[Exclusive Interview] EPEX Takes Us Inside Their Universe with ‘Youth Chapter 2: Youth Deficiency’

2 hours ago 1

Dive into EPEX’s universe as they unravel the story of their second studio album and what it means to them.

EPEX has been redefining the narrative of youth since their debut on June 8, 2021, with Bipolar Pt.1: Prelude of Anxiety. This eight-member powerhouse—composed of leader Wish, Keum, Mu, A-Min, Baek Seung, Ayden, Yewang, and Jeff—has consistently delivered music that resonates deeply with their fans, known as ZENITH. From their introspective explorations of anxiety and love to their raw, unfiltered takes on growing pains, EPEX doesn’t just create songs—they tell stories that mirror the struggles and aspirations of their generation. With accolades like Rookie of the Year at the Seoul Music Awards and the K Global Next Leader Award, EPEX is more than a rising star—they’re a voice for youth in a complex world.

Their musical journey has now culminated in Youth Chapter 2: Youth Deficiency, the follow-up to Youth Chapter 1: Youth Days. Released on November 5, 2024, this second full-length studio album dives deeper into the turbulence of adolescence, with the title track “Universe” serving as a heartfelt anthem of connection and longing. True to form, EPEX masterfully balances emotive storytelling with their signature sound, proving once again why they’re a group to watch.

In this exclusive interview, EPEX opens up about the creative process behind Youth Chapter 2: Youth Deficiency. They share how they brought the album’s themes to life, the challenges they faced, and what “Universe” means to them personally. Prepare to be inspired as EPEX invites us into their world—a space where music transcends barriers and creates a universe all its own.

Hellokpop: Congratulations on your second album, “Youth Chapter 2: YOUTH DEFICIENCY”! This album explores the idea of a “youth deficiency.” Can you explain what this concept means to you, and what message you hope to convey to your listeners through this theme?

WISH: In our second full-length album, we are talking about youth from various perspectives. It also conveys a message that accepting and admitting the youth’s ‘deficiency’ can provide a chance to grow, so I hope this album can send comfort and cheer to all the listeners.

YEWANG: We wanted to express the message of comfort to all the youth living at the same time as us. The lyrics also send the message of, ‘we empathize with your deficiency, and no matter what your choice is, we’re on your side,’ so please take a listen to our new album!

HKP: How did the process of creating this album differ from your previous releases? Were there any new challenges you faced or creative risks you took this time around?

A-MIN: We focused on not only the title track but also B-side tracks in terms of conveying EPEX’s message through each song. We were able to focus on practice by studying and sharing feedback with each other.

KEUM: We start by matching gestures or facial expressions together for every album preparation. To me, this step signifies a new hardship and creative challenge because each album carries different themes and messages. Studying and preparing for this album took longer than usual, but practicing with my members is always fun. In addition, we wanted to share it with our fans as soon as possible, and I think it brought up the quality of the final result.

WISH

HKP: Youth is a recurring theme in your music. What new aspects of youth or growing up did you want to highlight in this chapter of the trilogy?

MU: We wanted to talk about the ‘deficiency’ that every youth would have, and as someone who’s in the youth right now, I wanted to express that I respect your ‘choice.’ I believe EPEX is also improving through various ‘deficiencies’ and ‘choices,’ and I hope everyone notices our growth through our performance and music.

BAEKSEUNG: There are many ‘deficiencies’ in youth, and everyone moves forward by ‘choosing’ the best option. It wouldn’t always be an easy road, but that’s how we all grow further in life. I believe you’ll be able to meet EPEX who has gotten more mature after preparing this album.

HKP: The title track, “UNIVERSE,” talks about choosing your own universe. What inspired this idea, and how does it relate to the overall theme of the album?

WISH: I believe that idea is a result of the continuous growth of the main characters in our universe story. They used to be quite passive in the past, but now they actively ‘choose’ their own universe, saying that the chosen universe must be you. With such a direct expression, the main characters showcase their growth throughout EPEX’s story.

AYDEN: In addition, “UNIVERSE” is the closest track to this album’s theme of ‘choice.’ I believe the ‘you’ in the lyrics does not simply signify someone ‘I’ love; it can be a message to ‘myself.’ Since there is no specific person this story is dedicated to, I hope everyone to imagine who ‘you’ would be while listening to this song.

HKP: Were there any memorable moments or challenges you faced while filming the “UNIVERSE” music video? How did you overcome those challenges?

JEFF: We had a lot of scenes to film outdoors, and given the nature of the “UNIVERSE” music video’s background, there was hardly any flat ground we filmed on. I found dancing in the mud especially challenging. However, as we continued filming, we learned more know-how and adjusted to the environment! It made me realize that we can improve even in a short time.

