Anytime PENTAGON makes a return to the music scene, we’re guaranteed instant perfection. Sure enough, the recent release of their 16th EP [IN:VITE U] lives up to their own consistent hype and delivers what might be one of their most cohesive chapters to date.

The title track “Feelin’ Like” sends the group into a bass-heavy, retro R&B wonderland with memorable melodies and a number of lyrics that create a demand for more. Switching off between primarily Korean lyrics with the occasional English additions, SHINWON’s moment translates, “The moment when I touch you, / your breathing gets faster” before KINO enchantingly contributes, “Can’t hide it anymore, / just move as the way I lead”. The verse gives listeners a suggestion at what’s to come, with PENTAGON regularly fulfilling creative impulses led by complete confidence. The group’s lovable combination of flirtatious innuendo and an accomplished artistic vantage point makes it a worthwhile hit – however, the song is a mere teaser at what’s in store with [IN:VITE U]’s ultimate invention. 

With several immaculate productions like the classical classical-esque pop euphoria of “The Game” or the absolute power in “Call My Name”, the EP is an unstoppable K-pop force that feels boldly courageous and in moments, potentially inspiring to artists’ future craft. The full scope of genre explorations feels very immersive in [IN:VITE U] in large part because it encapsulates the sonic-essence of their group nature – but breathing new life into their already discernable strengths. For example, a vital piece of the heart and soul of the release comes from the WOOSEOK-heavy “Bad” which the top-tier talent contributed lyrics to, composed, and heartbreakingly sings, “Please hate me, I’m bad / I wish you happiness / I could never have it” before his poignant, stripped, and slowed down delivery that softly concludes, “Because I’m bad.” giving listeners unfiltered emotions through palpable evolution.

To provide even more perspective on the impressiveness of [IN:VITE U], the group has arrived at a complex point where two of their own members have enlisted (one active being the leader HUI, and the recently returned JINHO) so their overall alterations have resulted in electrifying experimental changes and the pursuit of passions – which actually reminds us that each member plays a critical role of the communal PENTAGON identity. 

In celebration of [IN:VITE U], we were pleased to speak to the group’s current roster of WOOSEOK, JINHO, YUTO, YANAN, SHINWON, HONGSEOK, YEOONE, and KINO, to talk about their comradery, new music, and their favorite qualities about one another. 

Congratulations on your new comeback! We’ve been so eager to experience a new PENTAGON album, so this feels like a great way to start out the new year! What would you say was the foundation of this highly anticipated era? 

JINHO: First of all, I had a long hiatus and our leader is having a hiatus as well. So all of our members helped fill in the gap. Although we may feel exhausted mentally and physically, the moments that we worked hard together are always memorable. That‘s why this album will also remain one of my precious memories.  

SHINWON: I would say sincerity towards music. It is all about our members‘ strong will,  passion, and UNIVERSE‘s love. 

Your song “1+1” was included in our list of “The 21 Best K-pop Songs of 2021” for its ability to be so repeat-worthy, so if you were each going to pick a track from [IN:VITE U] that you think has that similar draw to it, what would you choose?

HONGSEOK: I would choose “Sparkling Night”. It‘s a good song that makes you feel like you‘re riding a Ferris wheel.  

YANAN: I love the song “Sparkling Night”. KINO‘s emotional vibe matches with mine. It’s just like cotton candy! 

Your bond is something that has always been magnetic for fans, and one of my personal favorites in the industry! How much do these relationships play a part in your evolutionary career? 

YEOONE: Forever! We‘ll have a positive influence on each other like real brothers.  

WOOSEOK: The honesty and consideration we‘ve maintained during all the years we‘ve spent together keep the strong bond among us. We feel this bond in our daily lives too but it shines brighter when we‘re on stage. I think the bond that becomes even stronger over time has the biggest influence on the future path of our career.

Everyone must be so excited to have Jinho back in the group after the two-year hiatus! What would you each say has been the best part about having him back – and Jinho, what was something you missed the most about your members? 

JINHO: Hello! First of all, I‘d like to say thank you to the fans who waited for me. I‘ve come back safe and sound, so please look forward to our upcoming promotions! I just missed goofing around with our members while practicing together and I got to do it a lot this time, so although the preparation was exhausting, I felt happy. 

KINO: JINHO is like the pillar of PENTAGON. Whether he is present or not was a lot more influential than I thought. Now that he is back, I can clearly feel that he maintains the balance of our team, in a different way from HUI. 

