Cover Story: ENHYPEN's JUNGWON and NI-KI share an Unbreakable Bond

Just slightly over two months ago, seven-member K-pop group ENHYPEN whipped their fans in Singapore and the region into a complete frenzy with two sold-out shows. The concerts — part of the band’s ‘FATE’ world tour — were the septet’s first here, and give a good taste of what is to come for the fourth-generation K-pop act’s upcoming tour dates in US cities like Anaheim, Oakland and Tacoma. For ENGENEs (the group’s fans) eager to reconnect with ENHYPEN in a big way since their visit in late January, you’re in luck. L’OFFICIEL SINGAPORE caught up with two of the group’s members, JUNGWON and NI-KI, a week after they made their much-talked-about appearance at the Bulgari Studio event in Seoul.

Hi JUNGWON and NI-KI! We met you briefly last September at the Prada Mode event in Seoul. Since then, you released Orange Blood, and had numerous shows of ENHYPEN’s world tour. You also visited Singapore. What were some memorable moments from your trip to Singapore?

[JUNGWON] Our time in Singapore during the ‘FATE’ tour was absolutely unforgettable. The energy from ENGENEs was so electrifying and we could even hear their cheers through our in-ear monitors. I also remember how much I enjoyed the refreshing air despite the hot weather. We got to visit Gardens by the Bay in the afternoon, and I want to return to experience its beauty at night.

[NI-KI] It was our first time visiting Singapore, as part of the Asian leg of our tour, and it left us with so many great memories. The heated enthusiasm of ENGENEs really fuelled our performances, and exploring Merlion Park was a fun experience. I’m already looking forward to coming back next time!

What else have you been busy with in the six months since we saw you in Seoul?

[JUNGWON] We’ve been fully engaged in our world tour and award shows during the latter half of last year, but amidst these busy days, we’ve had the chance to ref lect and grow, for which I’m deeply grateful. All seven of us are consistently striving to showcase our improvement for ENGENEs, so please stay tuned for what we have in store this year!

On South Korea’s Hanteo Chart, Orange Blood sold more than 1.38 million copies on the first day alone. Orange Blood was also number one on Billboard’s World Albums chart. Do you remember how you celebrated these accomplishments?

[NI-KI] It didn’t really hit me when we were in the middle of it all, but when I witnessed ENGENEs’ reactions at our concerts and music shows, I realised how much love ENGENEs have for us. We congratulated each other on our accomplishments, while also motivating one another to keep doing better.

ENHYPEN is about coming together to connect, discover and grow together. At this point in 2024, how far has ENHYPEN come in connecting and growing as a team since 2020?

[JUNGWON] I often review the videos of our performances, and just from that, I can sense our progression with each stage we step onto. As we spend more time on stage, I think we learn how to control our mindset and nurture stronger connections with each other, which ultimately enables us to deliver an even better and a more cohesive performance.

Could you also tell us how you’ve developed and grown personally?

[JUNGWON] On a personal level, I feel much more mature than I did during my debut days, in terms of both how I look and my career. As an artist, I think I’ve developed a strong sense of responsibility towards my job. Please look forward to witnessing further growth from me!

[NI-KI] Compared to our first world tour ‘MANIFESTO’ in 2022, I can really feel the significant progress within myself and our members during the ‘FATE’ tour. I’m committed to pushing myself to grow further.

Over these four years so far, are there any moments that you are proudest of?

[JUNGWON] I felt extremely proud when many of our company staff complimented us on how much we’ve improved over the years after watching our show.

[NI-KI] Last September, we headlined our own show at Tokyo Dome, and performing in front of my parents in such a big and historic venue was a very meaningful experience for me.

You’ll soon be doing a number of tour dates in US cities in late April and early May. What are you looking forward to most, and what can your US fans expect?

[NI-KI] During the last tour, ENGENEs’ cheers gave us so much energy while we were performing and motivated us to keep going. I’ve truly missed that energy since the tour ended, so I’m eagerly looking forward to the upcoming tour and the opportunity to create more special memories together! Plus, I hope ENGENEs are excited about my newly added solo dance break and the choreography for ‘FATE’.

You’ve been busy concurrently touring and releasing music since last July. Have you had any simple rituals to help you destress and keep you happy over this period of time?

[JUNGWON] Even on my busiest days, I always try to make some time to watch my favourite movies, to just unwind. I also enjoy taking walks.

Could you tell us what your goals are for the rest of this year, and what ENGENEs can expect from ENHYPEN in the months ahead?

[JUNGWON] We’re putting in a lot of effort into our comeback, and I can promise you that this album is, again, a ‘no-skip’ album. Also, we have a tour lined up for the first half of this year. We’re excited to demonstrate how much we’ve grown from our tour through the new album, so please stay tuned, ENGENEs!

[NI-KI] We’re currently working on a new album, and I’m thrilled for ENGENEs to listen to it. Every member of our team is putting in dedicated effort around the clock, all with ENGENEs in mind. We’re very much looking forward to this album and hope you join us in our excitement.

Photography KIM MINJU
Styling IM HYERIM
Hair JEON HOON and AHN CHIHYUN
Makeup OH GAYOUNG
Set design JEON YEABYUL
Videography LEE WONGUL
Gaffer LEE SEUNGWON
Production KIM YOU HAH
On-set production SEONG GEE SOO
Photography assistants HWANG INJAE, JUNG MYUNGHWAN, LEE HAEJI and LEE JEONGBIN
Set design assistants KWON OHMIN and BAE SEOCKJIN
Videography assistants HEO YUN and CHOI AYEONG
Gaffer assistants SHIN JAEWON, LEE YOUNGSUK and KIM ELI