[Dispatch=Reporter Gu Min-ji] "With the five of us, I felt confident that we could create a history that would draw a stroke across K-pop." (Seunghoon)

The debut stage of rookie group AND2BLE was more than an initiation. There was no sign of rookie nervousness. The leisurely stage manner and breathing refined through experience stood out.

AND2BLE is composed of Zhang hao, Ricky, Kim Kyubin, and Han Yujin, who had been active as ZEROBASEONE, along with Seunghoon from EVEN. Verified skilled members came together as one team.

They cited chemistry as their greatest weapon. Seunghoon said, "Han Yujin's words that 'AND2BLE is family' resonated with me." Kim Kyubin laughed, "Worries turned into anticipation."

They made an effort, even participating in songwriting. They emphasized, "We worked while thinking of the precious fans. We're nervous, but confident that we can show diverse charms."

AND2BLE held a showcase on the 26th at Blue Square Woori WON Banking Hall in Seoul to commemorate the release of their first mini album "Sequence 01: Curiosity".

AND2BLE is a compound word of "AND" and "DOUBLE." Kim Kyubin explained, "It means not showing a fragmentary side, but expanding one's identity by layering various inner selves."

"Sequence 01: Curiosity" is an album that opens AND2BLE's prologue. "It deals with curiosity, the first emotion humans encounter. It contains excitement and inner changes," they announced.

Kim Kyubin said, "I thought curiosity suited now as we take our first steps. I hope that human curiosity leads to a desire to know us better."

AND2BLE is evaluated as a hexagonal group. They highlighted differentiation as their point. Zhang hao opened the conversation, "I really felt that the AND2BLE member composition is great."

He continued, "Our five members have distinct personalities and strengths. When we come together as a team, we create good synergy," and expressed confidence, "Performance and vocals, the team atmosphere—everything harmonizes well."

He smiled, "All members have extensive stage experience. We can express ourselves more skillfully. We're feeling how precious it is to get the opportunity to stand on stage."

The title track "Curious" is an EDM genre song. Zhang hao introduced it, "Our confidence in facing the changes that curiosity will bring without fear is contained in it."

Ricky recalled, "When I first heard this song, I thought with the members, 'This is so good.' The title track wasn't confirmed yet, but I felt we really wanted to do it. It was that good."

Zhang hao laughed, "The hook section is highly addictive. Since it's easy to follow, I think many people will like it." They selected a whisper dance, as if whispering in someone's ear, as the point.

The new album contains a total of 5 tracks. Zhang hao and Ricky participated in the songwriting of "Curious," and Ricky participated in the songwriting of "Aura." Zhang hao and Kim Kyubin also wrote the lyrics for "Happy End."

Ricky prepared customized songs. "I tried to write songs that could showcase the atmosphere well. I made efforts to find comfortable expressions for each member's vocals and pronunciation," he recalled.

Kim Kyubin explained, "The fan song 'Happy End' contains messages we wanted to convey to fans and our promises." Han Yujin added, "We paid attention to raising the quality of the album."

AND2BLE is receiving attention as a "complete rookie." From verified skills to the five distinct personalities of five members, they are evaluated as an all-rounder group. The members made efforts to meet expectations.

Zhang hao said, "I made a pledge to show how we grew together," and confessed, "I prepared with the thought that we should showcase what five men would look like."

Han Yujin emphasized, "I worked hard because I thought a cool team would be born." Seunghoon expressed, "With the five of us together, it seemed we could make K-pop history."

In fact, the five are close because they shared trainee days in the past. Kim Kyubin explained, "We grew up together from a young age. As we prepared together, worries transformed into anticipation."

He continued, "Since everyone considers each other family in their minds, we were able to strengthen teamwork." Han Yujin gave high praise, "Seunghoon is our proud main vocalist."

Seunghoon pointed out, "I felt the members became cooler over time. They are teaching me a lot about my shortcomings. I felt greatly that the members are precious."

Zhang hao leads the team as leader. He expressed gratitude, "As I'm taking on the leader role for the first time, I had many shortcomings. There were many parts where I needed to speak, and the members are helping me."

He showed a sense of responsibility. "I want to grow the team freely. But strictly, I want to make a team that will definitely succeed. It would be nice if we could say 'AND2BLE member' with pride," he laughed.

Kim Kyubin said, "Zhang hao is leading well. I have anticipation thinking, 'Won't we become a really successful team later?'" Seunghoon added, "He's a leader who works toward harmony."

They also cheered for ZEROBASEONE, who are active in the same period. Kim Kyubin said, "Whenever we meet the members as music show MCs, they genuinely encouraged us. We made a pledge to have a long run together in our respective places."

AND2BLE confirmed holding a shocon simultaneously with their debut. They will visit four cities across Asia. Kim Kyubin hinted, "We're looking forward to meeting fans from various regions. We're preparing stages beyond that."

Finally, they announced their goals. Ricky said, "I want to receive the Rookie of the Year award this year. I want to meet fans from diverse regions around the world," and emphasized, "Our ultimate goal is to become a group representing the generation."

"I think today will be remembered as a meaningful moment. Please show lots of love for the album that contains our first beginning. We will work hard to greet you with diverse sides." (Zhang hao)

"Our team's strengths are the strong bond between members and sincerity toward the stage. I hope the energy and colors of the team are well conveyed to fans." (Seunghoon)

"We prepared hard. We included five songs of various genres on the new album. You can feel the atmosphere unique to AND2BLE, so please have high expectations." (Ricky)

"We polished ourselves a lot internally and externally in preparation. We made efforts to show you a complete version of myself. I hope this becomes an opportunity to make a strong impression on fans and the public." (Kim Kyubin)

"I'm happy and excited at the thought of filling my life as AND2BLE going forward. I want to be a group people can proudly say they're a fan of. I will do my best in every moment to ensure we have nothing to be ashamed of in our activities." (Han Yujin)

<Photo by Photographer Seunghoon Lee>