BAZAAR Star : The Cosmic (ENHYPEN INTERVIEW)

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BAZAAR Star : The Cosmic 2026

ENHYPEN INTERVIEW

 

- JUNGWON

“I haven’t actually thought about it that way,” Jungwon replies with striking clarity. To the observation that he is surrounded by so many good people, I asked if he has a knack for spotting the virtues in others—this was his answer. In an interview setting, it is rare to find someone who refuses to embellish a question that sounds like a compliment. Jungwon never gives a vague answer. While he may take his time to distill his thoughts, he never resorts to hurried glossing. He begins and ends each sentence with conviction.

There is a distinct fissure between the vibrant clamor of the stage and the repetitive routine below it required for perfection. In the life of a K-pop idol, traversing continents through a dense web of schedules, maintaining composure may very well be a talent in itself. Yet, paradoxically, this path often demands a bold unveiling of one’s ego and individuality. In such a landscape, what does it truly signify to willingly admit that “aligning oneself with the gaze of others isn't difficult”? Like any other youth in their teens or twenties, Jungwon faced his own share of introspection early on. “I used to wonder a lot about what kind of person I am and what I like. I was someone who only derived happiness from my work. After more than six years in this industry, I’ve concluded that this is simply who I am. There’s no point in denying it; it’s far better to embrace my nature and my strengths for what they are.”

For Jungwon, the mere presence of good people is often a source of strength in itself. While he shares the trivialities of daily life with his members, he tends to keep his struggles from his parents or his agency. To him, seeing others burdened by his own difficulties is more painful than the struggle itself. When a problem arises, he prefers to process his thoughts in solitude until a resolution is found. At twenty-two, he has reached a level of self-clarity where trial and error feel like a thing of the past. It is a temperament optimized for a group leader—one not easily swayed—yet lately, Jungwon finds himself occasionally sentimental. “Since my debut, I’ve cried on stage, but almost never in my personal life. Not since I sobbed while watching Stand by Me Doraemon in elementary school. But recently, sad films or songs have started to move me. Still, I try to stay wary of that. I wouldn't want to risk making an important decision based on emotion.”

Long, sweeping eyes and porcelain skin. One remembers the mature seventeen-year-old Jungwon from the global survival program I-LAND—the boy who remained steadfast in the practice room for hours, unswayed by the judges' critiques. While his calm disposition remains, the sixth-year leader of ENHYPEN reveals a subtle evolution. “People called me mature then, but I was actually quite fickle and prone to acting like a child. I truly believe that the position makes the man.” One can sense the weight of responsibility he has shouldered as a leader over an unfathomable stretch of time. When it is noted that his features have become more defined—marked by a slight furrow of his brow—the composure he maintained throughout the interview finally breaks into a satisfied grin. “I started to really like my face during the performances of “Bad Desire (With or Without You).” Before that, I looked a bit too youthful. I naturally wanted a look that suited my age, and since last year, I think people have finally started seeing me that way.”

Jungwon places his faith in the strength of the six years ENHYPEN has traversed. “I-LAND was the beginning. Because it was during the pandemic, we couldn't meet in person, but fans sent so many videos and letters. That was when I first grasped the true meaning of ‘fans,’ and it ignited a longing to stand on stage.” ENGENE has since become the compass that points to where he belongs. For ENHYPEN, who have navigated a relentless world tour, ENGENE is more than just a fandom. “Performing in so many different regions, any distinction of nationality faded long ago. I perform while seeing everyone as a single entity called ‘ENGENE.’” Alongside his affection for their fans, Jungwon often reflects on the group’s beginnings. He recalls how, back when the company had only a few employees, everyone treated the teenage members with such kindness—a memory he cherishes deeply. “In the end, what remains is the people. We were truly lucky.”

