TEMPEST stepped into a new chapter, shifting from bright, high-energy performances to a restrained, emotive mood. The group frames its comeback as a message of courage and comfort for youth—music meant to warm their fandom iE through the cold season.

"AS I AM," released with a media showcase in Seoul, traces belief in oneself and the courage we build together. Rather than chasing outcomes set by others, the record centers on growth through process.

The album

The mini 7th album includes five tracks: the title "In the Dark," plus "Nocturnal," "Chill," "Silly Kid," and "How Deep Is Your Love?" Hyungseop described the narrative as confronting inner anxiety and wandering, then overcoming it through solidarity. "In the Dark" captures a youth pushing forward despite confusion and fear, drawing on the members' own stories to deepen authenticity.

LEW reflected, "At debut, even with only a transit card, I felt happy—but unseen anxiety started to box me in over time." The performance maps that emotional arc: sharp choreography threaded with aching stillness, highlighted by Taerae and Hanbin's point move where the chorus freezes like mannequins for a split second of high tension. Hyuk added that the team approached details—from gestures to vocal color and diction—differently to bring out more truthful feeling.

Letters to youth

LEW and Hyuk joined the credits on "Chill," continuing LEW's songwriting from the previous album. LEW said he wove memorable lines of comfort into the lyrics to speak to the uncertainties many feel in their twenties. Hyuk recalled trainee days when dawn broke after nights of practice. Eunchan pointed to a line—"If it's hard, it's okay to rest"—recommending the song for moments when listeners need warmth and reassurance.

TEMPEST is widening its stage globally, recently performing at "The Spark in Vietnam 2025" in Hanoi and scheduled for "Waterbomb Ho Chi Minh 2025" next month. As a Vietnam-born member, Hanbin said it was an honor to perform in his hometown. To connect more freely with overseas fans, LEW began language study, earning a JLPT certificate and learning Vietnamese from Hanbin.

Hoping the record settles into autumn playlists, Hyungseop said the group aims to be remembered with a new nickname—"emotional idols." "AS I AM" is available on major streaming platforms.