[INTERVIEW] AMPERS&ONE shines with global lineup just a year after debut

K-pop boy band AMPERS&ONE debuted in November 2023 with its first album, "AMPERSAND ONE." Courtesy of FNC Entertainment K-pop septet releases new mini-album 'ONE QUESTION' By Pyo Kyung-min While the K-pop industry is already crowded with boy bands, AMPERS&ONE, a seven-member rookie group that debuted in November 2023, stands out not only for its music but also because of its members' diverse backgrounds, with more than half of the group hailing from English-speaking countries. As the members have worked to bridge their cultural differences, they have developed a unique dynamic that gives the group a more authentic, free-spirited energy, setting them apart from the rest.

Among the team, members Kamden and Kyrell are American, Brian is Taiwanese Canadian and Mackiah hails from Australia. Seungmo, Jiho and Siyoon are Koreans. In a recent interview with The Korea Times, its leader Kamden explained how their varied backgrounds give them an edge in an industry already saturated with boy bands.



"Since our debut, we've been thinking a lot about how to showcase a fresh, unique charm," Kamden said during an interview at the headquarters of the group's agency, FNC Entertainment, Oct. 15. "We've reflected on what makes us different and we finally realized our strength comes from our global nature.

Four of our seven members are foreigners, so we can offer a more honest, cool and charismatic image compared to other groups." K-pop boy band AMPERS&ONE consists of seven multinational members: Kamden, Brian, Jiho, Siyun, Mackiah, Kyrell and Seungmo. Courtesy of FNC Entertainment The members appeared more at ease during this interview, as opposed to the one they did during their debut media showcase held nearly a year ago.

Over the past year, the group has seemingly adapted to the lifestyle of K-pop idols, with members who initially struggled with the language showing decent improvement in their Korean skills. Seungmo also emphasized the benefits of having a multinational lineup, noting that they have found harmony in their differences. "Our chemistry is really special because of all the different cultures our members come from and I think fans and the public would find that especially charming as well," he said.

"Compared to our debut, we've gotten much better at communicating with each other, which is shown in our performances. The foreign members have improved their Korean and we Korean members have been studying English. Now, when we are together, our interactions are much more natural and we are more cohesive.

" Showcasing its distinct multinational appeal, AMPERS&ONE will release its new mini-album, "ONE QUESTION," Tuesday, marking its first musical return in seven months. Jiho playfully likened the new album to "bibimbap," a popular Korean dish consisting of rice mixed with assorted vegetables, noting how the album mirrors the mix of members. "While eating bibimbap on the plane (when we were) returning from an overseas event, I realized how much this album resembles the dish," Jiho said with a grin.

"The six tracks all have their own distinct flavor, but together they create a delicious bibimbap that is 'ONE QUESTION.'" K-pop act AMPERS&ONE releases its first mini-album "ONE QUESTION" with lead single "He + She = We," Tuesday. Courtesy of FNC Entertainment The album's lead single, "He + She = We," perfectly embodies this concept.

With its funky house beat, catchy rhythm and energetic melody, the song goes beyond the typical love formula, highlighting the idea that people can come together to truly complete each other. The track was written and composed by CNBLUE's vocalist Jung Yong-hwa, a senior artist from the group's agency, who also guided the group through the recording process. "Not only did he write and compose the track, but he also directed us during the recording," Seungmo recalled.

"We were nervous at first, but Jung's kind and detailed feedback really helped us improve. Recording was so fun that it felt like time just flew by." With this new album, the members of AMPERS&ONE hope to solidify their identity as a group and leave a lasting impression on the public.

"The message of this album is 'becoming one,'" Kamden said. "The title track is about how fans and we members complete each other ..

. The song has such a catchy melody that it's easy for anyone to enjoy. We hope people listen to it and see what kind of group we are, leaving a lasting impression on many.

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