A-MIN: We filmed our group choreography twice in the same space but in different outfits and settings because we’re crossing two worlds in the music video. This was the first approach we took for filming, so it was a unique and interesting experience. I also liked that the outdoor scenes captured a mysterious atmosphere well!

HKP: The track “Attosecond” has a unique concept, referencing a tiny unit of time. Can you tell us how this idea relates to the feeling of youth?

MU: In my opinion, “Attosecond” captures all the emotions of youth, including joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. It is a funky track conveying the message, ‘Youth will be a short time when you look back, so enjoy now without hesitation.’ It’ll relieve your stress just by listening to it.

BAEKSEUNG: “Attosecond” also represents how youth is precious. Everyone has different measures of youth, but looking back, everyone can agree that it has flown by so quickly. Youth can feel as short as an attosecond, so I hope you cherish your youth.

A-MIN

HKP: “My Girl” was released ahead of the album as a pre-release track. What made you decide to choose this song to introduce fans to the album?

KEUM: “My Girl” serves as a prequel for this album’s story, and it’s about coincidentally meeting ‘you’ whom I’ll choose in “UNIVERSE.” Since “My Girl” is the beginning of the story that we unfold in our second full-length album, we agreed to pre-release this track.

JEFF: Also, we thought the story flow from “My Girl” to “UNIVERSE” would be more dramatic because those two songs have very different vibes from each other.

HKP: Which song on the album do you personally connect with the most, and why?

YEWANG: I love the meaning in a B-side track, “Loner.” It talks about accepting loneliness, which is an emotion that is evident and natural to everyone through a lively melody. Also, I can relate to the title track, “UNIVERSE”! There is a line that goes “the reason for this choice” in my part, and I imagined that ZENITH is the universe I chose when I recorded that line.

AYDEN: I also can relate the most to “Loner.” I consider it a natural, temporary emotion whenever I feel down. I usually overcome that moment by thinking, ‘I know myself best, so everything’s okay,’ and I think it resonates well with the message from “Loner.” Each song in this album represents various emotions, so I recommend choosing a song that resonates the most with you!

BAEKSEUNG

HKP: The album touches on various aspects of youth, from curiosity to love to loneliness. Was there a particular emotion or experience that was the most challenging to express through your music?

JEFF: There is a part to sing like a wail in “Closer,” and that was the most difficult part for me when recording. I’m sure you’ll notice what part I’m referring to when you listen to the track. (Laughs)

A-MIN: To me, conveying the emotion of loneliness is always challenging. The type and size of loneliness vary for each person, so I tried my best to express it as delicately as possible so that many people could empathize with my expression.

HKP: How do you think your music in this album will resonate with people who might be going through similar feelings of deficiency or self-doubt?

WISH: This album does not view dark emotions like deficiency and doubt as something to ignore or overcome. Our new album carries the message that accepting dark emotions can provide a step for growth, so I hope the listeners view deficiency in a new light through our music.

AYDEN: I hope the listeners think of concern as a process to learn more about themselves. We prepared this album hoping to send empathy and comfort to people. As people in youth ourselves, we also can relate to the deficiency or self-doubt that you might be going through.

AYDEN

HKP: Imagine you had to live in the year 1997, like in your song “낭만소녀 (1997).” What is one thing you would bring with you from today to make life easier?

BAEKSEUNG: I would carry a cellphone! Now, it feels so natural to use a cellphone, and I’m used to it, too. I’ll feel uncomfortable if I can’t use it. Also, I would be the best trendsetter if I had a current cellphone in 1997! (Laughs)

MU: I would also bring a cellphone like BAEKSEUNG mentioned. It would feel awkward to communicate only through a call, letters, or email, and I want to capture the moments of 1997 on my cellphone.

HKP: If you could create your own “universe,” as mentioned in your title track, what would it look like, and who or what would definitely be a part of it?

KEUM: There would be as many stars as the number of people whom I love, like EPEX member stars and ZENITH stars! I want to have an adventure through those stars, enjoying happy moments with my loved ones.

YEWANG: I hope to make a universe that is filled with happy events with everyone who has been and is around me. The biggest reason I sing is to make people happy, so I wish for the day my dream universe is complete.

YEWANG

HKP: If you could give your younger selves one piece of advice based on the lessons in this album, what would it be?

A-MIN: I want to say, “Don’t be afraid of your deficiencies, be confident!”

JEFF: I want to say, “It’s okay to have more fun and enjoy that moment without worrying about anything.” That moment would be as short as an “Attosecond,” so I want my younger self to have a cherished memory.

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

WISH: We’re motivated to make and sing music because we want to share a positive influence. If you received at least a small piece of comfort from our new album, it would mean the world during our promotions. Please listen to it a lot!

AYDEN: Thank you for waiting for our second full-length album. To meet your expectations, we’ll always prepare good music for you. Thank you always, and love you much!