NEWBEAT Returns with 'LOUDER THAN EVER': A Bold Comeback with Global Aspirations

"Just by looking at us, you'll see we're all different. One of us is bound to be your type."

NEWBEAT, the group that honed their determination through a national trek, is making their first comeback with a broader vision. The group, consisting of Park Min-seok, Hong Min-sung, Jeon Yeo-yeo-jeong, Choi Seo-hyun, Kim Tae-yang, Jo Yun-hu, and Kim Ri-woo, recently sat down for an interview at the Ten Asia headquarters in Seoul to discuss their mini-album 'LOUDER THAN EVER'.

NEWBEAT is set to release their mini-album on the 6th, marking their first comeback. The album features a double title track system. The first title track, 'Look So Good', is a pop dance song that reinterprets the early 2000s pop R&B retro vibe with a modern twist. The second title track, 'LOUD', combines bass house with the energy of rock and hyperpop. Choi Seo-hyun hinted, "In our debut album, we showcased powerful and energetic performances. This time, we're going for a slightly sexier stage that suits both the season and our age."

It's been about eight months since their debut. Park Min-seok shared, "We've prepared diligently for our first comeback. We fiercely debated what image would resonate with our fans and the public, and we prepared with grit. It would be a lie to say I'm not nervous, but the excitement is greater." Jeon Yeo-yeo-jeong added, "We have the mindset of grinding our bones to break the stage."

The album features all English lyrics. Park Min-seok explained, "We want to introduce NEWBEAT to the world. Since English is widely spoken globally, we decided to try something new." He added, "We paid special attention to pronunciation, took many lessons, and practiced among ourselves. Members like Yoon-hoo, who have lived in the U.S., provided feedback to ensure it sounds natural."

The behind-the-scenes of the album preparation was also revealed. Kim Tae-yang shared, "We recorded in the U.S. The members love to eat, and there were so many delicious things. Bukchang-dong tofu soup was particularly memorable. We often ate burgers and tried dipping fries in milkshakes, which was trending, and we all got hooked." He continued, "It was tough to get back in shape after returning. Ri-woo and I lost about 9kg in a month by eating less and dancing until dawn."

To deliver a high-quality performance, the members even gave up their Chuseok holidays to focus on practice. Hong Min-sung said, "We practiced without a single day off, often finishing late at night." Park Min-seok expressed, "I regret not being able to visit my parents, but I hope they are proud of my dedication." Choi Seo-hyun added, "Everyone was physically exhausted, but we endured by supporting each other."

The national trek they undertook before debuting strengthened their bond. Park Min-seok reflected, "Having tough memories helps us endure by thinking 'it's not as hard as back then.' It was really tough at the time, and I didn't understand why we were doing it, but now it's a memory we recall during difficult times. I struggled a lot, but the members helped me through it." Jeon Yeo-yeo-jeong added, "Our greatest strength is our camaraderie."

Jeon Yeo-yeo-jeong, who previously debuted with TO1, shared his experience with the team. "My past experiences greatly help our team activities now. I think about how I can contribute to our teamwork and present a great stage," he said. Jo Yun-hu expressed gratitude, "In the beginning, everything was unfamiliar and challenging. Whenever I faced difficulties, Yeo-yeo-jeong hyung kindly explained how to navigate them. I still rely on him a lot."

There was concern about fans leaving during the hiatus. Hong Min-sung said, "We tried to communicate frequently to keep fans engaged. Whenever a festival was scheduled, we prepared with determination, thinking 'let's make sure they can't leave us.'" Park Min-seok confidently added, "Even if they looked away, they'll come back."

In September, they performed at the ATA Festival to great acclaim. When asked about the secret to their positive reception, Park Min-seok replied, "We've performed at many festivals since debuting. The experience and practice accumulated have created synergy." Kim Tae-yang joked, "One of us is bound to be someone's ideal type."

Returning with a new charm, NEWBEAT aims to captivate the public with their unique style. Park Min-seok stated, "I want people to say 'NEWBEAT is a genre.' Like BTS and other famous seniors, we want to be known for our diverse music, as evidenced by our debut album being a full-length one."

NEWBEAT's mini-album 'LOUDER THAN EVER' will be released at noon today.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr