In November 2023, VIXX makes a triumphant return with their highly anticipated 5th mini-album, CONTINUUM. The group, initially formed by Jellyfish Entertainment in 2012 through the reality show MyDOL, has transformed both their lineup and musical style over the years. Initially a sextet, VIXX now consists of four members: N, Leo, Ken, and Hyuk. Notably, former vocalist Hongbin and rapper Ravi departed the group and the agency in August 2020 and April 2023, respectively, while N sat out this comeback.
VIXX has carved a unique niche for themselves in the K-pop industry as a “concept or performance group.” Their music, lyrics, choreography, and overall stage performances are carefully crafted to convey a cohesive story or concept. From embodying superheroes and game characters to portraying vampires, Jekyll and Hyde, and voodoo dolls, VIXX has earned monikers such as “concept-dol,” “fantasy-dol,” and even “horror-dol.”
CONTINUUM marks a significant chapter in VIXX’s artistic journey. The album, themed around ‘Continuity,’ explores the idea that each member continues to evolve on both personal and musical levels, contributing to the overall growth of VIXX as a group. The album jacket and music video employ various colors and emotional expressions to convey a sensory experience, striving to emphasize continuity visually and emotionally.
The album itself is presented in two versions: ‘WHOLE’ and ‘PIECE.’ The ‘WHOLE’ version, characterized by a circular ring shared between members, symbolizes the unity of VIXX. A deeper shade of red contrasts with the members’ monotonous outfits, creating a simple yet profound atmosphere. On the other hand, the ‘PIECE’ version highlights each member’s individual values and aura through distinctive colors, accentuating their unique charms. The music video cinematically portrays VIXX’s values through a shattered ring-like object, signifying the rediscovery of lost memories and individual growth.
Despite N’s absence in this comeback, CONTINUUM showcases VIXX’s resilience as musicians. The album is a heartfelt expression of love and gratitude to their dedicated fandom, STARLIGHT, who eagerly anticipated VIXX’s return. The title track, “Amnesia,” features dreamy vocal chops and an addicting guitar loop in an R&B-based medium tempo. The chorus, enhanced by electric guitar lines, and the bridge’s change in time signature leave a lasting impression, perfectly aligning with the theme of distorted memories mentioned in the lyrics.
CONTINUUM is a collaborative effort where each member’s handprints are evident in every aspect, from the music to the jacket design and the music video. With a commitment to delivering an emotional journey fueled by wholeheartedness, VIXX promises a more mature musical experience with their 5th mini-album, reaffirming their status as pioneers of the concept-driven K-pop scene.
Panorama.it spoke with them.
Nice to meet you, and thank you for being here. Can I ask you to please introduce yourself to our readers?
VIXX: Hello, this is VIXX, back with our new album, CONTINUUM. It has been over 4 years since we have gathered as VIXX, so I understand our fans will be as excited as we are. Please give us your love and interest for this comeback!
First new album in five years… how does it feel?
LEO: I’m thrilled to be back on the stage as VIXX!
KEN: I can’t believe we are back, and I’m very proud of ourselves. I really miss our fans!
HYUK: Honestly, there was considerable pressure and concern as it has been some time since our last comeback. However, with all preparations now complete, the thought of meeting fans after such a prolonged period, unveiling new songs, and envisioning the excitement and support from our fans brings me genuine happiness.
I would like to start by talking about your new album, Continuum. What does it represent for you?
LEO: The album represents us walking forward together without an end.
KEN: I see it as our determination to hold onto both cherished and irreplaceable memories, as well as the memories we hold dear.
HYUK: I think this album serves as a reminder of someone invaluable to us, prompting reflection on the things we cherish and are determined to protect.
Can you describe the album from your point of view?
VIXX: We believe this album, CONTINUUM illustrates the significant development of VIXX over the years. Through individual promotional activities, each member has undergone personal growth. However, finally reuniting as VIXX and channeling that individual growth into the collective development of the group aligns with the album’s theme of “Continuity.” This narrative also resonates with the concept of VIXX being instinctively drawn to each other, even in the face of lost memories.
The title track is called Amnesia. Can you tell us more about it?
VIXX: The title track, “Amnesia” is an R&B-infused, medium-tempo track that conveys the powerful message that “even with fragmented memories, we are eventually drawn to one another. It stands out as a song that effectively encapsulates the essence of the continuous development of VIXX, a key theme we aimed to convey in this album. Notably, the song skillfully highlights the individual charms while achieving a harmonious blend among us. In doing so, it beautifully captures the personal growth of our members and the overall evolution of the group VIXX.
