The K-Pop group Omega X may have just debuted, but the extent of experience and training amongst all 11 members is far beyond rookie-level.
All hailing from various groups, the assortment of enthusiastic performers have returned to the fast-paced industry with a new lease on life. Carefully selected by Spire Entertainment, (Hwichan, Sebin, Jehyun, Jaehan, Junghoon, Yechan, Taedong, Kevin, Hyuk, Hangyeom, and Xen) Omega X is re-entering with built-in knowledge of how their craft can be executed – all culminating in an evolutionary triumph. Experience aside, there are several ingredients required to take any artist’s talent to the next level, and Omega X’s freshmen Mini Album indicates the emergence of a long-lasting presence.
That achievement of presenting themselves as an industry-essential act is an important detail behind the name of the collective, with intention of making Omega X a “final boss” in K-Pop. To take on such a title requires proficiency on all fronts, and the group’s debut single “Vamos” brings them outside of their comfort zone to accommodate the trials and tribulations of well-versed artists. The official video for the track also provides a flashy teaser about the dual capabilities of the group and label, with uninterrupted displays of musicality to reach an even broader audience.
Using that initial visual platform to wisely kick off the rookie era creates an unmistakable desire for more – and upon listening to Vamos, we learn that Omega X has designed their own modern rookie blueprint. The body of work delves into a reserve of genres, pulling from the influences of Latin bangers, hip-hop energy, and a little dance music pleasure for any and all listener’s possible preferences. By coming together for this wholesome pursuit of artistic expression and having each conquered industry challenges, Omega X has unknowingly become a sincere source of inspiration through their art. With the debut mini-album officially out now, we spoke to the group to learn about their admiration for music, career goals, and differing personalities – because it’s always important to prepare for the epic adventures of a boss battle.
Since you’ve all been able to get that important industry experience before, was the process of recording together any more natural than your prior exposure to music – or did that collective, extra experience make this feel more challenging?
Yechan: It helped a lot. Although our individual experiences are different, we felt that we were mature enough to objectively analyze each other’s strengths and weaknesses and acknowledge them. As a result, we were able to reveal each member’s uniqueness and strengths and have the other members step in to fill in the gaps when distributing parts.
You also have a really interesting blend of personalities in the group! There’s a good mix of you who enjoy sports or outdoors in your spare time – and you have a group that likes animation, movies, video games, etc. Does having that blend of shared interests ever get you to try things that you normally wouldn’t if it wasn’t for your fellow members?
Hyuk: I used to go bowling occasionally. After finding out some members also like to go bowling, we get to go together now.
Sebin: I actually persuaded the members to play video games with me. It felt mysterious, the 11 of us playing the same game.
When I listened to your debut tracks, I had to play them each twice because it felt like such a great display of musicality! What would you say was the most time-consuming aspect of making this body of work feel so complete?
Jaehan: To be honest, the most time-consuming aspect to complete a song varies. For the “Vamos” album, recording the songs took the longest. We recorded and edited each song over and over again to capture the meaning and emotion of the lyrics, and I’m happy with how the album turned out.
Hangyeom: It took the longest to record the songs with the right emotions.
“Vamos” is such a charismatic, high-energy track to debut with, and the music video gives you a great chance to show off your incredible talents as dancers too! Between the combination of vocal effort and choreography, what was the hardest element to pull off for either the song or video?
Taedong: We didn’t set positions but had members evaluate their fit and take the parts. It was challenging for a member from the vocal line to rap or from the rap line to sing, but everyone worked really hard and contributed to quality performance.
Junghoon: I found it challenging to sing the Spanish lyrics with the right emotions and to dance with reggae vibes.
“Ice Tag” is another wonderful song and it feels like it follows some similar themes of “Vamos” but as a slightly slowed down, relaxed follow-up! Who probably seemed like they had the best time getting to step into this concept?
Kevin: Junghoon. His dance moves were well aligned with the song’s concept.
Hwichan: I think Sebin did a good job stepping into this concept in a fun way.
You also have “Younger” and it’s a different vibe from the other tracks, but also a perfect way to leave people wanting more! Who would you say vocally surprised the group the most when you were recording the song?
Hyuk: Hangyeom did. He has a strong voice when he sings and raps, which made me curious about how he’d handle a soft song like “Younger.” His voice suited the song perfectly, which surprised me.
Jehyun: I already knew Jaehan was a good singer, but he was exceptionally good in “Younger,” and I appreciated him helping out the members vocally for this track. Everyone did well, which surprised me.
Jaehan: I was surprised by Junghoon’s vocal skills, especially his expressions. His enunciation and style matched perfectly with “Younger.”
Hwichan: Jaehan was so cool when he was in charge of producing “Younger.”
Sebin: I already knew Jaehan was good, and I was surprised by Hwichan’s hidden vocal skills!
Hangyeom: Jaehan, Junghoon, Hwichan and Xen. I was surprised by their tones and emotive voices. It moved me.
I love that you have a self-titled song on the mini-album, and it’s by far my personal favorite! Did having a self-titled track add any different layers or challenges to make sure it felt authentic to the group?
Kevin: Having a namesake song in the album helps the fans remember our name, and also invites them to be more curious about us. A line from “Omega X” goes, “All eyes on me,” which is actually our goal. I love the meaning behind having “Omega X” in our debut album.
Yechan: The song “Omega X” gives off a strong yet well-organized vibe with a kick in every beat in the chorus. This song suits us because we’re experienced, mature, and strong-willed. I’d love the opportunity to perform “Omega X” in front of a bigger audience someday.
I was excited to see that your name ties into your intentions to be a “final boss” in the industry! When you think about what makes a “boss” in K-Pop, what do you think is a requirement?
Xen: Hands down talent and skills. I’m working hard to become the “boss” as I want to be the best.
Taedong: It’s important not to lose integrity, to be humble, and to always work hard.
If you were going to describe your goals for your next release, what would you hope to see for the future of Omega X? (music program win, specific award, a genre of music, etc.)
Xen: Topping the Billboard K-Pop Chart. We will be the best!
Hyuk: I’d love to receive any awards we can!
Kevin: Omega X’s goal is to receive the Rookie of the Year award. We’ll do our best to achieve our goals!
Taedong: Rookie award, topping the music charts and topping the Billboard Chart in the long run.
Yechan: With the next album, I’d like us to be recognized as artists who are more free, fun, and cool on stage than anyone else.
Junghoon: Rookie award, #1 on music programs, and the title of a professional performer.
Jaehan: I’d love for us to be acknowledged by Billboard. We’ll be busy as a bee until the day you can hear Omega X’s songs all around the world!
Hwichan: I hope to win on the music programs and be acknowledged for our genre of music. I’d love for our music to top all music program charts for 11 consecutive weeks.
Sebin: Topping the 3 major music program charts is my absolute next goal. Down the road, we want to become the #1 K-pop idol in the world.
Jehyun: Topping the music program charts, receiving the rookie award, and topping the Billboard K-Pop Chart. Also, I’d love for our music and performance to be recognized by many people.
Hangyeom: We’ll be ready to swoon the fans again with a new song and performance that tops “Vamos.” A single for a subunit would be a great way to show our chemistry and musicality.
The 1st Mini Album Vamos by Omega X is available now, so make sure to stream it and check out the music video included above!
