Following the release of the quintet's third mini-album 'Planet Nine : ISOTROPY,' ONEWE felt perfect to be able to return so soon with 'OFF ROAD,' timing it with the weather and mood. "We wanted to focus on  creating exciting songs," said the band — Yonghoon, Kanghyun, Harin, Dongmyeong, and Giuk.

The five-piece band's latest digital single album has three tracks "OFF ROAD," "Solar Halo Ring," and "A piece of You." Notably, members Giuk and Yonghoon worked on the lyrics as well as on the arrangement and composition along with Kanghyun and Harin. "I was nervous yesterday, then once again, I realized / The hope of five brothers chatting and laughing without a care," they sing in one of the verses of the lead single. 

"I feel that my members are like companions," Dongmyeon uttered. Spending almost a decade together, ONEWE's future continues to soar along with the growth of the members themselves. Such time made them realize the bond they were able to build through their shared love for music; with a promising road ahead of theirs, the band is ready to take on a new chapter of their journey, bringing all the cherished memories they've had for the past years with them.

In commemoration of this return, allkpop had the opportunity to talk to ONEWE about 'OFF ROAD,' inspirations, and how being in the band has made them realize the importance of time. Read the full exclusive interview below!

ONEWE's shout-out to allkpop:

allkpop: How do you feel about returning with new music after around five months?

ONEWE: We're happy to have met WEVEs so soon after five months. The reason we released the title track “OFF ROAD” for this album is that it was the perfect time, with both the weather and the mood fitting well.

allkpop: Why did you collectively choose “OFF ROAD,” “Solar Halo Ring,” and “A piece of You” as the three tracks to complete this release?

ONEWE: For this single album, we wanted to focus on creating exciting songs. We worked on it with the outdoor concert held last summer in mind. So, we chose songs that could be fun and enjoyable for everyone to share at concerts or festivals.

allkpop: Whenever you release a single album that has three or four songs, was there a point where you had second thoughts about perhaps releasing a mini-album instead of a single album since you only need a few more songs to add to it?

ONEWE: It seems that decisions are often influenced more by the album concept and the direction the album aims for, rather than focusing on factors like schedules or deadlines.

allkpop: The members participated in writing, composing, and arranging the songs. Could you share with us your experience working on them?

ONEWE: We are really good at pulling off refreshing songs, but we felt we didn’t have many of them yet, so we packed this album full of them! For “Solar Halo Ring”, we poured in all the ideas we wanted to try, which felt really satisfying. “OFF ROAD” was a bit challenging, probably because it was our first time doing an overseas collaboration. Still, it was a great experience to try something new.

allkpop: Where do you usually get your inspiration when it comes to writing songs? As for building up melodies, do you do it planned in a studio or spontaneously?

Kanghyun: I draw inspiration for my lyrics from my daily life and books. Writing lyrics based on my own story often flows effortlessly, and when reading books, I imagine myself as the protagonist of the novel, which helps me craft lyrics.

Giuk: I get song themes and lyrics from everyday life, as well as from dramas, books, or movies. I also watch the news frequently. When it comes to melodies, I find notes that fit the chords, but I also experiment with melodies that might not harmonize perfectly yet still sound appealing. My process is a mix of planning and improvisation.

allkpop: If you could switch positions with any of the members, which one would you want to choose and do?

Yonghoon: I don’t want to change my position hehe. I always want to stay as the frontman!

Kanghyun: I used to play the drums, but lately, playing the piano seems really cool to me, so I kind of want to switch positions with Dongmyeong.

Harin: Before I started playing the drums as a kid, I actually played the piano. If the opportunity arises, I'd love to switch piano parts with Dongmyeong!

Dongmyeong: I’d love to switch positions with Kanghyun and try playing the guitar!

Giuk: I’d like to switch positions with Dongmyeong to handle both the piano and synthesizer!

allkpop: How does it feel that you’re now nearing your 10th anniversary? What has been the journey of being part of ONEWE like, and what would you say about your current standing as a singer now?

Yonghoon: Being in a band has made me really appreciate the importance of time. I’ve learned that a true connection is essential for perfect rehearsals and music. Because of this, I believe ONEWE will continue to grow endlessly as artists in the future.

Kanghyun: I've become so close with the members that we can understand each other's feelings without needing to say anything. We've spent more time together than with family, and I believe that ONEWE currently has limitless potential as a band.

Harin: It feels like just yesterday that a decade has already passed, filled with many experiences. I see ONEWE as a band that is truly starting from zero and has a strong desire to establish itself solidly. Personally, I hope that more people can recognize the abundant energy and charm that ONEWE possesses.

Dongmyeong: I feel that my members are like companions. I'm really excited and thrilled about all the things we will do together in the future!

Giuk: It’s been a difficult and challenging journey, but I believe we’ve been able to endure it because of the support of all five of us. Personally, I still feel like I have some shortcomings, but it seems like the day I become an influential artist is not far off.

allkpop: Is there any particular achievement you’ve already achieved that stuck with you the most, and what is still something you want to achieve in the near future?

Yonghoon: As a band, I've always wanted to perform outdoor concerts. I was really happy to have that opportunity recently, and I hope to share more memories with our fans in larger venues in the future!

Kanghyun: After returning from military service, I have many fond memories of participating in festivals and concerts. I feel the happiest when I'm playing guitar on stage, and my goal is for ONEWE to hold a solo concert in front of tens of thousands of people someday.

Harin: I remember every moment when all five of us enjoyed ourselves during performances. I hope that ONEWE gets to shine and be recognized by more people in the future!

Dongmyeong: The moments from our concert are the most memorable for me, and I want to create a fantastic full-length album in the future!

Giuk: I'm really happy about recently being given the opportunity to head a festival. I also want ONEWE to hold concerts in larger venues!

allkpop: Lastly, if you could choose a ONEWE song that best describes how you feel or your situation these days, what would it be, or which is your favorite song to listen to during road trips? 

ONEWE: For road trips, we think “OFF ROAD” best represents ONEWE right now, and we’d recommend “A Piece of You” for those moments when you’re driving. To all the allkpop readers, I hope you enjoy this album and look forward to more from us in the future. We love you!