This week, we’re highlighting five-member boy group A.C.E to celebrate the release of their new mini-album, SIREN:DAWN. We caught up with them about their new single, “Higher,” which was released on Wednesday, their inventive underwater photoshoot, and the first songs they remember loving. Check out our full interview below!
How does the sound and concept of your new mini-album, SIREN:DAWN, and single, “Higher,” differ from your previous comebacks?
JUN: The last album was a Korean goblin concept, and this time it is a mermaid concept. In this album, we tried our best to show you more sentimental and sad feelings as well as aesthetic aspects. You can find these things in the music video, but especially the lyrics.
In terms of visuals, there are touches of the mermaid in our outfits’ see-through material, plastic pants, and different accessories for each member. There’s a real difference of feelings from the traditional Korean visuals of the last album.
Your album photos are always so inventive. Can you tell us a little about shooting underwater? Do you have a favorite concept from your photoshoots?
KIM BYEONGKWAN: The underwater shooting was more difficult than I thought. I had more respect for Jun and Chan, who shot underwater in the last album; their photos were amazing. They were like my mentors for this underwater shooting. My favorite pictures are the ones I took on the water.
CHAN: Jun and I already had an experience from the last album. So, this time, we proceeded in a skillful and relaxed situation. I like the “MOON” concept photos: I could express the energy that I wanted to express in that concept, so I hope you look forward to it.
Outside of music, what are you most passionate about? Are there any hobbies you use to de-stress?
DONGHUN: Staying home alone and relaxing is my thing. Occasionally, I’ll write songs with lyrics about stress and worries.
WOW: I relieve my stress by browsing the Internet. I get a lot of inspiration from watching fashion-related videos.
What’s the first song you remember loving?
JUN: “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men.
I’ve always loved R&B songs. Among those R&B songs, this song touched me a lot when I came across it with lyrics that could show my love and respect for my mother. I used to sing it a lot, too.
DONGHUN: “Nocturn” by Lee Eun-mi (“녹턴” by 이은미).
The lyrics of the song and Lee Eun-mi’s emotions touched my heart and comforted me. I played this song whenever I was having a hard time.
WOW: “Timeless” by SG Wannabe.
This song introduced me to SG Wannabe, but it also became my go-to song.
KIM BYEONGKWAN: “Lovely Sweet Heart” by SeeYa (“사랑의 인사” by 씨야).
When I was really young, my friend recommended this song—I thought the atmosphere and lyrics were so beautiful!
CHAN: My father used to run a record store, so I’ve been listening to many songs since I was young. I don’t remember any particular first song, but the kind of music I listen to a lot these days is “Let’s Go Picnic” by George (죠지). This is my favorite kind of music genre, and the lyrics are so pretty.
Lightning round! Describe each of the following in one word: Who you are, what you value the most, and what you’d be if you were a food item.
JUN: I am Jun of A.C.E.
My family, A.C.E members, CHOICE❤️, and staff at the management are what I value most.
I would be Kimchi stew.
DONGHUN: I am Donghun of A.C.E and the vocalist.
Music, A.C.E, and CHOICE are what I value the most.
I would be sushi.
WOW: I am WOW of A.C.E.
A.C.E and CHOICE are what I value the most.
I would be a fortune cookie.
KIM BYEONGKWAN: I am BK of A.C.E, an artist and performer.
Everyone that I have a relationship with and CHOICE are what I value the most.
I would be gorgonzola pizza.
CHAN: I am Chan of A.C.E.
All A.C.E members and CHOICE are what I value the most.
I would be ramen or rib-eye steak.
In the four years together since your debut, how have your relationships changed with your group members?
CHAN: In the beginning, we came from different backgrounds and cultures. After the long years of being a team, the relationship has become more comfortable and more than family now, so we can rely on each other, support each other, and be indispensable.
What’s your favorite lyric from your discography and why?
JUN: Track: “Stand by You.”
(“Inside the many worries I lived while being tied up Oh, I’m sending a letter to myself like this I will stand by you”)
It’s so refreshing to listen to in the summer or when you’re tired. It’s one of the happiest songs to sing on stage for me.
DONGHUN: Track: “5TAR.”
(“I believe that happiness comes in little doses”)
It was my favorite lyrics when I was writing the lyrics. And it is also a mindset that values life as the most important thing.
CHAN: Track: “5TAR.”
(“In the night sky, I can see a particular shining star. To me, it’s exactly like you”)
Those lyrics remind me of CHOICE a lot, and the image of me looking up at the night sky with the members makes me emotional.
WOW: “If You Heard (들린다면).”
(“Even if everything changes, will you be by my side? No matter how tired I am, I’ll smile looking at you”)
Because the lyrics are from the bottom of my heart. And it’s the lyrics that give me strength when I think of CHOICE, so it’s my favorite.
KIM BYEONGKWAN: “If You Heard (들린다면).”
(“Shout out loud, Shout out louder”)
It’s the most memorable part when we toured and sang with our fans. I can’t wait to get the feeling again by singing together with fans soon.
Want more from A.C.E? Check out their new album, SIREN:DAWN, and the video for “Higher” here.
The Lovers of Valdaro, discovered by archaeologists at a tomb in San Giorgio near Mantua, Italy. The couple have been holding one another for 6,000 years.
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