After a year and three months of waiting, Woollim Entertainment’s 10-piece boy band, Golden Child — composed of Y, JANGJUN, TAG, SEUNGMIN, JAEHYUN, JIBEOM, DONGHYUN, JOOCHAN, BOMIN, and DAEYEOL — has finally returned, with leader DAEYEOL joining the activities following his military service.

‘Feel Me’ is their 3rd single album, the group’s new musical project since their 6th mini-album ‘AURA.’ Led by the title track of the same name with the aim of conveying the message about youth, Golden Child once again showcases continued musical development. The lead single is joined by the B-sides "Dear," a British pop song that TAG contributed significantly to, and "Blind Love," which has a sweet message about love.

Ahead of the album’s release, the members sat down with allkpop to talk about ‘Feel Me,’ what they miss most about touring and performing, and more. Keep reading to learn more about Golden Child!

Here is a full video of the interview. 

If you prefer, you can also read the transcript of the interview below.

allkpop: Tell us how you feel about this long-awaited Golden Child comeback, especially since Daeyeol has now returned from the military!

JANGJUN: We had a comeback after a year and 3 months. We are so happy and excited now that we can be with DAEYEOL for the first time in a while. As it took a really long time, 1 year and 3 months, we prepared to show you various sides of Golden Child in this 'Feel Me' album.

DAEYEOL: I was away for 1 year and 3 months because of my military service. First of all, I would like to thank Goldenness for waiting. I will do my best because it's been a long time since I joined Golden Child's comeback activities.

allkpop: How long did it take you to prepare for this? This is a single album, compared to EPs and your previous comebacks, what was the setup and preparations for this one like?

JIBEOM: We started to prepare for our comeback right after DAEYEOL finished his military service. Because it had been a long time, we had fun practicing with the heart to show our Goldenness. I think we all practiced and prepared positively with excitement and laughter.

allkpop: Since 'Feel Me' is just a single album and a single album only contains around two to three songs in it. Did you find it difficult to choose songs to put in this album? And how can you say that these tracks fit so well together? What made them special to be in this album?

SEUNGMIN: Since the concept of this album is youth, we thought a lot about which songs to put in so that we can deliver the message in the right way. Also, TAG created a song in this album. I think we will be able to show various charms of Golden Child through that song and the whole album.

allkpop: 'AURA' contains various messages and emotions. How about for this album — did you also focus much on how to pour your emotions into the songs while in the studio? Also, what kind of message or concept do you want to convey with the whole album?

JOOCHAN: In the case of this album, as SEUNGMIN said earlier, we wanted to try to deliver the message about youth. I personally thought about whether it would be a good idea to try the same process from Golden Child's debut and when I was a trainee during the recording process for this album. The overall message of this ‘Feel Me’ album is about regretting the past—our youth—and trying to make our futures shine even brighter. Please look forward to it.

allkpop: TAG participated in creating “Dear.” How was your experience, and what do you hope the listeners would take away from them?

TAG: First of all, "Dear" was written by me for all the adults, in hopes of sharing their stories about their youths. The side tracks are great, and everything went smoothly during our recordings. I feel very satisfied because the members’ voices fit really well in the song and the whole album.

allkpop: You said in our previous interview that throughout your journey, you've learned a lot of things not only as a K-Pop artist but also as a person. Could you share with us what those learnings are, and how you apply them this time around or in your future endeavors?

JOOCHAN: By being in a K-pop idol group called Golden Child, I think we have learned a lot about the process of living our lives as individuals, not just K-pop artists. Sometimes we fight and stumble a lot, but through that, we have learned the process to overcome those situations; we love and give strength to each other. All those learnings made us do our best to become more meaningful in the future and get back up again whenever we fall. I think that someone who has the mind to get up would be someone who could survive.

allkpop: In the 6 years of being together, looking back to what you've achieved and endured, what do you want to tell yourself right now?

JAEHYUN: [in English] I really want to thank all the members that I'm thankful for being together for 6 years. Everything and every situation was not smooth but we really had a good time through sharing these moments. And I really want to say thank you to all the members for all these situations.

TAG: I can’t believe it. In the 6 years that I’ve been active in Golden Child, I feel like I’ve really gained a family of 10 brothers including me. I think I’ve discovered so many emotions and feelings from being together that have become precious memories. I want to tell myself that I’m doing well so please keep that energy and just continue to do my best and be happy together with the members.

allkpop: Your fans have been waiting for your concert. Speaking of that, it's been more than a year since your 'Meet & Live' tour. What do you miss the most about touring?

BOMIN: What I really like about holding a concert is that we can enjoy together with our fans in the same place at the same moment. I strongly felt those feelings while doing a concert tour. I really miss the moment when we enjoy and have fun with our Goldenness.

allkpop: Speaking of live shows, as you make your comeback, you'll be performing once again on music show stages! What thoughts usually run through your mind when facing the crowd? Do you have any pre-show routines or rituals?

DONGHYUN: Foremost, I really want to thank all the Goldenness. When we perform at music shows, we shoot or start [to perform] early and our fans also come at that time to cheer and support us as well. One of the pre-show routines is that we always warm up.

allkpop: This is going to be another set of promotional activities. What do you usually do to unwind and how do you use your free time in between activities?

JAEHYUN: [in English] During my free time/days, I actually sleep all day, 24 hours. What I do to get rid of my nervousness… I think I always eat a lot before taking the stage.

TAG: [in English] Yeah, same!

JAEHYUN: [in English] I sleep a lot, like 24 hours.

JIBEOM: When I get really nervous, I try to relax by imagining and thinking that I’m already on the stage and practicing performing in my mind. Also, I practice my pronunciation by myself. During my free time in between activities, I play a lot of fun games with the members. I also listen to music alone while thinking.

allkpop: Any final messages to allkpop readers and Goldenness?

DAEYEOL: Thanks allkpop readers for congratulating Golden Child’s comeback! And since it took a year and 3 months for us to make this comeback, we will do our best to communicate and have a great time with our fans.

DONGHYUN: It’s been a year and 3 months since DAEYEOL joined us for a comeback, and we really prepared hard for the songs and performances. So please show us lots of love and support!

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