JYP Entertainment's boy band Xdinary Heroes (XH) is making a comeback on the 24th with their new mini album 'LXVE to DEATH' and the title track 'ICU'.
'LXVE to DEATH' marks their seventh mini album, released approximately seven months after their sixth mini album 'Beautiful Mind'. The album explores the multifaceted nature of love through moments of longing and desire. It includes the title track 'ICU', the digital single 'FiRE (My Sweet Misery)' released in July, and new songs 'Lost and Found', 'Ashes to Ashes', 'Spoiler!!!', 'Love Tug of War', and 'LOVE ME 2 DEATH', totaling seven tracks.
The title track 'ICU' features explosive beats and guitar riffs reminiscent of the raw energy of 80s hard rock. Its unpredictable flow, exhilarating chorus, and high notes deliver a thrilling sensation. The song is highlighted by its kitschy vocal charm and a dazzling guitar solo.
Members Gunil, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han, and Jooyeon, who contributed to the credits of all tracks on the new album, share their thoughts on 'LXVE to DEATH' and the title track 'ICU' ahead of their comeback.
Q. You're releasing the new mini album 'LXVE to DEATH' following 'Beautiful Mind' and the digital single 'FiRE (My Sweet Misery)'. How do you feel about the comeback?
Xdinary Heroes: We are truly happy to return with the new album 'LXVE to DEATH'. We delved deeply into the theme of 'love' for the first time, aiming to capture its various forms. We're thrilled to present seven different perspectives on love through each track. We hope you enjoy the lyrics and look forward to your support and love!
Q. The album title 'LXVE to DEATH' suggests a strong impression. Why did you choose 'LXVE' and what message do you want to convey with this album? Were there any new musical challenges?
Xdinary Heroes: We wanted to express love through the 'X', which is a part of Xdinary Heroes' identity. Musically, we explored new territories from traditional hard rock to electronic rock, showcasing seven different forms of love. We also aimed to leave room for interpretation in our message.
Q. All members contributed to the credits of the new album. How satisfied are you with the new release, and which track is your favorite?
Gunil: Every time we release an album, I feel there's a 2% that needs improvement. My favorite track is 'Lost and Found' for its intricately crafted sound.
Jungsu: I also love 'Lost and Found'. It's bright, but the lyrics are meant to evoke tears. I remember revising the lyrics until the last moment to enhance its completeness.
Gaon: I'm quite satisfied with this album. My favorite track is 'Lost and Found', especially witnessing Jun Han's growling, which was impressive. I'm excited for his future growth.
O.de: I usually have about 98% satisfaction with each album, striving to fill the remaining 2%. 'Spoiler!!!' became my favorite due to its catchy synth.
Jun Han: I'm about 80% satisfied with this album. I believe we have much potential to grow. My favorite track is 'ICU', especially the process of creating the final chorus line.
Jooyeon: I often feel a 5% regret with each album. I love 'LOVE ME 2 DEATH'. I was worried if we could pull it off, but completing it erased those concerns.
Q. Previous love songs like 'Good enough', 'AGAIN? AGAIN!', 'LOVE and FEAR', and 'more than i like' have distinct personalities. What did you want to convey with the new album expressing 'love'?
Xdinary Heroes: We wanted to express honest emotions that are hard to articulate through music. Each song's character offers a fresh perspective on love. Each member had different interpretations of 'love', making the process of finding expression enjoyable.
Q. Tell us about the title track 'ICU'. What are the key points to enjoy, and is there something you love so much you'd die for it?
Gunil: 'ICU' is our first attempt at a hard rock style for a title track, with an amazing guitar solo. What I love without regret is our fans, Villains.
Jungsu: For me, it's the people around me, like fans and family. I love them so much I'd die for them.
Gaon: 'ICU' was made for us to go wild on stage. What I love without regret is probably 'sleep'. (laughs)
O.de: 'ICU' signifies intense and deep love, with fun sections throughout. I love my family and Villains without regret.
Jun Han: 'ICU' expresses falling in love as a collision. I love Villains and my family without regret!
