EVNNE is a hot mess, and we mean that in a good way.
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When you describe someone or something as a hot mess, it usually means that, well, it’s a hot mess. The phrase often comes with a negative connotation, but K-pop boy group EVNNE sees it differently. For their 4th mini-album and first comeback of 2025, EVNNE, which is composed of members Keita, Park Hanbin, Lee Jeonghyeon, Yoo Seungeon, Ji Yunseo, Mun Junghyun, and Park Jihoo, wants to show the world their free-spirited side with their new EP, HOT MESS.
A HOT MESS
Released last February 10, the 6-track album aims to show off the group in a more colorful, laid-back, yet still mature light in the middle of life’s craziness. K-pop has given us several interesting album titles over the years, and HOT MESS is up there. But to hear it from the group, it’s not something to be ashamed of. “We landed on the album name HOT MESS, embodying EVNNE’s identity as a group that stays relaxed no matter what situation we face, enjoys the moment, and brings joy to everyone with our lively energy,” says Jeonghyeon in an interview with NYLON Manila.
It’s been almost a year and a half since EVNNE’s debut, and catching up with the group since our last chat with them, the boys are enjoying the ride. As Hanbin shares, “The moments we have shared with our fans have been truly meaningful. I can feel how much I have grown since then, and I am excited for EVNNE’s future journey.” Each new milestone, achievement, and endeavor is an experience for the rookie boy group that they take as something to remember and learn from.
That holds for their craft, and even if they are already at their 4th mini-album, it’s still a time for growth and exploration for the boys. “Because we strive to show different sides of EVNNE with each album, every comeback naturally brings something new,” reflects Keita. “Whether it’s a new musical style, a new concept, or a new atmosphere, these new aspects allow us to explore more diverse music and showcase more exciting performances.”
Read our full interview with the group below as they open up about new music, what to expect from them this 2025, and more.
It’s been more than a year since your debut. How has your journey as a group and K-pop idols been like so far?
PARK HANBIN: It has already been more than a year since our debut, and the moments we have shared with our fans have been truly meaningful. I can feel how much I have grown since then, and I am excited for EVNNE’s future journey.
YOO SEUNGEON: The time since our debut has been an incredible journey full of new experiences. Performing on stage and receiving the cheers and support of our fans from all over the world has been indescribably joyful. Through these performances, I have grown bigger, and now I feel a greater sense of responsibility and stage manners as an artist. Moving forward, I hope to continue being a singer who spreads positivity and creates unforgettable memories for our fans.
MUN JUNGHYUN: We have accomplished so much this past year as EVNNE. I believe we have made great progress toward our goal of meeting as many fans around the world as possible.
PARK JIHOO: We have learned and experienced so much. Through our debut and promotions, I have had the chance to meet and communicate with many fans, which has been an amazing experience.
2024 was a pretty eventful year for you. Do you have any favorite memories or highlights from the past year?
YOO SEUNGEON: Last year’s tour was the most memorable event for me. I’ve always loved traveling to different countries and experiencing new cultures, and it was also a great opportunity for me to grow. Meeting ENNVEs from distant places and feeling their passion gave me so much energy and inspiration.
JI YUNSEO: I still vividly remember the time we won first place on a music show, during our second album promotions earlier last year. It was like a dream that all of us had been longing to achieve, and I remember feeling very happy to start the year with such a meaningful accomplishment.
What lessons have you learned in the past year and a half that you’re applying for this new chapter of the group?
KEITA: I’ve learned that we can create a greater energy when we bring all of our strengths together, despite the unique color each of us has. As a leader, I always try to focus on each member’s strengths and think about what I can do to support the team.
LEE JEONGHYEON: I’ve learned that no matter how impossible something may seem, if you don’t give up, you can always achieve it.
JI YUNSEO: I have come to value the time and the people around me, and I continue to learn how precious they are. Moving forward, I want to cherish every moment, use my time wisely and intentionally, and take better care of those around me. Most importantly, I’ve realized that if I don’t love and take care of myself, nothing else in the world truly matters.
