interview: OX:N Continues to Move Forward with Music of Their Own Colour
K-pop boy group OMEGA X’s first sub-unit group, OX:N, has released their first EP, [N]. The ‘N’ from OX:N’s group name symbolizes not only the Roman numeral IV for the four members of the unit (Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, Yechan) but also the unknown number, n, which represents infinite possibilities that the members will explore as part of OX:N unit as well as OMEGA X as a whole.
OX:N talks about their preparation for [N], excitement to meet fans with new music, and more in the recent interview with MY K-POP WIRE and other media outlets.
Q. OX:N is the first sub-unit of OMEGA X. How does promoting as a sub-unit feels different compared to working as Omega X, and what are the positive and challenging aspects of this situation?
Yechan: One of the strengths is that when we're moving or waiting, everything takes about half the time compared to when we're moving as 11-member group. We can also use our energy more efficiently. But one of the challenges we always think about during performances is how to fill the stage with just four members. We constantly think about ways to make our performances feel full and powerful with fewer people.
Jehyun: I think the picture we create on stage feels very different. With 11 members, the performance feels much fuller and complete visually. Performing as four has its own charm and strength, but coming from doing it with all 11, I miss the other members and feel their absence.
Yechan: To add on to what Jehyun said, it definitely feels different between performing as 11 and as 4. But I think if we keep working hard to fill the empty spaces intentionally and meaningfully, that in itself can become a unique charm of OX:N compared to OMEGA X.
Q. “SUIT&TIE” talks about the contrast between outer calm and inner turmoil. What's one inner thought or feeling you hope listeners truly grasp when they hear the songs on [N], beyond the polished exterior?
Jaehan: The overarching theme of this album is love, and as we all know, love comes in many forms. I believe that in order to give love to others, you have to take care of and love yourself first. So through this album, I wanted to convey the message that it's important to learn how to love yourself.
Yechan: Simply put, I just want to become a good person. On the outside, as an idol and a singer, I have to show a cool and polished image, but on the inside, there are dreams, ambition, and desire. I want to shape those feelings more healthily and grow not just as an artist, but as a person too.
Jaehan (left), Yechan (right)
Q. Which track caught your attention the moment you first listened to it, and now that it’s been officially released, is it still your favourite track or has it changed?
Jaehan: When I first heard the song "SUIT & TIE," it was Yechan who played it for me, and I immediately said it was amazing. It matched the image I had of OX:N perfectly, which is why I was so drawn to it from the start. Even though our current title track is "YOU," we chose "SUIT & TIE" as the first track because we felt it was the best intro to express our group's colour and identity. Honestly, I can't pick just one favorite because they're all the best in their own way. But my initial feeling for "SUIT & TIE" hasn't changed, as it still gives me that good vibe.
Q. Fans and listeners must have shared their feedback for this album, among those are there any comments that left the biggest impression on you?
Xen: For me, the feedback that stuck with me the most was from our OMEGA X member Hangyeom. He told me that I was the only one off for the choreography in a part that goes 'feels so easy' in "YOU." That comment really stuck in my head.
Yechan: In our music video, I wore a sleeveless top. I wanted to look my best in those outfits, so I worked out to prepare for it. A lot of fans noticed and complimented me on it, which made me feel like all the effort was worth it and motivated me to keep working out consistently going forward.
Q. Was there anything that you discovered about yourselves through this new beginning as a sub-unit, whether musically or personally?
Yechan: Our album [N] is really special to us. Throughout the process, there were a lot of challenges and things we had to overcome. But through it all, we realized just how deeply our love for what we do; making music and sharing it with our fans, can drive us to give everything we've got.
Xen: The challenging part for me while preparing this album was definitely the recording, mixing, and mastering phase. During recording, there were moments when I really wanted to give my 100%, but there were parts I just couldn't get the way I wanted. When it came to mixing and mastering, there were times when the direction we wanted as members didn't align with what the company or the producers had in mind. I had some moments where I thought of giving up and moving on with whatever. But each time, we pushed ourselves to try just one more revision, to give it another shot. Looking back now, I think that tough period was actually when we grew the most.
Q. Was there anything in particular that helped you adjust to making new music as a four-person unit as opposed to 11 members?
Yechan: We've been pretty quick when aligning our opinions because we talk a lot about music, especially in the car. Whether it's on the way to or from schedules, those little in-between conversations with the four of us make it easier to have deeper talks that might've been harder with all 11 members, which has been helpful.
Xen: I feel like working as a team of four has brought us even closer. It's easier and more natural to share all kinds of thoughts, even the most random ones. But sometimes, even those silly chats lead to great ideas. I think that's where our inspiration often comes from, and it's become an effective way for us to work together.
Xen (left), Jehyun (right)
Q. Which emotion is hardest for you to translate into your work and why?
Xen: I think expressing joy or excitement is actually pretty difficult. I feel like those emotions can't be faked. Unless I'm genuinely thrilled in the moment, it wouldn't come across naturally. So those two emotions are the hardest for me to show.
Q. Are there any memorable moments you guys had from the entire process of preparing for OX:N’s release?
Jehyun: For me, the most memorable moment was when we had our very first tea time to talk about the unit. It was our first meeting where everything began, making it memorable.
Yechan: I think the recording sessions were the most memorable. I think we finished recording five songs in three to four days, so it was quite challenging. But we poured so much focus and effort into creating the best we could, so it almost felt like a camp.
Q. What do you hope to show to the public, your fans, and even to yourselves through this unit?
Yechan: We want to show everyone the FGG, "feel good guys," side of us. Over the past half year, there weren't many chances to meet our fans, and now that our album is out and we have finally started seeing them. I think there might have been moments where fans felt a bit of longing or disappointment, so moving forward, we want to make sure there's none of that. We'll do our best to make everything we do feel like the most exciting and fulfilling part of the day, like having a favorite hobby. We want to be artists who always bring joy and satisfaction through performances.
Thank you IPQ and Helix Publicity for the invitation.
Watch OX:N “YOU” MV here!
*photos courtesy of IPQ
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