the survival program Peak Time, (and having since dropped two well-received albums) the group is finally getting the chance to process the incomparable highs of 2023 while reflecting on their newfound fame, upcoming tour, and an unpredictable future comprised of limitless potential. Because thankfully, it’s the season of VANNER, and that’s not changing anytime soon.

It’s been a little over a year since your lives changed so drastically through Peak Time! Now that you have had more time to process everything, how would you describe the past year?

TAEHWAN: We’ve done a lot for the first time. Our first mini-album release, fan concert, Hallyu Rookie award, etc, were filled with honorable and happy moments.

GON: From the love of our fans we were able to achieve these moments without getting tired and with the help of the strategic system of KLAP Entertainment, we communicated with our fans in various ways. It was full of happy days.

HYESUNG: We released two albums and are now waiting for our first concert soon. Every day seems like I’m dreaming.

SUNGKOOK: I’m trying my best to not forget the lessons and emotions I’ve felt through ‘PEAK TIME’. We’ve experienced lots of things together with our original fans and new fans from the show.

YEONGGWANG: After “PEAK TIME” we met with KLAP Entertainment and met with great songs to give back to our fans as VANNER.

You’ve now been able to hold major fan events in Seoul and Tokyo – giving you a great opportunity to perform for your growing fan base. What’s been the most memorable moment of your recent live events?

TAEHWAN: When our fans were singing our fan song “Savior” as an encore song, it was the most memorable and touching.

GON: It would have to be the fan concert, it was memorable because I didn’t think we could do a fan concert that fast after the show. It was very fun.

HYESUNG: I think all the moments doing performances with our fans are memorable. The moment lasts longer because of how honest and true we are on stage.

SUNGKOOK: We were able to get closer to our fans through the fan concert. The name itself is still memorable.

YEONGGWANG: I can remember lots of stages but coming back with “PERFORMER” and doing our fan showcase was memorable.

It was really exciting to see the group busking in honor of your recent comeback because it’s something affiliated with natural performers! How does that live, unpredictable energy compare to traditional stage performances?

TAEHWAN: Being able to communicate with our fans much closer was meaningful.

GON: I always try to enjoy every stage and the live chants of VVS on site gave us lots of energy. We didn’t expect that much cheer and love.

HYESUNG: I was happy to be able to show the public more about us through busking. The chants of VVS always give us lots of energy.

SUNGKOOK: It’s always nervous right before a stage. Being on stage lets you feel the energy and fire which makes us even more strong and energetic throughout.

YEONGGWANG: To tell the difference, it’s that overflowing emotions that burst out before the stage. I think we gain energy because of our stages.

Your past two releases have experienced a massive surge in fans by selling more than 250,000 copies and earning chart placement. That being said, what would you say has been the most satisfying career win for VANNER so far?

TAEHWAN: We can feel the love even through numbers and it’s helped us to make sure we make more great music.

GON: I am satisfied and thankful at the same time for being able to reach our career high.

HYESUNG: Being able to be on stage much more and being exposed to more opportunities.

SUNGKOOK: I think that we got lots of love from our fans! I want to be an artist who can give back love and deserves such a career. Also, the award we received in the Hanteo Music Awards 2023, Hanteo Choice K-POP Male Artist, was very honored.

YEONGGWANG: To be a bit more eager, I honestly don’t feel satisfied yet but the fact that VANNER is continuing to improve and keep going feels satisfying.

Your music has always consisted of fun, engaging tracks, but after appearing on Peak Time, you’ve worked your way into the hearts of mainstream audiences. If you had to choose one of your earlier releases to experience a resurgence, what song would it be and why?

TAEHWAN: I can think of “Skyscraper.” It’s a song that specifically shows our team’s color and goal for the first time, so it’s more special.

GON: “FORM!” The love of being on stage is no different than today and we got lots of good reactions on YouTube.

HYESUNG: “Rollin.” I remember working on this through COVID’s rough time but we had lots of fun.

SUNGKOOK: The song we made for our fans is “Like A Star.” Our fans are our priority since they are the reason we are here today.

YEONGGWANG: “FORM” because of the line “Gajaaaa” (means Let’s go in Korean) in the lyrics, it holds the meaning that VANNER will continue moving forward.

You’re also preparing for your first headlining tour soon! What’s something that fans should look forward to during The Flag: A to V tour?

TAEHWAN: The biggest viewpoint would be that you can see the performances of never-seen-before songs.

GON: Thank you! Hope people get excited about being able to see new performances and our unit stages as well as other fun stages.

HYESUNG: I think they can look forward to the fact that the concert is filled with VANNER’s songs! Also with the special stages that we’ve prepared. Hope you enjoy it.

SUNGKOOK: Being the first concert for the five of us, we’re all very eager. Hope you get excited about lots of energetic and more mature stages.

YEONGGWANG: Being the first concert, we’re prepared to show lots of songs and VANNER’s story.

It’s important to mention that earlier this year you were appointed as Daejeon's public relations ambassadors, with a promise for exciting activities to come. For those who aren’t familiar with the Daejeon experience, what would you say are some of its biggest strengths?

TAEHWAN: It’s more special that it’s where HYESUNG grew up, and I heard it’s one of the best places to live.

GON: Daejeon is known as Korea’s science, research city. Having convenient transportation and being one of the best cities to live in seems to be the positivity.

HYESUNG: Daejeon is famous for making food with wheat like ‘Kalguksu’ and bread. It’s been the main distributor of flour and has lots of great food that contains flour, so I hope people come and enjoy it!

SUNGKOOK: We will try our best to make sure that the special part about Daejeon is that VANNER is the ambassador.

YEONGGWANG: It was my first time being in Daejeon without having any knowledge but I felt that Daejeon needs to be much more know and it feels like a hidden oasis.

In terms of future content, what style of music can fans expect? Or what are a few genres/concepts that VANNER is eager to experiment with?

TAEHWAN: We are thinking of trying different styles of music that we’ve never done before. I believe it will help us widen our experience.

GON: We want to show different genres of songs that we’ve never done before, personally, I would like to try trendy sexy music.

HYESUNG: I want to try more rhythmic and story-telling songs.

SUNGKOOK: I would like to show being more free and outgoing.

YEONGGWANG: If we started our strong performance with “FORM,” I would like to show our fans more warming songs as well.