Since his debut, Jungwon’s motto has been “Just do it.” Last year, he found himself reaffirming the power behind those words. “We’ve explored an incredibly wide range of concepts within ENHYPEN. I believe our greatest strength is that few idols are as ‘conceptual’ as we are today. I take pride in the fact that we continue to push those boundaries. When we say we’re going to ‘create another side of ENHYPEN,’ I’m confident that it’s no easy feat for anyone else to replicate.” Now, he dreams of iconic stages on the scale of the Super Bowl. In the quiet hours after his schedule concludes, his simple pleasure and respite come from watching fan-edited performance clips and reading the comments. “Watching those ENGENE videos touches me deeply that we’ve achieved these moments together. That’s how I want to keep going—drawing our future together, side by side.”

- JAY

“In fact,” “Actually,” “In reality”—these were the phrases Jay returned to throughout our conversation. “I often find myself wondering: Are the prejudices I hold, or the things people commonly accept as truth, actually correct? I don’t want to take anything at face value.” Jay is a seeker of truth, driven to understand the world through firsthand experience. “I suppose I have a bit of a mania for self-improvement. I want to be someone who fully grasps everything I love while I’m still young. So, whenever there’s a gap in my schedule, I fill it with learning. I play golf and tennis, study languages, and dive into specialized fields. If I’m interested in watches, I’ll study horology; if I’m into photography, I’ll read up on technical manuals. I take instrument lessons, too. My interests share a common thread: they have high barriers to entry and no visible end. I think I’m drawn to things that make me feel like a fool every day despite constant study, rather than things that are easily mastered. That’s why I read philosophy. It’s incredibly difficult, but I can feel myself improving little by little. A recent favorite was Unwavering Mind.” The book’s subtitle—Attitudes to Support Life Learned from 26 Representative Philosophers—offers a clear glimpse into what Jay truly craves.

Ultimately, these efforts stem from the pure-hearted desire of a twenty-four-year-old to find happiness. Jay is currently in the process of defining what that means for him. “I think most people don’t really know what specific circumstances truly make them happy. I’m one of them. My life right now is about discovering what a happy life looks like by achieving the things I’m curious about, one by one. My obsession with self-improvement follows that same logic. If I remain an empty vessel, making a fortune wouldn't mean anything. I believe that if I grow into a 'complete' person whom I can truly respect, I’ll eventually reach my version of happiness. It’s a choice based almost entirely on inference.”

Jay’s struggle will continue. For how long? Until he succeeds—with an unyielding heart. “I’m ambitious and driven by nature. I think that’s a good thing; life loses its vitality without desire (laughs). In reality, while others might try ten things and stick with five, I try two hundred and stick with ten. I attempt a lot and I discard a lot. Numbers don't lie. Jay will never understand the folly of those who avoid challenges because they find the sensation of failure uncomfortable. He has no fear of failing. In fact, he says he doesn't even know what failure is supposed to be in the first place.

“If you define something as a failure, you might feel annoyed, depressed, or even guilty. But even those emotions are a waste of time—they represent a loss of momentum toward your goal. Rather than wasting time being overly formal, overthinking every detail, or calculating the cost-benefit, I believe it’s wiser to simply try. If you fail, fail quickly, move on, and step forward. I’ve always despised the words ‘failure’ or ‘losing.’ In fact, I don’t believe I’ve ever failed or lost in my life—and I never will. Anyone who has truly pondered the definition of failure would agree. To me, there are only two possible answers: you either succeed or you learn. If I realize ‘this isn't the way,’ then I’ve grown, and I can’t help but look forward to the next step. Ultimately, I believe the most important thing is drive.”

