SEVENTEEN's V8, Worn-Out Youth... Challenge and Growth [Q&A]

[Sportschosun Baek Ji-eun] SEVENTEEN's new unit V8, made up of The8 and Vernon, is set to hit the ground running.

V8 will release its first mini album, "V8," at 6 p.m. on the 29th. The album centers on the theme of "worn-out youth," weaving together the wandering, confusion and moments of recovery and growth experienced over time. It includes eight tracks in total, including the title song "Singer Song." The8 and Vernon also took part in the album's production, working with global producers including Pharrell Williams, Mekatok, KIRARA and Dylan Brady.

Here is the Q&A with V8.

- How do you feel about releasing "V8"?

▶The8: It is a meaningful album that captures Vernon and my colors and tastes. We were directly involved throughout the production, and we also tried many new things, such as using electronic music as a base and working in different languages.

Vernon: I hope it comes out soon. I'm curious how people will listen to it, and I hope they look forward to the new side of us that we're showing.

- Why did you choose "worn-out youth" as the theme?

▶Vernon: We wanted to tell an honest story. As we tried to capture the time we've lived through and who we are now, the keyword "youth" came to mind naturally. The image of moving forward by fueling ourselves with youth also came from the name V8, and that led to the theme of "worn-out youth."

- What was the production process like?

▶The8: Through song sessions, we had the chance to work with a variety of artists. In particular, the process helped me better understand what kind of music I like and what kind of expression I want to make. I also felt that I grew a lot through that experience.

Vernon: We worked on this while balancing tours and song sessions, so it was busy, but fun. I also took part in the mixing because I wanted to create a result I could be satisfied with. It was not easy to adjust the details and exchange opinions directly, but that was also an enjoyable experience.

- You collaborated with a wide range of artists in Korea and abroad.

▶The8: Some were introduced to us by acquaintances, and for others, we reached out directly to artists we had been following or admiring. We also worked again with people we had collaborated with before. Since the previous process was enjoyable, it felt natural to suggest working together again.

Vernon: Everyone has a different way of making music, so I was inspired throughout the process. I also became very aware of my own shortcomings, and I learned a great deal. I think it was a time when I was able to grow one step further musically.

- What was the most important thing while working on the album?

▶The8: The most important thing was showing Vernon and me as creators. Since each of us has a distinct taste and personality, finding the middle ground was the biggest challenge. It was not always easy to align our ideas, but we learned a lot by thinking things through and making adjustments together. I also think we found a direction for how to work and collaborate with others in the future.

Vernon: The most important thing was making songs I could be satisfied with. It was not easy to decide what to keep and what to leave out among many options. Still, I refined everything until the end and felt a sense of accomplishment when we completed a result I was happy with.

- Why did you write lyrics in different languages?

▶The8: I thought using my native language was one of the best ways to show who I am. Vernon also grew up using both Korean and English, so he naturally chose the language that best expresses him. Rather than having a special intention, I think the result simply reflects each of our identities and ways of expressing ourselves as they are.

Vernon: I think if a song is easy to sing, it is also easier to listen to. I tried to write lyrics that feel natural to sing and hear. The reason I used English, Chinese and Korean in the lyrics was the same. As we used the languages we each felt most comfortable expressing ourselves in, multiple languages naturally came into the songs.

- Aside from the songs, what other parts did the members take part in?

▶The8: Based on my experience participating in the previous art film, I also came up with various ideas for this music video. I think the process of continuously exchanging opinions was reflected in the overall mood of the video.

- The music video gives a sense of V8's momentum.

▶Vernon: I think there is no life without momentum. Everyone has a force that moves them, and V8 is no different. Since this album contains so much of our lives and thoughts, momentum was naturally reflected in it as well.

- If you had to describe what the "V8" album means to the two members in one word, what would it be?

▶The8: "Growth." It is one of the words that defines this album, and I was able to gain a lot of learning and experience through the process. I think those experiences are what keep us growing now.

Vernon: I would describe it as "challenge." There were many things we tried for the first time. We chose new directions instead of familiar methods, and through that process, we were able to learn and grow a lot.

Baek Ji-eun, Sportschosun