[Exclusive Interview] X:IN on Dual Sides and New Challenges in ‘RRRun’

The members reflect on their first single album, their evolving artistry, and what this chapter means for them.

Since their debut in April 2023 with the fiery single “Keeping the Fire”, X:IN has been turning heads with their powerful performances, bold concepts, and dynamic lineup of globally diverse members. Over the past two years, the group has steadily built a reputation for pushing boundaries, experimenting with sounds across mini-albums like Synchronicity, The Real, and Defend Myself, while also showcasing their versatility through OSTs, collaborations, and reimagined versions of fan-favorite tracks. Each release has revealed a new layer of their artistry, cementing X:IN as a group unafraid to grow and redefine themselves.

With their first single album RRRun, released on September 4, 2025, X:IN takes that momentum to the next level. The title track “RRRun” bursts with energy and confidence, capturing the thrill of chasing dreams without hesitation, while its counterpart “Creamy” offers a smoother, more playful contrast. Together, the two tracks create a refreshing balance that not only highlights X:IN’s duality but also signals a bold new era for the group. Fans who’ve been following their journey will notice a more mature edge this time, while newcomers are sure to be pulled in by the charisma and charm that radiate from each member.

In our exclusive interview, the members of X:IN open up about the story behind RRRun, the challenges and triumphs of this comeback, and the growth they’ve experienced since we last spoke in 2024. From behind-the-scenes memories to personal reflections and hopes for the future, X:IN invites fans to join them on this exhilarating new run that’s just getting started.

Hellokpop: Hello, X:IN — it’s nice to see you again! For readers who may just be discovering you, could you each briefly introduce yourselves and share one word that describes your personality or charm in the group right now?

E.SHA: Hello, I’m E.SHA, X:IN’s leader and the only member with E in their MBTI!

NIZZ: Hello, I’m Nizz, the voice of the team! If I had to describe my charm in one word, it would be “cute and sexy.”

NOVA: Hi! I’m new star Nova!

HANNAH: Hello! I’m Hannah, the baby fox with all the charms in the world! Nice to meet you.

ARIA: Hello, I’m Aria, the youngest member of the group. I like to think I bring a mysterious and mischievous charm to the team.

HKP: Congratulations on your first single album, ‘RRRun’! What message or emotion do you hope fans take away from the songs on this album?

E.SHA: “RRRun” is a song about being your true self, no matter what others say. I hope our fans feel the same confidence and walk their own paths proudly, just as the song’s message.

NIZZ: I hope listeners can feel the message that true style comes from pursuing your own happiness, not living by other people’s standards. Since this is an energetic and exciting song, I hope everyone can listen to it with confidence and approach anything with courage!

NOVA: This is a very bright and upbeat song that energizes you and gives a lot of positive energy, so we hope that you guys are enjoying it!

HANNAH: This is X:IN’s first summer song, full of energy and freedom. The message is that true style comes from pursuing your own happiness, no matter what others say.

ARIA: The sound of this album is very different from what we’ve released so far, but at the same time, it still feels very X:IN. Since the title track is upbeat and fun, I hope our fans can feel the energy and carefree vibe we tried to convey through the song.

HKP: Fans have noticed that your styling and concept feel more mature this time. How would you personally describe the “new side” of X:IN we’re seeing?

E.SHA: The biggest new aspect of this release is showing a bright, high-energy X:IN, unlike what we’ve shown before. Stylistically, we usually wore dark or all-black outfits to match our concepts, but this time, the main outfits are super colorful—and our fans really loved it!

NIZZ: Unlike our previous songs, this track is relatively easy to enjoy comfortably. You’ll get to see a colorful, smiling X:IN on stage! Even within a bright song, the message we want to convey is meaningful, full of energy, and clearly delivered.

NOVA: This time, we’re pushing further with new concepts and music genres. We believe one of the most exciting parts of our journey is getting to try something new each time.

HANNAH: Compared to our usual X:IN style, this concept is more colorful and bright. I think it shows a new side of us!

ARIA: I’m so glad our fans have been loving the new styling as much as I do. I personally really love the sporty, hip vibe of the outfits, and I think they really showcase the carefree, cheerful, and fun energy of the song.

