The South Korean group VICTON is back with their first official album Voice: The Future is Now, and the seven members (Seung Sik, Su Bin, Han Se, Sejun, Seung Woo, Chan, and Byung Chan) couldn’t be more excited to share this impressive musical endeavor with the world in a time where music has more meaning than ever before.

The genuinely talented group debuted 4 years ago in 2016, having released six EP’s, and displaying a consistent pattern of growth as artists. With each release, their reach has grown, and their most recent EP in early 2020 was their largest selling album to date — having won at several award shows, and providing songs that landed on massive charts in South Korea (including Melon).

Currently, each group member is now in their 20’s, finding that obligatory opportunity to learn, grow, and explore all avenues as artists. Taking a methodical approach at crafting music, the group has proven to be extremely thoughtful about their work as well as finding the right time — having postponed the album due to COVID-19. Aside from showing maturity through music, they’ve managed to take this current time with caution, which ultimately has made this new album something special for the group and their fans (Alice).

With time, the group has proven to transition through various musical influences, and on their most recent comeback “What I Said” we see VICTON tackle a Latin pop track with an upbeat dance-friendly rhythm — leading to a perfectly blended chorus by the group’s ability to harmonize. The title track is only a taste of the new VICTON, with an album that gives the group their most ambitious work to date. The group has now officially entered the next era of their careers, where they have clearly established the versatility they can bring to K-Pop, and music on a global scale.

Just before dropping Voice: The Future is Now, we spoke to VICTON, who divulged details regarding the inspirations behind this comeback, some of their favorite aspects of the album, and their hopes for 2021.

VICTON is officially back and we’re absolutely thrilled! How are you all feeling about this comeback after the unforeseen delays?

Seung Sik: I was worried and disappointed by the unexpected delay of our comeback due to COVID-19, but I was able to regain strength and motivation with fans’ genuine concern and support. I want to come back healthier and show fans an improved version of myself.

Han Se: This was an unprecedented situation, but I’m glad we can have a positive start to 2021 with our first full-length album.

Su Bin: To begin, I’m sorry to all of the fans who have been waiting for our comeback. I’m sure every day is not easy due to the challenges created globally by the pandemic, but I hope to provide strength to fans who are mentally and emotionally exhausted through our comeback.

You are releasing your first official album so congratulations, that’s such an exciting moment in your career and very well-deserved I must add! What are some of the inspirations behind this debut album?

Seung Sik: For this album, we got inspiration while reflecting on VICTON’s past and present.

Sejun: We discussed a lot within our team before we decided on a concept. After receiving the title track, we further developed our concept to match the song.

Su Bin: Our source of inspiration isn’t confined to one specific thing — rather, we get inspiration from various things we don’t usually see in our daily lives. But personally, I tried to emphasize a soft, but intense feeling for this album.

How would you describe the concept behind the title track “What I Said”?

Seung Woo: ‘What I Said’ is a track that portrays the idea of a dream-like reality finally beginning. It is a Latin pop dance song that marks the beginning of VICTON’s second chapter. Unlike VICTON’s color, it is a very strong and unique concept that emphasizes performance.

What was the creative process like while working on this particular album as opposed to your previous EPs?

Seung Sik: All members were heavily involved in preparation for our first album. We tried our best to show musical growth.

Chan: We experimented with a lot of different genres while preparing for the album, which was a lot of fun. I also think my mindset was a little different this time around.

Sejun: We prepared for this album over multiple months. This album also features a solo track, so we worked especially hard for this comeback.

If you each had to pick a favorite song on the new album, what would it be, and why?

Seung Woo: ‘We Stay.’ It’s a song that makes me happier and happier the more I listen to it. But of course, all of the songs are good.

Seung Sik: Asides from the title track, which is obviously No. 1, I personally like ‘Carry On,’ which is my solo track. It’s a meaningful track for me because of the lyrics the members wrote and the story the song carries.

Su Bin: I definitely like ‘We Stay’ the most because it’s a song that I wrote with Seung Sik while thinking about fans.

COVID-19 has been a challenge for everyone, and it obviously resulted in a lot of changes — did working through the events of this year make the album feel a little more personal?

Seung Sik: There weren’t any major changes, but it’s definitely disappointing that we’re not able to meet fans like before. I’m always motivated to put in even more effort into preparing the album as I think of the fans who cheer us on from far.

Han Se: Because we can’t perform live in front of fans and can only show our performance through the screen, I tried my best to make sure our messages and music are conveyed to fans to the greatest extent.

Now that you’ve become so close in the last four years and have had the chance to really establish yourselves as artists and performers, what has been your biggest takeaway from being in a group together?

Sejun: Even if I was born again, I don’t think I would be able to meet people as great as the VICTON members. That’s how precious they are to me.

Byung Chan: I think it’s the idea of ‘It’s possible if we’re together.’ If the seven of us are together, everything is possible and I don’t have to fear anything.

Su Bin: I’m always grateful for our members, and I also think it’s really important to establish self-trust. Believing in yourself to overcome difficult times is equally as necessary.

Coming into 2021, what would each one of you say is a goal that you hope to achieve or perhaps something you’d like to accomplish this year?

Seung Woo: I want to perform on stage a lot and be active musically. I hope this year is one full of personal growth and development.

Seung Sik: I want to make more special and happy memories with fans and hope to be active in a variety of areas musically.

Chan: I want to become an improved version of myself and eventually be a multi-talented entertainer.

Sejun: Whether it’s acting, modeling for photoshoots, or being in commercials, I want to show fans various sides of myself and show improved performance.

Han Se: I want to hold a concert and release a mixtape.
Byung Chan: I hope to make more memories and spend more time with Alice.

Su Bin: I want to grow personally in many ways!

Considering we’ve all been dealing with a lot more time at home and finding ways to keep busy — what are some artists you find yourselves listening to lately?

Seung Woo: I listen to ROLE MODEL’s ‘Going Out’ a lot when I’m by myself.

Seung Sik: Recently, I’ve been listening to a lot of Lauv’s songs.

Chan: I’ve been listening to Justin Bieber, beginning with his first album, which has been bringing back a lot of memories.

Sejun: Listening to Etham’s ’12:45’ has been helping me to heal and relax.

Han Se: I’ve been listening to Juice WRLD’s songs.

Su Bin: The song that I’ve been really into recently is ‘Monster’ by Shawn Mendes and Justin Bieber.

Music has been such a positive influence on so many, and your fans are so excited to have more of your work! What’s something you hope they learn about VICTON from this comeback?

Seung Woo: I want to communicate VICTON’s past and future through our music. I want to show fans an improved version of myself.

Seung Sik: Personally, I want to convey the message of not giving up and consistently trying. Also, I hope that this comeback excites fans in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic with both the visuals and audio.

Chan: I want to show Alice the meaning of VICTON’s new start.

Sejun: I think dreams are something you make on your own. Challenge yourself with anything and everything!

Han Se: I want to share VICTON’s passion and dreams, as well as the trust and love between Alice and VICTON.

Byung Chan: Just as what we wished for in the past is slowly becoming a reality, I hope to continue achieving dreams with Alice.

Su Bin: Like the lyrics in our title track, I want to give confidence to those who are looked down upon for being “dreamers” and unable to fully express themselves. You don’t know if it’s a vain dream or not until you try. 😉

VICTON’s first official album Voice: The Future is Now is available for purchase and across all streaming platforms, so make sure to check it out and enjoy all things VICTON!

Coordinated by Hannah Lee / MAXPERIENCE (MPE)