One of the most impressive, versatile, and talented 4th generation groups in the industry, MIRAE is shaping the future of K-Pop with every release. Back with their 3rd mini-album 'Marvelous', MIRAE is welcoming 2022 with the sweetness of youth. Featuring 6 incredible songs belonging to a varied range of genres, 'Marvelous' is a playground of MIRAE's creative genius. 

Kpopmap had the incredible opportunity of interviewing MIRAE, following the release of 'Marvelous', and needless to say, the members were an absolute delight as they revealed how they connected to the concept for this mini-album, memories from their school days and more. Keep reading until the very end for a special message from MIRAE to NOW all over the world!

MIRAE's Twitter

First of all, a very happy new year to all of you! Welcome to Kpopmap! It’s lovely to have you with us for this interview. Before anything else, what are your resolutions for 2021, both as MIRAE and as individuals?

In 2022, I really want MIRAE to win first place on a music program. Personally, I hope 2022 will be a year where I grow further myself.
Lee JunHyuk Happy New Year! Last year, we showed rookie-like energy, but in 2022, we also want to show a mature appearance with an upgraded performance.
LIEN This year, I want to work even harder to promote MIRAE more. I thought I lived diligently in 2021, but when I looked back, I doubted myself thinking, "Did I live diligently?" This time, I will work harder so that I don't have any doubts about myself. I'm sincerely writing my diary, and I also want to make my physique look great this year. Yoo DoHyun I want to give better performances than last year.
KHAEL I will try to write in my diary more than last year and work out harder.
Son DongPyo I want to take on more challenges this year. Park SiYoung I want to learn English sincerely and communicate with overseas fans.
Jang YuBin

MIRAE's Twitter

Your 3rd mini-album “Marvelous” has a stunning, preppy concept that perfectly displays your charms. It is also quite different from your 2nd mini-album “Splash”. What would you say was the most fun part about taking on this new concept?

"Marvelous" has a dreamy vibe and I liked the refreshing feeling. It was fun to wear school uniforms. Lee JunHyuk The choreography this time was fun because it was composed in various ways.
LIEN The outfits and the concept this time were all my favourite styles. It's a brighter song than "KILLA" and "Splash," so I was able to laugh and have fun.
Yoo DoHyun It was a new experience to be able to show a fresher image of us boys than "Splash."
KHAEL It was interesting to experience many new things.
Son DongPyo It was nice to wear a school uniform, and I was happy to show you my blue hair.
Park SiYoung I was looking forward to the concept because it was my first time trying something like it, and I tried to express it well according to the song.

Jang YuBin

MIRAE's Twitter

NOW are overjoyed with this comeback because the concept wonderfully suits each member. Was there anything in particular such as an incident or a memory that helped you connect with the concept of this mini-album better?

 

Wearing a uniform at the age of 23, I feel like I'm the same age as Yubin!
Lee JunHyuk It reminds me of the ramen I used to eat after school when I was a student.
LIEN I made an acapella club when I was in school. At first, I struggled because I couldn't recruit people, but after making it with difficulty, I won first place at the school festival with the club.

Yoo DoHyun I haven't worn school uniforms for a while since graduating from high school last year, but I'm glad I can enjoy them to my heart's content this time.
KHAEL I watched the movie "The Martian" when I was a kid with my friends, and the content of this music video was related to Mars, so I remembered that time!

Son DongPyo Since I took the high school entrance exam, I haven't been to school lately, but I feel like I'm going to school with 'Marvelous' for a while.
Park SiYoung The title song is good, but the b-side tracks are so bright and refreshing that it really feels like my real school life. From 1st to 7th period!
Jang YuBin

MIRAE's Twitter

While preparing for your comeback with “Marvelous”, was there anything special that each of you added to the mini-album that fans can look forward to?

 

The dance for 'Marvelous' is very fast-paced. I practiced hard until my shoulder was dislocated!
Lee JunHyuk I'm in charge of being sexy in the team, but it's a bright song, so this time I did a lot of research on gestures to show my own charm.

LIEN I thought a lot about my gestures to make my part stand out and look cool.

Yoo DoHyun In 'Splash' we had a strong expressions and gestures, so this time I tried to show a restrained and neat image.

KHAEL I'm very excited to see if NOW will like my hair color.
Son DongPyo In order to show you our sweetest side as much as possible, we ate sweet foods and sincerely practiced sweet comments.
Park SiYoung I worked out and worked hard on dancing, singing, and rapping.