HKP: How did you prepare mentally and emotionally to show these new sides of yourselves to fans?

E.SHA: Personally, I’ve always enjoyed bright, energetic concepts, so I didn’t have to psych myself up. I just thought about how to best convey the joy of performing on stage.

NIZZ: Normally, I’m a bit hesitant to try new styling, but for the “RRRun” music video, I challenged myself with various outfits and hairstyles I hadn’t tried before. I gathered my courage, thinking about how much our Readies would enjoy it!

NOVA: Sometimes it feels like a challenge to try something new that we haven’t tried before, but each time I try to really embody this new character I’m representing. Maybe I’ll watch some films related to the concept or listen to similar songs. For example, our song “Attention Seeker” was inspired by the Mad Max movie series, so I watched it a few times to really understand this vibe.

HANNAH: For one of my styling looks, I felt the playful and hip-hop vibe suited me well. When I wore it, I focused on bringing out that feeling through mindset control.

ARIA: Since this choreography style is new to us and different from our previous releases, I wanted to make it look as natural and fun as possible. I practiced with the mindset of truly embodying the choreography and genuinely enjoying myself on stage

HKP: Thinking back to when you first heard “RRRun,” what were your initial reactions? Did it feel like the right fit for this new chapter?

E.SHA: When I first heard the song, it was immediately my style. It had a fresh feeling we hadn’t tried before, and I thought it was perfect for this new chapter of X:IN.

NIZZ: Out of all our songs so far, this one allows us to perform the brightest and most fun stages. I feel it’s a perfect summer single! I’ve always wanted to share a X:IN summer song with our Readies, so the timing felt just right.

NOVA: When we first heard only the instrumental without lyrics, I thought it was very upbeat, and I immediately felt excited for the choreography.

HANNAH: When I first heard “RRRun,” it was just the instrumental, but I really liked it. I felt it would suit X:IN in a different way, and personally, I was excited to try this kind of vibe, so my anticipation was really high!

ARIA: We first heard it around June or July of last year, and I think I was the one who loved the track the most among the members. I remember screaming and getting so hyped whenever they played the instrumental in the practice room. I knew right away that this song would be a perfect start to a fresh chapter of X:IN.

HKP: “RRRun” feels energetic and unstoppable. Which lyric stands out to you the most, and why?

E.SHA: I especially remember the lines: “If it’s delicious, it’s zero,” “Happiness is freedom, so being cool is enough,” “We run our way, freely and coolly,” and of course, the self-introduction parts! These parts reflect my personal mindset and values, and each of us spent a lot of time thinking about how to introduce ourselves in one line. Fans seem to love these parts too, and they’re probably the most memorable moments in the song.

NIZZ: My most memorable part is the line, “Rizz ‘em up all like Nizz”. Even though it’s just one line, I feel it really represents me, so it’s a line I love!

NOVA: My part in the first verse says, ‘If it’s delicious, it’s zero calories.’ I find those lyrics really amusing.

HANNAH: There’s a part in the song where each of us does a self-introduction. It’s fun, and I think it’s the most memorable part.

ARIA: The lyrics in the first verse go, ‘살좀 빼라, 운동 좀 해라마라 거울 좀 보고 말해 bla bla.’ I really like this line because it reflects my attitude toward unnecessary and negative remarks—things that shouldn’t concern anyone but me.

HKP: Could you share any behind-the-scenes stories or challenges from filming the music video or preparing the choreography?

E.SHA: When we first got the choreography draft, it looked amazing, and I loved it. But when we learned the full choreography and danced it straight through for the first time, the members were like, “Can we really do this?” It’s extremely high-energy, and filming the MV required repeating it multiple times without losing energy, which was tough. Originally, the “RRRun” choreography didn’t have that particular running motion, but after discussing with the PD and the members, we made it more intuitive and iconic—so now it looks like running.

NIZZ: Because the song is fast, the choreography is fast too, and learning it while practicing live was challenging—but it was great because it also helped with staying in shape!

NOVA: This is probably one of the most difficult choreographies we have, so even now we still end up extremely tired—and usually lying on the floor—after dancing ‘RRRun’ just once.

