NEWBEAT Are Coming in Hot and Fresh with Debut Album “RAW AND RAD”

A new triple threat K-pop boy group just dropped onto the scene — get ready for NEWBEAT! The group consists of seven members: Minseok Park, Minsung Hong, Yeoyeojeong Jeon, Seohyun Choi, Taeyang Kim, Yunhu Jo, and Riwoo Kim. Their label Beat Interactive had prepared the group with opportunities like featuring them as back up dances for former group A.C.E.’s music video for “My Girl” and their most recent North American tour. Further introducing them to fans, last year NEWBEAT busked in multiple cities — Mexico City, Los Angeles, and New York City — showing fans a glimpse of their powerful performance skills.

A few days before NEWBEAT’s debut, EnVi had the opportunity to attend a roundtable interview via Zoom, where we learned more about their beginning stages of their journey and the preparation process for their debut album RAW AND RAD. Despite the time difference, the group was eager to reveal their thoughts.

New Year, New Beat

NEWBEAT wrapped up their pre-debut promotions mid last year before returning to Korea, where they worked on RAW AND RAD. Though radiating confidence and excitement through their answers, Yeoyeojeong Jeon, former member of TO1, admitted how nervous and worried the group was. Putting together a full-length album as a new group required a lot of work and effort. Additionally, having a bold approach with their concept was something they were hesitant about. “Over time, we learned how to turn that pressure into confidence,” he said. With high spirits, the members are more ready than ever. On March 24, NEWBEAT shook up the stage on MNET and made their powerful debut.

All about taking the challenge, the boys show their determination and passion through their album RAW AND RAD. Their message is to show the duality in being their “free and raw selves.” The album represents “pure, raw passion, and the spirit of challenge. While we acknowledge the imperfections and flaws within our rawness, I believe it is also a result that fully captures our dreams, passion, and mindset,” Minseok Park explained.

NEWBEAT’s out-of-world concept continues to leave fans a bit confused yet intrigued and curious. Their music videos depict unique imagery, mixing 2D and 3D animations — like teeth and unicorns. Neurcorn, their mascot, is a symbol of their message.

“The story starts with a unicorn without a horn that starts to think and explore why it doesn’t have a horn like other unicorns. Later, the unicorn comes to a realization that it’s not wrong to not have a horn and everyone is different,” Yeoyeojeong Jeon said in response to EnVi. “This message is expressed through our song[s], connecting our sense of freedom, challenge, and ambition.”

Within the month leading up to their debut, NEWBEAT gave fans a taste of their unique sound with their tracks “JeLLo (Sleepers)” and “HICCUPS.” Both songs tap into the ’90s hip-hop vibe with techno beats and vinyl-scratching effects. They also offered a first look into the group’s reality-bending world and lore with their music videos. “JeLLo’s” music video incorporates digital graphic designs that echo Y2K aesthetics. Each scene changes with a hard-hitting beat, flashing between the members traveling inside the human body and dancing in a doctor’s office.  

“HICCUPS” stands out with its distinctive hiccup noises that blend seamlessly with the sound of that vinyl-scratch effect. Minsung Hong shared a humorous anecdote about the members “walking around practicing the hiccup sound like a choir.” The music video shows visuals that make you feel like you’re stumbling along with them in a dizzy hiccup loop. This was just the start of them sharing their diverse musical styles.

Flip the World

NEWBEAT are here to turn around the K-pop industry, like a flip of a coin. Their title track “Flip the Coin” is all about knowing and being yourself. When thinking of one word to describe their title track, Minseok Park said, “The word should be “flip” since our debut song is “Flip the Coin.” It doesn’t merely mean to flip a coin; it also expresses our desire to flip and change the K-pop industry and the whole world with our talents and performances.” This metaphor is used to propel listeners into taking chances and break free from limitations. 

The powerful and assertive lyrics highlight NEWBEAT’s determination to challenge the norm, proving they’re not here to follow trends, but to set them. The music video shows a different aspect of the NEWBEAT universe, where the members are seen with a darker concept and environment. The track’s thunderous beats perfectly align with the chaotic concept where NEWBEAT seems to take over. 

Getting Real with RAW AND RAD

The rest of their album showcases the group’s versatility in rapping, vocals, dancing, and visuals. As “newbies,” these are areas the boys are all confident in, Seohyun Choi mentioned. “I’m sure that you will be able to find our charms as you get to know us,” he continued. 

While their hip-hop tracks gave a powerful impression to NEWBEAT, RAW AND RAD features songs that highlight the softer side to the group and unveils their gentle vocals. The second track of the album “Sounds like Money” takes a chill approach with slower beats and dives into feeling rich by chasing their dreams, not money. “F.L.Y. (Fu**ing Lovely, Lonely Youth)” and “Wonder” (Yeoyeojeong solo) touch on the nostalgia that comes from youth and coming of age. While “F.L.Y.” captures the liberating feeling of shedding away anxiety and spreading your wings to fly, “Wonder” conveys the warm feeling of love.

“We Are Young” is a special track that the members resonate with the most. “The song is very bright and hopeful that it depicts the journey to chase our dream and future,” Riwoo Kim said. As a rookie group fueled by dreams, this song embodies hope and chasing after a bright future, reminding listeners to “run through this tough world.”

Follow NEWBEAT along their journey on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X!

Interested in learning about more emerging artists? Check out our recap of Olivia Marsh’s “Meanwhile: in Asia” event here!