Jang YuBin

MIRAE's Twitter

Can each of you name a member that you learned a lot from or were grateful for during this comeback?

LIEN. I had a hard time filming the music video, but I gained strength because hyung kept making me laugh.
Lee JunHyuk SiYoung. While preparing for this comeback, I think I thought a lot about developing my own skills.
LIEN JunHyuk. He helps me a lot when I practice dancing. If I make any mistakes while practicing, JunHyuk gives me feedback and teaches me. I really got a lot of help from him.
Yoo DoHyun SiYoung. SiYoung helped me a lot during the dance practice for 'Marvelous'.

KHAEL LIEN. Thank you for making the members laugh and giving us a lot of strength with bright energy when filming the music video.
Son DongPyo LIEN. I shared my musical concerns with him and asked LIEN a lot of questions.

Park SiYoung SiYoung. We work out together and practice dancing together a lot. I learned a lot so I’m very thankful.
Jang YuBin

MIRAE's Twitter

The “Academy” styling for “Marvelous” was especially loved by NOW all over the world. If you could teach anything at a university, what would you teach and why?

For me, math. It would be nice if I could teach NOW to study up close.
Lee JunHyuk Waking up in the morning? I'll teach you how healthy and efficient waking up in the morning can be!
LIEN Human rights. It is also the subject I want to study the most, and I want to create a world free of all discrimination and prejudice.
Yoo DoHyun Art. I think it would be fun to draw with NOW.
KHAEL Art. I want to try art someday! I have a fantasy about art.
Son DongPyo Love. Because I love NOW!
Park SiYoung

What would you say has been the most “marvelous” moment of your life so far?

Our debut!
LIEN, Park SiYoung, Jang YuBin Getting into DSP Media!
KHAEL

With promotional activities keeping you busy, what does a normal day in the life of MIRAE look like? How do you usually spend time when you are resting?

Walking and hiking! Recently, I went out for a short morning walk and went from Nonhyeon to Itaewon, Gyeongridan-gil, and Myeongdong Station. (*It's about 9 km from the subway station).
Yoo DoHyun These days, I've mostly been working on music in my free time. The more activities I do, the more ‘greedy’ I get, although in a good way.
KHAEL I watch movies alone, and when I go home, I play with my puppy ​​Ttotto.
Park SiYoung

MIRAE's Twitter

With “Killa”, “Splash” and now “Marvelous”, MIRAE has shown us that they are versatile all-rounders, both when it comes to concepts as well as genres. In other words, no one is doing it like MIRAE. What are your aspirations for the future when it comes to music and how do you want to be remembered by NOW?

An unforgettable idol?
KHAEL There’s still a lot that we want to show you. I hope fans boast about us like "MIRAE can pull off this concept well too," and viewers remember us thinking "Everyone is amazing”.
Lee JunHyuk We will do our best so that all the members can be thought of as "all-rounders."
LIEN We will continue to challenge ourselves with various concepts and genres so that fans can stay up all night watching our videos without knowing the time!
Yoo DoHyun I want to make a genre that is unique to MIRAE.
Park SiYoung I hope many people gain energy through MIRAE. Son DongPyo I want to be a source of strength to everyone who listens to MIRAE's songs.
Jang YuBin

MIRAE's Twitter

In 2022, if you could have any wish granted by NOW, what would each of you wish for?

 

A concert with fans! Lee JunHyuk 1st place on a music show!

LIEN I hope the passion I have now will continue always.
Yoo DoHyun The improvement of my skills.

KHAEL The quick disappearance of COVID-19.

Son DongPyo I hope MIRAE, fans, and staff all stay healthy.
Park SiYoung 1st place on a music show, fan-meeting with international fans.
Jang YuBin

MIRAE's Twitter

Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to NOW all over the world who have waited eagerly for this comeback and love and adore you endlessly?

 

NOW from all countries all over the world! I really want to meet you! I miss you!
Lee JunHyuk I know your heart as you’re always cheering us on from afar. It is being passed on to us! Yoo DoHyun I’m always thankful and I love you.
LIEN As promised, we came out looking cool with ‘Marvelous’ so please show it a love of love too!

KHAEL Let’s enjoy this album happily too, without getting hurt. We will do our best to bring you even greater happiness.
Son DongPyo Thank you for trusting us and waiting for us. We will satisfy NOW’s eyes, ears, everything!

Park SiYoung We will work hard so that you can see us and smile. I love you!
Jang YuBin