Jay’s drive is inherently the drive of ENHYPEN. “I’ve been watching a lot of F1 lately. It might look like the racer is the only one performing, but behind the scenes, an immense collective effort is required to produce that result. We are the same. While the six of us are the ones radiating light in the spotlight, it takes a staggering amount of manpower and time to make that possible.” For Jay, ENHYPEN is a team sport—and a democratic one at that. As one of the group’s eldest members, he speaks of this as a given. “It’s extremely rare for one person to dictate or lead. That would be an individual opinion, not a collective one. Whenever a decision needs to be made, we start with a brainstorming session. We listen to every voice and derive a unified conclusion. Honestly, other teams might view this as inefficient. But I believe true power emerges when we put our heads together and say, ‘This is the consensus of ENHYPEN,’ rather than just individuals speaking up. I’m not just Jay; I’m Jay of ENHYPEN. Our prerequisite is that every decision is approached not from the perspective of ‘I,’ but as a member of this collective. I’m fortunate to be part of such a team—where shapes of all kinds, crooked, angled, or sharp, are all looking truthfully toward the same horizon.”

At twenty-four, Jongseong Park is in the bloom of youth; yet as Jay of ENHYPEN, he is an artist in his prime, navigating his sixth year since debut. This duality carries a profound sense of responsibility. “I’m still very young. I’m aware that even as I speak with such conviction, it is ultimately just me being firm in my own opinions. There is so much I have yet to experience, and truthfully, I’ve rarely been tested by truly harsh environments in my personal life. But it’s different for ENHYPEN. I can never go anywhere and say, ‘I’m still young, it’s okay to make mistakes, I’m still learning.’ To do so would be a dereliction of duty.”

What’s intriguing is that Jay’s sense of responsibility never remains at an abstract level. An idol who provides comfort and joy simply by existing—Jay isn't satisfied with merely occupying that space. He wants something “real.” “ENGENE will always provide us with infinite support. To be loved by fans is to function as their emotional pillar and ‘idol,’ in the truest sense of the word. But for me, what truly matters is the tangible impact I have on them. What percentage of them were actually happy today? Did their connection with me help them navigate even a small part of their lives or help them find their direction? In my profession, I believe the most important element is 100% sincerity. We are in the business of human connection; no one is foolish enough to be swayed by mere profit or cold calculation. Sincerity is bound to be felt, and I believe it is the only thing that can produce a healthy, lasting outcome. Isn't that what a truly fulfilled relationship between fan and artist looks like?” While he seems to chase objective facts—habitually leaning on phrases like “in fact,” “actually,” and “in reality”—a closer look at Jay’s words reveals a different truth: in many ways, Jay is a profound idealist. Among all the idols I have ever encountered, I have never seen one emphasize sincerity with such raw intensity.

“Even if I were to become someone like Michael Jackson, I wouldn’t be able to change the entire world. If the world is a clock, I am merely one small cog within it. The primary reason I strive for success is to exert a positive influence. I want to become someone who can help others without having to wring myself dry or lose my sense of self.”

Jay’s relentless pursuit of understanding the world is, in the end, his most profound way of loving it.

 

- JAKE

It takes only a few words with Jake to understand why his fellow members have consistently dubbed him the most relaxed and grounded presence in the group. In the high-octane world of idols, the word “relaxed” can feel like a luxury—a distant ideal that is nearly impossible to maintain amidst a relentless schedule. Yet, Jake finds his equanimity in the very act of giving his all. “I always strive to show my absolute best, but I’ve learned not to let frustration take hold even when the results diverge from my expectations. I can accept it because I know I gave it my all. To me, that’s what being relaxed really is.”

“I feel an indescribable rush whenever I discover new music or listen to songs I love. There are certain emotions you can only experience through a specific track. I’ve always loved those moments, from when I was a kid until now. Whether it’s at a fan sign or whenever I meet our fans, I’m not really the best at expressing my feelings with words. That’s why I find it more natural to show my gratitude and love for ENGENE through my singing.” In an interview centered on tracing the shift between what has changed and what remains, Jake spoke primarily of the things that have stayed the same. Even now, listening to Justin Bieber’s music can instantly transport him back to his childhood. Bieber’s ability to continuously reinvent himself through genres like hip-hop and funk over a long career is the quality Jake admires and wishes to emulate most.

