In April 2023, X:IN made their debut with "KEEPING THE FIRE." A year later in February, the five-member multinational group came back with their second mini-album, 'THE REAL,' which features the focus track "NO DOUBT" and B-sides "MY IDOL," "WITHDRAW," and "NEVER SORRY."

Composed of members from Korea (Nizz, E.sha, and Hannah), India (Aria), and Russia (Nova), X:IN is poised to showcase unique charms to the audience, bringing such distinct blend of cultures and personalities. "Being a multicultural group makes our colors very distinct and unique," said Nova.

In May, they put on dynamic performances at the 'SBTown Music Fiesta,' an event to commemorate the 75 years friendship between South Korea and the Philippines. A few days later, they successfully held their online global fan meeting.

allkpop had the opportunity to catch up with the members to talk about their idol journey so far, the artists they would like to collaborate with, and more. Read our exclusive interview with X:IN below!

X:IN shout-out to allkpop readers:

allkpop: You said in an interview that you were very anxious whether you’d be able to debut or not, but now, you’ve already been in the industry for one year! How do you feel about that? And could you please describe to us your first year in the industry?

E.sha: When we were trainees, we were the most anxious. We had a lot of worries about whether we would be able to debut or not. But we worked hard. Thankfully, we were able to debut. When we first debuted, there were some parts, like the stage appearance of an idol, that we dreamed of and expected, and there were other parts that were different. We were able to experience a lot of things for the first time, so I remember being so excited and just having fun. Even now, a year later, some things have become familiar, but everything still feels a bit new. We talk a lot about how time flies, that it’s already been a year [since we debuted].

Nizz: First of all, before X:IN debuted, there was a long trainee period. After going through all of that, I actually felt very grateful just for being able to debut. And in fact, I think the biggest positive thing for us is that we have fans. So I thought we have to work really hard for them.

allkpop: What role has art or music played in your life? Is being an idol your No. 1 dream ever since?

Aria: I wouldn’t say [becoming an idol] has been my dream ever since I was a child. But somehow, along the way, as I was studying and growing up, music certainly became a huge part of my life, especially during the times when I was mentally having a hard time and when I was under a lot of stress. I think that's when I got so close to music, and it stuck with me ever since. It was not my dream [to become a singer] at first, but then, it just accompanied me, and it has been accompanying me until now.

Hannah: First of all, I never dreamed of becoming an idol from the beginning. Studying and growing up… music has been a great strength in my life. I was stressed out a lot, but that kind of situation brought me even closer to music. I was pursuing another dream back then, but now I’ve been doing idol activities. While doing so, I’ve also had a lot of thoughts about doing art. I want to say that art is somehow my life, and if art wasn't in my life right now, I would probably just be kind of incomplete.

allkpop: The title track “MY IDOL” of your recent album mentions a lot of renowned K-Pop groups. Which K-Pop artists had a big impact on you and influenced you to take the same path?

Nova: There was actually a very interesting story behind the lyrics of “MY IDOL.” Our producer asked us to send our lists of idols that we looked up to growing up and that we enjoyed listening to. So, we just sent our lists. We didn’t know why he asked us to do that. Then we got the demo version of the song where in the chorus, all the idols we mentioned are there. So, I feel like the answer to this question is the song “MY IDOL” because the lyrics mention the idols we look up to.

allkpop: How about K-Pop artists you’d like to collaborate or work with in the future, be it for a song or a stage performance? [Honorifics i.e. sunbaenim have been omitted]

E.sha: In my case, I like Hyolyn so much that if I get the chance in the future, I would like to collaborate with her at least once!

Nova: I would like to collaborate with ITZY!

Aria: I would say KARD!

Hannah: For me, ATEEZ!

Nizz: I would love to collaborate with Chung Ha!

allkpop: How did you feel like your connection and relationship with each other developed since debut? For the foreign members, could you tell us the adjustments you had to make?

Aria: I think we didn’t have lots of adjustments, but there was this difference when it comes to speed. Koreans in general are very fast. They do things very fast. So when I came to Korea, I had to pick up everything quickly. I think that’s a little bit too much for me. But I caught up. Now, I think I’m catching up with their pace. Speed was something I had to adjust myself to match with them because they are always that fast.

E.sha: Before our debut, we practiced a lot so we became very close friends. But after we debuted, I think we became closer in another sense, and I think that’s because we went through hardships together, experienced happy moments together, and felt various emotions together. In some ways, I think that feeling the same emotions at the same time was a big part of it.

allkpop: The first line in the B-side track “WITHDRAW,” says, “One of the monsters, one of a kind.” What do you believe makes X:IN special and one-of-a-kind?

E.sha: I think through our teamwork, we will be able to show more of our sides and specialty.

Nova: I feel like the combination of our members is very unique, that it hasn't been seen anywhere in the K-Pop industry before. We have three Korean members, one Indian member, and one Russian member. Being a multicultural group makes our colors very distinct and unique. And I hope that our fans enjoy our music!

allkpop: And for the members, what’s something you want to contribute and bring to the table as a member of the group?

Nova and Aria: More than individual colors, what we would say is each of us have different personalities. When they all come together, there's this kind of synergy that we bring. And I think that's just ours, especially ours. That’s what sets us apart. We hope we will be able to just continue moving forward and developing that synergy so we can achieve more and more of our goals.

allkpop: It’s already been three months since your last album. I wanted to ask: What kind of a group do you want the public to see you as in the long term?

E.sha: I'd like you to remember X:IN as one and only!

Nizz: I want you to think of me as an artist who has that kind of charm that makes you look a little bit cooler once you see it!

Socials:

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Twitter: @x.in_official
YouTube: @X:IN