[FanTalk] Boy band OnlyOneOf is feeling the love after solo project wraps

What question do you want to ask your favorite K-pop idol? In “FanTalk,” the Korea JoongAng Daily relays fans’ questions directly to the stars. What would you ask? Send your questions to @CelebConfirmed on Twitter or @celeb.confirmed on Instagram.  

OnlyOneOf wrapped up a busy year and is showing no signs of slowing down. The boy band wrapped up its six-month-long “undergrOund idOl” project in early January, which saw each of the six members release solo songs and music videos. Now it has an upcoming Japanese EP and is set for a Korean comeback — exciting fans with hopes to see the chic, sensual themes OnlyOneOf has been known for since debuting in 2019.

Before its comeback, the six members — KB, Rie, Yoojung, Junji, Mill and Nine — sat down to respond to questions and heartfelt fan videos, submitted from its fandom lyOn from all around the globe to the Korea JoongAng Daily’s official social media outlets.

Q. How does it feel to wrap up the “undergrOund idOl” project? (Korea JoongAng Daily)  

A. Junji: I can tangibly feel that our popularity has grown thanks to the project, because the number of our YouTube subscribers increased quite significantly (laughs). 
Rie: I think each of the members are very talented, and they’ve been able to show that through their solo projects. There were things they couldn’t fully show while performing as a team, but these solo releases really showed off their individual styles and charms.

KB: Each solo song also had the musical style that fit the individual member best, more so than when we perform a group song.  

As a group, what has been your most significant moment so far? (submitted by @karina)

Junji: For me, it’s when I see other members do something that I’m personally not good at, relatively speaking. There are certain parts of songs that I feel like I can’t sing well, so the members who are better at singing take charge of those parts, like division of labor. I feel proud of them for that. Some of the members are in charge of good looks, in my opinion (laughs while looking at other members).  

Nine: After shooting [the MBC M music show] “Show Champion,” all of the singers stand on stage together for the ending sequence. When we were all standing there, that was the moment I really felt we, OnlyOneOf, are a team.

How do you feel after watching video messages sent from fans? (Korea JoongAng Daily).

Junji: First of all, thank you for sending us love.

Yoojung: The whole time watching the videos, I could really feel the fans’ sincerity. I’m very touched.  

Nine: I feel a bit of pressure to hear that we’re an inspiration for them. We promise we’ll be artists that feel a sense of responsibility from that pressure.

KB: Since a long time ago, I wanted to be a singer who spreads good influence. I’m moved that it seems to have come true. I’m going to drink to that tonight.

Rie: The power of music is truly amazing. We may not speak the same language, but they [fans] listen to our music, watch us on stage and send us love. I’m so thankful for that. We still have a lot to show you, so keep your expectations high.

Mill: We want to continue giving energy to fans all around the world. We’re going on a world tour soon and I can’t wait to see you guys soon.

Do you have words of advice for lyOn going through a hard time? (@ruby)

Junji: You may be going through a hard time now. But I want to tell you that as much as things are tough now, happy things are waiting for you.

KB: So you’re saying life comes like waves.

Junji: Yeah. Because tough things happen, the next wave of happy moments feel more precious and fulfilling.

Rie: They say a person who smiles even in difficult situations is the best.

Yoojung: I want to tell them to always love yourself, root for yourself and go forward. That’s because personally, my self-esteem goes down whenever I’m going through a rough time. So you yourself should be the one hyping up your own self-esteem.

Mill: And don’t forget that OnlyOneOf is always by your side.

What is something you want to hear most from lyOn? (submitted by @ellieWonho)

Rie: lyOn always tell us beautiful words of support to boost our self-esteem.

Yoojung: They’re really the guardians of our confidence.

Nine: I just want them to do what they’re already doing now — talk to us and compliment us. Any kind of compliment is welcome!


Please describe what OnlyOneOf and lyOn mean to you. (submitted by @OOOChi)

Yoojung: OnlyOneOf is my family, and lyOn are my babies.

Nine: OnlyOneOf is the root [of a plant], and lyOn are the fruit that grows on the branches. We’ll do the hard work, because I want lyOn to simply enjoy the end result, the fruit.

Rie: OnlyOneOf is my life. I don’t think I’ve lived that long, but on my journey of dreaming to become a singer, I was able to meet this team. I plan to create more art with them. lyOn are companions in my life journey.

Junji: OnlyOneOf is an engine. Fans are the fuel, the source of energy, that keeps the engine running. I love you, guys.

Mill: OnlyOneOf is my friend. I have to stick with them at all times, or I’ll feel very lonely. lyON is my angel that gives me wings.  

KB: OnlyOneOf is a museum, where us members can display the art we’ve created and can express what we want. People can gather there to enjoy what we have to show. lyOn are the visitors to that museum.  

Do you have any ambitions for the future? (Korea JoongAng Daily)

Rie: Through the ‘undergrOund idOl’ solo projects, each member was able to challenge themselves acting in the music videos. It showed how each of us have many different kinds of talents. Whatever lyOn expect, we’ll show something even greater, so stay tuned. I trust my bandmates to do a great job.

Nine: We’re also going to be filming a drama series this year, so we’ll be able to show more acting. I’m half-full of worries and half-full of anticipation. We’ll prepare with all our might.