When you think about influential groups in K-Pop, it’s impossible not to discuss Cube Entertainment’s juggernaut group BTOB. Debuting back in 2012, the group (currently comprised of four, with two members serving in the military) BTOB has managed to cover a lot of territory in their time together, but we’re hopeful that this lighting in a bottle group has a chance to stay united for years to come. 

We’ve seen the talent of BTOB shine through their elaborate discography, roles as brand ambassadors, multiple reality series, award wins, and even through their respect for philanthropy – because BTOB understands that flexibility and longevity have a symbiotic relationship. Their extensive accomplishments have resulted in various career opportunities for the members as well, with their guaranteed spot on the series KINGDOM to curate K-Pop greatness. On KINGDOM, BTOB competed among some of the most successful current groups in K-Pop, showing week after week that they have talent that holds up nearly a decade since debuting. Through the rigorous performances and work required from the group during KINGDOM, it ignited another era – leading us to the group’s new comeback EP, 4U: OUTSIDE.

With the four members of the sub-unit back to represent BTOB as a whole, we get to see that the creative process of the group transcends people’s expectations – because with age comes the irreplaceable gift of experience. On their new EP, the group steps up their sub-unit process, navigating a sophomore release and introduce a sound that’s nostalgic-driven, yet mature and forward-thinking upon completion. The lead single “Outsider” involves a dabble of funk/jazz with trace elements of powerhouse vocals, which is entirely congruent with the entire thematic visuals from the music video. 

Just as BTOB was approaching the 4U: OUTSIDE launch date, we had the pleasure of speaking with the four talented gentlemen behind the group’s current lineup – getting their take on this particular sub-unit sound, reuniting the entire group, and what to expect from BTOB moving forward.

Welcome back! This marks your first return since KINGDOM, which was incredible to watch! What would you say has changed about BTOB since the program wrapped? 

EUNKWANG: I learned a lot from the other artists. Trends always change everywhere, and with every generation. As we learned performances that we haven’t experienced before, our overall performance was even more enhanced and we chose to challenge ourselves with various genres.  

MINHYUK: It gave us a new motivation for BTOB and made us not be afraid of new challenges. I am now able to look at things from a wider perspective.  

CHANGSUB: Through KINGDOM, I experienced a lot of new things and I learned a lot from the other artists. I think I can now try a better variety of genres.  

PENIEL: Overall, I think we have gained more confidence. When we were first asked to be on KINGDOM, we were very hesitant because the other groups on the show were very performance-based groups. After the first episode aired, we saw not only the fans’ reactions but also the reaction of the general public and the love we were receiving. I think we gained more confidence that we can just do what we do the best. 

With your new music, the four of you have become pretty accustomed to performing as a remarkable unit – what has been one of the most noticeable alterations to the group’s sound, or energy with your fellow members currently serving in the military?

EUNKWANG: Since the power of HYUNSIK and SUNGJAE’s voice and energy was very strong, the energy of the four of us may seem a bit smaller. However, we were able to try filling in the empty spots with performances and try new things. But of course, BTOB is best when we’re all together.  

MINHYUK: The desire to make good music remains the same regardless of the number of our members. That is why our team energy seems different rather than music-wise. I guess we became calmer than before!

CHANGSUB: Musically, nothing has changed because we are always presenting BTOB-like music that only BTOB can do.  

PENIEL: I don’t think there were any major changes. Whether it’s a subunit or our full group performance, we always just want to release good music for everyone. 

You’ve been performing since 2012, so you obviously are some of the more experienced, active performers in the industry! What would you say has evolved about your music over the years? 

EUNKWANG: I would say “Outsider” itself is a new side and a challenge for BTOB.  The things that we learned through KINGDOM, the music genres, and performances are all new and unique sides of BTOB.  

MINHYUK: I believe each of us and the team has improved music-wise. We eagerly put out our efforts to do better, and that’s why we are able to make upgraded good quality music. 

CHANGSUB: Each of our members is progressing forward and trying their best.  Through our title track “Outsider”, which is a new challenge for us, we’ll be able to showcase more various sides of us. 

PENIEL: We’ve definitely become more comfortable and I think that can only come with time and experience. We are also able to fill our album with our self-written songs, so naturally, it suits us better. 

In regards to the new music, when you started to work on 4U: OUTSIDE  what were some of the styles or genres you hoped to incorporate on the album? 

EUNKWANG: We wanted to incorporate a fresh vibe throughout the album. As you’ll know when you listen to it, we filled our album with new, but BTOB-like songs.  

MINHYUK: I wanted to express a deep but relaxed atmosphere. I’m in the 10th year of my career and yet I still find it challenging. 

CHANGSUB: We wanted to show the different sides of us, and you’ll be able to feel them with your heart when you listen to the songs on our album.  

PENIEL: Personally, I wanted to try a hip-hop track since that is what I mainly listen to. I’d like to give it a try if we’re given the chance in the future. For now, BTOB is just focused on making good music regardless of genre. 

In regards to “Outsider”, how would you conceptually introduce this title track for listeners?

EUNKWANG: This track is dedicated to the people who feel tired and weary from repetitive daily life. You are all special. You are an “Outsider” who is different and special from others just like what the lyrics say. 

