[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] ALL(H)OURS Reflects on 1st-Ever Comeback, 2024 Goals, More With KpopStarz

Rising K-pop rookie boy group ALL(H)OURS made their debut on January 10 with the first mini-album "All Ours" and title track "Gotcha."

In an exclusive interview with KpopStarz, the boy group talked about their second mini-album "Witness," which is also their first-ever comeback!

Additionally, the members also discussed their preparations for the album, their goals this 2024, and their dream collabs.

1. Congratulations on your first-ever comeback with 'WITNESS' and 'SHOCK'! Can you tell us how different it felt preparing for your first comeback after making your debut earlier this year?

Xayden: "The main difference between preparing our debut album, ALL OURS, and the second mini album, WITNESS, was that we knew what to prepare for. From the experience we gained from our debut promotions, we learned that we need to work on our facial expressions along with, obviously, our vocals and performances to show a better, well-practiced performance."

Xayden: "During our debut promotions, because everything was new to us, we were clueless from time to time. However, preparing for 'WITNESS' and 'SHOCK,' I think we had a little more knowledge on how everything works and how we should work on certain things."

Xayden: "Even amongst ourselves, I felt like we were relaxed a bit more than during the release of "GOTCHA)," and we definitely communicated more with each other and our team to show a better stage each and every day."

2. 'SHOCK' is a powerful song that incorporates the EDM and Drift Phonk genre. What was your first reaction to hearing the song?

Minje: "I know that some of us perceived this album as a challenge, which I definitely agree with. When I first heard our title track "SHOCK," the beat was really good and it made my heart beat faster."

Minje: "But at the same time, I was worried about whether we could pull this off, but I think I was overthinking it because it did turn out really well, and I'm very proud of ourselves. I think we pulled it off better than we expected."

3. Now that you have experimented with EDM and Drift Phonk, are there any other genres you would like to try in the future?

Youmin: "We actually listen to a variety of different music genres including old-school pop or even country music. It would be really interesting if we could mix country music with K-POP, or even mix old-school pop with K-POP and perform it. Dancing to old-school pop or country music mixed with K-POP would be fun and would be a new experience or a challenge for all of us."

4. Another song that is earning love from your latest album is 'PSYCHO MANTRA.' Can you tell us the meaning of the song?

ON:N: "PSYCHO MANTRA" is one of the B-side tracks of WITNESS, which continues from the strong sounds of 'WITNESS' and 'SHOCK.' 'PSYCHO MANTRA' sounds mysterious, especially with the beat that almost draws the listeners into a mysterious place, but with the witty lyrics, it also gives a unique twist to the mood of the song."

5. Can you give us a TMI from preparations for your comeback with 'WITNESS'?

Hyunbin: "Practicing for the choreography and singing live for 'SHOCK' was a challenge that all of us had to overcome. To do so, we practiced dancing to the whole song at least fifteen times per day.

Hyunbin: "It was tough, but to show a perfect performance in front of all of our fans, it was very worth the challenge, and we were amazed at how practice makes our performances perfect."

6. In the future, are there any artists you would like to collaborate with?

Kunho: "We would like to perform with a variety of different artists, including Korean artists and international artists as well. We are huge fans of Stray Kids' performances, and the amount of energy we can get just from watching their performance is breathtaking."

Kunho: "Thus, we would love to collaborate with them and learn from them as well. We would like to try different music genres and widen our music spectrum. We would like to show our listeners, and our fans, of course, that ALL(H)OURS can manage to perform in various genres."

7. You guys are one of the hottest rookies of the year! Is there anything you guys would like to achieve before the year ends?

Kunho: "We are honored to be recognized as one of the hottest rookies of the year, thank you! We would like to show our fans, Min(ut)es, more stages filled with our own kind of performances whenever we get a chance to. Before 2024 ends, we would like to win first place on music shows, and we also hope to receive the rookie award!"

8. If there is one thing you would want your fans to know about this comeback, what is it? Do you have a message for them?

Masami: "ALL(H)OURS came back with another breathtaking performance but we practiced even harder for this second mini album, WITNESS, to show an edgier and upgraded performance from 'GOTCHA."

Masami: "One of our main goals is to meet our fans all around the world and interact with everyone! Please stay tuned in for ALL(H)OURS and of course, our second mini album, 'WITNESS,' and its title track 'SHOCK."

Are you looking forward to more of ALL(H)OURS' activities? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Written by Israel Monte