EVNNE Overcomes Fears and All that “Backtalk” in First Single Album

Just two years ago in 2024, they were Boys Planet trainees who had narrowly missed the final group lineup. Five months later, on September 18, EVNNE debuted as a temporary group, unaware of their future success. Now, after being awarded as an Emerging Artist and two world tours tucked under their wings, EVNNE returns to the stage. Their latest single released on April 20, 뱉어 (Backtalk), unveils a new exploration of the group’s sound. EVNNE actively participated in this album’s creation to personally deliver empowering messages. Based on their experiences and hardships from their career thus far, EVNNE presents the two songs, “Backtalk” and “STAY.”

뱉어 (Backtalk) marks multiple milestones for EVNNE — the first release since their “SET N’ GO Tour,” the group’s first single, and their first comeback since becoming a permanent group. Initially believed by fans to be an elaborate April fool’s joke, an animated video teased the comeback and new lineup. The five members — KEITA, PARK HANBIN, LEE JEONGHYEON, MUN JUNGHYUN, and PARK JIHOO — are shown as clay figures representative of their malleability as artists. Through both image and sound, EVNNE is embracing every change. To learn more about their creative process and new direction, EnVi spoke with EVNNE over Zoom. Each member buzzed with excitement — despite the late hour — and cheered my name as soon as I entered the call.

Don’t Worry, Just 뱉어

EVNNE displayed two sides of the group through their album concept photos: DRILL and PATINA. DRILL is their main concept, showing the members dressed in street fashion and pictured in low colored lighting. In contrast, PATINA is bright with members dressed in plain white tees and jeans. Beyond the visuals, the key phrases of each concept symbolize greater meaning for the group moving forward.

“A drill is used to make a hole in many hard objects, and [the DRILL concept] represents digging into our weaknesses and vulnerability within ourselves,” HANBIN explained. As the translation for the Korean title, “뱉어” means spit it out, EVNNE let out their honest feelings captured in short vlogs. The members spoke of challenges during album preparations — exhaustion from dance practice, worries about their vocals, and anticipated reactions of the public and their fans, ENNVE. 

HANBIN continued, “PATINA represents how things are more valuable when they are cracked or flawed. Still, they remain valuable and precious as is.” Each member also discussed how they combat fear in the PATINA concept film, presenting their vulnerability without any shame. In this new era, EVNNE is firm on showing fans the most sincere version of themselves. As they embrace their own imperfections, they encourage ENNVE to love themselves as well.

The “Backtalk” pre-chorus declares, “No such thing as giving up, keep charging on.” EnVi asked how EVNNE finds strength when giving up. Amidst the hectic schedules that ramp up during comeback season, JUNGHYUN found that rest is especially important. “Personally, if I take a nap or go to sleep, all the bad and challenging memories fade away,” he shared. 

For JEONGHYEON, being able to share his troubles with the members helps relieve his anxieties. “For members like JIHOO, he’ll say ‘Hyung, you can figure it out yourself,’ in a cool way and will ignore me,” he shared, provoking laughter from the other members, “But in the case of JUNGHYUN, he will listen well and give good advice so I receive a lot of strength.” In light of the new era, the members have become diligent with supporting each other.

EVNNE is Paving a New Way

EVNNE are no strangers to experimenting with new music genres and themes. Their discography ranges from hard-hitting Baltimore Club in “TROUBLE” to upbeat pop rock in “Hot Mess,” and much more. However, this single’s direction was carefully selected in regards to their fans, ENNVE. “We are always thinking about what new things fans want to see and decided to try this new sound going forward as we agreed, ‘Let’s take on this challenge!’” revealed JIHOO. 

뱉어 (Backtalk)’s two tracks contrast each other in both sound and message.“Backtalk” incorporates electronic accents in the instrumental, adding a glitched feel. EVNNE snaps back at their critics and assert their fearlessness as artists. The lyrics are full of references from Boys Planet to the members’ previous companies. This subtle nod at their history was suggested by KEITA, as a way to honor EVNNE’s original lineup. Despite addressing past conflicts, the group’s unity is evident as the members synchronize their steps in the music video. 

“STAY” was first revealed at The Performance in Japan on April 11, surprising ENNVE. The lyrics reflect on how much the group has accomplished and what lies in the future. EVNNE acknowledges the miracle of continuing their career, despite the loss of two members. They promise to continue to shine onstage in their own way. Using a hyperpop sound keeps the mood hopeful and joyous, however the choreography for both songs should not be underestimated.

