NINE.i is a ten-member K-Pop boy group formed on March 30, 2022, under FirstOne Entertainment, consisting of members Vahn, Vari, Min Jun, Joo Hyoung, Eden, Winnie, Seo Won, Je Won, Ji Ho, Tae Hun. They debuted with the album 'New World' which features the title song "Parallel Universe."

'I (Part.1)' is NINE.i's latest release, and it marked their very first group comeback since debut. The album also features the title track "Young Boy" and B-side tracks "I live as _______," "Paradise," "Love," "Loner," and "IAM." The album contains various thoughts and precious emotions about happiness, loneliness, worries, love, and more. A journey was drawn for each member to find their true self.

To commemorate NINE.i's return, the boys spoke with allkpop to discuss a little bit about their newest album, share a piece of advice to fans during difficult times, and more. Keep reading to know more about NINE.i!

allkpop: Could you please tell us about your upcoming comeback, including the album's concept and creative process, as well as the message you hope to convey to listeners?

Vahn: Our second album is about our teenage, and it is made by Joo Hyoung and me. Also, some tracks, such as "Loner," was made by Winnie, and Jiho also took part in writing the lyrics. And it's something about myself, so I try to put lots of things about myself. I want to give some courage and effort to other teenagers, especially to us.

allkpop: NINE.i made its debut in March of this year, and you've only been in the music scene for about 7 months. How has your experience as rookie idols in the K-pop industry been so far?

Tae Hun: Since we're a rookie group, every performance or everything we do feels like it's brand new. It feels like a new experience. Overall, I have a fresh sense of vibe to it, everything I do.

allkpop: What was it like to make your debut as a group during a pandemic? What were the challenges and highlights?

Vari: When we were working on our title songs, we couldn't perform in front of a live audience because, during that time, COVID-19 was at its peak. However, during the "BEAUTY iNSIDE" promotions we did, it has gotten much better. I remember seeing a live audience during our performance.

allkpop: NINE.i's debut title track, "Parallel Universe," is a song that contains the meaning of looking at situations from a new perspective for people who are living in desperate and hard times. Could you give your fans and readers some advice on how to overcome a certain problem or situation? 

Eden: Like what our song contains, the message of only I can fix my own problems. So the only one to trust is me. Just like that, if you're ever in a stressful or depressing situation, you can self-assess and see what's wrong, like self-assessing about the problems in your life. And I believe you'll be able to find answers through self-assessments. And at the same time, we would love for you to listen to our music as well.

allkpop: This will mark your first group comeback. What thoughts were running through your mind as you prepared for your next release?

Ji Ho: First thing on my mind is that I want to meet i.ENIN (NINE.i's fan club name) live, and I want to get back on stage and perform live in front of them.

allkpop: If each member could describe the comeback in only one word, which word each of you would choose?

Vahn: The real beginning
Vari: Passion
Min Jun: Dream
Joo Hyoung: New
Eden: Passionate
Winnie: Impactful
Seo Won: Mindset
Je Won: Challenge
Ji Ho: Handsome
Tae Hun: Freshy

allkpop: What were your first impressions of each other?

Min Ju: When I was first preparing for the debut, I wanted to say hello to everyone. So I visited the practice room, and as soon as I saw Je Won, I instantly knew that he was the leader of our group. He had a certain aura.

allkpop: Who in the industry do you most admire and look up to?

Joo Hyoung: I admire BTS because despite their long time as a group together, they tend to show good performance as a group without any troubles together. The messages of their songs are delivered very efficiently to the audience as well.

allkpop: What is something you've always wanted to do but haven't had the opportunity? 

Vari: I want to go on a trip with the members in a car. I have a driver's license, so I want to drive a car and take my members and go on a trip.

Eden: Actually, all our members want to have a concert.

allkpop: Do you have any hobbies or activities that you have recently become interested in?

Je Won: Two hobbies I am recently interested in are growing a plant, having a plant of my own, and also cooking. I'm actually thinking of combining those two hobbies and trying to cook with the plants or vegetables that I grew.

Min Jun: I enjoy the game 'Animal Crossing.'

allkpop: Is there anyone in the industry with whom you'd like to collaborate?

Joo Hyoung: I want to collaborate with Justin Bieber if I had the chance.

allkpop: Are there any goals, music-related or personal, that you would want to accomplish this year as a group and as individuals?

Je Won: My ultimate goal, my personal and our group goal, is to win first place in the music competition shows in Korea.