xikers finally made their highly-anticipated debut on Mar. 30, 2023, with their first mini album "HOUSE OF TRICKY : Doorbell Ringing" and the double title tracks 'TRICKY HOUSE' and 'ROCKSTAR'. The album has two versions: 'HIKER' and 'TRICKY'.

Looking at this group's debut, one thing is for sure... xikers definitely debuted with some tricks up their sleeves because we couldn't help but fall for their charm as a group!

Members MinJae, JunMin, SuMin, JinSik, HyunWoo, JungHoon, SeEun, YuJun, Hunter, and YeChan are ready to make a bold impression on K-Pop lovers as a 10-member boy group under KQ Entertainment (home to iconic artists like the stage presence legend groups Block B and ATEEZ). They are the newest and first boy group that KQ Entertainment has debuted in 5 years, raising expectations for their career.

In fact, the group has already reached some pretty big milestones even before debuting. One of these includes performing at KCON 2023 in Thailand, to name just one example.

If you'd like to know even more about this group, check out this article.

One of the first points that grab your attention about this group is their name. 'xikers' stands for the unknown variable 'x' and the term 'hikers' to represent the ten boys who are traveling through infinite time and space based on their own Coordinates. The name xikers reflects the group's identity with their powerful performance and captures the upbeat energy of 'Dynamic (Cheongryang)'.

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Database Society, is a place everyone is content to call a utopia. Yet among them, ten boys who have failed this utopia seek to find their innate potential through unknown ‘Coordinates’ they dictate themselves alongside the storyline’s icon ‘TRICKY’. The [HOUSE OF TRICKY] series promises more to look forward to with the exciting synergy between ‘xikers’ and ‘TRICKY’.

"HOUSE OF TRICKY : Doorbell Ringing" is the first album of a series that tells the story of xikers.

Kpopmap had the honor of attending xikers' debut media showcase.

We were invited to get to know xikers, who are a group pursuing the newest of the new, by entering their world. Here is everything you need to know about the showcase!

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The group opened up the showcase with a performance of one of their title tracks, 'TRICKY HOUSE'. The group boasted explosive energy during their performance, wowing us with their level of stage presence already. One of the standout moments of the performance was towards the end when member MinJae showed off his charisma with the line, "The show is almost over." To be honest, at that moment, we didn't want the show to end.

'TRICKY HOUSE' (도깨비집 in Korean - 'Goblin House' translated directly) is a mysterious track with an enjoyable sound, based on the goblin creature in Korean folklore. It is a modern interpretation of the Bollywood-style Moombahton genre with a dramatic edge and a joyful charm.

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After watching the performance, we had the pleasure of watching the 'TRICKY HOUSE' music video. The music video shows a high-quality cinematic experience with visual aspects that highlight the addictive melody. With comedic moments combined with the members' impressive choreography, the video truly embodies the playful nature of the group and their 'goblin' concept.

You can check out the full music video below or at this link.

After getting a glimpse into xikers' musical universe, it was time for a talk session. The members opened up about their feelings since they have finally made their debut, their musical inspirations, their goals as a freshly-debuted group, and much more.

Firstly, when asked how they felt about finally making their debut, the members all shared nervous but excited smiles.

MinJae answered that their debut was a moment they had only imagined in their dreams that was finally coming to life. He expressed thanks for being able to perform on stage, excitement in looking forward to performing often, and gratefulness for the opportunity to debut.

JinSik shared that they had really anticipated their debut and were thrilled to finally be able to perform. He firmly declared his intentions to continuously show more and more developed sides of xikers, too.

xikers' MinJae (Kpopmap)

xikers' JinSik (Kpopmap)

The members also emphasized that they had a lot of charms to show fans in the future.

JunMin then mentioned that for as long as it took them to debut, they were just happy to be where they are today. He asked for fans to please look forward to more of xikers.

YeChan said that although he has personally stood on stage numerous times before debuting (YeChan is a former contestant from the survival show "Under Nineteen"), this time felt different and he is excited about the future as a member of xikers.

xikers' JunMin (Kpopmap)

xikers' YeChan (Kpopmap)

When the members introduced their album "HOUSE OF TRICKY : Doorbell Ringing", there were quite a few points that stood out. Firstly, HyunWoo gave quite an impressive answer about what the album is. He described the album as telling the first page of their story.

Hunter added that each of the 7 songs on the album have a unique charm and different sound that he hopes fans are looking forward to.

xikers' HyunWoo (Kpopmap)

xikers' Hunter (Kpopmap)

On Mar. 13, KQ Entertainment released the "HOUSE OF TRICKY : Doorbell Ringing" tracklist. Each song on the album feels like unlocking a new layer to their story.

The first track 'The TRICKY's Secret' surrounds a mysterious ‘something’ that has lived among humans for many years, and ‘it’ is called TRICKY.

'Doorbell Ringing' (the second track) marks the beginning of a bizarre and strange tale that begs the question, "What will you do with this story you can’t escape from, and you can’t help but fall for?”

