NINE.i debuted in 2022 with their 1st mini-album NEW WORLD and have since gone on to impress the audience with their unique worldview as they combine humanities with science, technology and culture. The members have built up their fan bases in Korea and Japan through performances such as at the 29th Dream Concert in Busan where they were voted second place in Dream Rookie and 2023 KCON in Japan, as well as their own fan concerts in Tokyo and Osaka. NINE.i have now set their sights further abroad and wish to expand their fanbase even more.

On the 3rd of August, the group released NEW MIND. It is their 3rd mini-album starting with N out of a 5-part series with NINE.i as the initial letter; containing the message of Nine Eyes. The message is that in modern society where the default mode is activated, running away, freezing, fighting, and living only by instinct, it is possible to push a button to escape from such a state to head for the happy paradise mode. The music video for Turn it off, the title track off of the mini-album, was filmed in collaboration with Unreal Engine at VA Studio Asia’s largest virtual studio, and the song itself was 100% done using the VR, making it the first K-pop MV to do so.

The group‘s discography boasts variety with many of the songs off their last mini-albums NEW WORLD and  I (Part 1) bringing feelings of longing. The songs also allow fans to relax and unwind as they are transported to their happy paradise. The music holds an extra depth to it with the input coming directly from NINE.i’s members themselves, with VAHN having credits on every mini-album release the group has had, as well as JOO HYOUNG getting involved in the songwriting process too. On top of that, the young men have truly harmonic voices that work together effortlessly. And recently, View of the Arts had the opportunity to ask questions to the group ahead of the release of NEW MIND.

Before we discuss your 3rd mini-album, NEW MIND, I would like to know more about you as artists. You debuted not too long ago, and you have already gained a huge number of followers. When you look at your life right now, and before we discuss your new release, have all of you thought of having a musical career when you were younger?

Minjun: When I was in the 3rd grade of elementary school, I dreamed of becoming a singer after watching the performances of second-generation idol seniors. However, I faced opposition from my family and ended up majoring in modern dance with a similar resolution. I was able to start the journey of my dream only after finishing the university entrance exam. [That said], I also think that modern dance has become a great asset to me and helped me a lot when creating dance choreography. I guess it’s that special feeling of dance and K-pop that [always] work together well.

Eden: I was a student who loved to dance and sing. It became a hobby naturally after I went to the University Advertising Creation Department. But at some point, I thought, ‘I want to make this my career’, and found myself immersed in dancing and singing. It felt like I had found my ‘real dream’. I immediately took a leave of absence and worked hard to become a trainee. After going through more than 100 auditions and two companies, I made my debut as a group ‘NINE.i’ and started working [as an idol].

Your music video for Turn it off was filmed entirely in VR. How did you find this experience knowing that it was the first K-pop Music Video to be 100% virtual? 

Seowon: It was my first time filming a music video in a 100% virtual space, so everything was amazing. It was the largest virtual studio in Korea, so the space was really big, projecting 3D space onto an LED wall. And it was so cool and beautifully expressed that I was amazed at how real it was.

The first two instalments of your series, New World and I (Part 1) were about escaping modern society to a happy paradise. Where for each of you would you describe to be your happy paradise? 

Jewon: ‘NINE.i’, who welcomed a new world, found the true me in the 2nd mini-album, and with the new thoughts appearing in it, you can view it as a process of growing once again in this 3rd mini-album. The moment I can stand on stage in front of the fans as a mature young man is a happy paradise for me.

Vahn and Joo Hyoung, you two both have credits on this album, how did you enter into the production space? And how do you find it writing and producing for artists compared to working for Nine.I?

Vahn: I’ve been writing lyrics, composing, and arranging since the first album, and I’ve been preparing for this album for a really long time. I prepared really hard regardless of the place and time. These songs were written based on experiences, so the emotions of ‘NINE.i’ are melted into this release, and I hope you listen to this album [and experience those emotions with us]. 

Joo Hyung: I remember having fun working with ‘Vahn’ on this album. We were able to show our own colours and [what our hearts hold when it comes to our feelings]. 

How did you find working with Sweetune knowing that they have worked with pioneering K-pop groups such as KARA, Infinite and SS501?  

Vahn: The ‘Sweetune’ composer is a famous K-pop composer, and I’ve been listening to his songs a lot. Through this album, I learned a lot while working with such an established producer, and it was great to see myself grow [throughout the production process]. I also learnt to believe in myself more. I went through a lot of hardships, but I believe that all the experiences that accumulated in me turned into a good song.

NEW MIND has been your first release in over a year, during your time away have you had the opportunity to develop any new skills?  

Vari: Apparently, the part I paid the most attention to in this album was that I wanted to grow more in terms of skills and visuals compared to the previous album. I worked hard to improve my skills, and the fact that I have pink hair also expressed the concept of this album.

Which song from the new album would you recommend to your fans and why? 

Vahn: Turn it off! When I stay in a noisy city for a long time, there are many times when I want to go to the countryside. [Through this song]. I want to tell the fans to switch off for a moment and relax when their mind is [filled with busy thoughts, worries and noises].

Vari: I want i.ENIN to hear the song called Power Up the most. Because i.ENIN was very much looking forward to a refreshing song suitable for Summer. And since they often told us they missed us, we wanted to tell Power up to i.ENIN the most!

Eden: It is One. It’s the intro song of our new album, and while preparing for our comeback, we felt that the members of ‘NINE.i’ are one and [this song reflects that].

You have yet to go on your first tour. Could we expect to see you in London anytime soon? 

Jiho: Of course we want to go to London! We want to meet i.ENIN in the UK! We will work hard until we can visit the UK and meet fans on stage. Please love us and support us! See you in London, [hopefully soon].

Do you have any messages that you would like to give to your UK audience?  

Seowon: Through SNS, we saw i.ENIN in the UK who loves NINE.i. I’ve never been to the UK, but I’m so grateful for sending love like this. I’m going to meet the British i.ENIN soon, so please wait for us!

Written and interviewed by Claire Campion

Featured image © FirstOne Entertainment

_{View of the Arts is a British online publication that chiefly deals with films, music, and art, with an emphasis on the Asian entertainment industry. We are hoping our audience will grow with us as we begin to explore new platforms such as K-pop / K-music, and Asian music in general, and continue to dive into the talented and ever-growing scene of film, music, and arts, worldwide.}