Welcome back #SoundLovers! We are excited to introduce you to the rookie boy group POW (파우)! We had the pleasure of speaking with the members of POW as they discussed their latest release, "Valentine," [POW HOUSE in Bangkok], and future goals. You can check out our interview below.
About POW
Five-member rookie group POW can proudly claim the title of GRID Entertainment (그리드 엔터테인먼트)'s first every boy group. GRID Entertainment announced its establishment as a company on July 10, 2024, and the group's name -- POW -- on July 31, 2023. Consisting of members Yorch, Hyunbin, Jungbin, Dongyeon, and Hong, POW released a pre-debut single, "Favorite," on September 13, 2023, -- which features a prominent electric guitar sound alongside a cheerful, nostalgic vibe -- and made their official debut on October 11, 2023, with the EP, "1st EP [Favorite]," with "Dazzling" serving as the title track.
On January 25, 2024, the group made their first comeback with their second digital single, "Valentine." While described as a UK garage-style song, this charm-filled track also embraces some compelling elements of the 70s while showcasing POW's youthful energy. POW's highlighted 5-color vocals, the song's catchy melody, and lovely lyrics are sure to stick with listeners.
K FUSE: Hello, POW! Thank you for taking the time to talk with us, and share your story with our readers. Some readers may be meeting you for the first time. Could you take a moment and introduce yourselves and your role in POW?
[Jungbin] Hi there, this is POW’s leader, Jungbin.
[Yorch] Hello, this is POW’s eldest, Yorch.
[Hong] Hi, I’m Hong, the cute and chic one of the group.
[Dongyeon] Hey, this is Dongyeon from POW. I’m the choreography lead, known for my charisma.
[Hyunbin] Hi everyone, I’m Hyunbin, the vitamin spirit of the group.
K FUSE: What is the meaning behind your group name?
[All] Our group name POW comes from the sound of something explosive, like “POW!” It’s about bringing freshness and excitement to the music scene.
K FUSE: What was your first impression of each other?
[Jungbin] Hyunbin, Dongyeon, Hong, and I spent a lot of time practicing together. Yorch joined the group last, and it felt like fate. I found Hyunbin intriguing and funny because of his dialectic accent. I found Dongyeon to be reserved, Hong as adorable, and Yorch as a natural-born superstar.
[Yorch] I joined the group last but immediately felt a strong connection. Our bond even surprised our staff members from the very beginning.
[Hong] I thought Jungbin has always shown solid leadership from the start. Yorch has always exuded a celebrity aura, given his experience in the industry and background as an actor in Thailand. I found Hyunbin a total goofball and Dongyeon a fantastic choreography guide.
[Dongyeon] I'm usually shy at first, but Hyunbin and Jungbin helped me feel comfortable from the start. I saw Hong as a flawless, cute baby. Yorch and I are both introverted, so it took some time for us to open up to each other.
[Hyunbin] Everyone says I was the first to be friendly, but I was also shy. I made an effort to overcome any awkwardness among us.
K FUSE: Jungbin has given the other members nicknames. JUNGBIN, can you tell us a little more about how you came up with nicknames for the members?
[Jungbin]
Hyunbin may surprise you, but he's actually a big sleepyhead who loves lounging around. That's why I nicknamed him "koo'chana" by replacing the 'kwi' in 'kwichana' (which means 'I'm lazy') with 'Ku,' his last name.
Dongyeon is incredibly composed, grounded, and easygoing without rough edges. I refer to him as "dongeul-ee," which translates to "a circular one."
Hong, our youngest member, adores each of us in the group. He's incredibly affectionate and always eager to observe everything we do. I've nicknamed him "hyunga-baragi," meaning "hyunga sunflower."
Yorch, our eldest member, possesses an adorable character of his own. While he may not express affection as Hong does, he exudes his own charm. I call him "yomi," derived from the term "gwiyomi," meaning 'cutie.'
K FUSE: Yorch,Hyunbin, Dongyeon, and Hong, if you could each pick a nickname for Jungbin, what would it be?
[Yorch] Im Jin Beom. In Thailand, we have this tradition where we remix a friend's name. According to this tradition, his nickname would be Im Jin Beom, but in the Korean way, I simply call him Jin Beom.
[Hong] Gomdol-bin (teddy bear bin)! He looks just like a teddy bear.
[Dongyeon] Jungbin's hairstyle often features large curls, and he rocks them perfectly. It reminds me of a chocolate-colored poodle, so I want to call him a choco poodle.
[Hyunbin] Bigfoot Jungbin. Jungbin has large hands and feet. Very masculine, I must say.
K FUSE: Let's talk about your latest single, “Valentine.”
[All] Valentine is a track that captures the exciting and bubbly confessions of young boys who have fallen in love. We hope to grow an abundant of emotions within the listeners, so they can experience the flutter of butterflies. Plus, you can distinctly sense the unique charms of each of the five members in the song, which adds another enjoyable layer to the experience.