“When I look at the numbers, it hits me that I’m already getting close to my mid-twenties. But I don't feel like I’ve changed that much. Rather than forcing myself to act mature, I just want to go with the flow.” When the conversation shifts away from music, his attitude becomes even more flexible and composed. “Since I was very young, I’ve tried to protect my peace in stressful environments. I have the kind of personality that stays steady and pushes through.” For a public figure whose every move is subject to constant scrutiny, a healthy dose of self-assurance and selective filtering are essential for building a solid inner world. Jake is well aware of the balance he needs. “There are always so many more people who support me. For their sake, I shouldn't hold onto negative words or let them affect me.” He continues with a firm expression. “Even back in my trainee days, when I received feedback, I’d sometimes think to myself, ‘I don’t think it’s actually that bad.’ Whether the feedback was good or bad, I just wanted to see myself objectively. I’ve always simply trusted myself as a person.” This is likely why fans have long associated the word “self-esteem” with him. Jake is always charting a trajectory in a direction that keeps him whole and healthy.

What has undeniably shifted over time is his evolution as a musician. “The moment performing on stage became my profession, I knew I had to study my craft more deeply and recalibrate my mindset. My greatest ambition is to ensure that the fans who invest their time and money to see us leave with a performance they’ll never regret.” When asked to define “professionalism,” his response carried the unmistakable drive of someone whose life and career have converged into a single, focused path.

Recently, Jake’s musical spectrum has been steadily expanding. In the group’s latest album, THE SIN : VANISH, he made his mark on two distinct tracks: experiencing the thrill of producing on the opener, “The Beginning,” and taking on the challenge of songwriting with “Sleep Tight.” The album, centered on the theme of “escape,” surges through intense tracks that condense raw anxiety before finally confronting the complex aftermath. In his recent appearance on the YouTube series, LeeMujin Service, his voice—softly chanting the refrain, “You gon’ sleep tight for tonight”—carried a haunting sense of tranquility and relief. “For ‘Sleep Tight,’ I wanted the song to act as an open ending for the album,” Jake explains. “I tried to pour as much emotion as possible into the lyrics, hoping they would linger with ENGENE long after the music stops.” While he is known for his smooth, melodic delivery, he also harbors a quiet ambition to showcase more powerful and intense vocals in the future.

When reflecting on ENHYPEN today, Jake’s mind first drifts to their increasingly solid bond. “I used to be someone who preferred doing everything alone. But through years of life in a group, I’ve learned how to lean on others and both give and receive support. Ultimately, I also figured out how to focus solely on the things that truly matter.” Maintaining the philosophy of enjoying every moment is no easy feat amidst the grind of repetitive practice. Yet, he finds a distinct energy that can only be sparked by being with his members. Their performance at Coachella two years ago remains an indelible memory; despite an environment that barely allowed for a proper rehearsal, the experience was one of pure, intense joy. It was the catalyst that shifted his long-held dream of conquering the Billboard charts into a more tangible reality. “We all get along so well. It’s rare for things to be this perfect. Statistically, there are bound to be personality clashes, but we don't have that. Just going out to eat and sharing a meal with the members is when I have the most fun.”

Jake has an instinctive ability to break the ice, no matter how stiff the atmosphere might be, as long as he is with his members. “I’m quite sensitive to when someone feels uncomfortable, so I prefer a relaxed environment. Sometimes that sensitivity can be tiring, but I feel a real rush when the members laugh.” He is the type of person who meticulously reads the room, no matter the crowd or the setting. When asked for his secret to making the members laugh, he simply replies, “I just tease them and joke around like I always do! To keep things fun.”

