[Exclusive Interview] ALL(H)OURS Prove Confidence Is the Ultimate “Vibe Check” With Their 4th Mini Album

The members of ALL(H)OURS open up about their creative process, their growth, and how they’re channeling “Ready2Rumble” energy into their next chapter.

ALL(H)OURS has quickly risen to become one of the most electrifying and versatile groups of their generation. Since their debut on January 10, 2024, KUNHO, YUMIN, XAYDEN, MINJE, MASAMI, HYUNBIN, and ON:N have built a reputation for artistry beyond their years. Known for their hands-on approach to songwriting and composition, the group has created a sound that’s both daring and distinct: sharp-edged hip-hop infused with emotional depth and youthful fire. From the moment they stepped onto the scene, their charisma, creativity, and drive have turned heads, earning them Artist of the Year and Best New Male Artist nominations in 2024—a testament to just how quickly they’ve captivated both fans and the industry alike.

Each comeback from ALL(H)OURS feels like a masterclass in reinvention. With [All Ours], [Witness], and [Smoke Point], they’ve built a bold discography that constantly pushes expectations, and their fourth mini album, [VCF], raises that bar once again. Led by the explosive title track “Ready2Rumble,” the album dives into a kaleidoscope of sound—blending street hip-hop, 90s new jack swing, Y2K nostalgia, and trippy electronic synths. Every track bursts with confidence and cohesion. It’s the kind of release that reminds listeners why ALL(H)OURS is a group that doesn’t just follow trends, they set them.

In our exclusive interview with Hellokpop, we caught up with ALL(H)OURS to talk all things [VCF], from their proudest recent moments to the creative process behind this bold new era. The members share how they channeled their “ready to rumble” energy into the album, which track(s) challenged them most, and what fans can look forward to as they prepare for their first North American Fancon tour. As always, their passion, humor, and thoughtfulness shine through, making it clear why ALL(H)OURS continues to redefine what it means to be an all-rounder group on the rise.

Hellokpop: Hi ALL(H)OURS. It’s great to speak with you all again! Looking back at your activities over the past few months, what’s a moment that made you feel especially proud as a group?

KUNHO: I think our European tour was the most memorable moment so far. It was an opportunity for all of us to bond as a group, and our teamwork and confidence on stage were spectacular, which felt good. Creating explosive heat and energy with our fans made me really proud of all of us.

XAYDEN: The moment we finished our first FANCON in Seoul really meant a lot to me. During our third mini-album [Smoke Point] promotions, we also prepared for the FANCON. I felt the members grew closer and stronger together. Even during the FANCON, I felt us becoming more united as one team, and it was such a great experience.

HKP: Congratulations on the release of your fourth mini album, [VCF.] What has stood out to you the most during this era of ALL(H)OURS so far?

YOUMIN: The moment when we first revealed [VCF] to Min(ut)es is the one that stands out to me the most. Since we were able to witness Min(ut)es being excited to listen to this album, it really felt rewarding for all the hard work we put into preparing the album.

HYUNBIN: While preparing for this promotion, we were actually in the middle of our European tour. In between the shows, I stayed up pulling all-nighters in unfamiliar countries, working on the songs. For me, it became an unforgettable memory, and since I had so much fun working on it, it is an experience I want to carry with me in the future as well.

HKP: If you could describe the “vibe check” of the album in three words, what would they be?

MASAMI: I think it’s “color”, “style”, and “passion”. “Color” because we decided to express ourselves in a way that’s different from others. “Style” because it carries the meaning that we want to show even more of ourselves. Lastly, it would be “passion,” and I chose this word because we put more passion into this album, and I hope people can feel that passion during this promotion!

ON:N: I would describe the vibe of this album with three words: confidence, variety, and force. First, this album carries the message that we won’t simply follow popular trends but will continue to show the unique color of ALL(H)OURS. I believe that kind of attitude and ambition comes from the confidence we have in what we’ve done so far and what we will continue to do moving forward. Second, when you look at the structure of this album, you can see how different the genres are from each track. We experimented with a wide range of genres such as easy listening, ’90s new jack swing, and street hip-hop. There are also unit tracks from the rap line and vocal line, allowing listeners to experience the different charms of each member in more depth. That’s why I think the word “variety” fits the “vibe check” of the album. Lastly, as always, we poured our full force into creating this album—into building our own color, trying new things, and making sure every moment lived up to the name ALL(H)OURS. That’s why I chose the word “force” as the final one.

HKP: The album mixes so many styles, from hip-hop to Y2K and psychedelic synth. Was there a particular sound or track that was most fun for you to record?

MINJE: I would say it’s “La Vida Loca.” It has a fun melody, and I had so much fun recording it. The chorus is very addictive, and I think it’s enjoyable for all types of music listeners.

HYUNBIN: When I was working on the track “GOOD JOB,” I realized just how charming the beat is. The beat of the track is explosive and has so much energy, as if it’s bursting with it, and that really caught my ear when I first heard the track.

HKP: The title track, “READY 2 RUMBLE,” has such a cool energy. If fans could take one feeling or message from the song into their own lives, what would you want it to be?

KUNHO: I hope listeners can feel both the solidified identity and confidence of ALL(H)OURS. Through this album, I think the confidence we wanted to express and our unique musical color are well reflected in “READY 2 RUMBLE,” and I believe it’s the result of the growth we’ve achieved through our past albums. As time goes by, the color and music of ALL(H)OURS are becoming more defined, so please look forward to it a lot.

ON:N: I hope that when fans are listening to this song, they can set aside their worries and be able to achieve what they truly want. Even the title itself includes the word “READY”, the song itself carries that message, and with its powerful beat that resonates deep inside, along with lyrics that give hope to walk your own path, I believe it can inspire that mindset.