HANNAH: When we first learned the choreography, I felt it was the fastest we’d ever learned. If you watch the early practice videos before we perfected the details, everyone’s moves look a little different! (laughs).

ARIA: The song has a fast tempo, so the choreography is also very quick with detailed moves that require a lot of strength. Perfecting each move in such a short time was challenging, especially since we had to film two music videos simultaneously within four days. Filming was physically tiring, but the excitement and adrenaline kept me going.

HKP: Which part of the “RRRun” choreography do you think fans will find the most addictive or memorable?

E.SHA: Performance-wise, the dance break is the standout part. It’s a super energetic section that fits the theme of ‘Run,’ and since they launch straight into it with a ‘Ready, X:IN!’ from the very start of the dance break, it feels like a really impactful part.

NIZZ: In the first pre-chorus, there’s a part where we stand in a line, and the members behind me form the shape of a “ㅈ” with their legs. They did it so beautifully, and I think it’s a part of the choreography that really shows X:IN’s teamwork, so it’s a memorable point for me.

NOVA: Honestly, all of the choreography is really addictive, but my favorite part is probably the chorus.

HANNAH: I think the most memorable moments are the “RRRun” point choreography and the dance break.

ARIA: The illusion choreography in Nizz’s first pre-chorus is something I personally think our fans will really enjoy, since it’s our first time doing a formation like that. It gives off a fun and refreshing vibe.

HKP: “Creamy” contrasts nicely with “RRRun.” How do you see these two songs representing different facets of X:IN?

E.SHA: “RRRun” lets us show bright, energetic sides of X:IN, while “Creamy” offers a soft, sweet contrast to our usually strong and intense image. Personally, it’s a light track I can replay without feeling sad, unlike some of our ballad-style songs.

NIZZ: I think “Creamy” lets listeners hear X:IN’s soft and wistful vocals, while “RRRUN” showcases our powerful performance and energy.

NOVA: “Creamy,” in contrast to “RRRun,” is a soft ballad that really showcases our gentle, lyrical side.

HANNAH: “Creamy” has a calm, R&B-like vibe, while “RRRun” is powerful, energetic, and full of excitement.

ARIA: Even before the release, I felt that the contrast between the songs would create a nice change in atmosphere and make the listening experience even better. It also highlights the team’s versatility.

HKP: Between the two tracks, which do you think will surprise fans the most, and why?

E.SHA: Between the two, I think “RRRun.” When the concept photos were revealed, fans were shocked by the colorful look, and since it’s summer, there was a lot of anticipation for X:IN’s first summer song.

NIZZ: I would definitely say the title track is “RRRun.” Since we’ve mostly shown a girl-crush and heavier concept before, this bright and energetic song is something new, and I think our Readies will be pleasantly surprised and enjoy it a lot!

NOVA: The lyrics of “Creamy” talk about our love for desserts and sweets, which we unfortunately can’t eat comeback preparations. Many fans will probably find these lyrics interesting and unusual because it’s something we’ve never sung about before.

HANNAH: I personally think the title track is “RRRun.” It’s different from the music and mood we’ve done before, so I think our fans were most surprised by it.

ARIA: “RRRun” because I think our fans might not have expected us to come back with such a sporty, fun, and upbeat song, especially since our previous releases were darker and more concept-heavy.

HKP: Since our last interview, what changes or growth do you see most in yourselves, both as individuals and as a group?

E.SHA: I feel more at ease on stage and during broadcasts than before. Now, instead of thinking about exactly how to dance or sing, I focus on the vibe and the message I want to convey, aiming to deliver it fully to the audience.

NIZZ: Personally, challenging ourselves with various concepts and genres has helped me grow a lot. As a team, we’ve been sharing more ideas, which has strengthened our teamwork and made me confident we can deliver even better performances!

NOVA: Gaining more experience has definitely given me a lot of confidence and made my stage performances feel more natural and free. I feel like I’ve been exploring my creative side a lot recently, and I absolutely love it!

HANNAH: I feel my approach and mindset toward each performance changes every time. I try to get more comfortable and be professional to give the best stage. As a team, we each grow individually and communicate more, so I feel the whole team is steadily improving.

