[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] ‘We Won’t Get Tired No Matter How Hard We Run’: VANNER Opens Up About Their Third Mini Album, ‘BURN’

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VANNER’s passion for their craft shines through in every note, every lyric, and every performance. Dive into their creative process and the making of ‘BURN’ in this exclusive interview.

VANNER has made a remarkable impact in the K-Pop scene, not just through their impressive music but also due to their heartwarming story. Since their debut on February 14, 2019, with the studio album V, VANNER has consistently demonstrated their never-give-up attitude, establishing themselves as one of the most hardworking groups of Gen 4.

Their discography reflects profound musicality and artistry, featuring standout tracks across their single albums like 5cean: V (2019), Life (2020), and Take Off (2022). The group has also released several mini albums, including Veni Vidi Vici (August 2023), Capture the Flag (January 2024), and their latest release, BURN (September 2024). Each release showcases their dedication and versatility, blending catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply with fans. VANNER’s journey is truly inspiring as they continue to push boundaries and uplift those around them, making it impossible not to cheer them on at every stage of their career.

The group’s victory on the JTBC survival competition show Peak Time in 2023 was a powerful testament to their talent and dedication, strengthening their bond with a rapidly growing fanbase. This achievement not only underscored their commitment to their craft but also showcased their genuine camaraderie, unwavering support for one another, and their resilience and positivity. It’s safe to say that fans (ourselves included) admire VANNER not only for their music but also for the sincerity they bring to the K-Pop industry, making it impossible not to cheer for them at every stage of their journey.

In an exclusive interview, members TAEHWAN, HYESUNG, GON, and YEONGGWANG delve into the creative process behind their latest mini album, BURN, sharing insights about the themes and inspirations that shaped their work. They also reflect on their journey through Peak Time, who would survive a day in another member’s role, and how VVS is always at the forefront of their minds.

(Disclaimer: Member SUNGKOOK is currently enlisted and could not participate in this comeback or interview.)

Hellokpop: Hi VANNER, It’s so nice to meet you! To kick things off, could you please introduce yourselves and share a fun fact about each of you?

TAEHWAN: Hi! I’m TAEHWAN, the leader and main vocalist of VANNER, happily performing on stage after letting go of the million jobs I did.

GON: Hello! I’m GON, the main dancer, rapper, and vocalist of VANNER. Before VANNER debuted, I was the dance trainer for the team, but I joined at the suggestion of our CEO.

HYESUNG: Hi! I’m HYESUNG, in charge of dance and vocals in VANNER. Please show a lot of love for our third mini album, ‘BURN!’

YEONGGWANG: Hello! I’m YEONGGWANG, the vocalist and the youngest of VANNER. I’ve returned with blue hair again since ‘Performer,’ which suits me well. Please take care of refreshing YEONGGWANG, who is just as vibrant as his hair color!

HKP: Congratulations on your 3rd mini album, ‘BURN!’ How does this mini album reflect VANNER’s growth and musical journey since your debut?

TAEHWAN: Thank you for the congratulations. Unfortunately, this album was prepared for the first time with just the four of us, without SUNGKOOK, who is currently serving in the military. It’s definitely not easy to fill SUNGKOOK’s absence; rather than trying to fill his absence, we wanted to express this challenge through the album. The key theme of our album, ‘BURN,’ is youth. I believe that youth is about facing and overcoming the hardships of reality together, a time that is filled with passion. Those very moments represent our album.

HYESUNG: Our third mini album, ‘BURN,’ is an album that we tried to bring out our most natural selves while enjoying the stage. So, we aimed to create music that we could share and connect with our listeners.

TAEHWAN

HKP: The title track, “Automatic,” is full of energy and drive. What message or emotions did you want to convey through this song?

TAEHWAN: Since the keywords of the album are youth and passion, the title track, “Automatic,” embodies that meaning. Just like youth or an automatic clock, the song conveys a message that we won’t get tired no matter how hard we run, and we’ll break through our limits.

GON: Through “Automatic,” we wanted to give energy to those who hesitate to challenge themselves or find it hard to chase their dreams, inspiring them to believe that “you can do it.”

HKP: Can you share any behind-the-scenes moments or stories from filming the music video for the title track? What was the concept or vision you wanted to bring to life with it?

