XODIAC on X
A rising boy group, global sweethearts, and multinational representatives of K-Pop: we're talking, of course, about XODIAC. Taking over the world one bop at a time, XODIAC is a K-Pop group that not only delivers on music but aims straight for your heart, winning it over with their wholesome and authentic personalities. XODIAC recently made their highly awaited comeback with the album "XOUL DAY", and to celebrate, we sat down with the boys for a 3-part exclusive interview, diving into their craft, daily lives, aspirations for the future, and more.
You're reading part 1 of our XODIAC interview and here, we're asking the members all about their latest comeback, stylistic goals, stage performances, and self-care.
About XODIAC
XODIAC on X
Before we get into our XODIAC interview, let us briefly introduce XODIAC to you if you're new to the group. XODIAC is a nine-member boy group (LEX, HYUNSIK, ZAYYAN, BEOMSOO, WAIN, GYUMIN, SING, LEO, DAVIN) under JACSO Entertainment. Members LEX, HYUNSIK, BEOMSOO, GYUMIN, WAIN, and DAVIN are Korean, ZAYYAN is Indonesian, and SING and LEO are Hong Kongese.
The group name "XODIAC" comes from "zodiac" and carries the meaning of finding one's own constellation through one's unique individuality, infinite effort, and enterprising power.
Prior to their debut, XODIAC landed 4 global magazine shoots (Cosmopolitan, ELLE MEN, Harper’s Bazaar, and Men’s Uno from Hong Kong) and won the "Potential New Boy Group" award at the global "Weibo Account Festival", where LEX was presented with the "Fashion Rookie" award as well!
Having already established a significant buzz, XODIAC debuted on April 25, 2023, with the digital single 'Throw A Dice' and, within the span of one year, have managed to grow steadily to the point of increasing their sales by a whopping 1391.31%.
XODIAC also recently reached 162,488 monthly listeners on Spotify, 521K subscribers on YouTube, and 1 million views on the music video for their latest title track, 'HEYDAY'. On Instagram, XODIAC (@xodiacofficial) gained 105,300 followers in the last 30 days, showing their constant growth on a global scale.
That's not all! XODIAC also won the "Universal Hot Focus" award at the 2024 "Universal Superstar Awards", proving their rising popularity as global icons with infinite potential to take Hallyu forward.
After all, XODIAC's ultimate goal is to be known as the group that defined this generation and from what we can see, every day, they are one step closer to this dream.
About XODIAC's "XOUL DAY"
"Xoul Day" is a 3-track single album released on March 14, 2024. Member DaVin is currently on a hiatus, so he did not participate in this comeback.
Wonderfully in line with XODIAC's upcoming 1st anniversary, "XOUL DAY" contains a fan song titled 'HEYDAY', which was also the title track, alongside 'WONDERFUL TONIGHT' and 'CREME BRULEE', highlighting the unique strengths of the vocal and rap lines, respectively. The album "XOUL DAY" was preceded by "[XOUL DAY] DRAMA", a three-part campus web-drama unveiling the cinematic universe of XODIAC.
This is not XODIAC's first rodeo when it comes to acting, but it does showcase how much the members have improved in this field too, raising anticipation for the future of XODIAC as all-rounder idols.
With music, dance, acting, and fashion in their grasp, the possibilities are truly endless for XODIAC, and we cannot wait to see what they have in store for us next. Meanwhile, you can listen to "XOUL DAY" on Spotify below as you read our XODIAC interview!
Now that you have "XOUL DAY" on, let's get into our XODIAC interview!
XODIAC Interview - Part 1
XODIAC on X
A very warm welcome to Kpopmap, XODIAC, and congratulations on your amazing comeback! To start off this interview, we’re curious about how you usually celebrate big releases like this. Do you have a company dinner? How did you celebrate your comeback among yourselves this time?
I think we usually get together and communicate before the comeback, and then have a meal with the members after the promotions.
LEX
On the release day this time, we met with fans to celebrate our comeback.
HYUNSIK
We also created a TikTok challenge to inform fans about the comeback and create a celebratory atmosphere.
ZAYYAN
We had time to show fans the new song stage and various events.
BEOMSOO
We had a meaningful time celebrating the comeback with fans.
WAIN
We celebrated together with the fans.
GYUMIN
We have celebrated with fans through comeback lives or offline events during this time.
SING
Showing our new song stage to the fans and meeting them felt like a gift to us.
LEO
XODIAC on X
Your new album “XOUL DAY” has the perfect trio of songs: a fan song ‘HEYDAY’, a vocal line song ‘WONDERFUL TONIGHT’ and a rap line song ‘CREME BRULEE’, to showcase the diverse talents of XODIAC. As a fun way to introduce these songs, can you describe them as ice cream flavors?
'HEYDAY' has a taste that is soft and dreamy like soda, yet it also has a refreshing fizziness that pops intermittently. Shall I say that 'WONDERFUL TONIGHT' and 'CREME BRULEE' also have a sour-sweet taste?
LEX
'HEYDAY' can be said to have a refreshing soda flavor, 'WONDERFUL TONIGHT' has a warm milk flavor, and 'CREME BRULEE' has a popping mint chocolate flavor.