Jooyeon: Music is something I want to do until I die, something I truly love. I even dream of dying happily on stage. (laughs)
Q. Since debut, you've proven your stage prowess at various festivals. This year, you performed at 'Lollapalooza Chicago' and opened for MUSE's concert in Korea, among others. What are your thoughts and memorable moments?
Gunil: The most memorable moment was my drum solo during MUSE's opening performance. The audience's cheers made me truly happy.
Jungsu: I've learned how to lead performances through various stage experiences. The '2025 Busan International Rock Festival' was particularly fun.
Gaon: After each festival, I feel there's much room for improvement. It motivates me to work harder. MUSE's opening performance was a fantastic memory, both performing and enjoying as an audience.
O.de: I realized that if I'm genuinely immersed, the audience enjoys it too. The scene where everyone jumped during 'MONEYBALL' at MUSE's opening is still vivid.
Jun Han: Every stage is memorable. I'm grateful for the interest in Xdinary Heroes and it motivates me to create good music.
Jooyeon: At MUSE's concert, even those unfamiliar with us enjoyed our confident performance. It motivates me to work harder on music.
Q. Following your comeback, the finale of your world tour 'Xdinary Heroes World Tour' is scheduled for November. You've expanded your concert scale this year. How do you feel about performing at Jamsil Indoor Stadium, and what are the highlights of the finale? What makes Xdinary Heroes' stage unique?
Xdinary Heroes: It's our biggest solo concert stage, so we're both nervous and excited. The growing venues are thanks to our fans filling them with energy. Our stage's charm is the non-stop setlist and 'unwavering energy' that lets everyone have fun. The finale's highlight is wrapping up our journey and showcasing new performances.
Q. Xdinary Heroes' songs are praised for their enhanced charm on live stages. Which track from the new album are you most excited to perform live?
Gunil: I'm most excited for the title track 'ICU'. Its intense energy will surely be enjoyed by the audience.
Jungsu: 'Spoiler!!!' is expected to follow 'Money On My Mind' as a live favorite. It's a fun song for everyone to jump and enjoy.
Gaon: 'ICU' and 'Lost and Found' are both expected to be fan favorites. I'm excited for both.
O.de: I'm most excited for 'Spoiler!!!' because playing the synth is incredibly fun! (laughs)
Jun Han: 'Spoiler!!!' is expected to be enjoyable for both the audience and us, as fun and excitement are our concert's charm.
Jooyeon: I also choose 'Spoiler!!!'. It was made with the stage in mind, so I'm looking forward to it.
Q. As 2025 comes to a close, how close are you to achieving your goals set at the beginning of the year? What was the most memorable moment of 2025?
Gunil: It felt like a time of gradual progress. The most memorable moment will be the 'Beautiful Mind' finale concert with Villains.
Jungsu: My goal was to do my best every moment, and I think I've achieved that. I want to remain an artist who always strives.
Gaon: I've reached about 70% of my goals. It's been a satisfying year with evolving goals. The world tour moments are the most memorable.
O.de: I aim to be grateful and do my best in every moment. It's been a pretty good year. I'm grateful for the many people I've met. The moments of looking at countless Villains during our concerts are beautiful and valuable.
Jun Han: This year's final album is quite challenging... I want to successfully complete the comeback activities and beautifully wrap up the world tour finale.
Jooyeon: I feel we're getting closer. I hope more people enjoy and find happiness through our music.
Q. Lastly, as this album talks about 'love', what would you like to say to Villains who always show love and support?
Gunil: To our Villains who always give us more love and attention than we deserve, thank you for helping Xdinary Heroes grow. We'll repay your love with great music and performances. We love you!
Jungsu: You're like a tree that gives without holding back. Your love and support motivate me to continue making music.
Gaon: I'll be honest. I love you all so much. Haha! Stay healthy and let's live long, enjoying many good things together!!
O.de: Villains, who remind me to be grateful, thank you for always loving us. I'll return your love tenfold. I believe our love is truly felt. Let's love with all our might and have fun together.
Jun Han: Thank you, Villains, for your constant love and attention! I hope our music is a great reward. Let's continue to give and receive, living joyfully!
Jooyeon: I hope everyone can smile even in tough times!! I love you all♡
Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr