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EXCLUSIVE | BLANK2Y open up on K-pop debut preparations with album ‘K2Y I: Confidence’

In an exclusive interview with MEAWW, new K-pop group BLANK2Y talk about their debut, their goals, wanting to meet fans, and more

The much-awaited K-pop group BLANK2Y has finally made their debut with the mini-album ‘K2Y I: Confidence’ under the label Keystone Entertainment. Fans were excited for the boy group as they were first introduced through the fun reality show ‘BLANK2Y’S’ that gave us a glimpse of the nine members. Their lead single ‘Thumbs Up’ is an energetic trap song that sends the message that BLANK2Y is ready to take the K-pop world by storm with their fiery passion.

BLANK2Y released their first mini-album ‘K2Y I: Confidence [Thumbs Up]’ on May 24. They already have plans for a ‘K2Y’ trilogy with the first part ‘Confidence’ showcasing the group’s confidence and hopes of cheering everyone who has been stressed by the global pandemic. Well, MEAWW had a chance to ask BLANK2Y about their debut preparations and challenges. In an exclusive interview with MEAWW, BLANK2Y discussed their album, goals, signature sound, and how their CEO motivated them. 

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MEAWW: Congratulations on your debut! How did you guys celebrate when your debut date was fixed?

DK: Soon after we got the fixed debut date, we actually focused on practice even more because we were determined to improve for the debut.

MEAWW: What was your first impression when you first heard the title track ‘Thumbs Up’?

DONGHYUK: I loved the track and I thought it is very addictive, but to be honest, I thought the choreography would be really challenging.

LOUIS: One of our goals as a team is to be number one. ‘Thumbs Up’ is a song that represents that goal, so I thought it was a fitting track for the debut.

MEAWW: What message do you hope to share with this album?

DONGHYUK: I want to spread confidence by giving ‘thumbs up’ just like the title track, to many people.

MIKEY: I agree. I want to say that we’re all the best!

MEAWW: How have you guys been preparing for your debut? Were there any challenges?

SIWOO: I don’t necessarily recall anything too challenging because every day till the debut was just so exciting and unreal. I remember having a lot of fun working with members, and I owe it to the members that I could successfully debut as BLANK2Y.

MEAWW: What are you most excited to do after debuting?

YOUNGBIN: I’m looking forward to the fan sign events the most because we can actually meet our fans. We recently had a fan sign event, and I was very happy to meet and talk to many fans!

MEAWW: If you could go back in time to when you first became trainees, what is one thing you would like to say to yourself?

DK: “If you want to see yourself and feel happy after your debut, I hope you continue working hard while believing in yourself.”

SODAM: “I know you’re unsure about your future and you’ll have emotionally difficult times. But you’re walking on the right path, so please don’t give up. SODAM, fighting!”

MEAWW: Were there any fun behind-the-scenes stories while working on your first mini-album ‘K2Y I: Confidence [Thumbs Up]’?

U: For all recording sessions, our CEO would come to the studio and cheer us, get us snacks, and share feedback. We were very thankful, yet we got a little nervous because it is our CEO watching us. However, I think his being there actually motivated us to record well.

MEAWW: The music video was so cool! What would you say is the highlight of ‘Thumbs Up’?

DONGHYUK: I think it is “GO UP BLANK2Y” on SIWOO’s part. It is a line that can really announce our group to everyone, so I’d choose that as a highlight of ‘Thumbs Up.’

SIWOO: There are two lines, “HAHA WELCOME TO BLANK” and “GO UP BLANK2Y.” You’ll hear these lines very often in our future albums as well, and in ‘Thumbs Up’, they work as our signature sound.

MEAWW: Some of the members have participated in survival shows. How has that experience helped while preparing for your debut?

YOUNGBIN: I could learn a lot by watching many talented participants in the program ['I-Land']. The experience has helped me a lot to improve my skills.

MEAWW: As BLANK2Y, what is your goal for the group?

SODAM: I wish we could get a title of ‘the unique artist with fresh charms’.

SUNGJUN: The short-term goal would be to win the Rookie of the Year Award. As a long-term goal, I wish to win a number one spot on the Billboard charts and let BLANK2Y be known to everyone around the world.

MEAWW: BLANK2Y are already tourist ambassadors for Jeju Island! Congrats! How did it feel to be trusted with such an honorary position?

U: We were honored and happy to be appointed as Jeju Island tourist ambassadors even before our debut. We hope to promote the island to more people as honorary tourist ambassadors.

MEAWW: If an international fan came to Jeju for the first time, what is one thing you would recommend for them to do?

SODAM: I want to recommend a scooter trip around Udo.

MEAWW: This is just the beginning of an amazing journey, have you boys talked about what kinds of things you wanted to show with your music?

LOUIS: For this album, we practised hoping that we can include all nine members’ charms. If you saw our individual and group charms through this album, I think it is a successful album for us.

MEAWW: Do you have any tips for those who want to follow their dream and become an artist?

MIKEY: I dreamed of becoming an idol by watching many great senior groups on TV, and I learned that the most important thing is confidence. Just like I learned before, I hope people who are following their dreams of an artist could gain confidence by watching BLANK2Y.

MEAWW: Finally, any last words for fans who have been waiting for you?

YOUNGBIN: Thank you so much for sending support and love even before the debut. I promise that we’ll always be together! Please stay with BLANK2Y for a long time, K2YWE (BLANK2Y's fandom)!

U: I’m so happy because K2YWEs send us so much love and support. We’ll always work hard to be the artist you can be proud of, K2YWE!

Watch the music video for 'Thumbs Up' below.