The enthusiastic rookie group MIRAE has kicked off their career with a pursuit of passion, and great respect for the importance of chemistry in K-pop.
Hailing from the undeniable forward-thinking sound of DSP Media, the seven-member boy band is the first collaborative act to come from the company since the iconic talent of KARD was formed four years prior. Ranging in age from 18 to 23 the young men of MIRAE come from a merged Gen Z and Millenial perspective, with a strong sense of adaptability that feels imperative to discovering their voice.
The group initially launched with their EP KILLA, a six-song showing of their utmost conviction. The selection of tracks constructs a well-versed dynamic for MIRAE’s industry introduction, a valiant choice to shake up the sometimes customary rookie image. Without having an established name behind them, MIRAE’s ability to take a confident stance so early in the game requires the most innate assurance possible – and it’s something the group excels at.
The EP’s title track “KILLA” is a daring first single, making the effort to display as many of their potential talents from the jump. The production is a pop-EDM charged dance track, pulling from the member’s vocal range, but still finds ways to incorporate a youthful rebellion that’s more instinctual than rehearsed.
Another standout titled “We Are Future” presents the group in a different light, giving MIRAE an opportunity to share their intention to alter music (in some capacity). With that next wave of K-pop talent, the pure drive to follow the path established by their peers continues to be a key aspect of evolutionary changes to music that isn’t lost on MIRAE. There’s a fresh consciousness from artists that know it’s possible to make an impact, and now MIRAE is aiming to be the next influential group – with KILLA being a top-notch beginning to their career. Furthermore, the group’s take on confidence and brazen methodology has demonstrated that MIRAE has the ability to stay grounded as young artists still discovering their goals in music, and life.
After having debuted to over 15 million views for their first music video, charting in the top 10 on Gaon, and selling over 30,000 copies of their debut EP, we spoke to the super rookie group about everything you should know regarding MIRAE.
Firstly, it’s a pleasure to get to speak with you! You just debuted so can you explain a little bit about what the concept of MIRAE means to you?
Siyoung: ‘MIRAE’ is a step to forward a new world.
LIEN: The beginning of my life!
Junhyuk: New family!
KHAEL: The spaceship to the Future!
Yubin: MIRAE makes me an artist who thinks more.
You debuted with your EP KILLA and the music video has already surpassed 15 million views, and charted in the top 10 on Gaon, so you’ve been dubbed a super-rookie group of 2021! What was your reaction to hearing people refer to you that way?
Junhyuk: I couldn’t believe it!
Siyoung: It didn’t feel real.
KHAEL: When ‘KIILLA’ MV recorded 15M views, I ran out to members and show the record to members!
Douhyun: I was really surprised. I thought that it couldn’t make it. We were just a rookie! I felt surprised but pleasant!
You all seem to have great group energy early on and that’s really important! What would you say has helped you all form that strong group dynamic?
Dongpyo: We have many members who have had a lot of difficult experiences. So we rely more on each other’s help, and we have really great teamwork.
Douhyun: I think that we have practiced a lot and it’s helping our efforts pay off.
Because you’re in the new-artist era, you still have a great chance to craft your own identity as artists – how would you describe your sound as a cohesive group?
Dongpyo: I’d really like it if people could think MIRAE might deserve to be responsible for helping K-pop in the future!
LIEN: A futuristic new feeling!
Douhyun: I hope that MIRAE‘s voice could provide a warm feeling, and heal listeners.
Every song on the EP has its own strengths, but I was curious, what was the first song you actually recorded together – and what was that experience like?
LIEN: ‘WE ARE FUTURE’. It was an honor to be with famous producer Ryan Jhun. He made us feel so comfortable, and it was a pleasant experience when we record the song.
Junhyuk: It’s the first time that we were showed the song, so we practiced very carefully.
“Killa” is such a perfect debut track, and it really showcases a lot of talent, so congratulations on completely nailing your first single! What was it like getting to hear your song for the first time before sharing it with the world?
KHAEL: I loved the song! Its mood was so sci-fi!
