Okay-pop boy band ONEUS / Courtesy of RBW Leisure
Should you’re a Okay-pop fanatic, chances are high you’ve got most likely heard of Mnet’s competitors program sequence „Highway to Kingdom.“
For followers of the franchise, it is laborious to overlook the title, ONEUS, a five-piece boy band that has appeared not as soon as, however twice in its consecutive seasons — the primary in 2020 and the most recent, „Highway to Kingdom: Ace of Ace,“ which aired its finale in November 2024.
Whereas the group completed fourth in its first look, edged out by seasoned business seniors, the group climbed to second place 4 years later. The end result wasn’t a victory, however the 5 members of ONEUS noticed it as a testomony to their development.
„Within the first season, our aim was merely to do our greatest and current nice performances. However this time, our goal was to win. Though we did not obtain that, simply having the ability to set a better aim made us really feel that we had grown considerably,“ Keonhee instructed The Korea Occasions throughout an interview at a restaurant in Seoul’s Gwangjin District, Tuesday.
„Creating memorable phases was a given, however realizing we may even goal for victory was a testomony to our improvement as a gaggle … That is why ending because the runner-up feels much less like a loss and extra like a milestone.“
Whereas narrowly lacking the highest spot was bittersweet, the group mentioned the expertise rekindled significant connections.
„After we acquired the runner-up end result, these round us appeared much more upset than we had been,“ Keonhee mentioned. „Workers from our company, after all, however particularly our longtime followers who’ve all the time supported us. It made us understand how nicely we have carried out over the previous six years and the way many individuals actually cherish us.“
Okay-pop boy band ONEUS / Courtesy of RBW Leisure
As a gesture of gratitude, ONEUS determined to dedicate its subsequent venture completely to its followers. On Tuesday, the group launched a particular album titled „Pricey.M,“ which options rerecorded variations of its earlier title tracks alongside brand-new songs.
„It is already been six years since our debut and this album is a present to the followers who’ve supported us all through this journey,“ Hwanwoong mentioned. „I feel it actually displays our heartfelt gratitude and the love we’ve got for them.“
The brand new album’s lead single, „IKUK,“ was first carried out throughout „Highway to Kingdom: Ace of Ace.“ Identified for his or her distinctive visible storytelling — from portraying merman princes to fictional monarchs — the members emphasised the distinctive aesthetics of the brand new launch.
„Through the years, we have explored numerous ideas and genres, however this time we’re revisiting the vampire theme, a fan favourite, after a number of years. The distinction now’s that this vampire idea appears like aged wine — refined and matured,“ Keonhee mentioned. „Past simply showcasing pale pores and skin and fangs, we additionally explored the emotional struggles of a monster in love with a human being. We actually do hope followers sit up for it.“
Okay-pop boy band ONEUS / Courtesy of RBW Leisure
Six years into its profession, ONEUS is now going through a crucial hurdle: the seven-year mark, a milestone usually seen as a turning level for idol teams on account of contract expirations. Moreover, Seoho, the group’s eldest member, is getting ready to start his necessary navy service this 12 months, elevating questions concerning the group’s future.
Concerning the uncertainties, nonetheless, the ONEUS members remained resolute.
„Whereas we won’t reveal any particular plans simply but, one factor we will confidently say is that we’re transferring ahead with the intention of defending ONEUS till the tip,“ Keonhee mentioned, addressing the troubles. „Finally, we wish to protect this staff we love a lot and preserve performing. If anybody is nervous, please do not be.“
Seoho echoed this sentiment, expressing his readiness for navy service. „It is my obligation as a citizen and I am absolutely ready to meet it,“ he mentioned. „I am going to do my greatest and return stronger. I sit up for exhibiting you ways a lot I’ve grown after I return.“