K-Pop icons CIX are officially back with their fourth EP titled Hello Chapter Ø: Hello, Strange Dream, introducing their vision of a brand new era.

The group, comprised of members BAEJINYOUNG, BX, SEUNGHUN, HYUNSUK, and YONGHEE, debuted in 2019, and upon announcement, had already established a dedicated and passionate fandom — selling out their debut showcase in under a minute. In just a week after their debut, they achieved their first major win, placing first on The Show, and joining the elite artists to achieve such an impressive win so quickly.

Throughout their second EP, CIX tackled a new side to their music, while providing commentary on the importance of mental health which essentially gave their music new purpose by participating in a brave conversation — with music being a platform where people are generally more receptive to those messages. At the end of 2020, CIX introduced the world to their third EP, establishing the group’s ability to resonate with their fans and ultimately earning three consecutive EPs to chart in the top 10 in South Korea.

With their newest album Chapter Ø available now, the group seemingly returns to provide a clandestine-esque prequel to their chronological storytelling through music. With their new single “Cinema” breathing life into a new era for the adaptive and genuine group, there’s a sense of comfort in the fact that CIX is back to deliver some of their massively compelling tracks.

As Chapter Ø was approaching, we had the pleasure of speaking with the members of CIX to get their take on creativity, relationship with FIX, and some of the goals that came with this fourth body of work.

Firstly, congratulations on your new comeback! Because it’s labeled Chapter Ø, I would assume in some capacity it’s taking things back to the beginning — which instantly intrigued me! How would you describe this era of CIX?

BX: The 4th mini-album contains all of the beautiful memories that happened before the stories in CIX’s past albums took place, so I hope you enjoy it!

When you set out to start this particular EP, what were some of the goals you had in mind? Whether it was musically, or just overall creatively?

SEUNGHUN: For this comeback, I made a big commitment to show fans different charms from the previous albums with a new, unique concept.

You guys create a synergy of magnetic beats and impressive vocals that produces some truly exceptional tracks! In the year and a half you’ve been together, what has helped you identify your style as artists?

BAEJINYOUNG: I think it’s helpful to try a variety of different things in terms of visuals, performance, and just music overall.

I respect that your songs feel like they take risks to explore different sounds and it has greatly paid off! Has the love you receive from fans (FIX) helped you feel supported to follow that intuition?

YONGHEE: Our FIX’s love not only has a big impact on our music, but also on all of our activities. It’s all thanks to our FIX’s love that we’re able to produce good music and explore our creativity. I always gain strength and courage from our FIX’s love, and hope to share my desire to repay their love by improving my skills through CIX’s music. Once again, thank you FIX!

I know that you, like so many, were planning a concert before COVID-19 changed everything, so I can imagine it’s been difficult to not have the ability to perform. What do you miss most about being able to perform live?

HYUNSUK: First of all, while I’m personally very disappointed about not being able to perform live, I think all of our FIX who looked forward to our concert are also very sad that they can’t join us in person. Currently, I’m trying to connect with FIX online, but I wish I could see FIX in person and share stages with them. I really miss the passionate cheers and energy of fans when I perform. I hope COVID-19 gets better soon so that I can perform on stage in front of FIX again!

Congratulations on your nominations for the Seoul Music Awards too – and three categories must make it feel like an even greater accomplishment! What was your initial reaction to hearing about the nominations?

BX: The first thing that came to my mind was our FIX, who are always supporting us. I realized that the only thing I want to do is make our fans happy.

You became one of the fastest winning groups after debuting, so you immediately found your audience very early on. How has that relationship with FIX changed since your unforgettable debut showcase?

SEUNGHUN: First of all, I’m so happy that there are so many FIX who love us. After seeing the support and love from fans after our debut showcase, I made it a goal to grow that love in a beautiful and diverse manner.

In regards to your new music, what has been the most rewarding experience about bringing this particular album to life?

BAEJINYOUNG Our previous albums were a bit heavier and had a more strong, powerful feeling, so I was so happy to be able to show FIX a different side to CIX through the more light-hearted and bright songs in this album.

Now that you’re preparing to share Chapter Ø with the world, are there already ideas or thoughts about what part of the phenomenal CIX story comes next?

YONGHEE: CIX’s story has a lot of depth and is very solid — to the point where even we get surprised sometimes. Therefore, we spend a lot of time talking to our company staff and sharing good ideas as we work on the album. We will continue to tell you our stories through our music and a variety of different content, so please show us a lot of interest!

Lastly, is there anything else you’d like to share about your new music? Or any message to your fans who have been eagerly awaiting your return?

HYUNSUK: I’d like to tell you a story that is filled with hope through our comeback song. We know how FIX has been waiting for us for a long time, and so we’ve worked hard to prepare good results. Please look forward to our new album! ♥️

CIX’s impressive new album Hello Chapter Ø: Hello, Strange Dream is out now, so make sure to check it out!

_{Coordinated by Hannah Lee / MPE}