The third track, and first title track, 'TRICKY HOUSE' makes us wonder what will happen inside the house that the boys have entered where time and space are arbitrary.

'Dynamic (Cheongryang)' is a song that stands out for its blue light rhythmic guitar riffs and intense drum beats, it bridges the track list to ‘ROCKSTAR’ with a different kind of fun.

Our second title track (the fifth song on the tracklist) is 'ROCKSTAR' which expresses the dreams and dynamics of ten boys in its post-punk genre music unique to ‘xikers’.

'XIKEY' boasts a build-up that takes you for a thrill ride with its groovy rhythm to a UK Grime genre.

And finally, 'Oh My Gosh' declares xikers' arrival to the world. It is a song that ‘xikers’ combines rich sounds and striking lyrics like ‘making a sudden appearance before the world’ and ‘don’t let fate stop me’. A harmony of the two aspects adds to the glory of their grand emergence.

KQ Entertainment

Interestingly, ATEEZ's HongJoong participated in the production of all 7 songs on the album. The xikers members mentioned that it was an honor for them to perform these songs as a group.

xikers' SuMin (Kpopmap)

xikers' JungHoon (Kpopmap)

When asked if there was a nickname or superlative that they hoped to earn as a group, MinJae answered that he really wanted to hear the words 'opened a new generation' and hoped that they could appeal to the hearts of fans with their sensational performances.

xikers' SeEun (Kpopmap)

xikers' YuJun (Kpopmap)

Thereafter, the members (Hunter and JunMin) showed off the point choreography for 'TRICKY HOUSE'. The point choreography revolves around what is called the 'goblin pose' which plays back into the song's concept taken from Korean folklore.

The two members of the dance line (two out of three main dancers in the group) did an excellent job of showing us the detailed choreography with knife-like sharp precision.

Thereafter, it was time for a Q&A session to get even more in-depth information about the group.

Firstly, xikers were asked about their relationship with their industry seniors ATEEZ and whether the group had given them any advice. They were also asked if there were any memorable episodes from having ATEEZ's HongJoong help produce their album.

SeEun mentioned how when xikers went to America for training, the ATEEZ members were on tour at the time and came to visit them. During that time they gave them a range of advice on being good idols, too.

Regarding ATEEZ's HongJoong producing their album, MinJae mentioned how HongJoong was extremely helpful in helping them with their songwriting. The rapper line (MinJae, SuMin, and YeChan) would send guides to him and he would give them advice and guide them on the direction of their songs. Many of the other ATEEZ members also monitored their performances and gave them helpful feedback. The ATEEZ members complimented xikers saying that they have good energy and they should keep it up - ultimately becoming big pillars of strength for their juniors.

When asked why they chose to have two title tracks, YeChan answered that 'TRICKY HOUSE' was decided as a title track because all of the members wanted to show more of their playful side. Whereas 'ROCKSTAR' shows more of the group's bright energy through a more refreshing concept.

Another interesting question asked to the members was what makes them special among other boy groups that are debuting this year, considering how many there are.

To this, MinJae answered saying that they're well aware that many other boy groups plan to debut this year. However, xikers (just like the meaning of their name) are finding their own direction that will become their dream. They have a lot of possibility for greatness and their bright energy and cool performance are the key points to look out for on stage. He expressed that he hopes fans will be able to enjoy their performances with this in mind.

One reporter asked how the group utilizes having so many members and how they can communicate well considering that they have 10 members, which is viewed as a lot.

JungHoon answered that although they are 10 members, their ages are quite similar with the hyung line and maknae line only being a couple of years apart. However, they keep the hierarchy and the maknaes listen to the older members well. Thus their teamwork is really good.

MinJae also commented on the group's way of communicating, stating that it took them time to figure out a good method. However, what works the best is to always talk about everything as all 10 members. They will sit together as an entire group and talk, sharing their opinions freely and hearing each other out - which is why they've been able to have good teamwork so far.

The final question that they were asked was who their role models in the industry are and if they have any goals in mind to achieve for their debut.

SeEun shared that xikers is debuting this year alongside a lot of other groups. There will be a lot of competition but one way to prove their hard work is by getting the rookie of the year award, which is their goal.

Regarding role models, the members shared that their role model is none other than ATEEZ. They want to become a group as good as their seniors and perform grand performances that are just as great as theirs.

After getting to know more about the members and their album, we had the pleasure of watching them perform their second title track 'ROCKSTAR'. SuMin introduced the song as a rhythmical song that springs right into the ear and shows the charm of all 10 members.

Kpopmap

Kpopmap

The song and performance showed the overwhelming energy that the 10 members possess. In fact, not only was the energy overflowing during their performance... Their charm was overflowing, too.

It's safe to say that xikers has more than enough potential to become one of the biggest groups in the future with their already-incredible skills. We can't wait to see more of what they achieve in the future!

What do you think of xikers' debut? Do you think they've showcased their skills well? Will you be rooting for them in the future? Let us know in the comments!