EVNNE’s Journey: From ‘Cheeky Rascal’ to ‘Romantic’ Boy Band in a Year

With millions of viewers around the world tuning in and casting votes for contestants in the K-pop survival show Boys Planet, those who didn’t make it to the final band still managed to captivate fans eager to follow their next steps. One group that has certainly captured such potential is EVNNE, a seven-member boy band quickly climbing the K-pop ranks and proving to be far more than just a spin-off act.

Noted for their intense collective charisma, EVNNE debuted with the hard-hitting singles “Trouble” and “Ugly,” positioning themselves as convention-defying underdogs ready to prove their worth. Their debut earned them number-one hits and awards on Korea’s competitive music programs. This summer, they embarked on their first U.S. tour to expand their international fanbase and showcase their dynamic performances across multiple cities.

“We didn’t expect it, but we really wanted it,” says EVNNE’s leader Keita about their breakout success beyond Korea and touring the States. “We felt that there were a lot of fans all over the world cheering for us while we were doing such a program like Boys Planet… it’s really a dream come true.”

But it’s not just the awards and accolades that define EVNNE’s success. In less than a year, the group has shown remarkable evolution in their musical style, transitioning from the rebellious anthems of their debut to a softer, more romantic sound with their third EP, RIDE or DIE, released in June. The lead single, “Badder Love,” a soothing rock-pop track recorded in both Korean and English, marks a new chapter for the group.

Yunseo explains, “The reason we came out with the concept of bad guys when we made our debut was because we wanted to show the public what we can do best. But we released a refreshing album like this because we wanted to show a new side of us.”

In achievements both artistic and philanthropic, Keita, Hanbin, Lee Jeonghyeon, Yunseo, Seungeon, Mun Junghyun, and Jihoo continue to carve their place in the industry, showcasing their lasting potential. Their recent title as Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month for August 2024 further solidifies their growing influence.

Congratulations on the success so far and being named Billboard’s Rookie of the Month! I wonder how you feel about your achievements over the past few months?

YUNSEO: We’ve been through a lot with our members and together achieved many things. Time is flying by faster than I thought. It feels surreal that we’ve experienced so much in such a short time. We have realized that many fans support us and give us so much love, so we are very happy and grateful for everything.

SEUNGEON: I want to add that I’m so happy to have come to the U.S. tour following the Asia tour. Meeting people from different places has been exciting. We truly believe that winning on music shows and going on tours in different countries is thanks to our fans’ love and support. We are also thrilled to be named as the Rookie of the Month on Billboard. We have wanted this for so long, so thank you so much.

While you didn’t earn a place in the final group for Boys Planet, you are here now winning awards and going on tour. Did you guys expect all these things to happen?

KEITA: We didn’t expect it, but we really wanted it. We felt the global support while we were in the program. Always dreaming of performing in many cities, it’s truly a dream come true.

How has touring the U.S. been for you?

JIHOO: The crowd cheers were louder than expected. Though each venue hosts about 500 people, it felt like 5,000 or even 50,000 people were cheering us on. Sharing our energy with the audience, in return, provided us with even more motivation.

MUN JUNGHYUN: We sang the English version of “Badder Love” for the first time. Fans singing along made us so happy. Also, we performed “XO” in full choreography for the first time on this U.S. tour, and the cheers were incredible.

SEUNGEON: Global fans, who don’t necessarily speak Korean, tend to hum our songs, which is cute. However, we regret not having everyone sing along to the actual lyrics. With the English version of “Badder Love,” they truly sang along. One day, we hope to release songs in other languages too.

Any languages you might want to record in next?

HANBIN: We go to Japan a lot, and many of our fans and supporters are there. It would be nice to make a Japanese version.

Going back to “Badder Love,” this album seems softer and less intense than “Trouble” or “Ugly.” What does EVNNE want to prove this time around?

JIHOO: Our main focus was to show a different side compared to our first two albums. We have presented a powerful and straightforward image before, but with this third album, we wanted to reveal a softer, more romantic side.

YUNSEO: Initially, our “bad boy” concept aimed to show what we do best. This refreshing album highlights a new side. We’ve always been capable, but we’re now showcasing a different image.

LEE JEONGHYOEN: In the music video, our all-white outfits suit the summer theme. Even the hairstyles are toned down. This album’s styling aims to emphasize a refreshing cool side, set against oceanic backgrounds.

I saw you compete in the Idol Star Athletic Championship and reunite with some Boys Planet contestants. How was that after all you went through?

HANBIN: Participating in two events during the program, we prepared ourselves despite the tour schedule. This chance to promote ourselves further was invaluable. Reuniting with other artists, including ZEROBASEONE, was fun and felt like a school event because we share the same dream and passion for music.

YUNSEO: Limited schedules make personal meetings rare, but it was great to chat and play sports with friends at the event.

KEITA: I met Matthew and told him, “Hey Matt, I’m studying English!” His response, “your pronunciation is not as bad as I thought!” was a great compliment.

SEUNGEON: Fans longed to see a Boys Planet reunion. This event was our first chance to come together, chat, and enjoy ourselves, much like a school event with fellow idols sharing dreams and passions.

HANBIN: Meeting old friends felt new, like a school event rather than a TV program.

Do you have a message you’d like to share with international fans who are waiting to see you?

YUNSEO: Thank you for selecting us as the Rookie of the Month. We aim to reach a wider global audience and hope to chart on Billboard in the future. We will work hard and appreciate your continued love and support.

SEUNGEON: We are eager to share incredible performances on this tour. Please look forward to our future activities. It’s an honor to be chosen as Billboard’s Rookie of the Month.

Source: Rolling Stone