MANILA, Philippines — K-pop boy band ENHYPEN, composed of Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon and Ni-ki, considers BTS as a “role model” with the “biggest music influence” today.
Through an English translator, Sunoo said in a press conference at the Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas, ahead of the group’s fun meet last Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, “Just looking at the year-end music awards and we were able to visit and perform there as well, I think influence-wise and also performance-wise, the role model or the biggest musical influence that I could say is BTS.”
“And, of course, we, as a group, are going to do our best or exert more effort to have such influence and such musical performance or the things that we can show to the people or to the audience,” he added.
When asked what has changed with the group since debuting in November 2020, Sunghoon quipped, “Ni-ki grew taller.” On a serious note, he replied, “One of the things that we have developed is the skill. Music-wise and choreography-wise, we are actually developing.”
“I think (doing) tours (has) developed (our skills) as well. Because we have been touring America and Japan for this year. We are planning to have tours in the Philippines and Thailand next year and that will improve our skills as well,” he furthered.
“Also for our visual, I think we are getting more handsome or good-looking,” he added, drawing loud cheers from the audience.
To keep up with their busy schedule, they make sure that they stay healthy. “The best way is to eat well and sleep well. And these days, we try our best to sleep occasionally,” said Sunoo while Jake chimed in, “Take vitamins, too.”
Despite their individual personalities, the members are working well together when performing, which they considered as their “biggest strength as a group.” Jungwon elaborated, “We are different in various ways. The way we sing, the way we (do our) choreography. Our attraction points are actually different but when we actually go on stage, we get together and become one, in union. And I think that’s one strongest or biggest strength that we have as a group”
The boys briefly visited the Philippines to grace the cosmetic brand BYS’ 10th anniversary celebration and they were thankful for the opportunity.
Heeseung said BYS is the first foreign cosmetic brand that ENHYPEN became part of as ambassador. He congratulated the brand on its anniversary, “Through this opportunity, we were able to get together with our fans. I hope that (we will get the same) kind of opportunity (in the future). We will do our best to have these kinds of opportunities.”
ENHYPEN was the “main event” during the BYS anniversary event, where singer Darren Espanto and P-pop groups VXON and G22 also got to perform.
Sharing more about their experience in the Philippines, the group said they all slept comfortably during their first visit and were pleased to see their fans. “There were a lot of fans waiting for us at the airport. It was really nice to see them for the first time. It’s actually cool,” commented Jake.
Given the chance to tour around the Philippines, they would like to visit Cebu. Jay said, “Actually, I really like to travel and (take a) vacation with our families in Cebu. It’s a very great place to spend our vacation so I wanna suggest (that) to our team,” and the rest of the members agreed. They also asked for recommendations from the media attendees and Siargao, Boracay and Palawan were mentioned.
Moreover, one of the things that they love about being artists is getting to tour around the world, according to Jake. “We’re very happy to be here in the Philippines right now. We are only staying for a day today, but next time, we come (back) and we’re very excited.”
They are expected to return to Manila on Feb. 4 and 5 next year for a concert as part of their Manifesto world tour. “I hope I could have more opportunities to meet the ENGENEs more often in 2023,” stated Ni-Ki, referring to their fans.