EPEX Talks About Struggles, Their Newest EP "Prelude Of Love Chapter 2. 'Growing Pains'", And Favorite Songs | Exclusive Interview

EPEX is an eight member boy group under C9 Entertainment consisting of members WISH, KEUM, MU, A-MIN, BAEKSEUNG, AYDEN, YEWANG, and JEFF. Their group name is described as meaning "the gathering of eight youths reaching eight different apexes."

EPEX debuted on June 8, 2021 with their first EP titled "BIPOLAR, Pt. 1: Prelude of Anxiety". After releasing their title track, 'Lock Down,' and performing on SBS MTV's "The Show," EPEX was nominated for 1st place, which was an impressive feat as they had just debuted 15 days prior. This catapulted them into headlines, making them one of the most anticipated groups of 2021.

EPEX was number one in sales among K-Pop groups and idols who debuted in 2021 and their popularity was so impressive that they were chosen as a global super rookie in the Hanteo Global K-Pop Report, marking them as a fourth-generation K-Pop group representative.

Since then, the group has released more EPs and went on their first international concert tour in the fall. And most recently, they released their fifth EP, titled "Prelude of Love Chapter 2: 'Growing Pains'." This particular EP is said to focus more on the details of the boys going through their first breakup. Every track in the EP takes listeners through the different stages of emotions that one may feel while experiencing their first heartbreak. They also came out with a music video for the song 'Sunshower' which has been delighting fans for its up-tempo Pop-Dance sound, perfect for summer!

Kpopmap had the honor of hopping onto a Zoom call for an exciting roundtable interview with the group to discuss their newest EP release and comeback.

Your title track is 'Sunshower.' It describes a rainy day with the sunshine, so it represents two contrasting images and has a very deep meaning. How did you portray all those feelings in the song?

Our new title track 'Sunshower' tells a story of a boy's broken heart from the breakup through a very fresh, bubbly melody. So it matches the song's title which carries a contrasting meaning of 'raining while the sun is shining'. We tried to express such contrast by acting like we're numb, just like the heartbroken boy would act like he's not hurt from love at all.
WISH

If you could define yourself in one word, what would that word be?

For me, these days... I keep think of the word 'butterfly'. The reason is, hmm, I think I wish to be free like a butterfly.
JEFF
Personally, I think I can describe our group as growing pains, just like our new album. We're all growing as we face various challenges and experiences, so I think we fit into the word 'growing pains'.
KEUM
If I were to describe us in one word, it has to be EPEX in my opinion. I believe EPEX is now our pronoun because it represents eight boys coming together to create eight peaks.
BAEKSEUNG

What do you think is the difference between the 'Prelude of Love' and 'Prelude of Anxiety' series, and how does 'Growing Pains' album fit into the 'Prelude of Love' series?

The 'Prelude of Anxiety' series represents anxiety you would go through in your adolescence, while the 'Prelude of Love' series talks about more complex emotions evolved from young love, such as anxiety and raw feeling of love. Our fifth mini album is also about growing from love, so I think it fits well into the 'Prelude of Love' series.
WISH

What artist have you heard/listened to recently?

I've been listening to The Kid LAROI a lot lately. The song I'm into these days is 'WITHOUT YOU.'
JEFF
'Snow' by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
AYDEN
Dean's 'instagram'.
KEUN
'Cozy' by Dept
A-MIN
'Maps' by Maroon 5.
WISH
I've been listening to '458' by CIX.
YEWANG
I love 'Event Horizon' by our senior, Younha.
BAEKSEUNG
These days, I feel like... 'Sunshower'!
MU

C9 ENTERTAINMENT

In comparison to your last comeback, what new side of yourself do you get to show through this comeback?

Our previous album was more like a festival that celebrates the beginning of love, and this new album, on the contrary, represents a boy's first breakup. Therefore, our new title track is more sad yet expresses a boy's growth into a young man.
BAEKSEUNG
In addition, our previous album focused more on the road to love, while this album represents the road to breakup.
WISH

C9 ENTERTAINMENT

Were there any struggles you faced while preparing for this album or this comeback?

On top of learning our own song's choreography, we did cover contents of other artists. That actually required a high level of memorization.
AYDEN
Also, since our title song's melody and lyrics are in quite contrasting vibes, it was a little challenging to truly blend the lyrics and express that message through the melody.
WISH

C9 ENTERTAINMENT

What's your favorite song from the 5th EP?

My personal favorite is 'SKYLINE'.
JEFF
For me, it's the title track 'Sunshower'.
AYDEN
My favorite song is 'Goodbye, My First Love'.
KEUM
Same!
A-MIN
'Sunshower'.
WISH
My favorite is 'My Darling'.
YEWANG
'Sunshower'!
BAEKSEUNG
My favorite song is the title song.
MU
'Sunshower.'
AYDEN

C9 ENTERTAINMENT

Why did you each pick the song as your favorite?

I picked 'Goodbye, My First Love' as my favorite because its composition and vibe are more calm when compared to those of the title track. Also, this is the first time to have a choreography for such a coupling song. I think it would be fun to watch our performances for both 'Sunshower' and 'Goodbye, My First Love' and really understand what our new album consists of.
A-MIN

C9 ENTERTAINMENT

What do EPEX think makes them stand out among the other groups out there right now?

In my opinion, we're talking for people in their 10s and 20s. We're blending the stories we experience and hear as young people into our music, and we want to create music that can be encouraging and comforting. That's how we wish to show EPEX's unique color.
KEUM

C9 ENTERTAINMENT

What are they most excited in terms of your growth with this latest release?

When we were preparing and practicing for this album, all of us had a lot of fun. So we're looking forward to really enjoy this album's activities with ZENITH and create good memories with them.
A-MIN

Thank-you, again EPEX for giving us the chance to hear more about your new EP! We wish you all the health and love in the world for your careers and we hope you shine bright!

If you haven't already, make sure you pick up their new EP and check out their music video:

As well as one of their B-side 'Goodbye, My First Love' below: