X:IN K-pop group interview: On their third mini album Defend Myself, their creative process, and India connection

The Hindu

2 days ago

For multi-national K-pop group X:IN, working on their latest mini album Defend Myself has been a deeply reflective and personal journey.
The five member group — comprising Korean members E:sha, Nizz, and Hannah, Russian member Nova and Indian member Aria — is currently basking in the aftermath of the album's release in May. When the group debuted in 2023, they garnered significant attention in India for having a member from Kerala, Aria. Aria is among the few artistes of Indian origin in K-pop, which includes Sriya Lenka from Odisha who is a part of the K-pop group Blackswan.
Presenting an autobiographical narrative of their inner conflict and emotional turmoil in Defend Myself, the group also consciously emphasises on protecting themselves amidst all the chaos, in the songs of this third mini- album. 'We focussed on the vulnerabilities and challenges of being in the spotlight. All of us were keenly involved in the creation of this album,' says E:Sha, the group's leader. Speaking from Seoul via a Zoom call, the group is all smiles and eager to talk about their journey thus far, and what lies ahead.
While they have actively been a part of the creative process and their songs in the past, Aria calls their increased involvement in Defend Myself a 'huge stepping stone'. 'This was a significant learning experience for us,' she says.
Since their debut in April 2023, X:IN has released two mini albums and also notably collaborated with Russian singer TSOY on the digital single 'Seoul- Moskva' which featured lyrics in Russian, English and Korean.
Of the four tracks in Defend Myself, the title track 'Attention Seeker' explores the members' image, vulnerability and longing to be seen as well as what it takes to be their authentic selves. A slick music video pictured on the group was shot in a desert as well, and Hannah recalls how they were initially worried about wearing sandals and slippers in the dust and heat there, and possible snake sightings. While they thankfully did not have any reptilian encounters, Nova laughs about how uncooperative the wind was. 'We set up a shot wanting my dress to swish and flutter around me, only for the winds to stop the minute we began shooting,' she says.
The autobiographical track 'Almost Done' however seems to be the group's favourite, which chronicles their growth and the work they have put in through hard times. 'Writing the lyrics for this song felt special because I felt like it showcases my story, and my journey in the industry. It was a difficult track, but I like how the song sounds and our voices blend well,' Nova says. 'I could imagine myself on stage, and how I would express myself while performing this song,' Hannah chimes in.
For Nizz, 'Bitter Love', a song that expresses the emotional push and pull of a complicated relationship presented a different challenge. 'Unlike the other songs which were experience-based, we had to write this from our imagination and this was a fun creative process,' she recalls. High-energy vocals is a unifying factor through all four songs and the song 'Sabaha' as well blends this with strong house music influences.
Since their debut, the members acknowledge different areas where they have been able to see their growth and evolution as artistes. 'Singing and dancing at the same time for instance used to be daunting. Over the years, I have got used to it and instead of worrying about it, I now recognise that it's a part of the job and go with the flow,' E:sha says.
X:IN has performed in India twice in the K-Wave festival in Bengaluru in 2023 and in the Falcon Festival in Umrangso, Assam in 2024. For Aria, performing in her home country has always felt special. 'I initially did not know what to expect during our first performance in Bengaluru, but the energy was amazing. Knowing I am special to them, I feel a greater sense of responsibility and happiness that I am representing the country,' she says. The other members share her enthusiasm for performing here, and Nova says they are always excited to come to India. 'We recharge from our audience, and it has always been amazing performing in India,' she says.
From places to visit to what food the girls should try, Readys (the X:IN fandom name) in India have always had tons of suggestions for Aria, and she hopes that they will be able to do all of this in the future, and film a detailed vlog during a visit to India as well.
Three mini albums in, Nova now hopes for them to work on a full length music album soon. Post the release of Defend Myself, the group shows no signs of slowing down for the rest of the year, and have a packed wish list for 2025. 'I want to take the first place on the music charts,' Hannah says, while Nizz wishes for them to perform in the large year end music festivals in South Korea. 'We also hope to visit more countries and meet our fans. More onstage performances is something we really look forward to,' Aria says.