[Dispatch=Minzee Gu] "With the five of us, I felt confident that we could create a moment in K-pop history." (Seunghoon)

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

AND2BLE is composed of Zhang hao, Ricky, Kim Gyubin, Han Yujin, who were active as ZEROBASEONE, and Seunghoon from EVEN. Verified skilled members came together as one team.

They cited chemistry as their greatest weapon. Seunghoon said, "It resonated when Han Yujin said 'AND2BLE is family.'" Kim Gyubin laughed, saying "Worry turned into anticipation."

They put effort into songwriting as well. They emphasized, "We worked thinking of how precious our fans are. It's nerve-wracking, but we're confident we can show diverse charms."

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

AND2BLE is a compound word of "AND" and "DOUBLE." Kim Gyubin introduced it, saying "It means that rather than a fragmented appearance, our diverse inner selves overlap and we expand our identity."

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

Kim Gyubin said, "I thought curiosity fit well with now, as we take our first steps. I hope that our innate sense of wonder leads to wanting to know more about us."

AND2BLE is evaluated as a hexagon group. They emphasized differentiation as their point. Zhang hao opened by saying, "I felt the AND2BLE member composition is really good."

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, vocals, and team atmosphere are all harmonious overall."

He smiled and said, "All members have a lot of stage experience. We can express things more skillfully. We're feeling how precious it is to have the opportunity to stand on stage."

The title track "Curious" is an EDM genre song. Zhang hao introduced it, saying "Our confidence in facing the changes that curiosity brings without fear is captured in this song."

Ricky recalled, "When we first heard this song, all the members thought it was so good. Even before it was confirmed as the title track, I felt I really wanted to do it. It was that good."

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

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

Ricky prepared customized songs. "I tried to write a song that could bring out the atmosphere well. I worked to find each member's vocal and comfortable expressions," he recalled.

Kim Gyubin explained, "The fan song 'Happy End' infused messages we wanted to convey to fans and promises." Han Yujin added, "We put care into raising the album quality."

AND2BLE is drawing attention as a "complete rookie." From verified skills to five distinct personalities, they're being called an all-rounder group. Members made efforts to meet expectations.

Zhang hao shared, "I prepared with the determination to definitely show you how we grow together," and said, "I prepared with the thought that five of us becoming men should be shown."

Han Yujin emphasized, "I worked hard thinking that a cool team would be born." Seunghoon said, "It seemed like the five of us together could make K-pop history."

In fact, the five are close since they spent time together as trainees in the past. Kim Gyubin explained, "We grew up together from a young age. As we prepared together, worry turned into anticipation."

He continued, "Since everyone thinks of it as family in their minds, we were able to solidify our teamwork." Han Yujin praised Seunghoon highly, saying "He's our proud main vocalist."

Seunghoon pointed out, "I thought the members became cooler over time. They're teaching me a lot about my shortcomings. I feel the members are precious."

Zhang hao leads the team as leader. He revealed, "This is my first time being a leader and I have many shortcomings. There are many parts where I need to speak, and the members are helping me."

He showed responsibility. "I want to raise the team freely. But strictly, I want to make a team that definitely succeeds. It would be nice if we could proudly say 'I'm an AND2BLE member,'" he laughed.

Kim Gyubin said, "Zhang hao is leading well. There's anticipation that 'won't we become a really successful team later?'" Seunghoon added, "He's a leader who works toward harmony."

They also cheered for ZEROBASEONE, active at the same time. Kim Gyubin said, "Whenever we face the members as music broadcast MCs, they genuinely encouraged us. We promised to have a long run together in our respective places."

AND2BLE confirmed holding a shocon simultaneously with debut. They will visit 4 Asian cities. Kim Gyubin hinted, "We're excited to meet fans from various regions. We're preparing stages beyond that."

Lastly, they announced their goals. Ricky said, "I want to receive the rookie award this year. I want to meet fans from various regions around the world," and emphasized "the ultimate goal is to be a group representing the generation."

"I think today will be remembered as a meaningful moment. We ask for much love for this album containing our first beginning. We will work hard to greet you with diverse sides." (Zhang hao)

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

"We worked hard preparing the debut album. We included 5 songs of various genres on the new album. You can feel the unique atmosphere of AND2BLE, so we ask for much anticipation." (Ricky)

"We polished and prepared both externally and internally. I worked to show my complete self. I hope this becomes an opportunity to make a strong impression on fans and the public." (Kim Gyubin)

"I'm happy and excited thinking about filling my life with AND2BLE going forward. We want to be a group people can proudly say they're fans of. We will do our best every moment to not be ashamed of our activities." (Han Yujin)

<Photos by Seunghoon Lee>