The music video is very deep. Do you have any behind-the-scenes you can disclose to us?
LEO: The dedication we poured into this shoot is evident in the music video. I hope the viewers are able to catch those elements as they enjoy watching it!
KEN: First of all, I recall apologizing to the members as I made quite a few mistakes in the choreography… While I wasn’t reprimanded by the others, I do recall being exceptionally mindful of my steps during the choreography scenes throughout the shoot. (laughs)
HYUK: It has been a while since I danced with such energy, and it was more challenging than I first imagined it to be. Then I thought about how hard it must have been for the other members during the years so I couldn’t help but feel sorry for nagging them so much before. (laughs)
Which was the most challenging part of this comeback?
LEO: We really contemplated how to best present VIXX’s performance to the fans who have eagerly awaited our comeback.
KEN: Definitely the choreography… (laughs). Dancing has always been a bit challenging for me, so I’m sure I will do fine this time as well!
HYUK: Considering our long hiatus and the various changes in our group, I found our attempt to showcase a very VIXX-like style yet more mature side of ourselves in this album to be the most demanding.
The album has five songs; if each of you would have to choose only one favorite song, which would it be and why?
LEO: My favorite track is “If You Come Tonight” because I wrote the lyrics to this song for our fans.
KEN: “SAVAGE” is my favorite because it aligns perfectly with my playful vibe!
HYUK: I love “LILAC” as it encapsulates the story I wanted to convey through this album.
Starlight is a very dedicated fandom. If you could say something to them, what would it be?
VIXX: Dear Starlights! It’s been far too long, hasn’t it? Now that we’ve reunited as VIXX after this long hiatus, we’ve invested a significant amount of effort in preparations for our Starlights who patiently awaited our return. Beyond the album, we’re also gearing up for an exciting concert, so join us as we make unforgettable memories together! Thank you, and love you always!
Taking a step back and talking about your career, is there a song in your discography you really feel attached to?
LEO: All songs are precious, but my personal favorites are “Fantasy” and “Chained Up”.
KEN: “Scentist” is my favorite. As a rather emotional person, I believe it’s because the memories and the scent from the time we released the song still resonate deeply within me.
HYUK: I choose “Voodoo Doll.” The lyrics of this song, especially the line “may it all be fulfilled,” carry deep significance for us, encapsulating a range of emotions and conveying a message that truly embodies the essence of our group. Moreover, it is the song that gifted us our first-place victory on music shows.
And thinking about your life as VIXX, from the debut until now, is there a memory that immediately pops into your mind?
LEO: All the moments that I saw our fans as we stepped onto the stage.
KEN: For me, it is when we had our first win. Tears welled up, but I fought hard to suppress them. LEO, in particular, cried a lot that day.
HYUK: All the memories we’ve made with Starlights amidst all the unfamiliar and novel environments come to mind.
You are K-pop veterans. Is there any new group you are looking at closely, or you would like to work with?
LEO: There are just too many, so it is difficult for me to choose one.
KEN: Each of them is exceptionally talented, so for the time being, I’ll focus on myself… I will work hard until the day I can collaborate with them!
HYUK: It is difficult to choose as there are a lot of great groups out there, but lately, while working with Belle from the group Kiss of Life, her exceptional performance made me truly appreciate what it means to be talented. I felt I wanted to do more collaborations with her in the future.
Being in this industry for a long time, you know and experienced all the ups and downs of becoming an idol. Do you have any advice for those who just started or are struggling right now?
LEO: I want to tell them that once they overcome the current pain and challenges, they will come to view this time as exceptionally precious. I want to encourage them to face difficult moments with resilience and strive to gain a deeper understanding of those experiences.
KEN: Fate has a way of showing up when least expected! If you persevere and put in the effort, you’ll achieve truly remarkable results! Let’s keep on fighting!
HYUK: I hope they navigate through life, embracing the given circumstances, enjoying the journey, and observing both themselves and their surroundings to some extent, and not regret.
I have a signature question: if you had to describe yourself in just one word, without overthinking it, which would it be?
LEO: It is “passion”.
KEN: A “Bundle of Love”!
HYUK: It would be “youth”.
I have one last question: who are VIXX now?
LEO: VIXX is a team that never settles for the present and continues hard to improve. We want to be a source of comfort to you.
KEN: We are a group to go higher (laughs), as we’re putting in a lot of effort to do well! We really love and cherish our fans too.
HYUK: VIXX doesn’t belong to anyone; it feels like a destiny forged and preserved by the members and our Starlights, a shared community of fate!