While the music scene sees a continuous stream of new artists, NEWBEAT (Park Minseok, Hong Minsung, Jeon Yeoyeojeong, Choi Seohyun, Kim Taeyang, Jo Yunhu, and Kim Riwoo) showcased their "raw" and bold artistic identity through their inaugural project, 'RAW AND RAD,' which also marks their first full-length album — a feat rarely seen from newly debuted groups.

"Debuting with a full-length album was both exciting and nerve-wracking, but it really allowed us to show all sides of who we are as NEWBEAT," said member Park Minseok in a press release. "Every track on 'RAW AND RAD' tells a different part of our story, and we hope listeners can feel our honesty and passion in every beat."

Comprising 11 tracks, including an exclusive CD-only single, 'RAW AND RAD' encapsulates the members' fearless spirit: "Intro : RAW AND RAD," "Sounds like Money," "JeLLo(Sleepers)," "HICCUPS," "You,Me +,-," "Flip the Coin," "F.L.Y(Fu**ing Lovely, Lonely Youth)," "Wonder," "We Are Young," and "Outro : ZERO-SUM GAME."

To commemorate NEWBEAT's debut, allkpop spoke with the boys to discuss 'RAW AND RAD' and their ultimate goals. Check out our exclusive interview with the group below!

allkpop: First of all, congratulations on your debut album ‘RAW AND RAD’! There are many K-Pop groups debuting in the scene right now. What do you think sets NEWBEAT apart from others?

Park Minseok: Thank you for the congratulations! Even before our debut, we were able to meet fans in person and gain stage experience through the U.S busking tour. Thanks to such experiences, we were able to grow stronger and to debut with a full-length album instead of a mini-album. ‘RAW AND RAD’ carries a wide variety of genres, so I think it’s a great album to show NEWBEAT’s diverse musical colors.

allkpop: For those who are still getting to know you, tell us one or two fun facts about yourselves.

Park Minseok: Unlike my appearance, I have a great desire to make others laugh. Also, I eat a lot, and well! Whenever I talk about food, I get excited.

Hong Minsung: I’m serious on the stage, but off the stage, I laugh a lot and have great reactions! (laughs)

Jeon Yeoyeojeong: I want to be someone funny, but when I joke or play around, members often react in a serious way… I’m still trying to find the right timing for jokes.

Choi Seohyun: I’m quite passionate about fashion, and I once stayed up all night to find one piece of clothing I really love. I also get cold easily, so in winter, I’m basically smothered in clothes as if those are my blankets.

Kim Taeyang: I’m very shy around strangers and I was worried when I met our fans for the first time. But when I see them, I become really happy.

Jo Yunhu: I enjoy taking a walk and clearing my mind. I can also memorize the lyrics pretty quickly, so I can memorize all the lyrics while humming the song.

Kim Riwoo: I have different colors for each of my eyes, with the left eye being brown and the right eye being black. I also have a mole under my right eye. Quite special, right?

allkpop: Not every group gets to release a full-length album as their debut album. How long did it take you to prepare for ‘RAW AND RAD’? What was the process behind it?

Jeon Yeoyeojeong: I learned so much by preparing for the full-length album, and I realized that “we’re really becoming one team,” while going through the whole process of selecting the songs, practicing, recording, and filming. One promise we often share is that we’ll never forget where we started, even after a long time.

allkpop: What message do you hope for the listeners to pick up from the album?

Jo Yunhu: The central message of 'RAW AND RAD' is that “being different is not wrong.” We wanted to convey the sincere emotion among our unique individualities, and we hope our sincerity can send solace and comfort to many people.

allkpop: As this is your first album, could you walk us through the experience of working together on this?

Kim Riwoo: Everything was new and fascinating at the filming set because it was my first time experiencing one! However, I ate so many snacks that I gained a little bit of weight over a couple of days. I may have been the happiest person on the set.

allkpop: Which track on the album do you think is the closest to your music taste?

Kim Taeyang: I’d choose “Flip the Coin.” With its strong beats and hook, I feel energized every time I listen to it.

Jeon Yeoyeojeong: I love all the songs, but if I have to choose a personal favorite, it would be “HICCUPS.” I think the unique intro sound of hiccups is very fun, and its minor R&B mood fits me perfectly. I love it a little more when I listen to it.

allkpop: Lastly, please share with us the goals you have for your group and leave a message for allkpop readers!

Hong Minsung: It might be a goal that’s too far, but we’re dreaming of being on global stages like Coachella and the Super Bowl. Also, more than just becoming famous, we hope to send comfort and warm energy to the listeners.

Socials:

Instagram: @newbeat.beat / @newbeat.official
X: @newbeat__official
Facebook: BEAT.HinLOVE
TikTok: @newbeat_official
YouTube: NEWBEAT

SEE ALSO: NEWBEAT wraps up first week of debut promotions with strong impact