ONF: A touching comeback after a long wait

The group ONF of WM ENTERTAINMENT realizes its comeback with a seventh album, «LOVE EFFECT», on Wednesday, October 4.

Composed of members HYOJIN, J-US, E-TION, WYATT, MK and U, it is during a showcase held in Seoul that the group salutes the journalists who have come for this presentation of album, which represents a more elaborate version of the group, as a faithful representation of his identity. «LOVE EFFECT» is symbolized by two sentences: «Lights on, hearts connected. Our love stronger than ever», enough to set the tone for this showcase. In particular, it represents the emotions of tiredness and loneliness felt by the singers during their one-and-a-half-year absence, without them having been able to meet their fans. It is therefore a most significant comeback, to thank those who have waited and supported them.

Regarding the title song, with the same title as the album, it personifies a love statement. The members wander in a tunnel of feelings, which the associated clip seeks to show. Regarding the other tracks in the album, we find «Be here now», «Dam dam di ram», «Arrival» as well as «Wind effect». The showcase begins with a short video showing ONF members, one by one, as they take to the stage for a photo shoot. It is with big smiles and laughing that the boys diversify their poses, then quickly follow up with the performance of «Love effect».

The clip is then broadcast, rich in colors and special effects to represent all the joy that transmits the song. Without more ceremony, the group sits on stage to discuss this comeback, not failing to introduce itself once again to the reporters. The leader, HYOJIN begins by expressing his impatience to hold this showcase, but also his stress, and hopes that this hour spent alongside journalists will go well. In addition, after the press showcase, a showcase with fans will be held to present their most fervent admirers their new songs.

WYATT adds that this album has a great meaning for the group, and that he also hopes that the messages hidden among the different titles of the album will be well transmitted, especially the aspect of loneliness of not being with a loved one. The central subject, as E-TION points out, is therefore love. To underline this theme, a medley of the album is presented, MK and WYATT having participated in the writing of the lyrics of the songs of this comeback. During their break, the members do not hesitate to recognize their hard work, in order to return with pride on stage, and to be able to convey with more sincerity their feelings and sincerity.

« The first time I heard the song title, I had the impression that it encouraged me to go home, as if to comfort me» – WYATT

U reveals that the video for “Love effect” was filmed for four days in Sapporo, Japan, under a sky at 36°C. Despite the heat, the filming was most memorable, because they were able to take the boat and the landscapes seemed to come out of an anime because of their beauty. It is at this moment that U and J-US take the opportunity to show the key moment of the choreography, where they mimic smiles with their hands, as well as the blowing wind. The group is known for its futuristic universe, which we find in the song «Arrival» for example, composed by MK who says he questioned himself a lot about the composition of this title. The album ends with a softer song, «Wind effect», a slow ballade that allows members to share what they feel. In Korean, it is called «the reason why the wind blows» (바람이 부는 이유), this reason being the fans.

It is then time to answer questions from journalists, the first being about the army. Indeed, for a year and a half, the group performed its compulsory military service. However, they did not remain totally cut off from the world, since WYATT claims to have stayed up to date on popular trends and bands, so at the end of their service they did not feel lost in the music scene. On the contrary, they were inspired by these trends for this comeback, hoping that their music will mark the spirits. E-TION continues with their goal in the music industry, and he replies that they all want to go abroad, because it was impossible for the last promotions before due to COVID. U represents it as stairs to climb, each step bringing them a little closer to their fans, wherever they are in the world.

Journalists are very interested in their military service, because it is very rare that a group decides to leave at the same time so that the wait is shorter. The members were able to support each other during these many months, and remain sincere in stating that they had moments of anxiety and loneliness. However, they never doubted that they could return to the stage thanks to the support of the fans who sent them letters or put support messages on the internet for the singers to read. So they set out to return to the stage at all costs. Today therefore marks a form of renewal, phase two of the beginner group.

Then, J-US talks about their life at the camp, explaining that they often did sports, or took care of their skin by doing a lot of facial care. HYOJIN thinks that he didn’t do that much sport, but focused more on himself. They were also able to listen to music, looking at the female groups that have marked them, such as NEW JEANS and their song «Hybe boys», transformed into a challenge in the camp, as well as the musical charts broadcast on TV on the Genie channel.

Continuing this momentum, they tackle the most memorable moments at camp. The members realized how much they cared for each other, and were eager to meet again, not being in the same units. However, they were able to participate together in a festival and, in trellis, perform their title «Beautiful beautiful», U being the only one not having done his service at that time and having attended the festival. He then declared that it was an atypical but unforgettable experience to see his hyungs perform, as if he were a fan among many others.

« Let’s really be together until the end » — WYATT

At the end of the service, they also realized the importance of the stage, and how precious it is to them. Their goal is then transformed to conserve this energy and willingness to stay on stage, and thus, to meet their fans. They also realized the gratitude they had for those who allowed them to be singers. It is with this idea of recognition that ONF has prepared hard for this comeback, planning activities in Korea, but also abroad with luck and perseverance to make a world tour for example.

With a lot of discussion with their boss, they managed to dispel their anxieties, and prepare whether for dance or recordings, with more serenity. The sincerity of their comeback is emphasized many times, reminding them of their goal to meet their fans in Korea and around the world, while managing to make their name more known in the music industry. After a last performance, that of «Dam dam di ram», the group leaves the stage to prepare for the fan showcase.

Our reporter’s words: “Always a pleasure to attend one of their showcase, the members all have a charming personality”. 

Journalist: Pillet Anaïs
Translator: Pillet Anaïs
Photo: Pillet Anaïs
Source: KSTATION TV