K FUSE: What message are you trying to convey to listeners who hear this song?
[Hyunbin] Valentine marks POW’s first-ever comeback track, making it an incredibly significant release for us. It's our way of demonstrating the evolution we've undergone as a group. While we initially started with a youthful and boyish image, we've now transitioned to embrace a more mature and masculine vibe.
K FUSE: What was your favorite part of “Valentine?”
[Jungbin] “I'll gather all my vulnerable emotions to place inside your warm hands.” That’s as transparent as you can get with your feelings in a love confession.
[Yorch] “I only have fluttering words to tell you. Oh, my baby, baby, all I want is you”
[Hong] “Darling, be my Valentine. I want to be clear why it has to be you.” Something about this line has a fate-like quality.
[Dongyeon] “I'll bring you flowers. Cheeks blush like cotton candy. You're my eternal spring breeze. Leave your ring finger for me.” I have a ton of fun doing these rap lines and I love the lyrics as well. It’s also very fun to act out.
[Hyunbin] “Any second I get. I fall for you.” It’s a direct way to express your feelings, and I like how romantic it is.
K FUSE: Were there any memorable moments during the filming of “Valentine?”
[Jungbin] I remember we all had a blast running around everywhere working with the drone. Its noise was pretty loud, so we laughed while running away from it. But we still had to be careful from crashing it.
[Yorch] I very much enjoyed shooting with the drone. We felt the sound was a bit too loud and intimidating, and that showed through the screens. We were suppressing our anxieties. It’s funny how we shared that little secret, even if others on-site didn’t notice.
K FUSE: How would you say “Valentine” compared to your pre-debut song “Favorite?
[Jungbin] I would say “Favorite” best represents our identity. It embodies a shy, indirect confession of love, while “Valentine” takes a more mature and direct approach.
[Yorch] “Favorite” captures youthful love, while “Valentine” embraces the more mature side. There’s quite a difference in maturity. The choreography includes impactful elements and showcases a range of fun through varied formations.
[Dongyeon] We were still boys during “Favorite,” while “Valentine” reflects a more mature stage. We find ourselves in the midst of transitioning from boys to men. We’re investing a lot more time in considering how to depict that transition visually. Plus, we’ve been hitting the gym frequently and making slight changes to our hairstyles and makeup.
K FUSE: You are scheduled to meet Thai POWER on April 6, during your 2024 POW Live Stage [POW HOUSE in Bangkok]. Is there a theme for this live stage?
[Jungbin] For this live stage, our focus was on showcasing our growth as artists compared to our first visit to Thailand. We hope you can experience a refreshing charm from our performance.
K FUSE: As you greet your Thai fans, what messages or emotions do you hope your music conveys to listeners?
[Hyunbin] Our foremost hope is that you find joy and happiness in our performance. Some of life's most radiant moments are composed of those you've savored to the fullest. I truly hope that POW's stages become cherished memories deeply ingrained in POWERs.
K FUSE: Are there any special stages that you have prepared for your fans ?
[Yorch] Hong and I have prepared a cover stage. While it was a solo performance back in Korea, I have high hopes that it’ll be a lot less solitary and more spectacular this time.
[Dongyeon] Hyunbin, Jungbin, and I are also gearing up for a joint performance. We’re exploring a different music genre, aiming to showcase an elevated version of ourselves at the Thailand concert.
K FUSE: Are there any places in Thailand that you would like to visit?
[Jungbin] I want to visit Icon Siam. Considering all of our members don’t do well in the heat, I think it’d be amazing to have them enjoy the food and culture of Thailand indoors, though I still adore the night market.
[Yorch] Real Thai Street in Jatujak is a must-visit. The array of stylish clothes is great, with so many Thai dishes yet to be tried by the members, so I’m very eager to show them the taste and charm of Thailand.
[Hong] Phi Phi Island is calling my name. With my love for the sea and its breathtaking scenery and vibrant colors, experiencing it firsthand would be a dream. Plus, the fruits in Thailand are incredible. Imagine having them against the ocean backdrop!
[Dongyeon] Amphawa Floating Market is on my radar. I’ve never seen fireflies before, but apparently, the place is filled with them. If any opportunity arises, I’d love to go and make some enticing memories there.
[Hyunbin] I’d love to go to Phuket. I want to capture the beauty of the sea with my own eyes. When I first heard our song “Dazzling,” I envisioned us dancing on the sands of the beach. That’s where I want to turn that vision into reality.
K FUSE: Are there plans to take [POW HOUSE] to other countries?
[Hong] Upon POWER’s call, I’d go anywhere. I want to perform in the countries and cities they live in.
K FUSE: What do you want fans to think of when they hear your songs?
[Yorch] I hope they can reignite feelings they’ve become numb to, particularly excitement. I think our music has the power to evoke nostalgia.
K FUSE: Are there any upcoming projects or releases you can share with your fans ?