HYESUNG: We worked hard to showcase various aspects of the keyword “youth.” The music video captures different sides of youth, including passionate moments, enjoying youth, and being lost in thought amidst numerous worries.

YEONGGWANG: We filmed outdoors in the middle of summer, so it was really hot, but the beautiful sky and sunset made me forget the heat and exhaustion. We also had a scene where we got caught in the rain, and it was a lot of fun since it was our first time doing something like that, which really helped wash away the heat.

HYESUNG

HKP: You just released your first-ever English single, a cover of Charlie Puth’s “I Don’t Think That I Like Her.” What made you choose this song, and how did you approach putting your own spin on it?

TAEHWAN: Since it’s a song that has been loved worldwide, We thought it would help us connect with many global fans, so we chose it. We tried to keep the original vibe while ensuring that VANNER’s unique color comes through.

GON: It’s a well-known song in Korea as well, and we felt that reinterpreting it with VANNER’s style could add an interesting twist. I worked to create a softer yet richer sound, different from my usual vocal style.

HYESUNG: Given that many people know this song, I made an effort to express it as I felt when listening to it.

YEONGGWANG: Since it’s such a famous and beloved song in Korea, we wanted VANNER to receive a lot of love from our global fans, which is why we decided to cover it. I focused on incorporating my deep voice while studying and interpreting the song.

HKP: GON, you contributed “Automatic,” “Revolver,” and “Be Together.” Can you tell us more about your creative process and how these songs came to life with your contributions?

GON: All three songs closely resemble our story, making it relatively easy to create an overall image. However, I focused on choosing words that fit the songs and ensuring smooth transitions in the lyrics. “Be Together” is a song that was made before SUNGKOOK started his military service. I know that the fans will miss him a lot, and the song carries the meaning of greeting our fans with a smile on the day we meet again, holding onto the excitement we felt when we first met each other.

GON

HKP: Although currently enlisted, SUNGKOOK contributed to the lyrics of “Be Together.” What was the significance of his involvement in the album, and how did the group feel working with his lyrics?

GON: Since it’s a song that was made before SUNGKOOK began his military service, we wanted to convey his voice and the stories he wanted to tell, so he participated in the songwriting. In his lyrics, I felt a mix of sadness and the emotion of meeting again with bright smiles.

HYESUNG: Although SUNGKOOK can’t perform with us for this album, we wanted to emphasize that he is always a member of VANNER. In the album and the music video, we created many points that remind people of SUNGKOOK. We wanted to reaffirm his presence and convey that even if we’re far apart, we are still one.

HKP: The track “Blossom” was given to you by HIGHLIGHT’s Lee Gikwang. What was your reaction when you first heard the song?

TAEHWAN: I felt that the blossoming of love and the burning passion of youth matched perfectly with our album, ‘BURN,’ making it a great fit. I also learned a lot about Lee Gikwang’s composing style. Just the fact that he offered us a song was a surprise, an honor, and it made us incredibly happy.

YEONGGWANG: This is a song given to us by Lee Gikwang, whom I deeply respect. I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation as it felt like VANNER’s voice was laid over HIGHLIGHT’s song.

YEONGGWANG

HKP: If you had to swap roles for a day—like the rapper becoming the main vocalist or the maknae becoming the leader—who would handle the change best, and who would struggle the most?

TAEHWAN: If GON were to become the main vocalist, I think he would handle it very cleverly in a completely different style! As for the member who would struggle the most, I believe it will be SUNGKOOK, with his deep and impressive bass voice! As for the member who would handle the leader position most wisely, I think it would be YEONGGWANG, who has a personality that doesn’t seem like a maknae. On the other hand, I think HYESUNG would find the leader position the most challenging. He tends to need a lot of care, which is why I picked him!

GON: HYESUNG is quick at adapting to situations, so I think he would be the fastest in handling things, aside from me. I believe TAEHWAN would find it difficult because he is more planned and systematic.

HYESUNG: I think it would be really fun to switch roles between the leader and the maknae for just a day. If TAEHWAN became the maknae, it would be interesting since he can be quite charming. YEONGGWANG, who usually listens to opinions well and maintains neutrality, would also do a great job as the leader.

