Recently, we found ourselves virtually united with the rising K-pop boy group, n.SSign. Despite the miles that separated us, the privilege of an e-meeting allowed us to talk about their pre-debut, their debut release, and why each of the members wanted to become an idol.

Having experienced their musical endeavour from their pre-debut releases, including SALTY and the repackage album Monologue, to their spectacular debut EP, BIRTH OF COSMO, we were left astounded by the creativity of their production quality, choreography, and vocal strength. Just listen to Higher from their latest release; it is a superb track. And before exploring the story of their debut EP, we rewound the clock and learned about their individual journeys into K-pop. Did they always harbour dreams of becoming idols, or did fate intervene to guide them on this incredible voyage?

With a debut that took place in August of this year, n.SSign has already impressed many, including us. Their powerful vocals really took our breath away. BIRTH OF COSMO itself features a diverse collection of songs, each with its own interesting sound and message. We would like you to sit back, relax, and enjoy reading this exclusive interview with n.SSign.

View of the Arts: It is such a pleasure to virtually meet you guys. Although you are in Korea and I am in the UK, I am very honoured to be able to chat with you. After listening to your pre-debut release, I am absolutely stunned at how great all your songs have been so far. How did these pre-debut albums prepare you for your official debut, and what did you learn from those experiences? 

n.SSign: Throughout the pre-debut period, we think performing many shows and working together helped us a lot with our official debut. We think that if it weren’t for that pre-preparation period, it would have been hard for our official debut to go so smoothly. 

VOA: Before we discuss your debut EP, I would like to know how your journey began when it comes to K-pop. Did you always dream of a career as an idol? 

KAZUTA: I’ve loved doing things in public ever since I was a kid. As soon as I saw an idol, whether on TV or in public, I thought it would be cool to be one. At first, I thought it was something that I couldn’t do, but I’m glad I have the courage to do it now.

EDDIE: Prior to becoming an idol, I was living a normal college life. I was studying business administration at a university, but the pandemic forced the university to switch to online classes. Because of this, I was able to come to Korea, which was the safest at the time, and I attended a dance academy and took Hip-hop classes as a hobby in my spare time. I had a lot of fun because I worked as a part of a high school dance team. And with the encouragement of my classmates and teachers, I started auditioning, and after passing several auditions, I joined my current company.

DOHA: I used to be a vocalist in a band because I liked singing and being on stage. I think that’s when I started dreaming of becoming an idol. 

JUNHYEOK: I gave up taekwondo and challenged myself to become an idol. I thought that becoming an idol would be the most suitable job for me while giving people hope through music. 

SUNGYUN: [As crazy as it may sound], when I was young, I was worried about living without my parents’ help, so I chose the job of an idol. At first, I thought I needed money to avoid my parents’ help. I recklessly ran looking for money, but now, [when I look back at what I have achieved so far], I think being an idol is a job that I really like.

ROBIN: Seeing my schoolmate’s dream of becoming an idol in Korea made me want to do it as well! So, here I am. 

HANJUN: I started dancing in a church missionary group when I was young. I began to dream of becoming an idol since I was nine years old. 

LAURENCE: When I was young, my family participated in a singer audition programme. I’ve always sang at home, and I also grew up in that [creative] environment. I’ve honestly liked singing since I was a young kid.  

HUIWON: I covered Wanna One’s song Energetic during a festival when I was in middle school. I couldn’t forget how I felt when I memorised the dance [choreography] and finished [my performance] safely. I liked that performance so much that I wanted to become an idol. 

VOA: You debuted in August of this year, and you have already proved that you are driven by success. You have such piercing vocals as well! BIRTH OF COSMO features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique sound. Can you give us some insights into the themes and concepts behind the songs on this album?

n.SSign: We wanted to tell the story of n.SSign through the song Higher. And we think it’s a very fun album because all the songs have different vibes. We also wanted to show you all the colourful charms of n.SSign’s members.

VOA: Wormhole: New Track has an eerie and mysterious vibe. Can you share more about the inspiration behind this song and its music video? 

n.SSign: [As a group, we really] wanted to show the colours of n.SSign since they’re what differentiate us from other groups, and we made a music video where each person finds their own self. 

