[ⓓ Interview] "Even in uncertainty, we move forward"…CRAVITY, redefining their sixth year

# CRAVITY Unveils Their Shadows Through New Album 'ReDeFINE' [Dispatch=Reporter Lee Ajin] Behind the brilliance of youth inevitably exists a deep shadow. CRAVITY, who had sung of a dazzling and beautiful youth, revealed that darkness through their new album. Rather than turning away from anxiety, they faced it head-on. They honestly exposed their wavering selves and redefined themselves anew. They believed that revealing fear was actually a way to reach more people. "Rather than hide our fears, we laid them bare. We wanted to show that despite this anxiety, we are still moving forward." (Hyeongjun) Dispatch recently met CRAVITY in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul. From introducing their mini 8th album 'ReDeFINE' to the process of rising above anxiety, we heard about their passion for greater growth. ## ◆ Anxiety in Their Sixth Year Six years into their debut, it's a time when weight feels more familiar than excitement. Before even preparing the album, realistic anxiety weighed on them. As the time for contract renewal approached, the members' inner concerns deepened. What held the wavering members together again was 'LUVITY' (the fandom name). "Each member had worries and concerns. But our shared resolve was to show LUVITY only good sides of us. We thought of our fans and supported each other in overcoming this period together." (Seongmin) Concerns about reaching a broader audience beyond fans continued. Serim said, "While numerical first place is important, I hoped our performance and stage itself would become a bigger issue for more people." To achieve this, they brought out 'PerforVITY' (Performance + CRAVITY), their inherent strength. Taeyoung emphasized, "We showed many refreshing concepts in between. But we wanted to firmly establish once again our strength—our performance." The album's theme was also crafted so the public could relate more deeply. While they had previously sung of the beautiful moments of nine youths, this time they willingly revealed their own fears. Hyeongjun said, "Doesn't everyone get hurt and waver in society? We thought honestly sharing our fears was one way to form deep resonance with the public." ## ◆ Dark Vibes 'ReDeFINE', completed after much deliberation, is an album that depicts CRAVITY's present. It captures the process of not remaining fixed in predetermined forms, but redefining themselves. It infuses the concerns felt over six years, present anxieties, and emotions toward the future. Rather than merely exposing inner wounds, it includes the process of overcoming fear while cultivating oneself. Seongmin explained, "It even carries the message that the moment you think is the end can become a new beginning." Enthusiasm toward hope shines through the concept photos. Even within a dark concept, the 'Re' version is bright and fresh. Hyeongjun elaborated, "It's the part that shows CRAVITY's recovery and brilliant future to come." The title track 'Awake' music video adopted 'Ouroboros' from Greek mythology, symbolizing rebirth. Priest-style styling was added to maximize a decadent atmosphere. The viewing point is each member's expression of their own fears. Taeyoung recalled, "I expressed the terror of facing myself transformed into a form I dislike." Serim said, "Dieting was so hard last year. I recalled that pain," sending the venue into laughter. As the priest code was utilized, an homage to the occult film 'The Priests' was also woven in. Performance unfolded against a grand cathedral backdrop. Jungmo hinted, "We recreated the umbrella scene that actor Kang Dong-won showed in the movie." ## ◆ "Our Spring Days, LUVITY" If the title track offers a glimpse of inner anxiety, the B-sides contain moments of recovery. CRAVITY's driving force for recovery was 'LUVITY'. The B-side 'Our Spring Days', co-written by Wonjin and Allen, fully contains that heart. Wonjin opened up, "For me, fans are beings who always showed me the season called spring whenever I was withering and drying up. I wanted to express the hope that they would always stay by my side as warmly as now." Allen picked up his pen recalling emotions from their debut days. He said, "I love the lyrics 'Would you warmly embrace me so nothing feels scary,' and I wanted to write into the lyrics our unique relationship where we can fully rely on each other even when hardship comes." Their deep love for fans is already well-known. Through broadcasts and paid communication apps, statements with perfectly equipped idol personas have become topics multiple times. They've even earned the modifier "a group that pours out wise sayings." Wonjin conveyed, "I think fans create CRAVITY. With each passing year, I feel that preciousness more deeply. I'm grateful that our unchanging sincerity toward fans seems to have reached the public." "With just us sharing trivial stories, fans show us great love. We want to repay that heart. We are always striving to become more comfortable and closer with our LUVITY!" (Minhee) ## ◆ "We've Got It All—Integrity, Teamwork, and Skill" They've run nonstop for six years. Yet their momentum to move forward still overflows. At the center is an attitude that doesn't lose their initial intent. Regarding 'male idol syndrome' that male idols reportedly go through at some point, they firmly rejected it. Hyeongjun laughed, "The youngest member Seongmin keeps the team's discipline tight. If even a bit of stubble appears, he tells us to shave it off, and if we avoid aegyo, he points out that we've lost our initial intent without hesitation. You don't need to worry about male idol syndrome at all." Members also keep each other in check off-stage to avoid becoming negligent. Allen confessed the rigorous daily life, "When we leave the waiting room, we ask each other, 'Did you pack your phone and earbuds, of course, but also your integrity, awareness, and manners?'" Strong teamwork is also a powerful driving force. On this day, Woobin said, "Because of musical schedules, I couldn't participate much in album preparation. I vow to work twice as hard so as not to disappoint the members." To which Allen encouraged, "We won't be disappointed in you no matter what." What's the goal of this album? Hyeongjun answered seriously, "We will show a stage worthy of the 'PerforVITY' modifier. Of course, we want to achieve first place, but if we cling only to results, disappointment follows. Prioritizing process, we'll take one more step toward becoming a 'number one group.'" "Seeing how severe spring flower allergies are this year, it seems we'll receive even more love going forward. Because our LUVITY is our flowers. To repay the love you send, we too will give back with greater love." (Allen)

Who Wins? You Decide on MURAPOP

by. Azin Lee