TIOT’s Debut is Finally Here!
The members of TIOT talk about their pre-debut growth, ambitions, favorite songs, and more!
Please introduce yourselves and share what special skills or traits each member adds to the group!
KIM MIN SEOUNG: Hello, I'm KIM MIN SEOUNG, the leader of the team. I'm a rapper in the group, but I am also confident in my performances. My special skill is acrobatics.
KUM JUN HYEON: I'm KUM JUN HYEON. I'm a vocalist in our group [and] have an attractive and loud voice.
HONG KEON HEE: Hello, I’m HONG KEON HEE. I’m the tallest and also the central member of TIOT. I am [a rapper in] the group and strive to prioritize listening to the stories of our members. In a way, it feels like I take on the role of TIOT's mom.
CHOI WOO JIN: Hello, I'm CHOI WOO JIN, the one with brown hair on the team.
SHIN YE CHAN: I'm SHIN YE CHAN, the youngest member of TIOT. I have a charming voice.
For those who haven’t heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “TIOT is __” or “TIOT’s music is ___”?
KUM JUN HYEON: “TIOT's music embodies youthfulness.” The average age of TIOT is 20.4 years old. We express moments of hesitation, starting something new, and facing challenges through the lyrics and melodies of our songs. We hope that our music and performances can give people courage when they are hesitating and comfort when going through tough times.
HONG KEON HEE: “TIOT represents performances.” We are confident in our performances and see them as a strength. We aim to deliver messages of courage, comfort, and hope through our songs, sometimes embedding them in the lyrics. Therefore, we think it [will] be even better if you enjoy not only our powerful and dazzling performances, but the messages they carry!
What word or phrase best describes Kick-START?
ALL: “Youth” is the most appropriate word, because the songs in our album express the emotions that young people feel when they take their first steps.
How is Kick-START different from your earlier releases?
ALL: During [the pre-debut period], there were four members. After [the reality show] Boys Planet ended, we performed “Unbeatable” and met our fans for the first time. It marked the beginning of TIOT and let them know what kind of music we want to do. The official debut album, Kick-START, is [from] a group of five, with the youngest member, YE CHAN, joining us. We've prepared more and come back with greater performances, so [we] think we'll be able to show you different sides of us [this year]!
What is your personal favorite song on Kick-START, and why?
KIM MIN SEOUNG: Personally, I like "ROCK THANG" the most. I used to prefer other songs, but as we've been actively [promoting], I've come to think that it suits TIOT well and gradually grew to like it more and more.
KUM JUN HYEON: I like "Baby Shark," because I really enjoy being cute to people, and it's the only cute song on this album. It showcases TIOT's charming transformation, and I appreciate the message conveyed in the lyrics, [that even if we] fall, let's get up again, shake it off, and move on. It reminds us not to be discouraged by mistakes, but to rise up and keep moving forward. [It’s] a hopeful message expressed in an adorable way.
HONG KEON HEE: My favorite song is "Paradise"! I usually listen to songs that leave a lingering feeling and resonance, and "Paradise" has been the song with the longest-lasting impression since the moment I first heard it. Personally, it's my dream to become a singer that our fans can rely on when they're having a hard time. I feel like the lyrics encapsulate my dream perfectly, and that makes me very satisfied!
CHOI WOO JIN: To be honest, I love all the tracks on the album, but if I had to choose one, I'd pick "Moonrise." I love its melody, and there's a lyric that goes, "We'll be better as much as we hurt," which feels like it's saying we'll grow even more from the pain we endure, offering great comfort.
SHIN YE CHAN: My favorite song is "Moonrise." The song itself is great, and it's special to me because it was the song that accompanied my first steps.
Please share some information about the singles on Kick-START: “TMI” stories, descriptions… whatever you want to say about them!
HONG KEON HEE: I'd like to share a behind-the-scenes story [from making] the music video for "Moonrise." It's about the last day of our shoot. As the shoot progressed tightly until the end, only the final scene of running across the bridge remained. We had to capture that scene before sunset, so I remember running back and forth across the bridge without being able to monitor it. The sky and atmosphere were so beautiful at that moment. Even though it was the last day and a very challenging time, running with the members felt incredibly beautiful and uplifting.
SHIN YE CHAN: While recording “ROCK THANG," I made an effort to showcase my vocal strengths as much as possible. I practiced the "if you think" part of the first verse and the intro of the second verse very hard. Unfortunately, JUN HYEON ended up singing the first verse. The intro of the second verse became my favorite part.
Since your pre-debut period lasted many months, did you feel any pressure when it came time to make your official debut, or were you just excited that it was finally time?
ALL: [We] actually felt a lot of pressure and burden. From Boys Planet to pre-debut activities, we showed many sides of ourselves and spent a lot of time with our fans. We wanted to show more growth and performances and songs that weren't overwhelmed by the word "official." But thanks to that pressure, [we] were more desperate and worked harder to prepare.
Have you learned any lessons or improved on any skills already, just through your pre-debut period?
KIM MIN SEOUNG: During the pre-debut period, we spent a lot of time together and did everything together, so our teamwork improved, and we became closer. We practiced diligently, so it feels like our overall skills improved together!
CHOI WOO JIN: At first, I felt a lot of pressure and had many concerns [as to] whether I could develop enough to meet the fans’ and the public’s expectations. I was also worried about not being able to show a variety of sides [of myself]. During the preparation of this album, we had many conversations among the members. Through those discussions, we gained confidence in our performances and anticipation for our activities. With this anticipation, we practiced coordinating more closely and made efforts to improve our individual skills.
Lastly, do you have a message for your fans, LOTI, or anything else you want to say about your music?
KIM MIN SEOUNG: Even though we might still be inexperienced and not perfect, TIOT will continue to work hard with passion and determination. We'll keep striving to improve and grow more and more. Thank you!
KUM JUN HYEON: I have received a lot of strength through the [promotional] activities [for] “ROCK THANG.” We'll continue to receive positive energy from our fans and strive to become singers who can share that energy with even more people. Thank you for joining us at the beginning of TIOT's journey. We won't forget your support and love, and we'll work hard until the end!
HONG KEON HEE: First, I want to express my deepest gratitude. During the challenging preparation period, our fans were the greatest source of strength and motivation. Because of the immense support we received, I want to repay LOTI’s long-awaited anticipation with this album! I sincerely hope that LOTI [get enjoyment from] the album as much as we [had passion while we] prepared it! To everyone who has been with us since our official debut, thank you so much, and we love you!
CHOI WOO JIN: It's been over a year since we were introduced to our fans. Last August, during our pre-debut, we were happy to participate in music broadcasting programs and concerts. We ask for your continued interest, and let's create even more happy memories together!
SHIN YE CHAN: Thank you so much, LOTI, for supporting and waiting for us. I want to continue to give you good music and performances.
Check out Kick-START here!
Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Photos courtesy of Redstart ENM.