EXCLUSIVE [INTERVIEW] "We strive to present our best selves in everything we do," EVNNE return with 'RIDE or DIE,' discuss growth

It’s only been 9 months since EVNNE (KEITA, PARK HANBIN, LEE JEONGHYEON, YOO SEUNGEON, JI YUNSEO, MUN JUNGHYUN, and PARK JIHOO) burst onto the K-Pop music scene, but they already have 3 mini-albums under their belt. And they have a unique story they tell with each one; from overcoming bumps that helped them to be where they are now to celebrating the trust and loyalty they share with their fans — which is a story told in their third mini-album, ‘RIDE or DIE.’

But one thing stays the same throughout their journey, including from the beginnings of participating in the survival show ‘Boys Planet.’ That is the constant pursuit of their goals.

Their third mini-album, ‘RIDE or DIE,’ consists of 6 tracks “Badder Love,” the lead single, “I <3 U (I love U)," "XO," "2X," "Boom Bari," and the English version of the title track, which is also their first official English song. "We've practiced English a lot, and you can check out the result by listening to the English ver. of our title track ‘Badder Love’!," said member YOO SEUNGEON in a press release statement. Notably, the group's leader, KEITA took part in penning the lyrics for "XO" and "2X."

[video_shortcode_youtube src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/9aAiIB6Vlpc”]

One difference from the album’s title is that EVNNE removed the colon this time, unlike in their first two albums ‘Target: ME’ and ‘Un: SEEN.’ According to JI YUNSEO, this change reflects the new side they showcase in ‘RIDE or DIE’: “the bubbly yet comfortable vibe” one can look forward to from the tracks and the music video.

allkpop had the opportunity to talk to the members weeks ahead of the release about ‘RIDE or DIE,’ their recently concluded Asia tour, upcoming tour in North America, and more. Read our exclusive interview with EVNNE below!

allkpop: First of all, congratulations on your comeback! How does it feel that already released your third mini-album? It feels like you just debuted!

YOO SEUNGEON: We made our comeback with the third album right after our tour in Asia, and we’re thrilled to meet our fans as soon as possible. Our comeback features a refreshing and bubbly concept, and we are excited to present something new to our fans. Please send your love and interest to our third mini-album, ‘RIDE or DIE,’ released on June 17th and filled with refreshing songs.

allkpop: I’ve noticed that this particular album doesn’t have a colon in its title unlike ‘Un: SEEN’ and ‘Target: ME.’ Could you tell us more about what you want to convey in the album as well as the point that you want the listeners to focus on?

JI YUNSEO: Our third mini-album, ‘RIDE or DIE,’ is a refreshing and bubbly collection that explores the trust and loyalty in everlasting relationships, offering our unique take on reckless love. Unlike our first two albums, where we portrayed a rascal, troublemaker-like persona, we aimed to express a bubbly yet comfortable vibe for this comeback. This transition is why the colon was omitted from the album’s title. ‘RIDE or DIE’ showcases a different side of us, reflecting this change in our style.

allkpop: Tell us about the album’s creative process. Were any of the members able to contribute to the creation of the album, be it for songwriting or dance choreography?

KEITA: I participated in the lyric-writing process. Also, all the members provided extensive feedback during the selection of the title track. And as for JIHOO…

PARK JIHOO: I participated in the choreography! The main point of the choreography is should we all try it together? This is for “Badder” and this is for “Love” (shows choreography), creating “Badder Love.” I came up with this idea, while I was on the plane.

allkpop: You said in an interview that you had uncertainties along the way. How do you overcome challenges that go your way? What’s your mindset like when handling such situations?

JI YUNSEO: Even though this is our third album, we still consider ourselves rookies and often feel insecure in various areas because we’re newbies. Where our capabilities and skills fall short, we compensate with more practice. On stage, as much as we work hard, we focus on enjoying the moment, interacting with fans, and not letting our insecurities show. We strive to create moments where we can truly enjoy and feel happy.

allkpop: You also believe that your greatest strength lies in the fact that the members are all all-rounders and who excel at various roles. How would you describe your growth and your musical identity? Is there anything new you’ve learned during the preparation for this new album?