- SUNGHOON

If we were to literally unfold the pages of this pictorial, we would discover the innate attitudes of the ENHYPEN members and the energy they direct toward the future. Sunghoon’s interpretation, however, was quite unexpected. “Have you seen that reels where water bottles are lined up in two rows? One person picks them up from the front, and the other starts from the back. At first, the one in the front seems to be leading, but eventually, the one who started from the back wins. I know that even if your start is slow, if you maintain your balance, you’ll eventually come out on top. When I practiced my jumps as a child, I was slow to start, but I always caught up in the end.”

His pre-debut years as a figure skater gifted Sunghoon with a unique sense of enlightenment, one he defines simply as “consistency.” There isn't a trace of anxiety in his resolve—reminiscent of that famous mantra by a legendary skater: “What do you mean, ‘how’? You just do it.” “You know those moments when you’re about to start something and you get scared or start overthinking? During those times, I deliberately tried to adopt Yuna Kim’s mindset. Now, I’d say my own way of doing things has become second nature. No matter how long it takes, or if I’m moving slower than others, I make sure to finish it thoroughly before advancing to the next step. That is my way of pursuing my own version of perfection.”

Of course, he wasn’t always this way. “When I was younger, I was the type who cared a lot about what others thought of me. I hated that about myself. I even found it hard to speak up during class. My parents hoped that through sports, I would develop better social skills. And in fact, a lot changed once I started skating. In a way, a competition is just another kind of stage.” Anyone who has seen a single performance by Sunghoon during his figure skating days would understand why. During his ten years as an athlete, casting offers from various entertainment agencies flooded in. “I figured that even if I didn't end up debuting, the experience of being a trainee would help me in some way.” And so, the promising young skater made a sharp turn in his life’s trajectory toward becoming an idol trainee. Once again, it was a period of adjustment. “At first, even standing in front of a camera was terrifying. I used to practice taking selfies on purpose just to get used to it. As I kept at it, it became familiar, and at some point, I started feeling comfortable. Through that constant repetition, I eventually got good at it, and that’s when I realized—Ah, this actually suits me.”

There is another episode that highlights Sunghoon’s extraordinary grit—the same tenacity that led him to practice selfies to overcome his camera shyness. “I mentioned earlier that I’ve been shy since I was a kid. To overcome that, I used to deliberately act in eccentric ways. For me, it was a form of self-imposed training. I think it worked, because now I don’t feel embarrassed at all to do something funny in front of others. Even now, I’ll suddenly strike a bodybuilding pose in front of the members. They all find it hilarious.”

This is the story of a shy boy who couldn't utter a word in class, growing into a figure skater on ice, and finally, a natural-born idol on stage. Yet, one question lingers—a question of inertia. If it is human nature to gravitate toward what we’re good at and seek a relatively comfortable path, Sunghoon has consistently chosen the exact opposite. “Changing your environment is uncomfortable, and anything new feels foreign. But if you endure those moments, eventually, the ‘fun phase’ arrives.” In a sense, Sunghoon is someone who constantly pushes through gateways. “I don’t necessarily think I have a particularly adventurous spirit, though,” he added with a calm expression. He simply meets every obstacle with a steady resolve and puts in the work. “I’m not so sure myself, but that’s what people around me say,” he replied with a slightly sheepish shrug. Consistency is Sunghoon’s weapon, and as it happens, it has always been the hallmark of the most extraordinary individuals.

