N.FLYING
The 7-year curse is behind them, their talent has surpassed 10 years, can time stop them now?
They say even mountains and rivers change in ten years. Especially in the entertainment world, where trends constantly evolve, lasting ten years is a remarkable achievement. Even K-pop groups with huge production budgets struggle to overcome the famous “7-year curse.” That’s why 2025, marking N.FLYING’s tenth anniversary, is all the more special. If you had to sum up N.FLYING’s last ten years in one word, it would be “romance.”
With the release of its second full-length album, “EVERLASTING”, N.FLYING, recently interviewed by Munhwa Ilbo, was full of positive energy. As the album title suggests, meaning “eternal,””unchanging”, they’re already prepared for the long haul. Moreover, all the members, who had been completing their mandatory military service one by one, have reunited after about two years to produce an album as a full group. A perfect moment.
The title track, “만년설” (Eternal Snow), fits perfectly with the concept of “EVERLASTING”. Featuring an acoustic piano intro and marching drums reminiscent of Britpop, followed by a guitar solo, each member boldly declares “we are alive” while showcasing their distinct musical colors. The album packs twelve rich and full songs.
Vocalist LEE SEUNG HYUB said:
“After two years, all the members got back together, and since it’s our 10th debut anniversary, we worked on this album even more carefully. N.FLYING has its own distinct color, but this time we tried even more diverse things. We’re really happy and thrilled that the fans who waited for us reacted just as we expected.“
Meeting in their late teens and starting serious activities in their twenties, the members of N.FLYING are now all in their thirties. Their debut wasn’t always warmly received. The label “idol band” was often stuck on them, but many music fans didn’t want to accept that “idol” and “band” could coexist.
However, after ten years of persistence, they proved their worth on their own. Though prejudice still exists toward the term “idol band,” N.FLYING has now mastered how to embrace it.
KIM JAEHYUN joked:
“All the members are over 30 now, but we’re still seen as idols, and we’re grateful for that. The word ‘idol’ strongly evokes the image of a role model. If someone starts playing drums because they saw me perform, or if I can become a role model for someone, that would make me extremely happy.”
LEE SEUNG HYUB added:
“A few days ago, during a live show, the MC introduced us as an ‘idol band.’ I think that label fits us, whether it was then or now, and honestly, I want to keep that title to the end. I want to be a band that plays well, sings sincerely, and masters its instruments.”
N.FLYING’s ten years have been colorful. They started as an idol group but relied on their skills. They also maintained their popularity. YOO HWE SEUNG boldly participated in Produce 101 Season 2, while LEE SEUNG HYUB reinvented himself as an actor, starring in the drama “Lovely runner“ and recently “Spring of youth“. The late surge in popularity of the song “옥탑방” (Rooftop) was a chance for N.FLYING to be fully recognized as a true band. After singing about youthful romance, what romance remains for them?
YOO HWE SEUNG answered:
“For us, romance was having gone through a tough youth. We lived through hard times and suffered willingly, but when we look back on those times, it feels like romance.“
However, for those who dream of Everlasting, something unchanging, romance is no longer a thing of the past but a reality. KIM JAEHYUN added:
“I feel a strong desire to be with our fans forever. Isn’t that romance?“
YOO HWE SEUNG agreed: “On our 10th anniversary, we all got together for a live broadcast to connect with our fans, and it was a truly special feeling. I hope these moments will continue for a long time.”
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Interview conducted by: Munhwa Ilbo
Source: SNS N.FLYING
