After making a buzz in the K-Pop industry with their debut single "MACARONI CHEESE," rookie performing hip-hop girl group YOUNG POSSE, composed of members Sunhye, Yeonjung, Jiana, Doeun, and Jieun, is back with yet another energetic mini-album, 'XXL.'
Boasting a total of five songs "Scars," "XXL," the title track, "DND (feat. BM of KARD)," "ROTY," and "Skyline," the quintet continues to live up to their name: gathering together as a team to chase their dreams in this world where possibilities are endless. "XXL" pays homage to the song "Come Back Home" from the legendary trio group Seo Taiji and Boys.
Notably, all five members participated in penning the last track on the album, "ROTY." "It's a track where the five of us introduce our teenage stories one by one as storytellers," they said.
In commemoration of their first comeback, the girls spoke with allkpop about 'XXL' and future aspirations. Read more below!
Shout-out video from YOUNG POSSE to allkpop readers:
allkpop: Hi, YOUNG POSSE! First of all, congratulations on your first comeback! Tell us about how you think or feel you’ve improved from your debut. What's the biggest difference you see in yourself if we compare YOUNG POSSE in ‘MACARONI CHEESE’ era and ‘XXL’ era?
YOUNG POSSE: Hi Sofia! When we were preparing our debut mini-album, we didn't have much time to think about it. It was our first time doing everything in the K-Pop scene... from photo shoots, music videos, and TV shows to offline performances, so we were a little nervous. Now we know how to "enjoy the moment" we're given, which seems to be the biggest difference in the 'XXL' era.
allkpop: Five months into your career, how's the feeling now? Are you more confident as an idol now? Is there anything you’ve learned or you’ve been doing to improve yourself?
YOUNG POSSE: That's right. We've thought a lot about what we want and what we're good at, and we're finding our way. In the K-Pop scene, everything is done collaboratively. We realized the importance of not only harmonious collaboration between the five members but also the importance of breathing with the staff who support us.
SEE ALSO: YOUNG POSSE unveils the dance practice for 'XXL'
allkpop: What was it like putting your hands on the preparations and promotions the second time? Is there a takeaway you applied to this comeback?
YOUNG POSSE: We came to understand more about music and dance. Rather than simply showing what we practiced on stage without any mistakes, we got into the symbolic meaning of music and dance into our bodies. As a result, we like this job!
allkpop: Could you share with us the meaning behind naming the album and the title track “XXL”?
YOUNG POSSE: The title track of this album, "XXL," means that we want to grow our dreams and hopes into a double-XL size. Last year, we debuted in public for the first time with a self-written song called "MACARONI CHEESE," and we felt that we were kind of small in this huge K-Pop industry. So, we decided to challenge ourselves for a bigger dream! This is an abstract concept, but also a story at the same time. All of our emotions are expressed in the "XXL" music video, so make sure to tune in!
allkpop: All the members participated in penning the track “ROTY.” What was it like working together for this song?
YOUNG POSSE: Thank you for listening to our B-side track! "ROTY" is our favorite B-side song. It's a track where the five of us introduce our teenage stories one by one as storytellers, and we unravel our most unvarnished stories in the lyrics ourselves. The five members went into the studio booth at the same time, cheering for each other and recording. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences we had while preparing for our second album.
allkpop: Is there a lyric from “ROTY” you like the most?
Doeun: I love the phrase "I quit high school but I'm not alone anymore because I have POSSE members."
Jiana: I like the phrase "Don't worry about me, I'm getting close to my dream."
Sunhye: I like the lyrics "My dad is always by my side protecting me like a unicorn."
Yeonjung: I like the phrase "I can dance faster with high heels shoes on." It's my story.
Jieun: I like the lyrics "I do pray that you will see the end of what you started."
allkpop: You collaborated with KARD’s BM for “DND.” What was it like working with him, and is there anything you’ve heard from your seniors that you will keep in mind while pursuing this career?
YOUNG POSSE: BM is such a wonderful artist and has a lot to learn from. He has millions of fans, but is very humble! He always smiles and gives us courage. As tall as he is, he seems to have a big heart. (laughs) All the members of the KARD were kind to us and taught us what to focus on and what to look out for as new artists.
allkpop: As this EP is about your aspirations, tell us the short- and long-term goals you’re working towards achieving.
YOUNG POSSE: Right now, we are doing TV and radio promotions almost every day. We are also planning to appear at one of the biggest hip-hop festivals in South Korea. We are grateful and focused on being able to spend each day with our fans, Teleposse. Also, we will join the HITC NY Festival soon which is the very first performance in the USA. We like to do a wonderful performance to show YOUNG POSSE to the bigger world. For the long-term, we like to create a situation where people believe and listen to whatever music YOUNG POSSE makes!
allkpop: Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to tell all K-pop readers and your fans? What’s something we should expect from YOUNG POSSE for the rest of the year and in the coming years?
YOUNG POSSE: We've known allkpop since before we were trainees. It was amazing and fun to do this interview with you! I think our next album will be more sincere to the hip-hop culture. Until then, please enjoy the mini-album 'XXL'!
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