As he said, once he adjusted, a whole new world opened up. “When I was an athlete, I think I felt a huge amount of pressure from the cutthroat nature of point-based competition. I’d be perfect during practice, but then I’d make silly mistakes during the actual event because I was so nervous. It’s not like that anymore. Back then I was alone, but now I have my team. On stage, I can share that tension with my members, and no one is there to give us a score. As I’ve grown more at ease, I find myself wanting to show ENGENE even more of what I can do.” Sunghoon is grateful for every moment today. “It’s a bit of a habit, but I tend to quickly wipe difficult memories from my mind. The good moments are always the first to resurface.” He then begins to list the euphoric milestones he’s reached as a member of ENHYPEN. “We debuted through the global survival program I-LAND, and I was truly happy then. We had a bit of a head start, and I was thrilled every time I saw our achievements climb, one by one, as if we’d gained a boost. It might sound a bit narcissistic, but I also felt a sense of pride watching myself gradually evolve on stage. Above all, we won the Grand Prize last year. It was deeply moving to realize that after five years of hard work, we were finally receiving such an honor.” At this point, Sunghoon flashed his brightest smile—perhaps a form of silent validation for the arduous journey he has traveled. The Grand Prize at the 2025 MAMA Awards held a profound significance for him. “The fans voted so passionately for us. It made me realize once again that ENHYPEN exists because ENGENE exists. My pride in this team grew immensely. Honestly, we’ve grown so much since our debut year. In the beginning, I was never satisfied; even when people told me I looked cool, I couldn't see what they saw. Now, instead of worrying about how the world perceives us, I want to move forward with belief in ourselves. We’re still on a journey to find our truest essence, but one thing is certain: our vision is much clearer now.”

Sunghoon now stands before a new gateway, brimming with newfound confidence. This conviction was solidified recently at the Hello, Melbourne music festival—their first performance as a six-member group. “I had many worries during the preparation because our practice time was incredibly short,” he admits. “But after the show, I realized every single member was on the same page: ‘If we push ourselves this hard, we can deliver a stage even better than before.’ These days, I don’t have a single worry because I feel like the six of us are moving forward with our eyes fixed on a single, shared goal. As long as we perform at our best, everything will fall into place. That is the version of us I want to encounter by the end of this year—a team that has ascended to yet another level.”

Sunghoon, the man who consistently pushes through every gateway, is destined to succeed.

- SUNOO

“I tried to portray it like a lifeless robot. I blurred the focus of my eyes and kept a blank expression to create a chic yet intense vibe. The concept demanded that I strip away every trace of humanity.”

Having wrapped his solo shoot on the futuristic, cyber-inspired set, Sunoo speaks with a face entirely transformed from the one he had just described. His excitement quickly bubbles up, and his expression softened in an instant. Sunoo is bright and cheerful; he possesses the natural warmth of someone who grew up as the beloved youngest child. While Ni-ki is the official youngest member of the group, unlike the taciturn Ni-ki, Sunoo is full of smiles and expressive gestures. It’s easy to see why the other members can’t stop their affectionate nagging whenever they’re around him. For as long as he can remember, he was a boy who loved singing and dancing in front of others. Whether it was before his family or friends, he would sing everything from children's songs to trot, and those moments naturally paved the way to where he is today. “I was a kid with a lot of flair, a lot of laughter—a real mischief-maker. Maybe because it’s just my nature, but I’ve wanted this career since I was very little. I didn’t have much trouble finding my path.”

Sunoo is someone who is very honest when it comes to expressing his emotions. From his time on the audition program to his performances on stage, there are countless clips of him weeping uncontrollably. When joy strikes, however, he laughs so heartily that his eyes curve into crescents, his dimples deepening with his grin. In a team where every other member identifies as an ‘I’ (Introverted) on the MBTI scale, Sunoo has long been the "personification of an ENFP.” “Since my disposition is so different from the other members, there was a time when I thought being bouncy or showing my emotions so openly was a flaw. Now, I know that it’s actually a strength. Since debuting, I’ve gradually learned how to regulate my emotions.” This contrast is perhaps most striking with Sunghoon, one of the most composed members of the group. Though they often clashed in the past due to their polar-opposite natures, they now share an unbreakable bond. “The friction that came from our differences has smoothed over; the things I couldn’t grasp before finally make sense to me now.” There is a sense of ease in the way he reflects on their relationship. He now freely admits that at the time of their debut, they were just young boys. The members have become precious companions who have endured this finite stretch of time together. “Your twenties only happen once. I consider this the most vital chapter of my life, and they are the partners I spend it with—more than I do even with my own family.”

