While each of the bandmates of EXO boasts great chemistry with one another, Sehun and Chanyeol, who form the group’s latest subunit EXO-SC, said the two share a very special bond.

After teaming up in the playful “We Young” last summer, the two EXO rappers officially joined forces to release their first collaboration EP “What a Life,” a cheerful hip-hop album that befits their perky characters. The six-track album contains triple lead singles “What a Life,” “Closer to You” and “Just Us 2,” all of which are heavy with the fingerprints of the duo. And the two said that the album, into which they poured their heart and soul, would not have come to fruition if it were not for their on-point connection.

(Yonhap)

“I especially thank Sehun for this album, as I’ve always wanted to try this hip-hop genre since my debut. All EXO members share amazing chemistry, but personally, I liked the chemistry between me and Sehun. I’ve always thought his voice was beautiful. I’m very glad that we finally made it,” said Chanyeol during a showcase in Seoul on Monday. The event, which was hosted by group leader Suho, came after EXO’s Seoul solo concert Sunday.

Sehun commented, “It’s a great honor to drop this album. I worked really hard with Chanyeol on this album, and I hope people could get healed by our music.”

With the three EXO members filling the event with laughter and bright energy, Sehun and Chanyeol continued talking about the album. The duo said the lyrics for “What a Life,” which are all about the “work hard, play hard” spirit and tells young people to live a carefree life, feel more personal than previous efforts.

“As many of you guys know, the song reflects our own stories. It’s all about our own thoughts, daily lives and ideal lifestyle we pursue, like working hard and playing hard. We wanted to deliver our positive energy,” Chanyeol said. Sehun also shared that they received accolades from S.M. Entertainment’s Chairman Lee Soo-man, who praised the song as “unique, interesting, funny and unprecedented under SM.”

Having released their first collaborative album in seven years, EXO-SC said they felt greatly satisfied with the result, especially due to the sincerity in it.

“The biggest difference between our work and group activities is that we got involved in making the album from one to 10 while we as a group used to receive songs from other composers. Most importantly, it holds our genuine sincerity, and it’s the music we pursue,” Sehun said.

Chanyeol backed him up, adding, “Just like we did with ‘We Young,’ we hope to spread our positive influence to a wider audience and help them enjoy their lives, as we think we are in a position where we can wield some influence.”

“We also plan to show more various sides of us through other means, rather than being confined to hip-hop. Back when my identity as a singer wasn’t set yet, I didn’t want to get tied down to ‘idol.’ But now I don’t try to deviate from it. We are idols and are capable of many things. I feel less burden now,” he said.

Despite having two absentee bandmates -- Xiumin and D.O. are serving their compulsory military duty -- it’s been a roller coaster of a month for EXO. Set to hold three additional concerts as a group in Seoul this week, the duo wrapped up the conversation by sending love to their missing bandmates.

“I especially miss D.O., as his position has always been by my side whenever we perform or attend events like this. But we tried to fill the void of those two members at our recent concerts and we will keep doing so. Xiumin also often sends texts to us, and that’s a lot of comfort,” said Chanyeol. “There were so many things I wanted to talk about and express through this album. And I’m glad that we did so.”

“What a Life” also features “Borderline,” “Roller Coaster” and “Daydreamin.”

By Hong Dam-young (lotus@heraldcorp.com)