YEONGGWANG: It would be fun to see the rapper become the main vocalist and the main vocalist become the rapper. I think TAEHWAN would do really well since he has learned rap before, and it would be interesting to see SUNGKOOK as the main vocalist, but it wouldn’t be easy.

TAEHWAN

HKP: What’s one accomplishment or moment as a member of VANNER that makes you particularly proud, and why does it stand out to you?

TAEHWAN: I think everyone might think the same and choose our time on “Peak Time.” It was the moment we earned the significant title of being the winner, and it allowed us to understand not only the strengths and weaknesses of our team but also those of each member. It will definitely be a moment I cherish and feel proud of for a lifetime.

GON: I was proud of TAEHWAN, who brought great synergy to the team as a vocalist on the competition program, “Peak Time.” I believe TAEHWAN’s vocals are stable, and I always think of him with pride.

HYESUNG: I feel proud in every moment. The reason is that our fans, VVS, always support us and send us love, and I think that’s very meaningful.

YEONGGWANG: I think it would be winning “Peak Time.” Since it was an achievement as a team rather than just as individuals, it was a moment that made me even prouder.

HYESUNG

HKP: Your discography is full of great songs. If you had to recommend one song from your discography for new VVS to check out, which track would you suggest and why?

TAEHWAN: The song I would like to recommend first is “Automatic,” the title track of our third mini album. I recommend it because it showcases a different side of VANNER than what we’ve shown so far, allowing you to experience our new charm. Additionally, I would like to recommend “JACKPOT,” as it was a song where I personally faced many challenges during preparation. I believe this track captures VANNER’s energy in the shortest amount of time possible.

GON: I would like to recommend the song “Form.” It’s a track I have a personal affection for, as it was created through collaboration with my older brother. I think it showcases the spicy flavor of VANNER.

HYESUNG: I recommend “Be Together,” the last track of our third mini album, ‘BURN.’ The reason is that it beautifully reflects the relationships among the members and its poetic lyrics, which contrast with the bright sound and capture our narrative well.

YEONGGWANG: I recommend “Performer.” I believe it signifies a new beginning for VANNER, and I think all the tracks on the album are great.

HKP: You’ve received a lot of love and support from your fans throughout your journey. How does that fan connection influence your approach to making music and performing live?

TAEHWAN: Our fans love every side of VANNER, but I think what they especially want to see and what makes them the happiest is when we are on stage. Knowing that our fans share this longing allows us to unleash even more energy during our performances.

HYESUNG: I feel like I’m learning to experience countless emotions that I don’t usually feel. The cheers and energy from our fans are emotions that I believe one can never experience in life outside of being a singer.

YEONGGWANG: I think the cheers from our fans have a huge impact on our performances. While we aim to deliver energy to our fans through our stage presence, we end up receiving even more energy from them.

GON

HKP: What are you most excited about as you enter this new chapter with ‘BURN,’ and what can fans expect from VANNER in the near future?

TAEHWAN: Especially since the title track itself is a new genre that challenges our concept and style, I believe we can approach our fans in a fresh way.

GON: We tried many styling elements that we haven’t explored before, such as wound makeup, splattered red paint on our faces, and blush. I hope everyone looks forward to the many changes ahead.

HYESUNG: I think you’ll see us on stage being even more free and enjoying ourselves! I’m excited about the good memories we can create together with the fans who have waited so long.

YEONGGWANG: This time, SUNGKOOK is absent due to his military service, so we are performing as four members. I’m looking forward to how the synergy and energy of the four of us will be conveyed to our fans. There are also new genre tracks this time, so please look forward to it!

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

TAEHWAN: Thank you for reading this interview with VANNER.

To our VVS! Thank you for always supporting us and for your unwavering love. I hope the bond between VANNER and VVS continues to grow stronger! I’ll cherish and love you all very much! Let’s do our best in this promotion!

GON: I want to thank everyone who loves and shows interest in VANNER. I believe that none of this would be possible without VVS. Thank you for being my fan. I appreciate and love you all so much.

HYESUNG: Please show lots of love for VANNER’s third mini album, ‘BURN.’ I love you always. Thank you!

YEONGGWANG: Please give a lot of love to our mini album, ‘BURN.’ We’ll be communicating a lot with our global fans through this album, so please look forward to it!