Debuting in November of 2023 with their first single album Cut-Out and song “BANG” under CJeS Entertainment, members Kim Junmin, Haseung, Jinbeom, UGeon, Leejeong, Jaeha and Wonjun of WHIB are returning with a powerful sound and fierce new look for their new release.
WHIB captured the attention of AnD (their fandom) with their stunning red and black visuals for their album ROCK THE NATION, and the MV is an absolute must-see. With great vocal range, spine-tingling high notes, industrial sound-heavy instrumentals alongside an addictive chant, their new track, also titled “ROCK THE NATION,” evokes newfound energy and power.
WHIB met with ZAPZEE to share their thoughts on creating their first mini-album, the process behind their five new tracks, plus their past experiences that molded them into the beloved idol group they are today. Before reading more about the group in this exclusive interview, don’t forget to see more from the members in ZAPZEE’s exclusive video greeting.
Q. WHIB has released their first mini-album, ROCK THE NATION. How was it filming the cinematic MV, and what did you think of the reaction from fans?
HASEUNG: It was our first time filming on a chroma key set, so we had a lot of fun. I was also happy because AnDs liked that WHIB seems to be finding our colors more and more.
UGEON: There was a lot of CG in the “ROCK THE NATION” music video. Fans said it felt very different from the MVs we’ve shown so far, and that it was clear we prepared a lot this time. I felt proud that they enjoyed watching it.
Q. From the five tracks, can you explain which track was the most enjoyable or hardest to prepare for the album?
KIM JUNMIN: Personally, the track I enjoyed working on the most was “ELEVATE.” It was a song I had been looking forward to, and we put a lot of ambition into it. The hardest one was probably the title track, “ROCK THE NATION.” My natural energy isn’t the type that explodes, so it was difficult to personally bring out the right level of intensity in the recording.
HASEUNG: I think I had the most fun recording “Who’s the next.” It was our first track we worked on by ourselves, and I wondered if we could make it better than the demo, but the members actually did even better, which made it really fun. For me, the hardest was “DDANG,” because capturing the right nuance was difficult.
Q. How did it feel to perform “Rock The Nation” live on stage after a year-long break?
JINBEOM: We prepared really hard so people could tell how much effort and thought went into the stage, and I think they did. The catharsis I felt after the performance was huge.
JAEHA: Since it was my first time performing with rap, I went on stage feeling half worried and half excited.
Q. The group sings many lyrics in English. Are there any plans to release full songs in English? How do you prepare for singing in English?
KIM JUNMIN: I’m always open to releasing songs fully in English. When we prepare English songs, I think we’ll probably rely a lot on JAEHA’s help together.
JAEHA: When we do English songs, I want to be involved in shaping my parts myself.
Q. Is there something the group members learned from their past experiences that helps them perform as idols today?
JINBEOM: Performing on big stages. We were fortunate to perform at large overseas venues early after our debut, and I still remember that nervousness. Now, I’m not shaken by any stage and can express what we prepared as planned, so I think that experience helped a lot.
WONJUN: For me, doing our fan concerts helped the most. Being able to show many different stages repeatedly gave us a lot of practice. I think having a lot of stage experience is important.
Q. Many idol groups do dance challenges on TikTok. Which has been WHIB’s favorite so far?
@whib_official #ROCKTHENATION_Challenge [GO UP : Our era] 🤟 #WHIB #휘브 #WEROCK_ROCKTHENATION #ROCKTHENATION
LEEJUNG: While we were filming a VCR, we were joking around and filmed the “ELEVATE” challenge together. It was fun, and it showed WHIB’s natural charm well, so I liked it.
UGEON: Recently, we filmed the “ROCK THE NATION” challenge with the members in our Music Bank week-two outfits. I really liked the styling and hair/makeup that day, so I think that challenge is my favorite.
Q. Which member has had the most drastic visual change so far? Is there a member who has more daring fashion?
LEEJUNG: I think I’m the one going through the biggest changes. I often hear that I look like a different person depending on the context. It’s fun to show something new every comeback season. I do dress boldly, but I’m careful, so I take plenty of time when choosing fashion items.
WONJUN: I think the member with the most daring style is HASEUNG. As for the biggest image change, I think it’s me—since I debuted when I was the youngest, my image has changed the most as I’ve gotten older.
Q. If WHIB could learn a K-Pop girl group dance, which would they choose and why?
KIM JUNMIN: BLACKPINK’s “As If It’s Your Last.” They are seniors we have respected since before our debut, so I think it would be great to learn their choreography.
JINBEOM: Red Velvet’s “Psycho.” It’s a decadent concept I like, so I really want to try it.
Q. Are there any K-Dramas the members are watching lately?
HASEUNG: I’m watching a drama called Our Universe.
UGEON: Lately, I’ve been watching a drama called Still Shining.
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After sharing so many fun-filled stories and honest answers, the boys of WHIB took the time to show their love for AnD, with each member dedicating a personal message to their fans. See what they had to say before wrapping up ZAPZEE’s interview.
KIM JUNMIN: I’ll keep working hard and do my best to show fans many new sides of me. Thank you for always quietly supporting me and loving me.
HASEUNG: I’ll study and work even harder so we can show WHIB’s colors more and more. We won’t just show singing and dancing—we’ll show the identity of WHIB as artists even better.
JINBEOM: Thanks to AnDs, I was able to endure and live through every moment. Both I and WHIB will become a reason to live and a source of hope for AnDs.
UGEON: Thank you so much—because of the fans who always like us and support us, we can keep moving forward. I’ll continue to grow and work hard. Thank you, and I love you.
LEEJUNG: Thanks to everyone who loves WHIB, I can still dream. I always love you and thank you. I’ll be a singer who stays humble and keeps moving forward.
JAEHA: I always want to meet you with a good appearance, and I’m so grateful to our AnDs who support us and say warm things to us. I’ll work hard to become an even cooler person.
WONJUN: Thank you for loving us and thank you for giving us a reason to stand on stage. We’ll become even cooler and more joyful singers.
What did you think of WHIB‘s heart-warming answers and interesting interview? They members each shared personal stories and experiences that make readers feel even closer to the talented boy group. Is your bias more charming than before or has another member captured your eye after this interview?
Share your thoughts with ZAPZEE in the comments and don’t forget to follow WHIB on social media. You can also follow ZAPZEE for more exclusive interviews and watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
