ASTRO unit MOONBIN&SANHA kicked off 2023 as one of the very first comebacks of the year, releasing their third mini album ‘INCENSE’ with songwriting and composing efforts by both and the sophisticated and sexy title track “MADNESS.” Immediately after its release on January 4 KST, ‘INCENSE’ quickly broke a huge sales record for the unit, with Hanteo recording nearly 62,000 copies sold on just the first day – an impressive jump from the 33,000 first-day albums sold during their previous ‘REFUGE’ comeback.

As two of their K-pop generation’s most prominent idol-actors, appearing on both stage and screen, MOONBIN and SANHA have a unique strength for embodying various concepts, and their performance in the comeback video for “MADNESS” is a true testament to this. In the video, the two sing of their growing obsession with the object of their affection, crafting the perfect fragrance that will seduce them to their side.

To commemorate ‘INCENSE’ and their new single “MADNESS,” MOONBIN&SANHA spoke with allkpop to give readers a more behind-the-scenes look at the comeback and reflected upon the last year while revealing what goals they have for themselves in 2023.

ALLKPOP: What do MOONBIN&SANHA want to show their audience through their unit comeback ‘INCENSE’? How does the album differ from your previous release ‘REFUGE’?

MOONBIN: The most significant difference would be the solo tracks that we participated in composing and writing the lyrics for on this album.

AKP: How has working as a unit been, and what is it about your unit that sets you apart from other K-pop acts out there? What is something you feel only MOONBIN&SANHA can show?

MB: I think there being a difference between our unit and group activities is beneficial. Since we’re releasing an album as a unit of members from ASTRO, we thought it’d be good to provide performances and songs with a different style from that of the group. I feel like that’s why the public sees our unit activities, there are similarities but also a different type of attractive charm.

AKP: Fantagio Music has released a number of concept photos to promote the album. Do you have a favorite outfit or concept image for this comeback?

MB: Personally, I like the PURE concept style the most and think the wardrobe is cool.

SANHA: There are PURE and IMPURE versions, and each has different colors which I felt made things more fun while shooting the jacket photos. The concept I liked the most is the PURE version, which represents us being completely consumed by the concept. We tried out some new hairstyles that look like something models would wear, and I really enjoyed that concept.

AKP: What was filming the music video for “MADNESS” like? Can you introduce the video’s concept and share a memorable episode from the shoot?

MB: We paid a lot of attention to many aspects including the set and atmosphere, so I’m confident everyone would really enjoy the music video. We also used some black liquid on our hands during the shooting. To find out what that liquid is, please check out the behind the scene video that will be released on our YouTube channel! [Laughs]

SH: It took the longest time to shoot among all music videos we’ve filmed, and I think the music video came out really cool because of that.

AKP: Just judging by the title track’s name “MADNESS” alone, it seems to have a homme fatal’ lethal sexy concept. What helped you prepare for channeling that concept in your performance?

MB: Since “MADNESS” is a very powerful song, we practiced the choreography a lot and think we also paid extra attention to the performance.

SH: When I first heard the word ‘madness’ [in regard to our comeback concept], I was worried whether we would be able to express it well. However, while we learned the choreography, I feel like I naturally got to work on my facial expressions too and also practiced while watching various reference videos. 

AKP: Out of all the B-side songs on the album, which do you think captures the essence of MOONBIN&SANHA as a unit the best?

MB: I think it’s “PERFUMER.” Because it’s dreamy and, if I could compare it to a scent, it would be one that might not last very long but has a heavy fragrance.

SH: I’d choose “CHUP CHUP.” I’d pick it because it’s bright and one you can easily picture us on stage with.

AKP: What was the most difficult part of working on the ‘INCENSE’ album and how did you overcome it? Likewise, what do you think was the unit’s biggest strength going into preparing the album that made it an easier process?

SH: Recording the album was the most difficult part, as I feel like we took on a lot of new challenges. I hit the highest note I’ve ever hit when working on this album, and it was pretty difficult. While recording the title song “MADNESS,” I also took on the challenge of rapping for the first time. [Laughs.] I think it was kind of an awkward part [of the album-making process] because rapping requires a totally new vocal tone from singing, but overall, it was a great experience.

AKP: So both of you have participated as songwriters and composers on the album. How much did you help one another when it comes to the songwriting or composing process? Were you giving each other a lot of feedback?

MB: I think we worked on the songs separately most of the time.

SH: It was my first time composing a song, so once I was finished making it, I asked MOONBIN what I could do to make it even better, and he gave me some feedback.

AKP: How did the other ASTRO members and other people around you react when they listened to “MADNESS” for the first time? Was it similar or different to your own first reaction to “MADNESS”?

MB: My acquaintances all said it was really awesome, and when I heard “MADNESS” for the first time, I also had the instant feeling that it should be the title track. I think SANHA had the same thought too.

SH: I recall showing the ASTRO members both the song and its performance, and we received a lot of praise – like “The song sounds great” and “You’ve improved a lot” – from them. As for me, my feelings were a bit mixed [when I first listened to it] as I was worried about things like who would take the rap part or who would take the high note. [Laughs.]

AKP: 2022 was a busy year for ASTRO, your unit, and both of you as individual talents. When you look back at the past year, how do you think you’ve grown the most?

SH: After wrapping up the promotions for our second mini album ‘REFUGE,’ we had the opportunity to put on some overseas performances. I think having such an experience allowed us to express our energy better on stage, and I believe you’ll be able to feel that energy when you witness our performances for third mini album ‘INCENSE’ as well.

AKP: Now let’s talk about your 2023 plans. You both are extremely active not only as idols but as actors and television personalities. You’re also not only doing unit promotions but had a very busy year with ASTRO as well. What goals do you have for 2023? Is there anything your fans should be looking forward to once ‘INCENSE’ promotions are over?

MB: First and foremost, I’d love to remain healthy. I also will work hard to provide even better music and performances.

SH: I hope that I can see even better things and feel even more things this year.

AKP: Lastly, allkpop has a huge number of international AROHA anticipating your unit comeback! Do you have a special message you’d like to send to our AROHA allkpop readers?

MB: After a long time, we’re back with our third mini album as a unit, and it’s filled with a lot of great songs including our title track “MADNESS,” so we hope that you enjoy listening to it. Everyone, please stay healthy and safe!

SH: We worked hard preparing [for this album] so that you can feel another new charm from MOONBIN&SANHA this year, and we hope that we’re able to create even more happy memories together at the start of the year. Fighting!

Want to check out more allkpop exclusives? Check out our recent interviews with Seo In Guk, xooos, and Henry Lau.