EPEX is an eight-member boy group from C9 Entertainment, comprising WISH, KEUM, MU, A-MIN, BAEKSEUNG, AYDEN, YEWANG, and JEFF. Their group name describes themselves as "the gathering of eight youths reaches eight different apexes," representing the eight members' collective power. The group debuted in June 2021 with their first EP, 'BIPOLAR Pt.1: Prelude of Anxiety.'

Shout-out to allkpop readers:

EPEX's latest album, 'Prelude of Love Chapter 2: Growing Pains,' released on April 26th, is a direct continuation of the story that began with their previous releases, 'BIPOLAR Pt. 2 Prelude of Love' and 'Prelude of Love Chapter 1: Puppy Love.' This new EP takes listeners on an emotional journey through the different stages of heartbreak that one goes through after their first breakup.

The EP features four new tracks, including the three B-side tracks "My Darling," "Goodbye, My First Love," and "SKYLINE." The title track, "Sunshower," is an up-tempo dance song with funky guitar beats, a fresh brass sound, and the members' energetic vocals.

To commemorate their return, the members of EPEX sat down with allkpop for an exclusive interview. During the interview, the boys shared their thoughts on the EP, their favorite tracks, how they spend their free time, and more. Keep reading to learn more about the octet!

allkpop: First of all, thank you for taking the time to answer our questions, and congratulations on the release of your 5th mini-album 'Prelude of Love Chapter 2. Growing Pains'! Your last album is about 'Puppy Love' and now it's 'Growing Pains.' Please tell us more about the concept and message you want to convey to the listeners through this album.

A-MIN: This album, ‘Prelude of Love Chapter 2. ‘Growing Pains,’’ is an album that describes the growing pains of boys who go through their first breakup after falling in love for the first time. It deals with falling in love, going through a breakup, and becoming more mature by overcoming the heartbreak.

MU: ‘Prelude of Love Chapter 1. ‘Puppy Love’’ deals with boys’ first love, and ‘Prelude of Love Chapter 2. ‘Growing Pains’’ shows the process of going through a first breakup. We want to convey the message that we grow from pain through various styles of music.

allkpop: How did the creative and recording process, as well as the overall preparations, for this album go?

YEWANG: The title song “Sunshower” has a bright tempo but sad lyrics, so we paid attention to conveying the emotions of the lyrics while maintaining a cheerful feeling. There were challenges during the recording, but we practiced a lot and we’re happy with the final result.

BAEKSEUNG: We prepared this album with high energy and especially had fun among the members. Since the song is exciting, we tried to show a lot of our own excitement.

allkpop: What were  the most difficult thing and the most fun thing while preparing for this album?

AYDEN: The most challenging part was recording. For example, it was a big challenge for me as a rapper because there are a lot of vocal parts in “Sunshower,” but it’s good that I’ve grown more through this challenge. The entire process of learning choreography was fun, and I remember laughing a lot while practicing the cute choreography.

MU: I was worried about acting or expressions because the lyrics and melody were quite contrasting. However, when I watched the members express themselves on stage, I got a lot of ideas by watching their fun and cute actions.

allkpop: Your song “Sunshower” is the title track from this record, can you explain the concept and inspiration for the song?

WISH: “Sunshower” was inspired by the folktale of the sunshower, and it compares the pross of a boy’s first breakup to the folktale.

JEFF: It’s a song about a boy’s breakup that best fits our album’s theme, ‘Growing Pains.’ The music sounds exciting, but the lyrics are quite sad.

allkpop: Among the 4 tracks from the album, which one is your favorite?

KEUM: My favorite song is “Goodbye, My First Love.” I personally like the choreography that suits such a lyrical song, so I like this song the most.

AYDEN: My favorite song from this album is “Sunshower.” The song is so good, and the more I listen to it, the more I fall in love with it. I think this is the strength of the track, and I hope many people will listen to our title song.

allkpop: You said in our interview last year that the members improved a lot in terms of expressions, and your teamwork also gets better and better. Each one of you has its own distinct style, but how do you all work together to put out such chemistry?

YEWANG: I think our teamwork gets better as we do more things together; we practice, share feedback, work, and communicate together. Since we got to know each other more than we did at the debut, I think our teamwork naturally improves as time passes.

KEUM: As we spend more time together, we seem to be permeated to each other. Teamwork has improved as we recognize each other’s strengths and help each other to shine brighter.

allkpop: EPEX will celebrate its 2nd anniversary next month! Congratulations! What's the best thing about being part of EPEX so far?

A-MIN: I think the best part is that I can experience so many things after debuting as EPEX. I think it’s the best because I can go to various countries to meet our fans.

BAEKSEUNG: I like every moment with my members. It’s so fun and nice to spend time with my members and talk with them not only during promotions but also during free time. I gain a lot of strength from the members.

allkpop: How do you plan to celebrate this career milestone?

KEUM: We think we will celebrate with our precious ZENITH (EPEX's fandom name) and have a delicious meal with our members.

WISH: As much as we have received from ZENITH, we want to prepare a present for ZENITH to repay.

AYDEN: I want to hold a fun and memorable party with my members and ZENITH.

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

A-MIN: I’m interested in decorating a room, so I usually search for various items. If I have time after the promotion ends, I want to decorate my room.

BAEKSEUNG: I don’t really have hobbies these days, but since we’re promoting, I enjoy meeting fans while performing on stage. I think that is the greatest happiness for me.

allkpop: Any plans on doing something this year? Is there something we can look forward to from you for the rest of the year? Perhaps a tour that your fans have been waiting for?

YEWANG: All the songs for the next album are already ready, and we will work hard to prepare songs with an impact that you can look forward to.

JEFF: Our fan con tour starts in June. We will show Japanese and Taiwanese fans the stages that we worked hard for, so please look forward to it and come to see us. Thank you.

Instagram: @epex.official
Facebook: EPEX
Twitter: @the_EPEX and @by_EPEX
YouTube: EPEX
Tiktok: @epex.official

Photo credits: C9 Entertainment