[Mini Interview] From Omega X to OX:N: A Sub-Unit’s Journey of Musical Exploration and Identity7/25/2025 Dyani R.  Credit: IPQ “Feel-good guys” is how Yechan describes the four-member sub-unit OX:N. Formed from the K-pop boy group Omega X, OX:N consists of members Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, and Yechan. The group has explained that the unit’s concept centers around symbolism, maturity, and musical exploration. OX:N debuted on June 20 with their first EP, N. The five-track EP showcases their ability to seamlessly transition between genres. The members sat down to discuss their debut, the experience of making music as a sub-unit, and their group identity. *Questions asked by other publications ; answers have been modified for clarity “If you could describe OX:N’s identity in three words, what would they be and why?” Yechan: “ I’ll say one thing. Feel good guys.” Xen: “FGG…Does anyone have other ideas?” Jaehan: “He already gave a good answer.” Xen: “I’ll say… What was it? Nice face Xen” “As a smaller unit, do you feel a stronger sense of creative freedom or responsibility?” Jaehan: “I feel a stronger sense of responsibility. When we had 11 members, there was this subtle feeling that someone else would cover a certain part if I didn't. But now that it's just the four of us in OX:N, it's more like, "if I don’t do it, no one else will." That shift has made me take more responsibility, and I think that mindset pushes us in a better direction.” Xen: “I actually feel a stronger sense of creative freedom. When there were 11 of us, I had to convince 10 other people to get on board with my ideas. But now, ok only need to persuade three, so I think I’ve gained more freedom to try things I’ve always wanted to do in this new environment.” “Some tracks on ‘N’ embraced the retro sound. Who shaped your music taste and inspired you when you were younger?”* Yechan: “When I was younger. I was really into Maroon 5’s music. I grew up listening to their album, Songs About Jane, which features “This Love” Xen: “A band just popped into my head. Do you know Muse? Their song “Time is Running Out” suddenly came to mind.” Jehyun: “Rain, a Korean singer, was someone I really looked up to growing up. Watching him as a kid left a strong impression on me, and I felt a deep sense of respect for him.” Jaehan: “I'll go back to what Xen said because I also agree with him. When I first started a band back in middle school, the first song we played was Muse's "Time Is Running Out." Rock has consistently been my favorite style of music, and I feel like Muse was the band that made rock more approachable and accessible for me” “This is the first sub-unit of Omega X. How does it feel to be in a smaller group, and what are the positive and challenging aspects of this situation.”* Yechan: “One of the strengths is that when we're moving or waiting, everything takes about half the time compared to when we're moving as an 11-member group. We can also use our energy more efficiently. But one of the challenges we always think about during performances is how to fill the stage with just four members. We constantly think about ways to make our performances feel full and powerful with fewer people.” “What do you hope to show to the public, your fans, and even to yourselves through this unit?”* Yechan: “As mentioned earlier, we want to show everyone the FGG, "feel good guys," side of us. Over the past half year, there weren't many chances to meet our fans, and now that our album is out and we have finally started seeing them. I think there might have been moments where fans felt a bit of longing or disappointment, so moving forward, we want to make sure there's none of that. We'll do our best to make everything we do feel like the most exciting and fulfilling part of the day, like having a favorite hobby. We want to be artists who always bring joy and satisfaction through performances.” With their debut EP N, OX:N introduces a fresh chapter not only for themselves but also for the evolving sound of Omega X. By embracing symbolism, maturity, and genre versatility, the sub-unit sets a distinct tone that separates them while staying true to their roots. As Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, and Yechan continue to explore new musical landscapes together, OX:N is proving that sub-units can be more than just a side project—they can be a powerful expression of artistry in their own right.  Credit: IPQ