YANAN: As the eldest member, JINHO really takes care of our team. Since he is back now our team has become a lot more stable. 

Your concepts have continued to show great range, and this new era looks like it will offer another change of pace creatively! How would you say [IN:VITE U] feels different from your previous work leading up to now? 

JINHO: The growth and uniqueness of our music this time set it apart. For this album, we really tried to fill it up with colors aside from those that come to mind when you think of PENTAGON! You will probably feel it the moment you listen to it. 

WOOSEOK: In our previous albums, I think people got to see more of PENTAGON‘s fun and free sides. With this album, we will show you a matured version of PENTAGON. 

When we last spoke, you were on the heels of your first music program win, and it was such an exciting moment in an already impressive career! Do you currently have any active goals that you hope to take into this year? 

YUTO: I personally hope I have a busy year! I want to have a meaningful year where I look back at myself, and towards the end of 2022, I hope I can say that it was a pleasant year.  

SHINWON: My goal this year is to show PENTAGON continuously progressing!

The music video took on such a different direction for PENTAGON as well, and an exciting one at that! What would you say was your favorite part of shooting the “Feelin‘ Like” MV? 

HONGSEOK: Aside from the fine-tailored suits, I particularly remember the curator-like look and the choreography scene we filmed on a runway. 

YEOONE: I‘d say the group choreography of the last chorus. It‘s a part where we can show our matured charms so I enjoyed filming it. 

I respect each of you so incredibly much, for being artists who truly champion equality and creativity so I want to take a moment to appreciate something you all bring to the group – but through the eyes of each other! If you were each going to describe the best quality of the person sitting next to you, what would you say is currently the best asset they contribute to PENTAGON?

JINHO: HONGSEOK dedicates a huge effort to working out and dieting. And it somewhat motivates other members too. There were countless times when I wanted to eat in the middle of the night but didn‘t because of HONGSEOK. I see this as a positive influence. 

HONGSEOK: SHINWON brings positive energy to the team. He really thinks for the team  and I‘m proud to be on the same team with him 

SHINWON: YEOONE seems quiet, but he‘s the real mood booster when we practice.

YEOONE: YANAN gives his best to everything. I think this is self-explanatory. 

YANAN: YUTO is a trustworthy friend who has a great attitude, works hard, and keeps all his promises! 

YUTO: Considering all factors, KINO is the best at performances among PENTAGON, so I  think he is a member who enhances our capabilities. 

KINO: WOOSEOK‘s biggest strength is his purity and his attitude with no bad intentions. That purity of his keeps PENTAGON purer.

WOOSEOK: JINHO‘s strength is his vocals. He has a very broad spectrum as a singer.  There are so many genres he can do, and he always exceeds expectations for all concepts, so I think he is an artist who knows how to play his voice like an instrument.  

There‘s always going to be something worth celebrating when it comes to your craft because you‘re so versatile as we mentioned before, but also because you gravitate towards being very present in the music-making process. What was likely the biggest obstacle you conquered with [IN:VITE U], and what did you take away from it? 

KINO: I adapted a mature attitude from the process of contemplating what it means to become mature. Both in terms of music and performance. 

WOOSEOK: The word “transformation” gave me a hard time when I first started working on our music this time, but I was able to overcome the pressure and concerns eventually as I sorted out the concepts and genres that I hoped PENTAGON could do one by one during the music-making process. Because of this experience, I now have more genres that I‘d like to try in the future. 

I also wanted to reference the hit track “Cerberus” from WOOSEOK, KINO, and YUTO, which was an excellent way to merge your styles on a different scale! If the three of you were each going to create a duo (or trio) consisting of the other remaining members that you believe would complement each other, who would you choose, and what style would they try? 

KINO: Wouldn‘t it be the vocal subunit of HONGSEOK, YANAN, and YEOONE? If they present a pure and calm ballad track, you will be able to see another side of PENTAGON. 

YUTO: I would have YANAN in a subunit. He is a widely acknowledged visual and also a  great singer, so he will probably be popular even if he doesn‘t do much, haha. 

WOOSEOK: SHINWON, YEOONE, and YANAN! I think a subtle guitar and piano-based song without drums would really suit them well.

Make sure to stream PENTAGON’s new album here, and check out their music video for “Feelin’ Like” included above!