[Exclusive Interview] NEWBEAT Talks Pre-Debut Grind and Crafting ‘RAW AND RAD’

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From busking in the U.S. to dropping their first album, NEWBEAT is making waves. In our exclusive interview, get to know the group and the journey behind their first album.

Rookie K-Pop group NEWBEAT has officially stepped into the spotlight with their debut album RAW AND RAD, delivering a bold first impression that blends throwback vibes with fresh energy. The seven-member boy group—Park Minseok, Hong Minsung, Jeon Yeoyeojeong, Choi Seohyun, Kim Taeyang, Jo Yunhu, and Kim Riwoo—are no strangers to the stage. Before their debut, they gained attention as performers in A.C.E’s music videos and live stages, showcasing their charisma and dance prowess. Their pre-debut journey included a U.S. busking tour, HIGH&LOW Donuts, and an appearance as dancers for A.C.E at KCON LA, hinting early on at their performance-driven identity.

RAW AND RAD dropped with two pre-release singles—”JeLLo (Sleepers)” on March 5 and “HICCUPS” on March 12—each offering a glimpse into NEWBEAT’s genre-hopping sound and swagger. With roots in 90s hip-hop, the group reimagines retro stylings into something wholly their own, coining a “new nostalgia” that’s both playful and gritty. Their debut doesn’t just introduce a group—it sets the tone for a creative force ready to push boundaries and break molds in the K-Pop world.

Now, with their debut era in full swing, NEWBEAT is ready to share the stories behind the music. In this exclusive interview, the group dives into the creative process behind RAW AND RAD, the emotions they poured into each track, and how their time as dancers shaped their artistry. From the bold confidence of “JeLLo (Sleepers)” to the playful chaos of “HICCUPS,” the members reflect on how their debut captures who they are—and who they hope to become.

Nice to meet you, NEWBEAT! Thanks for speaking to Hellokpop. Please introduce yourselves, your role in the group, and a fun fact that fans might not know yet?

Park Minseok: Hello, I’m Park Minseok, and I’m the leader and heart of NEWBEAT. I actually love eating, and I can probably eat a lot more than people would guess!

Hong Minsung: I’m the soulful vocalist of the team, Hong Minsung. I’ve been trying b-boying these days as well. I’ll take over moving my body freely as well as singing with my soul!

Jeon Yeoyeojeong: Hi! I’m Jeon Yeoyeojeong, and I’m in charge of the R&B vocals, dance, and lungs in NEWBEAT. Something unique about me is that I cannot fold my ring finger well. I’m also in charge of a stylish mood in our team!

Choi Seohyun: My name is Choi Seohyun, and I’m a rapper and dancer who is also in charge of the muscles, energy, and depth in NEWBEAT. I also eat a lot, just like Minseok!

Kim Taeyang: Hi, I’m Kim Taeyang, and I’m in charge of the flow of emotions, just like blood vessels, in NEWBEAT. My positions are vocalist and rapper, as well as ‘feel-good’ Taeyang!

Jo Yunhu: Hello, I’m Yunhu, the brain, vocalist, and rapper of NEWBEAT. I love taking a walk and clearing my mind alone, and I hope to convey deep messages through our music.

Kim Riwoo: I’m the youngest member of NEWBEAT, Riwoo! I’m still figuring out my position, but I’m definitely the one who brings the positive energy to the group!

Park Minseok

Congratulations on your debut with RAW AND RAD. Can you tell us a little more about this album? What messages or feelings do you hope fans take away from your new music?

Park Minseok: Since it is our debut album and the first full-length album, RAW AND RAD means a lot to us. The album contains various genres and emotions, so anyone can listen to it comfortably when they’re happy or sad. I hope our fans can feel NEWBEAT’s sincerity in every track.

If you could describe RAW AND RAD in three words, what would they be?

Jo Yunhu: ‘NEWBEAT,’ ‘Youth,’ ‘Flutter.’ I think these three words describe us the best because they convey our album’s overall mood, its message, and our beginning.

Was there a particular song that challenged you the most during recording or choreography rehearsals?

Kim Taeyang: I remember feeling seriously shocked when the choreographer demonstrated the chorus choreography for “Flip the Coin.” It took a while to learn, but I was very proud when we finally completed it.

Hong Minsung

You released the songs “JeLLo (Sleepers)” and “HICCUPS” before your official debut. How do these tracks set the tone for the full album?

Choi Seohyun: These two pre-release tracks worked as the doors opening to NEWBEAT’s musical color and universe story. With unexpected flows and trendy elements on top of the old-school boom bap hip-hop, I believe both “JeLLo” and “HICCUPS” expressed our senses distinctively.

Is there a particular song on the album that feels the most personal to you as a group? Why?

Jeon Yeoyeojeong: I would choose “We Are Young.” The memories of chasing our dreams through performing as backup dancers and busking before our debut are solely portrayed in this song, so I was able to immerse myself in the song very easily.

Jeon Yeoyeojeong

Can you share a memorable moment or challenge you faced while filming the music video for one or more songs on this album?

Kim Riwoo: The most memorable moments would be when we practiced endlessly in front of the camera and monitored to make sure we look good. We went through that process and continuously studied and discussed it because we wanted to showcase our best versions.

You draw inspiration from ‘90s hip-hop. Are there any specific artists or songs from that era that influenced your sound?

Choi Seohyun: I listened to ‘Ready to Die’ by The Notorious B.I.G. I was deeply influenced by the mood and lyrics of the time.

Choi Seohyun

If you had to pick a ‘90s fashion trend that best represents their personality, what would it be?

Choi Seohyun: I think baggy pants fit perfectly with my carefree, cool personality. I also love the natural and comfortable mood.

Since your group is all about “new nostalgia,” what’s something from the past that you’d love to bring back today?

Hong Minsung: I would like to bring back traditional Korean clothes, such as hanbok. Hanbok is beautiful attire that embodies the charms of Korea, so I want to share that beauty with the global audience.

Kim Taeyang

What has been the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about each other during this debut process, whether it’s about your music-making or your personalities?

Park Minseok: Since each of us came from different backgrounds, we needed some time to learn about each other. As we are learning each other’s preferences and vulnerabilities, I feel like we’re truly becoming a family.

Before becoming NEWBEAT, you performed as dancers for A.C.E. and even collaborated with dance crews in the U.S. How did those experiences shape your teamwork and stage presence as a group?

Jeon Yeoyeojeong: Everything felt new, and there were many mistakes initially, but as we were working and solving issues together, we found our teamwork and communication skills much more developed. We were able to build teamwork naturally by understanding and taking care of each other, both physically and mentally.

Jo Yunhu

What are your hopes for NEWBEAT as you embark on this new chapter as rookies, and what can fans look forward to in the future?

Jo Yunhu: We strive to be a team of artists who can empathize with emotions and convey a positive message to society. Please look forward to our synergy resulting from each members’ uniqueness and the team’s flow as one.

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

Park Minseok: NEWBEAT has just taken its first step as a group, and we hope to become closer to the world through music. We’ll make sure to return your support with great performances and music if you stay with us on our journey. Thank you!