K-Pop group EPEX sits down with Mama’s Geeky to discuss their evolution since debut, their English track “FOOL”, connecting with their fans, and more.
The dynamic K-Pop landscape continues to be shaped by groups like EPEX. The eight-member boy group – composed of Wish, Keum (currently on hiatus), Mu, Amin, Baekseung, Ayden, Yewang, and Jeff – has captured the attention of fans worldwide with their impactful concepts and deeply relatable storytelling. Following their latest EP, Prelude of Love Chapter 3. ‘Lovestory’, the group gifted their global fanbase, known as ZENITH, with a special English version of their track, “FOOL.”
The song offers a fresh perspective on love, moving away from simple gratitude to a more complex, slightly regrettable reflection. Member Ayden noted the difference between the Korean and English tracks: “With the definition of the word ‘fool,’ ‘FOOL’ has a different vibe than the Korean version, which has lyrics that express gratitude.” He added, “This version has lyrics that are more like, you tricked me, I was a fool for you. We wanted to release a version that was a little bit different than the Korean version. It seems like our fans are really liking it, so looking back, it was a good choice to release it.”
EPEX recently sat down with Mama’s Geeky for a candid discussion about the making of “FOOL,” their growth as artists, and what sets them apart in the competitive K-Pop industry. From tackling the challenges of English pronunciation to teasing future concepts, the members gave an insightful look into their creative world.
The Making Of “FOOL”
Mama’s Geeky: What was the most challenging part of recording the English version of this song?
WISH: I think because we’re all Koreans, the English pronunciation was the most challenging part.
Mama’s Geeky: Can you share a specific line from “Fool” that resonates with you the most, and why?
WISH: One of my lines opens by indicating that I’m smiling, but my body is doing something different. That line encompasses that feeling of wanting to express something, but my body not listening. I think it reminded me of the signals that you can feel when what you want to express isn’t coming out through physical reactions, so I could really relate to that line.
EPEX’s Growth & Evolution
Mama’s Geeky: How would you say you’ve evolved since your debut, in your sound and your image?
A-MIN: Since debut, we’ve been sharing stories about people our age. As we’re getting older, our message has also been expanding, which has been the biggest change. In terms of EPEX’s music, we try a lot of different genres, so I think from a sonic perspective, there’s really something good for everyone.
Mama’s Geeky: What would you say is the biggest lesson you’ve learned since you’ve debuted?
AYDEN: For me, I think being able to catch opportunities when given is really important. We’ve had a lot of opportunities, but there are also some that we’ve missed. I often regret that we missed out on those chances, but I think moving forward, we’ll also have a lot of opportunities that are coming our way, so we’ll work hard to be able to take those chances and grab those opportunities.
Mama’s Geeky: Having explored themes like anxiety and love through your past songs, how did you feel that this Youth chapter has really let you grow as artists?
BAEKSEUNG: As we sing about youth, it feels like we’re learning more about what that really means and growing individually as people. We’re singing more mature songs recently, and it feels that we’re growing our ability to connect with our fans, and it’s become an avenue for us to grow and explore how we want to live our lives as well.
Defining EPEX’s Unique Style
Mama’s Geeky: How would you describe your unique musical style and performance style to someone who’s just getting to know you?
MU: We want to show people that we are a group that can handle all types of styles. We sing about youth, and as we are all in our twenties, I think we are able to share songs that really suit us.
Mama’s Geeky: From the initial planning stages of an album to when it releases, what excites you most, and what is your favorite part of the creative process?
JEFF: For me, when we listen to the demo version, I tend to feel overwhelmed with emotion. I can take that out when we record, so I think I’m always the most excited for the recording part of the process.
Mama’s Geeky: What themes and concepts are you excited to explore in the future?
YEWANG: Also, we aren’t perfect, so the members fill in for the parts that the other members are missing. As a team, we pull the collective weight of one person.
Be sure to watch our full interview with EPEX.
