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The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
X:IN K-pop group interview: On their third mini album Defend Myself, their creative process, and India connection
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.
News18
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
‘Proud of our Protectors': India's First K-Pop Star Sriya Lenka Salute's Army
Last Updated: Sriya Lenka, 23, is a member of the popular South Korean girl group Blackswan. Sriya Lenka, India's first K-pop star, has extended support to the Indian armed forces, stating she was 'proud of our protectors". Her post on Instagram Stories came in the wake of the ongoing cross-border firing and drone strikes with Pakistan, resonating well with the K-pop fans on social media. Lenka, 23, is a member of the popular South Korean girl group Blackswan. Recently, she took to the social media platform to talk about the heightened tensions between the two neighbouring nations. 'Proud of our Protecters. Jai Hind," she wrote. Her comments soon gained significant attention on X, as users lauded Lenka for expressing her views. 'Black Swan Sriya Lenka spoke in support of India. Finally an Indian k-pop idol that has the spine to speak for her people," one person wrote on X. — 💫 (@asaccelerator) May 10, 2025 Another felt 'proud" of the singer and dancer from Odisha and called her a 'real" celebrity. She real, and not those celebrities who are keeping mum about this situation to keep their Pakistani fans sated. Matlab jis thaali mein khaya, usi thaali mein chhed. So proud of you, Sriya. — ✮⋆˙Deb⁷🇮🇳⋆🪔.???? ݁ ˖ (@minbeforeyoo) May 10, 2025 One person suggest to 'keep an eye on her" as 'anti-Indian" might target her on internet. Besides Lenka, other members of the group include Fatou, Gabi and NVee. Apart from the 23-year-old, several others have shown support for Indian armed forces, with the Indian K-pop community stating they stood in solidarity with them. In recent days, social media has remained abuzz with posts from K-pop fans, who have openly criticised Pakistan. Indian K-Pop fans when it comes to support their country Jai Hind 🇮🇳 — Popplayzz (@Popplayzz1) May 9, 2025 Indian twt being shocked seeing Indian k-pop fans defending the country is hilarious 😭😭 because it's our daily work to clock ppl who hate our idols…and when it comes to our country ofc we'll do the same 🇮🇳— Nini is MESSY🐈⬛ (@ninipinkluvv) May 9, 2025 A few years ago, Lenka became the first K-pop star from the country when she emerged as a member of the multi-national group. The members of the band were reportedly selected by DR Music Entertainment, a South Korean music label, after a training period that lasted for six months. In an earlier interview with Zoom, Lenka said she looked forward to be on a 'huge stage" and performing in front of a 'massive crowd" when she was 10 years old. She said that she gets 'very emotional" whenever people call her 'India ki beti". Tensions between India and Pakistan intensified after 26 tourists were killed in a ghastly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22. In a befitting reply to Pakistan, the Indian armed forces earlier this week launched a series of missile strikes across multiple terror camps under Operation Sindoor. First Published:
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
As India-Pak tensions rise, desi K-pop community shows solidarity with Armed Forces; Sriya Lenka leads the way
India's first K-pop star, Sriya Lenka, has come out in strong support of the Indian Armed Forces amid the ongoing conflict with Pakistan. The 23-year-old singer and dancer from Odisha, who is part of the South Korean girl group Blackswan, issued a statement applauding the bravery of Indian soldiers on her Instagram stories saying, 'Proud of our Protecters, Jai Hind.' Blackswan, known as the first non-Korean K-pop girl group, rose to global fame with their debut album That Karma in 2023. While the band primarily sings in Korean with a mix of English, each member brings unique cultural roots to the group. For Sriya, it's a blend of Indian classical dance and contemporary styles that has helped her carve a distinct identity in the global K-pop space. Her message resonated far beyond the K-pop fandom, striking a chord with the wider Indian online community. Since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, social media has seen a wave of solidarity posts from K-pop fans, many voicing strong support for the Indian Armed Forces. With misinformation running rampant, the K-pop community's quick digital mobilisation has added a surprising but welcome force in India's information war as several Indian K-pop fan accounts have also joined hands to spread empowerment across social media platforms. As celebrities continue to issue public statements in support of the military, Sriya's heartfelt message not only reflects national pride but also shows how cultural icons can rally communities during tense times.