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Dyani R.  Credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT Looking for your next favorite Korean rock band? Look no further than the five-member band Catch The Young. Under EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT, Sani, Jungmo, Kihoon, Namhyun, and Junyong debuted in 2023 with their first mini-album, Catch The Young: Fragments of Youth. Since then, the band has been steadily building on their success, producing outstanding musical projects and gracing the stages of multiple music festivals throughout South Korea. The B.E.L.U. lineup had the opportunity to sit down with the group to chat about their most recent release, "이상형 (Ideal Type)," reflect on their growth since debut, and discuss where they see themselves in the future. *Questions asked by other publications ; answers have been modified for clarity. “Congratulations on your comeback with ‘Ideal Type’. Since your debut in 2023 with ‘Fragments of Youth’ to your latest release, how has your creative sound evolved over the years?”* Sani: “We felt like our first release had a strong focus on showing who we are as a band and introducing our identity. But since then, we've been continuing to make music and perform live, and I think our sound is becoming more and more defined. I don't think I can say our first album or latest single is necessarily better than the other, but with every release, I do think our unique color and style are becoming clearer.” “Your new single "Ideal Type" has been described as breezy synth-rock with a touch of pop experimentation. Rock, historically, has evolved by absorbing diverse influences. For Catch The Young, what’s the intent behind blending pop and rock, as a rock band?”* Junyong: “Our motto as a band is to create music that can resonate with all generations. We’re blending rock elements that older generations can enjoy with pop elements that appeal to younger listeners to ultimately make music that brings different age groups together through sound that everyone can connect with.” “How would you describe your music to someone who hasn't heard about CATCH THE YOUNG?”* Kihoon: “If I were to describe our group, especially to people around our age, I’d say we’re a team that grows together, creating music that feels like youth. We want to make songs that, when you look back one day, feel like cherished memories. At the same time, we want to be a group that does music that moves forward into the future and can grow and journey with.” “You guys are set to perform at the 2025 Jeonju Ultimate Music Festival for the second year in a row, congratulations! Are there any preparations you are doing that differ from how you prepared for your festival appearance the first time?” Kihoon: “Last year, we performed at the festival too, and we felt like we were able to share our energy with a big crowd. But since we’re getting the chance to perform again this year, we’re working on putting together an even more polished and powerful performance.” “You guys recently performed at various university festivals for crowds that were around the same age as you, How was that experience?”* Namhyun: “Since the audience was around our age, I remember how we got drawn into their energy during the performance. It felt different from a festival. While festivals are more about showing our skills and band sound to the fullest, university festivals are more about having fun together and giving comfort to students who are tired from studying. So we approached it with a more relaxed and playful mindset, enjoying the moment with everyone.” “What is the biggest challenge while preparing for the festivals, any difference from performing on a broadcast stage?”* Sani: “At festivals, each team is given a set amount of stage time, and it’s important to stick to that for the teams before and after us to provide the audience the best experience. So I think one of the hardest parts is creating and rehearsing a set list that fits perfectly within the given timeframe. Something we always feel is that, especially for this festival, instead of just performing one song at a time, we want to create a flow that feels like you’re watching a short film with a story. The biggest difference from music shows would definitely be the live performance settings.” “We have new releases all the time in the industry. So in your opinion, what makes Catch The Young different from others?”* Jungmo: “Before talking about what sets Catch The Young apart individually, I’d like to talk about us as a K-band. One key difference between us and other bands is that we aim to create performances that are fun for both the eyes and the ears. From my knowledge and experience so far, most bands usually don’t incorporate performance or choreography into their live performances, but we do. By adding choreography, we’re able to create stages that are not only musically engaging but also visually exciting, which I think is what really makes us stand out.” “What are your hopes and goals for this single—both artistically and in terms of reaching new audiences?” Jungmo: “We think it’s great to have big dreams and goals, but at the same time, a dream without foundation can feel empty. That’s why we believe in building from the ground up. First, we want to make Catch The Young known here in Korea as a representative K-band. Once we’ve laid that foundation, our goal is to expand globally and become a team that shares our unique color with fans all around the world.” As Catch The Young continues to grow nationally as well as internationally, The B.E.L.U. Lineup team wishes them nothing but success for their future and we are excited to see their growth! Thank you to Catch The Young, Evermore Entertsinment, Helix Publicity, and our fellow publication teams.  Credit: EVERMORE ENTERTAINMENT |