HYUNSIK
'HEYDAY' is like mint chocolate. It's sweet yet refreshing! Personally, mint chocolate is my favorite flavor, so 'HEYDAY' is also my favorite song. 'CREME BRULEE' is like strawberries. It's sweet yet refreshing. 'WONDERFUL TONIGHT' is like mocha to me. It's sweet with a slightly bitter taste. This ballad gives a bittersweet emotion while the lyrics provide sweetness.
ZAYYAN
'HEYDAY' tastes like cotton candy because it's fluffy and cloud-like. 'WONDERFUL TONIGHT' tastes like fluffy marshmallow, while 'CREME BRULEE' has a fragrant hazelnut flavor.
BEOMSOO
'HEYDAY' is a fresh apple flavor evoking the morning sunshine, 'WONDERFUL TONIGHT' is a coffee flavor reminiscent of the hazy moonlight, and 'CREME BRULEE' is a warm afternoon green tea flavor that completes the day.
WAIN
'HEYDAY' is a wistful yet refreshing song, like sherbet flavors, 'WONDERFUL TONIGHT' has a cozy vanilla taste, and 'CREME BRULEE' is a sweet chocolate flavor.
GYUMIN
‘HEYDAY’ is strawberry flavor, ‘CREME BRULEE’ is a sweet creme brulee flavor, and ‘WONDERFUL TONIGHT’ is milky tea flavor.
SING
'HEYDAY' tastes like multi-layered chocolate snack. 'WONDERFUL TONIGHT' is a refreshing mint chocolate flavor. 'CREME BRULEE' has a sweet chocolate taste.
LEO
XODIAC on X
The musical style of this album is quite different from your previous releases and fans are loving this switch-up, especially as the members’ vocal colors are truly shining with this concept. Do you want to keep trying new styles and concepts in the future? What kinds of genres do you want to try next?
The genre I want to try next is a concept that can showcase the mature aspects we all have, with an ethereal yet sensual and intriguing charm.
LEX
I want to challenge a new style. Next time, I also want to try a sexy concept.
HYUNSIK
I want to try a pop-rock or maybe even a bit of J-rock concept. Or, songs with lots of embellishments like 8-bit also sound very intriguing to me.
ZAYYAN
I want to try a new style every time. Since each member has different strengths, I think we can show various charms every time we showcase a new concept. For the next concept, I want to challenge various genres such as boldness, sexiness, hip-hop, which are opposite to the image we have shown before.
BEOMSOO
I have a desire to try various concepts. The genre I want to try next is to showcase a powerful song with charms opposite to what we have shown so far.
WAIN
I want to continue trying out new styles and concepts in the future, and I also want to challenge songs with a bit more charisma or a hip vibe.
GYUMIN
I want to explore new and diverse styles. The style I'm most eager to try is a sexy concept.
SING
The style I'm most eager to challenge is a mature yet sexy atmosphere. Since I haven't tried this style yet, I would like to give it a try if the opportunity arises.
LEO
Watching your performances of 'HEYDAY' on music shows, it's remarkable how you are replicating the refreshing and satisfying feeling of the music video on stage. You’re proving that idols are also actors when they get on stage. We’re curious to know which member you think changes the most when they get on stage.
I think it's BEOMSOO. BEOMSOO may be a bit mischievous in everyday life, but on stage, his distinctive features stand out, and they seem to be well-captured by the camera.
LEX
I think it's LEO. LEO is usually cute and has a lot of aegyo, but when he gets on stage, his unique charisma shines through..
HYUNSIK
I think it’s me ^^. I think I’m quite good at following the vibe of the music! So I choose myself.
ZAYYAN
It seems like each member's personality is reflected on stage.
BEOMSOO
I think it's LEO. He often shows his maknae side in daily life, but on stage, he presents a professional image that suits the mood of the song.
WAIN
I think it's me. Whenever I step on stage, I strive to become the protagonist of the song's lyrics and express the message I want to convey through the stage.
GYUMIN
ZAYYAN is very gentle behind the stage, but when he gets on stage, his eyes change.
SING
ZAYYAN has a very cute and innocent style, but his gaze and vibe on stage completely transform him into a different person.
LEO
XODIAC on X
As idols, I’m sure you often have hectic schedules. How do you manage to stay physically and mentally energized during your music show promotions, ensuring that each performance is as vibrant as the last?
I often imagine myself standing on stage while practicing in the rehearsal room. I find that these rehearsals are very helpful when I actually perform on stage.
LEX
I listen to a lot of music to keep my mind occupied. I also gain energy by chatting with fans and communicating with them.
HYUNSIK
I manage my sleep time very well and can spend the day with energy. And when I get on stage, that kind of tension naturally comes out.
ZAYYAN
I gain energy through the stage.
BEOMSOO
I maintain my basic physical fitness by exercising regularly. Additionally, I gain energy through spending time with fans.
WAIN
I prioritize replenishing my energy and managing my condition by catching up on sleep whenever possible. Meeting fans always naturally fills me with energy.
GYUMIN
I am a very positive person. As a result, I am mentally optimistic, and since I exercise regularly, I tend to have quite a bit of energy.
SING
I replenish my energy through exercise and adequate rest, and on days with no schedule, I find that sleeping all day is the best. ^^
LEO
On that reassuring note, we'll conclude part 1 of Kpopmap's XODIAC interview!
X-BLISS, did you enjoy part 1?
In part 2 of our XODIAC interview, we'll be exploring more of how XODIAC became an all-ace group, excelling in more fields than one. From their music drama to being called "Fashion-dols", find out how the XODIAC members feel in part 2!
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