[All] We are currently preparing for our next single and planning our next ventures to connect with more POWERs in various countries. While we may not be able to visit all the places we desire at the moment, we are striving to reach as many as possible. We can’t wait to meet everyone on stage.
K FUSE: Are there any countries you would like to visit?
[Jungbin] I’d love to film a POW house episode in Yorch’s homeland, Thailand, to show everyone how well we are doing!
[Yorch] Since I enjoy being in nature, performing in a scenic location sounds perfect. I’d love to do a POW house in Switzerland.
[Hong] I’ve wanted to go to the States. I’ve only been there once with Yorch before, so I’d love to go with everyone next time. I’m curious to experience what it’s like to perform there.
[Dongyeon] I want to visit my mother’s home country, the Philippines. I’ve been there once for promotions, but we weren’t able to meet fans at the time. I’d love to greet them through a stage performance.
[Hyunbin] Brazil is on my bucket list. As a big fan of soccer, visiting Brazil would be a dream come true. Of course, I’d love to feel the heat and energy of South American passion.
K FUSE: Have you always wanted to pursue a career in music?
[Jungbin] I've had a passion for music and singing since I was young. I participated in the school band and chorus. If I hadn't become an idol, I would have pursued another career in singing.
[Yorch] Dancing has been a love of mine since childhood, which naturally led me to develop a deep affection for music and the dream of becoming a singer.
[Hong] Singing and dancing have always been integral parts of my life. I've always had a strong desire to perform music in front of others.
[Dongyeon] Although I didn't always dream of pursuing music, I began to envision myself as a singer during high school. Witnessing BTS on stage gave me chills and ignited my passion.
[Hyunbin] I didn't have a specific dream at first, but it gradually developed over time. As I explored various music genres, my dream of becoming a musician became more real.
K FUSE: If you weren't an idol, what career would you pursue instead?
[Jungbin] I would have pursued a major in contemporary music in college. By now, I’d be on campus, dreaming of becoming a vocalist.
[Yorch] I probably would’ve continued my acting career in Thailand. But I do think I would’ve ventured into music later on. Music has always held a special place in my heart.
[Hong] I would have immersed myself in the music scene. I did taekwondo when I was little, but since then, I’ve only studied music-related subjects like piano, MIDI, and more.
[Dongyeon] I would’ve pursued a career in drawing, like an animator or an illustrator. I still draw to this day.
[Hyunbin] If not for music, I would have explored the world by now. Without a specific dream before music, I imagine I would have collected diverse experiences around the globe in search of my true calling.
K FUSE: What is the best advice you have heard?
[Jungbin] Live this life as if you'd live it exactly the same if given the chance to start over.
[Yorch] Don't fret over tomorrow; instead, focus on giving your best today.
[Hong] Nothing worth having comes without effort.
[Dongyeon] It's alright to loosen up a little more. I struggled to embrace all aspects of myself, hindering my ability to act and feel authentically. This advice helped me feel more at ease in my interactions with others.
[Hyunbin] Do everything you want to do on stage. These words resonate with me. It feels like the key to experiencing joy both for myself and for those who witness my performances.
K FUSE: What are POW’s wishes and plans for 2024 as a group and also individually?
[Jungbin] I eagerly anticipate more opportunities to meet POWERs in person. It would be wonderful to connect with all the POWERS who passionately support us from across the globe.
[Yorch] I aspire to reach a point where it feels natural to say, "It's time for POW to receive the Best Song of the Year award." Achieving this goal requires further refining our vocals and performance skills.
[Hong] Getting good grades, meaning getting #1 on music shows or entering the music charts. I want to make all of our dedicated staff members and our supportive fans proud.
[Dongyeon] My goal for 2024 is to win an award together with our fellow members.
[Hyunbin] I aim to meet as many POWERs as possible. By the end of 2024, I hope to look back on numerous enjoyable performances with POW.
K FUSE: What is a message that you want to give to your fans POWER?
[Jungbin] We're incredibly grateful for your unwavering support and love. POWERs always inspire us, and we strive to reciprocate that energy through our music. Please continue to stand by us; we love you and appreciate you immensely.
[Yorch] Your continuous support means the world to us. We'll keep pushing ourselves to be the best we can be, so please stay with us and expect great things from us.
[Hong] We, POW, pour our hearts into our work, so please keep supporting us. Your love means everything to us.
[Dongyeon] Thank you for acknowledging and loving us, whether up close or from afar. We'll always give our all for you.
[Hyunbin] POWER! Your support is invaluable to us, and we're deeply grateful. We promise to always give our absolute best for you. Thank you, and we’ll always love you
BE SURE TO FOLLOW POW ON SNS TO STAY UP-TO-DATE ON FUTURE ACTIVITES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS!
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K Fuse would like to thank the team at GRID Entertainment and the members of POW for taking the time to share your story with us and our readers! We are looking forward to watching these rising stars continue to shine brightly during their career.