In 2018, Jellyfish Entertainment added the first boy band to their roster in six years, with seven members pledging to create music by the name of VERIVERY. Combining the words ‘various’, ‘energetic’, ‘real’, and ‘innovation’ into their name, the group’s desire to put in the effort has played a part in achieving sustainability.
With what now makes six EP’s, VERIVERY steps back onto the scene after taking a brief pause since the group’s widely successful single album in March of this year – but their first EP since October of last year. In 2021 alone, the group has moved over 70,000 units in sales, making it their best selling release so far, and a lot of anticipation leading up to Series ‘O’ Round 2: Hole, a follow up to Series ‘O’ Round 1: Hall.
In the group’s new music, the members of VERIVERY portray a laid-back sound, keeping every track more connected than the recent trends of each track being a different genre. That’s not to say the VERIVERY’s music is all one style for the EP, because there are pieces of their assorted interests throughout – but the four songs are clearly made to feel interconnected for this chapter, which in ways, allows for a respectable straightforward narrative.
Having persevered through industry obstacles, they’ve conquered the task of impressive chart placement on various platforms, attained millions of streams, views, and total album sales surpassing 200,000, VERIVERY knows what their fans enjoy – and that connection seems to grow as fans are showing more respect for artists that are able to ride out the difficulties of the industry and grow side by side.
With all members united and preparing for their exciting release, we talked to the group about their initial feelings for the concept, who they deem worthy of the title VERIVERY Prom King, and their real underdog track on Series ‘O’ Round 2: Hole.
Congratulations on your 6th mini-album, SERIES ‘O’ [ROUND 2 HOLE]! It’s been a few months since your last release, so what noticeable creative changes would you say have taken place between now and then?
VRVR: Since our last album, we’ve been working out and taking care of our health. Maybe that’s why we’ve become more mature both on the inside and outside. If VERIVERY was a little cute last time, this time you’ll be able to feel the charms of a mature and tough VERIVERY!
This new mini-album is led by your new single “TRIGGER” which also has a great emphasis on the production elements of the song! What was your initial reaction upon hearing the sample for the first time? (excited, nervous, eager, etc.)
VRVR: I think all the members were similar. When we first heard the demo, we thought the intro sound was really good. It’s a fast-paced song, and it made us so excited that we couldn’t wait to record it. We can also recall our determination to work hard on this album when we realized that as fast-paced and powerful as the song is, the choreography will be just as difficult.
The music video has teased a darker, entertaining cinematic experience which must have been fun to portray! What were some of your favorite looks or moments to watch back in the mv for “TRIGGER”?
DONGHEON: There’s a scene where I put on a mask and pull a chain, and I like that look the most! While filming this scene, the chain was very heavy, and I remember being scared when I hit it! There was a scene where the lights were off and I really couldn’t see anything, so I thought it was like a scene from a horror movie.
HOYOUNG: My favorite look is the reality look. I’m very satisfied with the scene where I’m playing on top of a car holding a skull because I think it came out well.
MINCHAN: I think I liked the way I looked the most In the first scene, where I’m looking at the descending stairs. It came out really well and I looked cool.
GYEHYEON: I think I liked the reality look that’s sort of reminiscent of a rock star the most. My favorite scene is the scene where I submerged underwater.
YEONHO: There’s a scene where I act as if I’m dying with smoke coming out of my mouth. That’s my favorite scene.
YONGSEUNG: My favorite look in the music video was the racing look. It was cool and I liked the colors. My favorite scene is probably when I sweep my hair back in one of the first parts I appear in.
KANGMIN: VERRERs really like the racing look, so I like that one. And I like the scene where I turn away from the camera and run because it was so pretty.
The second song “Underdog” is another fun track, and everyone appreciates a success story! If you had to pick a song on the mini-album that you felt has “underdog” potential – what would you each select and why?
DONGHEON: I’d like to choose “Prom” because it makes me nostalgic and feel like I’m having a party at a time when I can’t hang out with people.
HOYOUNG: I’d choose “Heart Attack”. It’s a song that sounds like it goes well with the season and if we were to perform a song, I think it’ll be the most enjoyable to watch and listen to.
MINCHAN: Actually, I like all the songs in this album, so I don’t think there’s a weak point. My favorite song is the fourth track, “Heart Attack”!
GYEHYEON: I’d pick the third track, “Prom.” The reason is that it’s a song that we wrote, and it comforts and gives us strength in times of hardship.
YEONHO: I think “Underdog” has great potential. Is this right at first? I recorded while thinking about it, and I think the results came out really well.
YONGSEUNG: I’d say the fourth track, ‘Heart Attack’. It’s a song that would match well with choreography, and when you listen to it, you can’t help but ride the rhythm and get excited. I strongly recommend it to people who haven’t heard it yet.
KANGMIN: I had the hardest time recording “Underdog”. But, VERRERs really like it, so I want to choose this song.
“Prom” feels like a sweet, nostalgic pop song that depicts an optimistic moment of youth! If you were each going to vote for a fellow member as Prom King, who are you voting for and why?
DONGHEON: I think YONGSEUNG would be prom king because he was exemplary in school, but he was also the type to really keep a good relationship with his friends.
HOYOUNG: The prom king is our leader who is really into fashion! I’d pick DONGHEON.
MINCHAN: I’d vote for KANGMIN. He’s the youngest and the most handsome member, so I think everyone will go to KANGMIN.
GYEHYEON: I think it’d be YEONHO. I think YEONHO is the type of person who enjoys parties well.
YEONHO: I think the prom king among our members is KANGMIN. He’s graduating soon and I think the young and refreshing feeling goes very well with prom king.
YONGSEUNG: This time, I would vote for YEONHO as prom king. He stands out a lot more in this album, and his hairstyle is flashy, so it’s very noticeable.
KANGMIN: It’s HOYOUNG, who dyed his hair black for this album. I think black hair looks really good on him.
The mini-album ends with “Heart Attack” a name that feels appropriate considering how electric the song is! Is it safe to assume that one day we could be seeing detailed choreography to the charismatic track?
VRVR: We’re also really looking forward to the choreography of “Heart Attack”!! We want to cool the fans off in this hot summer heat with some awesome choreography, so we’re hoping for it too with the idea that it’s an open possibility.
Are there any final goals you want to achieve with this album and the experience as a whole?
VRVR: We hope that our fans will be able to make more happy memories and that more people will get to know and support us. And! We want to win first place on a music show!
Make sure to check out VERIVERY’s new EP, Series ‘O’ Round 2: Hole, as well as the music video for their single “TRIGGER”, available now.