For Sunoo, the stage is an emotional sanctuary—a place where he can fully unveil and immerse himself in his feelings. “There’s a track coming out soon that perfectly aligns with my sensibilities. As soon as I heard it, I thought, ‘If I perform this at a concert, I’ll probably cry from pure happiness.’ The scene was that vivid in my head. I’d love to be heavily involved in it, but just being able to listen to it is enough; I feel so lucky to have encountered a song like this in my life.” Though he has stood on countless stages, winning the Grand Prize at the 2025 MAMA Awards last year left him with a different kind of emotion. It was only after reaching that summit that the real questions began to surface. “It feels like a completely new beginning for ENHYPEN. Once you achieve the results you’ve been dreaming of, you can’t help but keep thinking, ‘What comes next?’ Talking with the members about whether we can take on another challenge makes me feel a mix of tension, nerves, and excitement. There’s a specific feeling you can only experience when you try something new and nail it. The moment I feel I’ve performed flawlessly on stage, combined with the reaction from the fans—it leaves me with an emotion that’s hard to put into words. I think I want to keep doing better just so I can continue feeling that.”

While ENHYPEN’s vampire lore has now become an irreplaceable identity, the three years following their debut were more of a journey toward finding that very essence. From their first mini-album BORDER, which captured the flutter of excitement and anxiety of boys standing on the edge of the unknown, to their first studio album, DIMENSION, and third mini-album, MANIFESTO, which explored themes of solidifying one's self and establishing personal standards, it has been a relentless process of defining exactly what kind of group ENHYPEN is. “I think our vampire identity became much more definitive with DARK BLOOD. Once we gained a firm grasp of our identity, our confidence grew, and it became a unique weapon of ours that allows us to truly bring the concept to life,” Sunoo says. Having mastered the thrill of inviting ENGENE into this narrative, Sunoo now looks inward. He notes that while his vibrant, sunny image often defines his role within the group, there are layers of much more complex emotions beneath the surface. The more he peels back these layers on stage, the hungrier he becomes for excellence. “I want to show that what you see isn't everything. BBecause deep inside, there is another version of me waiting to be revealed.”

Rather than setting specific figures or rigid goals, Sunoo wants to experience everything possible under the name of ENHYPEN. However, he refuses to let himself settle comfortably into the feeling of satisfaction. “I’m not a big fan of the word ‘satisfaction.’ The moment you’re satisfied, it feels like you’ve come to a halt. Even after a brief sense of achievement, the urge to do better must follow immediately. That’s the only way to eventually break through your limits.” When it comes to the distinction between ‘Sunoo of ENHYPEN’ and the ‘individual Kim Sunoo,’ he points in a different direction. “As an artist, I want to surpass my limits, but as a human being, I want to live with a different perspective. The thought I always hold onto is to be satisfied and happy with this life.My constant goal is to be happy and content with this life. If I get too consumed by results, I fear the weight of disappointment that might follow. Ultimately, this is the path I chose, and I want to walk it without losing my sense of gratitude.” I asked him how much his current reality overlaps with the vague dream he held around the age of seven. “Back then, I couldn’t imagine it in such vivid detail. Still, I think this is ultimately the direction I had hoped for.” Even when shaken, he invariably tilts back toward the light. That is Sunoo’s way of maintaining his center. Even if he wavers, he does so with a cheerful heart.

- NI-KI

“Do you have a favorite Korean word?” NI-KI ponders the question—one he admits he’s never been asked before—before offering a thoughtful reply. “Hmm... mu (無). Nothingness. On stage, I try to clear my mind of any unnecessary thoughts. When I monitor my performances later, I’ve realized that I look more composed and cooler when I’m in that state. I think the dance that comes out when my emotions are at their simplest—that is when I am most truly myself.”

