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| ▲ This image of K-pop boy group CRAVITY is provided by Starship Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, June 23 (Yonhap) -- “Just like grapes ripen into wine over time, we want to captivate everyone with our own unique charm.” (Seongmin)
In their fifth year since debut, the group CRAVITY has undergone a major rebranding and is making a fresh start.
Originally named by combining "Creativity" and "Gravity," the team name has been reinterpreted as a combination of "Crave" and "Gravity" to signify "a yearning that grows within the force that draws us together like gravity."
Leadership has also changed hands from Serim to a dual system with Wonjin and Hyeongjun.
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| ▲ This image of K-pop boy group CRAVITY is provided by Starship Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
After winning Mnet’s competition program "Road to Kingdom: ACE OF ACE" last year, the group is using that momentum to fuel their relaunch and aim for a leap forward this summer.
On Sunday, CRAVITY released their second full-length album "Dare to Crave," themed around "desire," marking their first regular album in about three years.
In a recent group interview at their agency Starship Entertainment in Gangnam, Seoul, they explained, “Even in our sixth year, we still crave and desire many things. That’s why we redefined our team name. We’ve struggled with how to move forward, but we want to prove ourselves through this rebranding and be recognized in a new light.”
They confidently added, “We hope to take several steps forward with this comeback. Our goal is to become K-pop’s 'Summer Kings.'”
New leader Wonjin said, “We’re thankful to have reached our fifth year without any collapse in our team dynamics. All of our strengths are thanks to Serim. We’ll keep doing our best in our respective roles to preserve this bond.”
"Dare to Crave" carries the message that “the desire that blooms within me has ultimately shaped who I am now.” All nine members contributed to writing the lyrics, and some participated in composing as well.
The album features 12 tracks, including the title song "SET NET GO?!", "On My Way"—an expression of their determination to overcome adversity in their own way—"SWISH," a fusion of hip-hop, rock, and pop; "Underdog," about the rise and retaliation of the overlooked; and pop ballad "Wish Upon A Star."
"SET NET GO?!" is a catchy electronic dance track that sings of youthful energy and freedom pushing through chaotic moments.
Wonjin commented, “I was hooked by the guitar sound at the beginning of the chorus. It made me go ‘Whoa!’ immediately. That part will include some clever choreography using guitar moves.”
The album also includes unit songs like "Straight Up To Heaven" by Jungmo, Woobin, and Seongmin; "Stadium" by Allen, Wonjin, and Hyeongjun; and "Marionette" by Serim, Minhee, and Taeyoung.
The members agreed that their victory on "Road to Kingdom" was a valuable experience leading into their comeback. The survival show's intense pressure increased their focus during practice.
Wonjin shared, “During 'Road to Kingdom,' the fear of elimination made us panic if something wasn’t perfect during rehearsals. It was very different from preparing for a solo concert where we could take a more relaxed approach and find alternatives.”
However, Hyeongjun added, “Whether it's a survival show or a concert, we're idols who need to deliver the best results and show our performances to as many people as possible. The drive to give great performances remains the same.”
To celebrate the new album release, CRAVITY will hold their solo concert "Dare to Crave" on July 12–13 at the Handball Gymnasium in Olympic Park, Seoul, which seats about 5,000 people per show. This is a step up from their previous concerts at the 3,000-seat Olympic Hall.
Allen said, “With a bigger venue, some fans will be seated farther away. I’d love to fly on a wire to connect with those faraway fans and make eye contact during the show.”
Seongmin added, “In the future, I hope we can perform at KSPO Dome, which seats around 10,000 people.”
Hyeongjun also said, “I personally really want us to do a national tour someday.”
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