ENHYPEN returns with a romantic album "ROMANCE: UNTOLD" after shedding their dark image. Members share thoughts on the new release.

ENHYPEN has moved away from their dark image and returned with "romance." Cool and cute, appealing with sexiness. ENHYPEN held a showcase for the release of their 2nd full album "ROMANCE: UNTOLD" at the SK Handball Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul on the 11th. The 2nd full album "ROMANCE: UNTOLD" is the first full album released by ENHYPEN in 2 years and 9 months. The story of a boy who shares love with "you" belonging to opposite worlds is depicted in this work. The story of a boy who devotes loyalty to "you" is embedded in each track, organically connected. On this day, leader Jungwon expressed his thoughts on the comeback, saying, "It's an album that was born through the cooperation and efforts of producers and many staff members, as we make a comeback with a full album after 2 years and 9 months. We prepared very hard. I hope you will support and pay attention to it." Next, Sunghoon said, "This work seems to be an album that exceeds the expectations of ENGENE (ENHYPEN's fan name). We worked hard to show a more grown-up appearance than the previous work. Please look forward to the activities of the 2nd full album." He explained, "It's an album that can be said to be about us and ENGENE, who have been able to grow bigger by exerting our strength thanks to the love and support from our fans." The title track "XO (Only If You Say Yes)" is a number that runs through the story of this work. If you forgive me, I will overcome everything and use my power to the fullest to fulfill your wish, embodying the will of a boy. "XO" expresses "opposition or consent" and includes the meaning of a kiss (X) and a hug (O) instead of words. After performing on stage for the first time in front of the press, Niki said, "We have been active mainly with dark music so far, but this time, we have a bright and sweet music title, so I'm still not used to it and nervous. However, I feel like I can confidently continue my activities after today's stage." Next, Sunoo introduced the title track, saying, "This is a pop genre number that depicts the feelings of a boy who wants to do anything for a special 'you' in a romance fantasy. When I first heard it, the melody was very good, there were catchy parts, and I thought, 'It will be very well received.'" The performance focuses on the romance they convey, adding intuitive movements that visualize the lyrics of "XO." Jake called attention by saying, "Unlike before, we reduced the conceptual part, so you can feel a cool atmosphere, cuteness, and sexiness. We put in movements that express the lyrics of 'XO.' It may be a little difficult, but there is fun in practicing. I would like you to participate in the challenge." In addition to the title track, the album includes "Moonstruck," which sings about a date in the enchanting moonlight, "Your Eyes Only," which depicts a secret between two people, "Hundred Broken Hearts," which resolves not to create a tragic ending, "Brought The Heat Back," which expresses jealousy for the first time, "Paranormal," which believes in the power of love, "Royalty," which resolves to be loyal to you, and a fan song comparing our future to a highway, "Highway 1009." From the title track to the other tracks, a mood different from their previous concepts can be felt. In relation to this, when asked about the direction of future albums, Jungwon explained, "This time, the atmosphere is quite different from the music we have done so far. We are producing the album according to the storyline. The storyline we wanted to express with this comeback is romance, which was closer to a bright atmosphere than dark, so we decided on the direction of the album in that way. I think the color of future albums will change depending on the situations we experience and the directions we think about." Through this work, you can confirm their expanded musical world. In the fan song "Highway 1009," all members participated in the lyrics, and Heeseung also participated in the production. Jungwon wrote the topline for "Hundred Broken Hearts." Heeseung said, "It's the first time we've included a fan song, but October 9th is the founding day of the fan club 'ENGENE.' I wanted to use that as the title. It's more meaningful because it's a self-composed song made by all seven members. I'm looking forward to it because it seems to be a song with a special meaning for both us and the fans." Sunghoon added, "I wrote the lyrics only thinking about the fans. I wrote it while imagining running on a road where the future is not visible with the fans, and I was able to write smoothly even the contents that I couldn't usually write because I was embarrassed." Jungwon continued, "I participated in the production of 'Hundred Broken Hearts.' This song is a genre that I like, so I was happy and enjoyed working on it." Creative director Nicola Formichetti participated in the concept photos of the album and the styling of the music video. Hit producers JVKE and Cirkut participated in the title track "XO" and the track "Brought The Heat Back," respectively. Jungwon said, "Since this work has a different atmosphere from before, I wanted to show a new mood work. Therefore, through collaboration with director Lee Chunhyung and Nicola Formichetti, I tried to show a different atmosphere from the previous work." He conveyed, "Cirkut is a very famous producer, but he made a song for us this time following 'Bite Me,' and I am sincerely grateful." Jake said, "The JVKE who is not me is an artist I love, so I couldn't feel the collaboration news. When I first heard 'XO,' it was a different style from before, but I thought it would suit us very well and it was a wonderful song." In July, comebacks of glamorous boy groups such as ENHYPEN, NCT 127, and Stray Kids are announced. Jay expressed his excitement, saying, "I'm happy to come back with wonderful seniors. I'm excited to see and show a wonderful stage." He continued, "You said that the dark atmosphere has decreased, but I think that the expression 'decreased' is not that the weight has disappeared but that it has decreased, which I think is our strength this time. Usually, there were many dark and fantasy elements in the music that matched the storyline of the album, but even through the new album, we want to combine the fantasy genre with our own color and appeal a lot of new atmospheres and appearances." He mentioned ENHYPEN's strength. He also conveyed a message of support from HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk ahead of the comeback. Heeseung said, "Bang Si-hyuk always supports us. He praised the demo of 'Highway 1009' when he listened to it through the office. I gained confidence from the compliment 'This song is really good,' and felt the power to work hard." He added, "When we met in the waiting room of the variety show 'Omniscient Interfering View' before, it was a time to prepare for the comeback, so he supported us with warm words. Therefore, I feel that I have to work harder." Finally, Jungwon showed confidence, saying, "All the tracks in the previous work were good, but there has never been a difference of opinion among the members about the 'most beloved song' like this time. That's how wonderful all the tracks, including the title track, are. Personally, I feel proud that all the tracks are good. All the tracks are masterpieces." Jake also showed a smile, saying, "This work is the best among the albums we have released so far. I think the fans will be happy, and I personally have confidence."