This week, we’re highlighting six-member boy group OneUs! The sextet recently embarked on their first-ever U.S. tour, fresh off their comeback for their latest single, Lit. We caught up with rappers and producers Ravn and Leedo, and vocalists Keonhee, Hwanwoong, and Xion after their first stop in New York City to chat about self-care and their hobbies, and to expose a little TMI. (Note: Seoho rejoined the group at their Chicago stop.)
How would you describe your current sound and how it differs from your last title track, Twilight?
Keonhee: Compared to last time [where there was] more of a dark and sexy concept, this time it’s more bright and fun, and we mixed Korean tradition with our own OneUs color.
Which concept do you like better?
What was the most challenging part about preparing for this comeback?
Hwanwoong: We’ve had a lot of darker concepts before this album came out, so since we want the audience members to feel our fun energy, we wanted to put in the effort to look cool and like we’re having a good time.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve received?
Keonhee: Our CEO [of RBW] told us not to concentrate on the results of our music and to just enjoy the moment. Since this is our dream, the results will follow after.
Hwanwoong: Our CEO also told us that even more than making a perfect stage—of course, it is very important to make a perfect stage—even if there are small flaws, it’s more important that we enjoy the stage. I’ve been feeling that more throughout this comeback.
Leedo: Also from our CEO, to “create our music happily.” Thinking about it right now, that’s the most important thing for me.
Xion: We get nervous and practice a lot, but our CEO told us not to focus on that when we go on stage and to just enjoy that moment.
Ravn: They all said what I was thinking! Of course, everything they said was correct but more importantly, just being happy and healthy throughout the whole process. Even if we show something that’s good, if we’re not healthy, it wouldn’t make up for it.
Any personal goals you want to accomplish on tour?
Keonhee: For me, my goal would be to make a good stage for our fans. I’ve heard the local fans are the ones who called us to come to the United States and I don’t want to let them down.
Hwanwoong: I wish that after the fans see our stage, it’ll be something that’s memorable for them and that they’ll look forward to future performances.
Best self-care tips while on tour?
Ravn: I try to use more face masks on a regular basis to take care of my skin.
Keonhee: The tour puts a lot of strain on my voice, so I put on this mask that has a lot of moisture to take care of my throat.
Leedo: I do 30 minutes of exercise before I go to sleep to take care of my body, physically.
Xion: For me, there’s nothing specific, but because of the time difference, I try to stick to the daily habits that I already have.
Outside of music, what are you most passionate about?
Leedo: Exercise. *points to Hwanwoong* Sleeping.
Xion: Just enjoying different cultures.
Ravn: Fashion, which depends on my mood that day.
Hwanwoong: For me, right now it’s moments of healing. Also, meeting up with my close friends, who I’m thankful for, and my teachers, going on walks and going to pet cafes. I owe it to myself so I can bring that energy out.
In your opinion, what’s the most interesting thing about you that people may not know?
Leedo: This is very TMI, but I have a very thick neck so most necklaces don’t fit me. I need to buy extension clips for my necklaces to fit.
Hwanwoong: My Adam’s apple protrudes more than you’d actually think! I can move it very freely.
Xion: A lot of people know this, but my eyelashes are very long. I can hold five toothpicks on top of them.
Leedo: Real TMI. *laughs*
Keonhee: If no one knows it yet, I don’t want them to! *laughs*
Ravn: I’m not too sure at the moment, but when I figure it out, I’ll check back in.
Several members participate in writing lyrics for your songs—is there a place you feel most productive or inspired to write?
Leedo: There’s not really a specific place for me, but I feel most productive when I’m alone.
Ravn: We have a vocal room inside our label house and since I’m so used to being there, lyrics flow out there the best. I write the most in that room.
Want more OneUs? Check out their video for Lit and follow along with the conversation here.
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