VOA: Also, the choreography for Wormhole: New Track seems to be quite complex. What was the creative process for designing the choreography for this song? Who was the fastest to learn the dance moves? 

n.SSign: HANJUN was the quickest to memorise and lead the group’s members. [With this choreography] we wanted to show the advantages of a multi-person group, so we included choreography that expresses a wormhole and various dance compositions that are spread between four and five members. 

VOA: Melody has a light and upbeat tune to it; it also gives me an old-school K-pop vibe. Can you tell us about the message and inspiration behind this song? 

n.SSign: The composer [who was responsible for that song] actually wrote a lot of songs for second-generation idols. We recorded it with the hope that everyone who listens to it will be happy. 

VOA: I must admit that Home has become one of my favourite songs from BIRTH OF COSMO. It is a soulful track that really shows the power of your vocals. What emotions and themes are explored in this song, and why did you choose it to close the album? 

n.SSign: First of all, thank you for saying Home is your favourite song! You know, through this song, we wanted to comfort many people who are tired and struggle in the world. It’s a song that our members got a lot of comfort from while practicing and recording as well. 

VOA: As a group of ten members, how do you maintain a cohesive sound while also allowing each member to shine individually in your music? 

n.SSign: I think it’s very helpful to have vocal practice time as a group. Doha and Sungyun usually lead the vocal practice, which helps the group a lot.

VOA: Are there any artists or musical influences that have had a significant impact on the development of n.SSign’s musical style? And what are your personal favourite music genres and artists? 

KAZUTA: I like Rock bands these days! There’s a group called One Ok Rock. I’m always encouraged by the lyrics they write. Listening to the song We Are helps me get rid of all my worries.

EDDIE: I’ve been a fan of BTS since high school. Thanks to them, my interest in K-pop grew, and I eventually started dancing and joined a school dance team. Their performances and energy on stage have had a great influence on how I perform. Other than K-pop, my favourite music genres are Pop and Hip-hop. These days, I listen to songs by Jayci Yucca, Pateko, Kid Wine, and Western artists, including Justin Bieber, Harry Styles, and Metro Boomin. 

DOHA: I like SHINee’s Jonghyun and EXO’s Baekhyun the most. They always give me strength and comfort with their songs. I’d like to be that kind of artist one day.

JUNHYEOK: I like 10cm. I like many different artists, [having said that], I’ve fallen in love with 10cm’s very unique vocals. 

SUNGYUN: I like BTOB. Personally, I like ballads, and BTOB’s songs are all different. [That’s why I find them interesting]. 

ROBIN: I love BTS a lot! I want to try many different styles like them, and I want to help and support many people through our music. 

HANJUN: I like EXO and SHINee. I think it’s the essence of K-pop, and I dreamed of becoming an idol while looking up to these two groups. 

LAURENCE: I love lyrical country music. I like Taylor Swift’s music the most. No matter how the concept changes, whether it’s an old song or a current song, it seems that she keeps her unique vibe; I always get strength from her songs. 

HUIWON: I personally like the music of Dean and J-Hope of BTS. I am often inspired by their music. 

VOA: When you are not working, what do you do to get away from it all and relax?

KAZUTA: I used to never go out, but these days, I go to a lot of places where I can heal. For example, the Han River in Korea! I like the night view these days, so I want to find scenic places to enjoy it!

EDDIE: Watching movies and YouTube videos. 

DOHA: I’ve been studying Japanese. I enjoy buying and studying books on vocalisation. I’m also interested in songwriting. Also, I like taking walks and resting in bed.  

JUNHYEOK: I like meeting my friends and playing games.

SUNGYUN: I study Japanese, exercise, and rest in bed. 

ROBIN: I like listening to music and taking a walk.

HANJUN: I like taking a walk while listening to music. I also enjoy playing games and watching dramas.

LAWRENCE: I like walking and listening to music. I also like hanging-out with my friends. 

HUIWON: I like to spend my time reading books or playing games. 

VOA: What can fans expect from n.SSign in the coming months, and do you have any messages for your UK’s supporters as you continue your journey in the music industry? 

n.SSign: Hello, COSMO from the UK. We will continue to work hard to become artists who can comfort you and give you good energy through music, so please continue to show us lots of interest and love! We want to have a concert in the UK someday and see you in person. Please show a lot of love for n.SSign!

Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler

_{View of the Arts is an 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.}