ARIA: I can say that both as an individual and as a team, the members and I have grown a lot in every aspect, professionally and personally. Now in our second year as a group, we’re learning something new every day and continuously improving to make up for the areas where we’re lacking.

HKP: Your styling in this era feels bold and chic. Which outfit or look made you feel the most powerful in the concept photos or on stage?

E.SHA: Personally, my favorite MV outfit is the one we filmed at the beach. My leather jacket and all-black chic-hot-girl vibe felt the most powerful.

NIZZ: For this comeback, we had a lot of low-rise pants looks, retro outfits, and slightly boyish, hip styles. Personally, I loved the music video look with low-rise pants and an orange fur jacket—it really suited me and became my favorite outfit!

NOVA: I really love all our outfits this era, but my favorite is probably the one with the fur jacket. I feel like it gives me a cool, rapper vibe!

HANNAH: I’d choose the look with a bandana and goggles. The outfit and accessories have strong colors and a bold personality, which makes it feel the most powerful.

ARIA: I really love the pink jacket I wore in the night version of the album. The cropped hot-pink jacket paired with baggy jeans really brought out the sporty and cool vibe I wanted to showcase.

HKP: If you had to pick one member as the “runner” of the group — someone always chasing new challenges — who would it be?

E.SHA: I’d pick myself (laughs). I’m not afraid of trying new things, whether it’s styling or concepts. I prefer to just try first—if it doesn’t work, we find a solution; if it exceeds expectations, even better!

NIZZ: I would pick E.SHA because she’s always a member who isn’t afraid to take on new challenges.

NOVA: Recently, I’ve been getting a lot of opportunities to challenge myself in various areas. It’s been quite busy, but I really enjoy this hectic schedule, so I’d say it suits me.

HANNAH: I’d pick E.SHA because she seems to have the strongest sense of challenge and adventure (laughs).

ARIA: I would say all five of us are runners because, being together 24/7, we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses best. We’re always working on our own shortcomings and taking on new challenges.

HKP: Looking ahead, what’s one dream or goal for the group that you hope ‘RRRun’ helps you get closer to?

E.SHA: I hope more people get to know X:IN, learn about the songs we perform, the dances we do, and the kind of team we are—and love us for it.

NIZZ: Since the song is bright and full of energy, it’s perfect for various events and festivals. I want to show X:IN’s energy in more places with “RRRun” and give everyone even more amazing performances!

NOVA: I think many of our fans were waiting to see our brighter and more fun side, and this song really brought that to life. I hope that in the future we’ll continue to create lots of new and interesting concepts and ideas too!

HANNAH: I want to communicate more directly with our fans and perform at closer, more intimate stages and events. Honestly, I want to be on stage as much as possible, no matter the venue!

ARIA: I hope we can continue doing what we love for a long time, happily and healthily, both physically and mentally. Just like the theme of the song, I hope we can run forward carefree, without being weighed down by negativity. Through “RRRun,” I also hope we can reach a wider audience and share our performances with more people.

HKP: Finally, please leave a message for your fans who are reading this interview.

E.SHA: Coming back quickly this time allowed us to show our Readies a fresh side of X:IN, and seeing how much they loved it made me proud and grateful. We’ll keep repaying your support and love, so let’s always stay together!

NIZZ: Thanks to our READIES, who always support and cheer for us, X:IN can continue to grow. We’ll keep working hard to show you our best selves and bring you great songs, so let’s stay together! Thank you, and I love you!

NOVA: Our dear READIES, thank you so much for always being by our side! We love you so much and hope you enjoy our comeback with ‘Rrrun’ as well as our future releases.

HANNAH: Our READIES! Thank you so much for always supporting us and staying by our side. We really appreciate it!

ARIA: To all our fans, I know you were pleasantly surprised to see this new side of X:IN through “RRRun,” and I can promise there’s so much more we’re preparing. We aim to surprise our Readies even more each time, so please stay with us until the end!

Listen to X:IN’s discography on Spotify or Apple Music.

Connect with the members on Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.

*Special thanks to the members of X:IN and Beby Entertainment for this exclusive interview.

Image and Video Credits: Beby Entertainment