Siyoung: I imagined the music video and how it would look.
Yubin: I thought that it should be a very strong and powerful performance!
Douhyun: It touched me because of it actually being our own song!
So many people are excited to get to know you individually as well, so I thought it might be nice to do a few introductory questions too! If you each had to choose one song off the EP to listen to forever – what would you choose and why?
LIEN: It’s too difficult for me to choose the one because every song is nice on this album!
Junhyuk: ‘WE ARE FUTURE’ the first track and it means to start our future
Siyoung: ‘1 thing’. Every day we think about ‘NOW’s
KHAEL: ‘KILLA’! Our debut song!
Who are artists that you’ve looked up to, or artists that inspire your own personal drive as musicians?
LIEN: EXO. EXO is the most successful idol group and their individual activities are great.
Junhyuk: BTS Jungkook. I dreamt of being an idol by looking up to him.
Yubin: EXO member, Kai. He is my role model.
Siyoung: Jay Park. He is really great performer. I wanted to do ‘NIKE’ because of him.
KHAEL: DPR LIVE. Recently he’s been giving me inspiration. I respect him.
Dongpyo: IU. Her song always cheers me up. Someday I’ll make my own song to comfort people like she has.
Douhyun: BTS. They introduced K-pop all over the world!
If you each had to guess what your fellow group member’s perceptions of you are (funny, dedicated, shy, spontaneous, etc.) how would you think you’re perceived?
Dongpyo: Unique creature? I’m usually quiet but suddenly I imitate a drama character like ‘the Penthouse’.
LIEN: An ordinary Korean who speak Japanese very well.
Junhyuk: Maybe the ‘bro’ in the neighborhood?
Yubin: A little shy boy. I feel awkward when I first meet people.
Siyoung: Stereotype of an AB bloodtype!
KHAEL: I don’t know, really. How about me?
Yubin: KHAEL is so young. His age should be 8! Who likes pizzas?! (laughs)
Douhyun: A geek? I suddenly started to grow plants and trees, like lemons and flowers. Sometimes I hike the mountains in Seoul.
Which member would you each say has changed the most since your trainee days (and why)?
LIEN: Siyoung! When he was a trainee, he was so silent. But now he is a walking meme. He cannot stop the jokes!
Junhyuk: Me too, I agree with LIEN. Siyoung was really shy and quiet, but recently he is very active.
Siyoung: Junhyuk gravely considers other members.
Douhyun: Yubin. I think he was a shy guy as a trainee. As he is on the television or our content on YouTube, he has changed a lot. Now he is a great speaker and a mischievous boy.
If you were each going to select one member who you think has the ability to surprise people the most in future releases – who would you choose?
Dongpyo, Siyoung, and KHAEL: Yubin! Everybody expects his growing. We wonder about his next performance.
KHAEL and Douhyun: Siyoung. Siyoung improved himself much during KILLA. We think you can look forward to his future.
Junhyuk: KHAEL. He makes his own songs. I expect his productions to surprise people.
When it comes to time outside of the studio, which member would you each say is the opposite of their energy on-stage (whether it’s because of their clothing, energy level, other hobbies, etc.)
Junhyuk: Dongpyo. He is charismatic and serious on the stage. But he acts various role-playing when he off the stage.
LIEN: I also say Dongpyo. He always has full of energy. But on the recording, he knows the attitudes.
KHAEL: Junhyuk. The neighborhood bro.
Yubin: All members. They’re such mischievous children!
Douhyun: It’s ME! I sing and dance powerfully. But when I’m staying home, I water the flowers and make honey lemon tea.
You have a lot of fans who already love your music and style – and that’ll surely follow you into future releases just based on your wonderful EP! What can you tell us about the next chapter of MIRAE?
LIEN: I’d like for MIRAE to be a happy group for a long time. Lots of people listen to our music more than now.
Douhyun: Hopefully, people know and remember MIRAE as a group with excellent teamwork – and that in the future we’re preparing music and various styles!
Check out MIRAE’s debut EP KILLA, the music video above, and their YouTube channel for more exciting content!
