[Dispatch=Yuha Sky Reporter] "We want to propose a new lifestyle called genderless and gender-free." (XLOV)

K-pop's first genderless group. It's a descriptor heard nowhere else. XLOV took its first step down an uncharted path last January.

XLOV stands for incomplete love. It combines X, which means incompleteness, and LOV, which means unfulfilled love. Leader Umuti directly recruited members to complete the group.

Umuti recalled, "It started with the question of whether appearance and personality could really be divided into just two categories," and added, "When I looked in the mirror, I thought, 'Today I want to look like this.'"

XLOV held a media showcase on the 27th at Gavin Art Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, commemorating the release of their mini second album 'I, God'. The group explained their identity and the production process of their new album.

'I, God' is an album containing the story of beings who maintained freedom amidst incompleteness and imperfection, finally finding inner completeness. XLOV expressed this process as a divine entity.

The album contains seven tracks in total. Title track 'SERVE', 'Law: THE RULES', 'Masterpiece', 'BACK 2 BACK' and others. Unit tracks 'HIPS' and 'Extancy' were also prepared.

Umuti said, "There has been a connected story and distinct world since debut with each album," explaining it as "the story of XLOV, which was wounded and incomplete, transforming into a complete being."

He continued, "We wanted to propose a path to those who struggle and wander in the process of finding themselves," adding, "We included many new attempts such as voguing genre and hip-hop elements."

The title track 'SERVE' is a song that combines soft voguing performance over a groovy beat. The lyrics contain a message of inviting people to their completed world.

Umuti said, "We wanted to show an elegant and refined XLOV," and "This album feels like we've taken out about 50% of XLOV. There is still so much we want to show."

They took a different direction from the recent K-pop market trend of shorter songs. "Work wouldn't happen if we only thought of short, stimulating songs," he said, "We needed music that could be savored at length. We followed the direction that felt instinctive."

Performance was also a new challenge. Louis and Haru brought out the unique charm of voguing with precise hand performance and soft movement. Umuti said, "I directed in detail to express the texture and fluidity of hand movements."

Actress Sohee also supported the music video. Umuti said, "We were really grateful that she told us she was inspired by our music," and added, "Thanks to her, we learned many things including acting practice and attitude."

XLOV garnered attention with the descriptor 'genderless group' from the time of debut. However, they emphasized they are not aiming for mere sensationalism or buzz.

Umuti said, "We have no desire to consume genderless and gender-free as merely an intense concept," adding "for us it's closer to a lifestyle."

He continued, "The world tries to divide people by personality, image, and gender. We wanted to break down those frameworks," explaining, "We want to show free-spirited minds and diverse forms of expression."

Styling is also an important form of expression. "Rather than simply defining hair, makeup, and fashion as one genderless style, it's about choosing the most beautiful fit and atmosphere of the day," he said.

XLOV is already receiving strong responses overseas. They sold out performances in the UK (3,000 seats), France (2,580 seats), and Romania (4,000 seats). They have also built a solid global fanbase.

Hyun said, "Because there are many sensational movements in the performance, it seems people come out of curiosity," laughing, "A culture has emerged where fans follow our makeup and come to performances."

Louis credited skill as the reason for international popularity. He said, "While the concept is unique, many people come because they like our music and performance."

XLOV dreams of bigger stages. Haru said, "We want to get first place on music broadcasts," adding, "We hope our message reaches people who don't yet know XLOV."

Louis said, "We want to fill larger concert halls," and added, "Beyond Europe, Central America, and South America, we will fill larger stages with Ibul (fanbase name)."

▲ Umuti

▲ Haru

▲ Louis

▲ Hyun

<Photo=Seunghoon Lee Reporter>