How does it feel to start 2025 with new music, especially since it’s been a few months since your last EP?
PARK HANBIN: Since it has been a while since our last comeback and this concept is quite different from our previous albums, it feels like a big challenge in some ways. Still, every step of the preparation process—including recording and filming—was incredibly enjoyable. I can’t wait to showcase our new songs on stage and enjoy them with our fans!
PARK JIHOO: I’m very happy to start the new year with a new album and share it with our fans. This album captures EVNNE’s free-spirited and energetic vibe particularly well, making it the perfect way to kick off the year!
How different is HOT MESS as compared to your past releases?
MUN JUNGHYUN: The concept of this album is ‘EVNNE enjoying the moment even amid chaos.’ I don’t think we have ever shown ourselves this laid-back while still having fun. While our previous albums focused on a strong, intense side of us, this time, you can expect a more confident and mature side of EVNNE, navigating challenges with a playful spirit.
HOT MESS is an interesting title to name a mini album. Could you share the story behind how you chose the name? What message are you hoping to convey with the release?
LEE JEONGHYEON: For this album, we focused on showcasing a more playful and mischievous side of ourselves. We landed on the album name HOT MESS, embodying EVNNE’s identity as a group that stays relaxed no matter what situation we face, enjoys the moment, and brings joy to everyone with our lively energy.
JI YUNSEO: ‘Hot mess’ is an expression used to describe something that is chaotic or messy yet still charming. With every album, we strive to reveal new sides of ourselves, and this time, we wanted to highlight how we shine even in the most chaotic situations. We felt that our carefree and energetic presence amidst chaos could be appealing—true to the phrase ‘hot mess’—which is why we chose this name.
Considering that HOT MESS is your 4th mini album, has preparing for a new comeback become easier for you or is it still a new experience for the group?
KEITA: Because we strive to show different sides of EVNNE with each album, every comeback naturally brings something new. Whether it’s a new musical style, a new concept, or a new atmosphere, these new aspects allow us to explore more diverse music and showcase more exciting performances. I’m eager to see what we will show our fans moving forward.
LEE JEONGHYEON: While the overall comeback process—such as recording and filming—remains similar, the focus shifts depending on the album’s concept, making each album feel fresh. This comeback particularly feels motivating as we are taking on new challenges to better showcase our charms and express the vibe of our songs with new gestures and styling.
This comeback features a colorful and playful side to the group. What’s the inspiration behind the visual style of the album?
PARK JIHOO: Since our album is titled HOT MESS, we focused on creating visuals that are chaotic yet charming. For the jacket photoshoot, we painted the background ourselves, expressing EVNNE’s unique colors through a chaotic and messy vibe.
LEE JEONGHYEON: When we were shooting the music video, we worked hard to capture our energy amidst the chaotic atmosphere. I’m particularly proud of the party scene, where we were able to naturally exhibit the playful vibe of the moment, with the members genuinely enjoying the moment with the background actors.
Aside from a new mini album, what else can ENNVE look forward to from EVNNE in 2025?
YOO SEUNGEON: The first thing that is coming up is our first concert ‘2025 EVNNE CONCERT SET N GO’! Since it is our first concert, we have been preparing a lot. We will be performing the new tracks from this album, as well as songs from our previous tours, fan meetings, and events. Please show us your support!
What are your goals or things you’d like to achieve as a group this 2025?
KEITA: For now, our biggest focus is successfully completing our first concert, which SEUNGEON mentioned. Since it’s EVNNE’s first concert, we are working hard to create a performance that everyone can enjoy!
MUN JUNGHYUN: Another goal would be to win first place on music shows with this comeback. It would be amazing if we could achieve another first place with “HOT MESS,” following our win with “UGLY” early last year.
Photos courtesy of Jellyfish Entertainment
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