YOO SEUNGEON: During the recording of our first two albums, I was worried about whether I was doing it right or if there was room for improvement. Even after listening to the final versions, I felt something was lacking. With this album, I’ve developed my own recording know-how and improved technically. While there’s still room for growth, I’ve definitely made significant progress. For the first album, we focused on intense performances and strong sounds. This time, the concept is very bubbly, and we all managed to pull it off well. With all this in mind, I’m confident the title track for this third mini-album will be fantastic overall.

PARK HANBIN: For me, during the first two albums, we portrayed a more troublemaker aspect. While we do that in this album as well, it’s approached a bit differently. I feel like we’ve expanded on the different characters we explore, and my expressive range has broadened. In that sense, I believe I’ve made significant improvements.

allkpop: You still have a long way to go as it’s only been nine months, but what is one thing or moment in your career so far that you think you won’t forget? Something that you often look back on?

MUN JUNGHYUN: I have one memorable experience that I always mention: our first concert performance at ‘Idol Radio Live’ in Seoul. It was our debut on such a big stage, and we were very nervous, especially since we were performing in front of other fans as well. We also focused on portraying our essence well. We delivered a great live performance and put on an exciting show for everyone. It was truly a fun and memorable stage!

allkpop: What’s an activity that brings you guys even closer together? Do you have any common interests that you do to bond with each other?

MUN JUNGHYUN: Me, SEUNGEON, and LEE JEONGHYEON enjoy working out, so we would go to the gym together. Recently, I went shopping with KEITA and LEE JEONGHYEON as well. We like to go out together and spend time!

YOO SEUNGEON: JIHOO and I enjoy playing basketball, so we often play hoops together. Once, I rode bikes with LEE JEONGHYEON and MUN JUNGHYUN to Yeouido, which took us about three hours.

allkpop: If you could create a time capsule like in the drama ‘Lovely Runner’ and that capsule will be opened years from now, what items would you include and put in that capsule, and why?

PARK JIHOO: I would put our three albums into the time capsule.

LEE JEONGHYEON: Why?

PARK JIHOO: I believe our albums represent my core memories, and looking at them allows me to reminisce about the time it took to create them. These albums will be invaluable to me in the future.

MUN JUNGHYUN: I have some hilarious photos of the members on my phone, and I would include them in the time capsule. It’ll be a blast to revisit them in another 10 years!

KEITA: For me, it would be the trophy we got for winning first place on a music show.

PARK JIHOO: Anyone else?

PARK HANBIN: I would choose our light stick and a letter I wrote to myself in the future.

YOO SEUNGEON: I would put pictures, like polaroids, that all the members took together as a group.

allkpop: You just wrapped up your fan concert tour in Asia. What was the experience like holding your solo shows, now touring around the world? What were your preparations like?

JI YUNSEO: During the Asia tour, we created a lot of great memories with our fans across various countries and were energized by their support. Now, we’re preparing for the next tour, excited to make even more memories with our fans and draw energy from their enthusiasm!

allkpop: Then you’re set to embark on your tour in North America! What do you expect from your American fans, and what can they expect from you?

YOO SEUNGEON: We cannot share too many details on the U.S. tour yet, but all of us are actively studying English through various methods, including watching American shows. We’re determined to enhance our language skills to communicate more freely with our fans in the U.S.

allkpop: What kind of people do the members, or EVNNE as a whole, want to be remembered for?

MUN JUNGHYUN: As mentioned during our debut, we wanted to be remembered as a group that enjoys the stage, loves our fans, and enjoys music.

YOO SEUNGEON: I believe all the members are versatile and possess exceptional individual talents. I want for our team to be successful across a wide range of activities.

allkpop: To wrap this interview, please leave a message to allkpop readers and your fans!

KEITA: We’ve returned with an amazing album, ‘RIDE or DIE,’ which is our third mini-album. We ask for your love and support. We strive to present our best selves in everything we do for our fans worldwide, so please continue supporting us!

Follow EVNNE’s Socials

Twitter/X: @EVNNE_official

Instagram: @evnne_official

Facebook: EVNNE