Enhypen heightened expectations for their mini-album comeback through 'DESIRE Concept Cinema.'
On the afternoon of the 11th, a premiere event and press conference for the mini-album 'DESIRE: UNLEASH' concept cinema 'DESIRE Concept Cinema' took place at Megabox COEX in Gangnam, Seoul. During the press conference, Enhypen members and director Park Min-soo participated and shared stories about the film.
'DESIRE Concept Cinema' is a short film visualizing the concept of the mini-album 'DESIRE: UNLEASH.' On this day, Enhypen held the 'DESIRE Concept Cinema Premier Event,' allowing fans to meet them at the movie theater a day before the main release.
On this day, director Park Min-soo was asked about the opportunity to work on 'DESIRE Concept Cinema,' and he said, "I was grateful for the chance to work with Enhypen. I thought it would be fun to create something that captures the desires and human aspects of a vampire concept. Nowadays, there are many contents like music videos, so I was pleased when they suggested a longer short film, as someone who has worked on films before." He also noted about the completed work, "If the fans and Enhypen are satisfied, then I'm satisfied."
He continued, "The overall theme of the film is the desires of vampires, and within that, there are three types of vampires. One yearns for blood, while another tries to suppress it and find their humanity. A vampire appearing on a talk show shows the conflict between these two. I wanted to creatively direct that conflicting vampire experience."
When Jung-won was asked about his feelings regarding releasing the 'DESIRE: UNLEASH' concept cinema following last year's second full-length album 'ROMANCE: UNTOLD,' he expressed, "When I learned I would be working with the director, I understood it would be a documentary or that he would provide detailed direction. In fact, during the shooting, having the teacher next to me offered a lot of detailed teaching, which was very helpful."
He also shared, "Experience seems to be the most significant help. In real-life situations, we can't really bite someone. It's through video or such opportunities that I learn a lot. When filming such videos for the first time, I didn't know how the results would turn out, which was challenging. However, as I kept completing videos, I learned that certain expressions lead to specific outcomes, and certain words sound a certain way. This accumulated experience was very helpful."
Heeseung discussed the connection between the mini-album set to be released next month and the concept cinema, stating, "Personally, I think the main theme of the video is desire. The director explained desire well, so since our upcoming album's title is 'DESIRE,' it is important that the keyword of desire is connected. I'm not sure how the fans will view this, but I hope they look into that connection deeply." He added, "A monster appeared in the story. Isn't the monster a representation of desire? I'd like for you to see it from that perspective."
When Sunoo was asked about the meaning of transitioning from expressing 'love' in their second full album to 'desire,' he remarked, "Before, we expressed more innocent love, but this time, I feel we've upgraded to a more mature appearance. I think those aspects stood out a lot."
When asked if there were any works he referenced while acting, Jay replied, "I used 'Talk Show with the Devil' as a motif since the background is similar. The overall story background comes from watching clips of that. For my personal character, I referenced the character played by Tom Ellis in the series 'Lucifer,' which I've loved. Since it's about a somewhat arrogant and proud spiritual being meeting people from the real world, I used that character as a reference."
Jake expressed, "Every time we do this kind of filming, it feels different from a music video. It was nerve-wracking, and the atmosphere was different, which could feel awkward, but both the director and our teacher were very helpful, allowing us to immerse ourselves into it. I tried to immerse myself as much as possible." He emphasized that regarding his favorite scene, "All the scenes I'm in," adding, "Since it's a short film, I believe that every second has significance and importance. I want to say that we all did well. I would appreciate it if everyone watched it."
When asked about the aspects he pondered while expressing the changed concept, Sunghoon remarked, "While filming, the nuance of the lines and timing was crucial since I had to act while delivering my lines. I think the timing was well-informed, and the director, who understands the entire atmosphere of this cinema perfectly, showed us how to express this mood well."
The members shared the keywords they associate with this concept cinema. Niki said, "Love, complicated love," while Sunoo stated, "Desire to possess." Jake mentioned, "Desire. The album was made surrounding desire," Heeseung described it as "Ticklish. That feeling of 'I shouldn't do this.'" Jay explained, "Change. From a broad view, it may seem similar to the previous album, but even if the same goal exists, I think it presents significant changes in the way of thinking." Jung-won conveyed, "Blood taste. I think the vibe of this title track is notably different from before," and Sunoo added, "Enhypen. It's our song."
This mini-album is also the first new release following the warm response Enhypen received at Coachella. Jake shared, "We had already completed the album before going to Coachella. We balanced both the preparations for Coachella and the album, and since so many people liked us at Coachella, we had fun performing on stage. I think many people have become more interested in Enhypen. In light of that interest, I hope many will be attentive to the upcoming album."
Since the concept cinema has opened the door to comeback promotions, Jake was asked what kind of charm he wishes to show through this album, he confidently replied, "I feel like this album has a distinct Enhypen flavor. So I think even for those who are seeing us for the first time, they can see our colors and charms well, even if this is their first time with the album."
He continued, "Desire is a recurring keyword, and I believe everyone has desire. Since it is human instinct, having desires is essential, as it's a goal for living life. It's greed, too. I think desire is a way for Enhypen to showcase our music and performances to more people. Given that we have many preparations this year as well, our goal and desire for this 2025 is to achieve good results and present everything we have prepared successfully."
Finally, Niki expressed, "There isn't much time left until the comeback. After returning from Coachella, I've been diligently preparing for this album, and I hope the fans will like it too. Please wait a bit longer until June 5th." Heeseung added, "The album project has also been extremely fun and passionately made, so we have prepared many enjoyable things for the fans, so please stay tuned. And we are always preparing to ensure enjoyable times with the fans during our activities, so let's see each other soon."
Jake mentioned, "It feels like I haven't seen fans in Korea for a long time, and it's nice. A new album will be released on June 5th, and I think it has turned out well. Not just the concept cinema, but overall, it seems highly perfected, so I believe the fans will definitely like it. Please give it a lot of interest." Sunghoon added, "I appreciate the attention on this mini-album, and please watch today’s rising cinema too."
Jung-won stated, "The full-fledged comeback promotion starts today, beginning with the concept cinema. Please watch it a lot; the results have come out well. You can expect good things," while Sunoo emphasized, "The results we've worked hard to film will soon be revealed to the fans, and I appreciate your love. Seeing everyone like this makes the comeback feel real. I hope the comeback day approaches quickly. Please wait a bit longer until then."
Jay mentioned, "Before going to Coachella, we almost completed the album, and ultimately it was all within the roadmap. I thought we would successfully showcase everything at Coachella and present a polished album; it turned out well. Since my job is not related to acting, I enjoyed the fun and valuable opportunity to work with the director; it has been a joyful experience. The director, writer, acting teacher, and all cast members worked together tirelessly, and I'm grateful for creating a good piece; I firmly believe the fans will love it and ask for their interest and support." Director Park Min-soo also expressed, "I am happy that the result of the hard work over the past few months is being screened, and I was pleased to work with Enhypen. Everyone did well, and I hope the fans enjoy it."
[Photo] OSEN's Lee Dae-seon
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