HANBIN claimed he struggled most with the choreography for “Backtalk,” adding that his thighs often hurt. “The song is rhythmical, so there is a lot of bounce and hip-hop groove needing leg strength,” he explained. “This time around, I really felt like my knees and thighs would explode after every practice!” He acted out a silent shout and hugged his knee, which brought sympathetic nods and laughter.

In JIHOO’s case, he declared that “STAY” was hard on EVNNE’s hearts and lungs. “[‘STAY’] requires physical strength from beginning to end because we are continuously changing formation and running around.” He proceeded to poke fun at the older members, stating that they were often breathless and zoned out after practice. Still, EVNNE powers through their performance. “Because of that, we shout out ‘Hey, hey!’ and try to share our energy when we perform.”

Five Shining Stars to the World

Apart from sound, the group is learning to restructure every aspect of their performance. From choreography formations, to line distributions in songs, EVNNE had many things to consider. “We’re setting off on a new start from seven to five members, so we discussed a lot about how we could convey our own story as EVNNE,” KEITA informed us.

To further challenge and improve themselves, every member contributed to writing the lyrics of both tracks. As a collaborative effort, they combined all their ideas and chose lyrics that would suit each other best. While the other three members have worked on previous albums, 뱉어 (Backtalk) marks JUNGHYUN and HANBIN’s debut as songwriters. “We knew we wanted to write lyrics full of honesty, so we decided to brainstorm together and participate in the creative process,” explained KEITA. “Because of this, I believe it allowed us to understand our own music and performance better. We also get to have a lot more fun and energy as we perform!” Knowing each member personally pored over every detail truly enhances the album’s listening experience.

When asked which lyrics they felt best embodied them in this moment, EVNNE picked snippets of “Backtalk,” to discuss. “There’s a lyric I wrote about HANBIN’s blue hair that he was famous for on Boys Planet that goes, ‘That blue-haired kid is now fabulous,’” JUNGHYUN described. “I think it showcases his growth, our relationship, and how far we’ve come from our beginning to now.” HANBIN recently returned to his iconic blue hair for this album’s promotion. Though the motif of blue hair calls back to the group’s past, HANBIN’s new blue hair models the group’s refined image for this era.

JEONGHYEON chose to delve into the final pre-chorus, “One of the lyrics I wrote says, ‘Talk all you want and keep looking, we’re one of a kind.’ The reason I wrote this is because no matter how you look at it, we’re a group that went from project to rookie to permanent group. I really wanted to convey the confidence we have as we step into a new era.” EVNNE’s journey has been unique, as many project groups often do not last beyond their brief contract period. Obtaining a permanent contract is nothing short of a miracle and the members are determined to continue to exceed expectations.

Would You STAY With Me?

For ENNVE who have waited over eight months for EVNNE to return, there are plenty of things to look forward to for this single. “Just as much as we participated in writing for both songs, we want ENNVE to be able to immerse themselves in the lyrics’ emotions and our story,” said JUNGHYUN. “I think the choreography for our title song, ‘Backtalk’ is also very cool, so we’ll look forward to the cheers as we perform!” JIHOO added, “With this album’s concept of honesty and showing everything without pretense, we hope fans see sincerity shining through while enjoying the hip side.” 

EVNNE left some final thoughts and reminders for their fans, ENNVE. “This album signifies our new beginning as a five member group. We wrote together to convey our story and it has a lot of meaning so I hope our fans can look forward to it!” JUNGHYUN exclaimed.

“Rather than act as if we are perfect, we want to showcase our confidence and honesty despite any fears,” JIHOO affirmed. “ENNVE don’t need to worry about perfection either, but rather we hope they appreciate their own flaws and have the self-confidence to do what they put their minds to.” 

While the members expressed sincerity and vulnerability, their excitement and energy continued to be evident as farewells were said. With some time to spare, I revealed I was an ENNVE, wished the members success, and reminded them to enjoy the activities during their new comeback. EVNNE cheered in unison, voices overlapping in gratitude and enthusiasm. EVNNE’s energy is found even off-stage and fans can look forward to watching them elevate their skills.

You can listen to 뱉어 (Backtalk) now, available on Apple Music, Spotify. and YouTube Music. Stay updated with EVNNE and follow them on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

Curious about other boy groups with a bold sound? Check out EnVi’s exclusive interview with AMPERS&ONE and their recent album, DEFINITION!