Onewe marks 10th year with new album, world tour, and a stronger bond than ever

Korea Herald

05-03-2025

Onewe returns with 'We: Dream Chaser,' full of all kinds of dreams
This year is a special year for Onewe: The band has released its first studio album in five years, is celebrating its 10th anniversary and will embark on its first-ever world tour.
'We are thrilled to be releasing our second studio album after five years, and we know our fans have been eagerly anticipating it as well. As always, every track on this album is self-composed," said guitarist Kanghyun during an interview with reporters Friday.
The album, "We: Dream Chaser," is the group's first LP following "One" released in 2020. It features a total of 11 tracks, including main track "The Starry Night."
Dreams in all their forms — whether they be aspirations, ideals or even dreams one has while sleeping — are the central theme of the album.
'I think all kinds of dreams are embedded within these 11 songs,' said bassist and rapper Giuk. 'It'll be fun for listeners to interpret what type of dream each track conveys.'
The title track, an upbeat song with bright guitar sounds, was inspired by Vincent van Gogh's painting "The Starry Night."
"I started by setting the tempo first, then decided on the theme before composing the song. Since we performed at a lot of festivals last year, we realized that fast-tempo songs and high-energy stages suit us well," said Kanghyun, who composed the main song.
Onewe is also exploring new themes. Leader Yonghoon had high hopes for "Traffic Love" and "Coincidence," the band's first songs about one-sided love.
He added that the band had more creative input than ever before.
'This time, we actively contributed ideas, from outfits to hair and makeup. Over the years, we've learned a lot by observing what our fans like and how other artists interpret their concepts. We've grown through that process,' said Yonghoon.
Formed in 2015, the five-member group made its official debut in 2016 under the name MAS 0094. In 2019, it rebranded itself as Onewe. The original members have stayed together for 10 years, fostering an exceptionally strong bond.
'After spending 10 years together, we've witnessed each other's teenage years, and we've been around each other even longer than our own families have. The only people we've ever made music with are each other. That's why I want to keep going with this team,' said Dongmyeong.
Even when Yonghoon and Kanghyun temporarily stepped away for their mandatory military service, the team's bond remained strong. Yonghoon was discharged in January 2024, followed by Kanghyun in February.
'In a band, we need every member to have 100 percent synergy. So performing without two members felt like something was missing. It made us appreciate our members even more,' Harin said.
On March 21, Onewe will start its world tour in Vietnam, moving on to North American stops in April and May before concluding the tour with two concerts in Seoul, June 14-15.
'We are beyond excited for our first world tour. None of us have ever been to the US before, so the fact that we are going there to perform makes it feel like we are achieving a huge dream. Lately, we've been studying English together to better communicate with our fans, and we are also preparing some special cover performances,' said Yonghoon.
Dongmyeong added, 'Aside from 'Gravity,' most of our songs have Korean lyrics. Despite that, people seem to really connect with our emotional lyrics and energetic stage presence, which means a lot to us.'
As for long-term goals, Dongmyeong emphasized that Onewe is in it for the long run, saying, 'Artists like Psy and other steady-selling musicians who hold annual year-end concerts are truly admirable. Our goal is for Onewe's concerts to become a brand —something that audiences look forward to every year.'
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