HKP: Were there any funny or unexpected challenges while recording or filming the music video “READY 2 RUMBLE”?

YOUMIN: There was a scene in the music video where I had to do pull-ups—but it wasn’t just a normal pull-up scene. The members were actually holding up the bar while I did them, so I unexpectedly ended up doing around 50. It felt like I got as much exercise as I usually do, so I was able to avoid losing muscle while filming the music video.

MASAMI: There’s a scene where KUNHO and I have a fly swatter fight, and it was so funny filming it that we couldn’t stop laughing at each other!

HKP: How do you personally get into the “ready to rumble” mindset before performing live or in practice?

XAYDEN: I usually play upbeat songs or my favorite songs to lift my mood as much as possible.

ON:N: I focus on preparing my body for practice and performance. First, I stretch from head to toe, then, depending on my condition that day, I massage any specific areas that need extra care. After that, I do some light cardio to warm up, and then I loosen the muscles in my neck. I’ve had a special way of loosening my neck since my trainee days, and that’s how I get ready to rumble.

HKP: For songs like “GOOD JOB” and “La Vida Loca,” do you feel the sub-unit performances bring out different sides of the members compared to full-group tracks?

KUNHO: I think this will really highlight the members’ voices and artistic style. Since there are more parts and each member directly participated in the songs, their sense of freedom and individuality are clearly expressed. Although we haven’t performed “GOOD JOB” and “La Vida Loca” yet, I would love to share performances of both of these songs with our fans on stage someday. Both songs have such strong concepts that the members’ facial expressions and movements on stage will definitely be something to look forward to.

HYUNBIN: In “La Vida Loca”, only ALL(H)OURS’ vocal line performs, so you can truly feel the vocal line’s charming vocals and experience their impressive technique. In “GOOD JOB”, the rap line takes the stage, allowing you to enjoy the unique charm and skill of ALL(H)OURS’ rap line.

HKP: If the members of ALL(H)OURS had to “pass” or “fail” a vibe check for a day, who do you think would be the most likely to fail—and why?

XAYDEN: I’d say MINJE or MASAMI… because there have been quite a few times they couldn’t keep up with the flow or pace of our stories, haha. They’re the members who often fail at vibe-checks!!

ON:N: I think it would be XAYDEN. This is something I’ve admired since our trainee days—he has a clear sense of his own thoughts and path. While everyone might think of pathway A, he comes up with something completely new, like pathway B, showing true creativity. Even when he follows trends, he adapts them into his own identity, which is why he might fail at vibe checks. But that’s not a negative thing—it simply proves he has his own unique path. I really admire him.

HKP: Were there any songs on [VCF] that pushed you out of your comfort zone musically or emotionally? How did you tackle that challenge?

MINJE: I’d say “DO IT.” Since its vibe and style are completely different from the music we’ve done before, I wondered if it would really suit us—but once we got into it, it turned out to be a really fun track to work on.

KUNHO: “DO IT.” I think the concept is mild for groups like us, who enjoy showing noise music. While the beat is powerful, the topline and melody follow in a way that whispers and seeps into your ears. Both the first and second verses, as well as the bridge, carry this flow, which I felt was a fresh challenge. I think this kind of flow could also be applied to the choreography.

HKP: Fans often relate to your music on a personal level. Are there any tracks on [VCF] that you feel speak directly to the challenges or emotions of your listeners?

YOUMIN: Personally, I think “La Vida Loca” is a song that delivers a positive and hopeful message to those going through difficult times, giving them the strength to face each day. I hope whoever is listening to this song, including our fans, Min(ut)es, lives with full energy.XAYDEN: I’d say “DO IT”!! It’s a hopeful and bright song that carries the meaning of being able to do anything. I believe fans going through difficult or challenging times will be able to emotionally connect with it.

HKP: Your first North American Fancon tour is coming up later this year. Do you have any personal goals or things you’re hoping to experience during this tour?

MINJE: My main goal is to give fans a higher-quality stage and create a performance that’s even more fun and exciting for them to enjoy. I also gain a lot of energy from fans’ reactions, so this time I want to feel their cheers even louder.

ON:N: First of all, I really want to meet our Min(ut)es in North America who are sending us so much love and experience the unique charm of North American performances, which will be different from our European tour. Personally, I love visiting good restaurants, so I’ve already researched some for this tour, and if I have time, I definitely want to try them out. Also, during the European tour, I had the chance to practice freestyle dancing with my earphones on, either in front of our hotel or at a park, and the mood and atmosphere of the European streets gave me more inspiration for dance than I expected. I want to try doing that again during the North America tour to gain new inspiration.

HKP: Fans loved your European tour earlier this year. How does it feel knowing they’ve been eagerly waiting for your North American tour and what do you want them to take away from the experience?

MASAMI: I’m so grateful that fans in North America are waiting for us and looking forward to our performances, and I can’t wait to meet them and show them our stage! I hope that after watching, fans will want to see it again and take away our energy, feeling inspired by it.

HKP: Lastly, please leave a message for fans reading this.

KUNHO: I hope to continue meeting our Min(ut)es through great performances. Please never forget that you are always our driving force, and I hope you stay happy! We’ll soon have our fan concert tour in North America, so please give us lots of interest and love. Let’s make wonderful memories together.

YOUMIN: First of all, thank you for giving ALL(H)OURS so much love and attention. Since this album contains ALL(H)OURS’ unique color, I believe Min(ut)es will love it. I hope that at the end of your day, you can listen to our music and finish your day happily, in a good mood. Thank you for taking the time to get to know ALL(H)OURS better—every one of you means a lot to us.

*Special thanks to the members of ALL(H)OURS, EDEN Entertainment, and Helix Publicity for this exclusive interview.

Image and Video Credits: EDEN Entertainment