Photo = STARSHIP Entertainment

 

SHOWNU X HYUNGWON shared stories about what sets them apart from their group activities and their stage performances.

 

On the 19th, SHOWNU X HYUNGWON met with Hanteo News at STARSHIP Entertainment’s headquarters in Seoul and spoke about their performances and stages. On this day, HYUNGWON said, “We’re a unit whose charms can stand out even more at performances or festivals,” adding, “The fact that we have a lot to show physically is what sets us apart.”

 

The difference from their activities as the group MONSTA X is also clear. SHOWNU explained, “For group activities, since there are six members, I think there is a diverse kind of intensity, while for unit activities, since there are two of us, I think we can make choices and focus.” HYUNGWON said, “When we come out as a full group, we have rapper members, so we focus on an explosive kind of charm,” adding, “This time, we tried to show more of the restrained feel that my hyung and I have.” He continued, “In my case and hyung’s case, our voices are also in the mid-to-low range, and we’re both good at restraint performance-wise, so we focused on those aspects when putting everything together.”

 

They also participated directly in the choreography work for the title track. SHOWNU shared, “We worked together with the teacher, and at first, it was very restrained,” adding, “I edited together references from videos I personally liked and shared them with hyung, and after receiving the revised version again, I gave the opinion that it would be nice if the beat were divided a little more.” He continued, “The final chorus part was revised a lot, and HYUNGWON also gave his opinions on the point choreography here and there as we worked on it.”

 

When asked whether the album meets fans’ expectations or breaks them, SHOWNU said, “I don’t think this album has the feeling of breaking them,” adding, “It’s an album that meets expectations while appealing with the parts we wanted to show.” HYUNGWON said, “Even in the concept photos, we wore all different outfits and expressed emotions through the clothes and facial expressions,” adding, “We appeared in a video wearing rugby outfits, and when I saw fans liking it because it was a side they had never seen before, I realized that continuing to take on new challenges and make new attempts can give fans tremendous energy.”

 

The two showed different temperatures when it came to nervousness before going on stage. SHOWNU said, “When we show something for the first time, there’s anticipation and pressure, but after that, I think I try to keep enjoying it.” HYUNGWON said, “Rather than nervousness, the excitement is much bigger,” adding, “Because I keep wanting to show something new, I’m curious and excited about how people will like it.”

 

They also talked about their upcoming WATERBOMB stage on July 25. HYUNGWON said, “I think we’re a unit whose charms can stand out even more at performances or festivals, so I hope we get many opportunities like that,” adding, “We have a lot to show physically, and those aspects are what set us apart.” He continued, “I think festivals are a channel where we can communicate directly with the public, so I think people may like us even more after seeing us in person.” SHOWNU hinted, “We’re also thinking about showing different performances and new sides with the B-side tracks.” Regarding plans for a second performance, he said, “We’re thinking about preparing about one more song while looking at the tour schedule,” adding, “If we do it, I’d like to do track 2, ‘Superstitious.’”

 

They also revealed their secrets to maintaining their physical condition. SHOWNU said, “Sleep is important, and a positive mindset that helps you receive as little stress as possible is important. After that, exercise and what you eat are also important.” HYUNGWON shared, “I try to avoid red foods as much as possible and manage myself mainly with chicken,” adding, “My face tends to swell a lot, so I usually avoid them during promotion periods.” He expressed regret, saying that after promotions end, he had planned to order and eat chicken feet, braised spicy chicken, fried chicken, and tuna mayo rice balls, but he may have to postpone it as schedules keep coming up.

 

SHOWNU X HYUNGWON’s second mini album ‘Love Me’ will be released through various music streaming sites at 6 PM on the 21st. Attention is focused on whether the unit SHOWNU X HYUNGWON, returning after about three years, will showcase greater expansion through this album.