The fifteen-year-old boy has come of age within the world of ENHYPEN. “I started my professional life in my second year of middle school, after all (laughs). I was so young back then—both in my performance and my mindset. Still, I’m not embarrassed by it because I believe that version of me is what made me who I am today. When I look back at videos from that time, you can really see how hard I’m trying. It’s so obvious. But there’s a difference between working hard and being truly good. I just didn't know what it meant to have a sense of ease. It was only later, while watching senior artists, that I gradually realized just how cool it is to look effortless on stage.”

Though being young had its challenges in the past, NI-KI, who now says every day is a joy, is the type of person who genuinely relishes standing before a lens as a model. "I love this because it’s an opportunity to reveal a side of myself that ENGENE hasn't seen before,” he says. “I’ve always followed fashion shows and magazines closely, so today has been truly exciting!" With his elongated limbs and lithe frame, he carries the undeniable presence of a runway model. Since his debut, he has shot up from 177cm to a striking 186cm. While he once felt a complex about his proportions being "unlike a typical idol's," NI-KI now possesses a keen understanding of his own aesthetic power. "Originally, I preferred collecting street brand archives or wearing boxy clothes, but lately, I’ve been drawn to slim fits. It’s partly about following trends, but I don’t think that’s everything." In a sense, it isn't just his style that has matured, but his mindset. "For example, look at the model Sora Choi—she pulls off any garment without limits. I want to be someone who owns every stage and every atmosphere, making them entirely my own." For NI-KI, the moment the stage lights snap on and the moment a camera shutter clicks feel remarkably similar. It is the moment the switch is flipped—the fleeting instance where NI-KI feels most profoundly free.

If the quintessential image of a vampire is defined by a sharp jawline, deep-set eyes, and a restrained expression, one could say that NI-KI is the living embodiment of the ENHYPEN lore. Hearing the word “vampire” fall from his lips feels like a brief breach of the fourth wall, yet you soon find yourself nodding in conviction. NI-KI possesses a profound reverence for the genre. “Of course, many artists have borrowed the vampire motif before. But for us, it’s not a one-off thing; we’ve been building this lore continuously, expressing it through various music genres, costumes, and performances. I believe it’s something only ENHYPEN can do. To be honest, I felt a bit awkward at first, too. But overtime, I started to fall for the charm of the vampire persona. To really understand the genre, I dove into a sort of ‘vampire study,’ looking up movies like the Twilight saga. I got hooked. And that’s when I realized—it’s precisely because we’re interpreting this through our own unique color that we’ve been able to build such a dedicated fandom like ENGENE. I’m so glad we pushed through with it consistently.”

If Bram Stoker’s Dracula channels the primal fear of the "other," Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive serves as a cynical critique of modern capitalism. In this sense, the vampire—as a creature of pure fantasy—has paradoxically always been the most faithful mirror of its era. From this perspective, ENHYPEN stands as one of the most contemporary idol groups, one that truly sings for the present. Take, for instance, the bold use of drill beats in 2022’s "Future Perfect." They fearlessly pull off even the most cutting-edge musical trends, making them entirely their own.

Meanwhile, the NI-KI of now claims he has never once felt burnout, as his list of things he wishes to achieve remains endless. Even his concerns are strikingly mature. “If this is a pivotal moment for us—and I believe it is—I want to use this chance to shift my mindset. I feel like I’ve relied too heavily on the older members until now. Instead of thinking, ‘They’ll fill in the gaps for me,’ I want to further hone my own strengths. Above all, I want to firmly establish myself as the one leading the performance in ENHYPEN. It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but I have absolute confidence in my dancing.” At the root of this ambition lies a deep consideration for his teammates. “I suppose to the members, I’ll always be the baby of the group. Since I’m now the tallest and my voice has deepened, people around us say I don’t even seem like the youngest anymore. When they hear that, the older members actually seem a bit saddened (laughs). But I’ve matured quite a lot—not just physically, but mentally as well. I hope they can lean on me more now and perhaps let go of some of that heavy sense of responsibility.”

This is the burning ambition held by the NI-KI of 2026.