MINHYUK: I wanted to give a little wit to those who are tired of their daily repetitive lives. We are all very weak, but at the same time, we are strong enough to get through it. It’s all up to us! 

CHANGSUB: It’s a song that can cheer people up and can also be a comfort sometimes. Good luck, everyone! 

PENIEL: It’s definitely a genre that we haven’t tried before, but if you listen to it, it sounds like our song. We hope that a lot of people can be comforted by the lyrics as it talks about not being the same as everyone and finding your own path. 

What do you think fans will be most surprised to discover about BTOB through your new music? 

EUNKWANG: It’s actually our first time to have a dance break in a song. They’ll be surprised to see the new performance of BTOB since we received a lot of love for ballads.  

MINHYUK: Until now, BTOB’s choreographies were well-synchronized because they were rather succinct. This time, you’ll be amazed by our sophisticated yet synchronized choreography. A truly synchronized choreography per se. 

CHANGSUB: Our fans will be stunned when they watch our performance. We will show you our synchronized dance moves.  

PENIEL: We’ve always tried a variety of genres and I think we’ve pulled them off well, so we’ll just prove to them once again that we’re not limited to one certain style.

Are there any songs on the album that felt like they required (any of you, or as a group) to come out of your comfort zone, or was this a very natural body of work for BTOB? 

EUNKWANG: I felt a mix of both. HYUNSIK’s “Waiting 4 U” and MINHYUK’s “Finale (Show  And Prove)” are both BTOB-style songs that feel familiar, but the rest of the tracks feel somewhat fresh and new. “Traveler” in particular was a new approach in terms of both genre and singing style. 

MINHYUK: “Finale (Show And Prove)”, the last track which we premiered on  KINGDOM, was truly a challenge. It made me both shrug and nod repeatedly. The process of blending the genres you can’t easily find in pop music in a pop-friendly way and in BTOB-style was tough, but eventually, I made it work and I’m proud of it. It’s a masterpiece. 

CHANGSUB: I think “Outsider” and “Finale (Show And Prove)” are songs outside of our comfort zone. Both performance-wise and choreography-wise, it was a new adventure! 

PENIEL: For me personally, “Traveler” made me come out of my comfort zone. I was a bit concerned during the recording session since the notes were pretty high in general, but thankfully it turned out well. 

If you were going to each pick a member who specifically impressed you while working on 4U: OUTSIDE, who would you choose?

EUNKWANG: MINHYUK. I already knew his raps were great, but I was surprised to see him even nail singing. And performance-wise, I was not worried at all because  MINHYUK was there to lead the performance. Love you, MINHYUK! 

MINHYUK: PENIEL. We went through the recording process while we prepared for the finale of KINGDOM, and I could feel that his confidence level has boosted.  I’m happy to finally let the world know about PENIEL’s true talents. 

CHANGSUB: EUNKWANG. We’ve known each other since we were teenagers, but he looked stunning when we tried his new hairstyle! 

PENIEL: MINHYUK. He’s gotten a few songs tracked on our previous albums, but his production has definitely improved. 3 out of the 5 songs this time were produced by him and one of them was even a runner-up for the title track. 

Everyone is so excited that you’ll be able to reunite with your enlisted members this fall! Have you thought about what you hope to do together once the group is officially reunited? 

EUNKWANG: We’re very excited about it too. We have yet to decide what kind of music we will do, but I’m really looking forward to the music we will make together when the experience the four of us built up during their enlistment combined with their musicality. All of us are just waiting for that day. 

MINHYUK: I wish all of us can be on a reality show or variety show. Honestly, I felt kind of jealous when I saw the younger groups having fun with their teammates. We’re still incredibly loud… But of course, promotions are what I miss the most about our group! Can’t wait!  

CHANGSUB: Obviously, I’ve been thinking about our 10th-anniversary concert. By the time we have our concert, I hope we have overcome the COVID situation so we can exchange our mics with our fans and enjoy the moment with them.

PENIEL: Not too long after the remaining members’ discharge, it will be our 10th  year anniversary since debut. I hope we can do a concert that the fans are able to actually attend instead of watching through a screen. 

Your fans have really rallied over the years and helped you accomplish some massive milestones – what would you each say that you hope to achieve together next? 

EUNKWANG: I thank our fans MELODY from the bottom of my heart. I believe what we should do in return is for BTOB to stay by their side and sing for them until the end. Let’s stay together forever, BTOB and MELODY!

MINHYUK: Our 10th anniversary is approaching, and I’m sure we will accomplish milestones of 15, 20 years if we keep our efforts going together!  And to make that possible, all of us must stay healthy! 

CHANGSUB: My wish is for us to continue making great music, receiving love for them, and giving people our hand through our music. Through our 10th, 20th, and more anniversaries to come, I hope we can be artists that can bring people’s hearts together with our music. And I want to give back to our fans by singing together with HYUNSIK and SUNGJAE too! 

PENIEL: Our goal has always been to just release good music. I don’t have a certain accomplishment that I’d like to achieve, I just hope that we can stay together as a group and keep working together for a long time.

Make sure to stream BTOB’s new EP, 4U: OUTSIDE now, and the music video for “Outsider” is included above!