On this unique interview, A.C.E reveals the artistry behind [PINATA] and the way they’re redefining the business.
A.C.E has lengthy been the ace of Ok-Pop, setting traits and pushing boundaries with each launch. Famend for his or her versatility and relentless drive, the group continues to evolve whereas staying true to their roots. With the discharge of their extremely anticipated third single album, [PINATA], on November 20, 2024, Park Junhee, Lee Donghun, Wow, Kim Byeongkwan, and Kang Yuchan have made a triumphant return to their sultry aspect. This album captures the essence of their distinct sound—an unmistakable mix of boldness and artistry that solely A.C.E can ship.
2024 has been a monumental yr for A.C.E, filled with milestones that showcase their unstoppable momentum. From a multi-leg tour that spanned stops within the U.S., Latin America, and an electrifying European leg, the group has confirmed their world attain. Their unforgettable efficiency at KCON LA, adopted by an unique fan occasion that drew followers away from the principle stage, bolstered their unmatched presence. The excitement surrounding [PINATA] —alongside earlier 2024 releases like My Lady: “My Alternative,” “Simply Higher,” and “Supernatural,” and its remix sequence—solidifies their standing as trailblazers in Ok-pop, persistently mesmerizing their CHOICE, friends, and critics alike with each daring transfer and artistic evolution.
The anticipation for [PINATA] has been electrical, with almost six weeks of teasers holding CHOICE on edge. As soon as once more, A.C.E has confirmed their unmatched creativity, delivering an album that’s each sultry and groundbreaking. In an unique interview with Hellokpop, A.C.E shares their pleasure for [PINATA], reveals memorable moments from touring, and shares the deep connection they share with CHOICE. Learn on for an inside have a look at A.C.E’s thrilling new chapter and the artistry that retains them on the forefront of the business.
Hellokpop: Hello, A.C.E! To begin off, are you able to share one thing shocking you’ve realized about yourselves throughout the preparation for this comeback?
Junhee: Actually, I by no means thought we’d encounter a efficiency much more difficult than “Undercover” or “Goblin.” Nevertheless, whereas engaged on [PINATA] and the trailer efficiency for the intro “Recuerda, Recuerda,” I discovered myself considering, “Wow, this efficiency actually has no finish… completely no finish.”
HKP: Your new album ‘Pinata’ embodies themes of positivity and self-reflection. Are you able to clarify how these themes are woven into the general sound of the album?
Yuchan: We used quite a few reverse sound samples to finest clarify the sound, turning present musical components backward. In a way, liberation and therapeutic can really feel like returning to one thing—a form of reset. We aimed to convey that concept, and thru [PINATA], we portrayed the method of breaking free from feelings that had been trapped inside, finally discovering freedom from these emotions.
JUNHEE
HKP: If you happen to might describe the track “Pinata” in three phrases, what would they be and why?
Wow: Need, thirst, freedom. I consider these three feelings are completely mirrored in each the track and the efficiency.
HKP: What makes this album particular to you?
Byeongkwan: This single album might have just a few tracks, nevertheless it contains a fashion I completely love—highly effective and dynamic. I discover myself listening to it usually, even exterior of follow. Please sit up for the highly effective performances!
HKP: How do you hope this album will impression CHOICE and encourage them in their very own lives?
Donghun: I hope we could be like deeply rooted timber in one another’s lives—regular and enduring. Whereas we might sway within the shallow winds, we’ll at all times stand agency in our place. I would like us to be a relentless presence, a reminder that they’re by no means alone.
DONGHUN
HKP: Are you able to share a memorable second or problem you confronted whereas filming the music video for this album?
Yuchan: This album showcases a formidable efficiency proper from the intro. As for the title monitor, “Pinata,” I consider it options among the most difficult and gorgeous choreography A.C.E has ever tried. On high of that, working with 49 dancers to create such a high-level efficiency wasn’t simple. It was deeply significant to see 54 individuals (A.C.E + dancers) coming along with the identical mindset and dedication to make it occur.
HKP: As you explored themes of self-reflection, what private development have you ever skilled as people and as a bunch throughout this course of?
Junhee: We’ve at all times strived for higher vocals, dance performances, and better high quality in all the things we do—and now we have no plans to cease. Every of us has skilled development in each facet, each individually and as a bunch, and we’re decided to continue to grow. Please sit up for what’s forward!
HKP: How would you describe the evolution of A.C.E’s sound and idea?
Donghun: A.C.E’s sound has improved as our vocal abilities have leveled up—it’s one thing all 5 of us proceed to work onerous on. As for our efficiency and idea, I believe it displays our willpower to maintain transferring ahead with out giving up. Every new idea we tackle is a problem, and I hope it conjures up many individuals. As we get older, I really feel like we’ve gained extra depth in how we specific ourselves artistically. I’m curious to understand how our followers really feel about this evolution.
WOW
HKP: All through 2024, we noticed you carry out everywhere in the world, together with Europe, Latin America, Mexico, the U.S., and extra. How did the experiences from these live shows affect your method to the album’s idea?
Byeongkwan: Our followers patiently waited for us throughout our army service, and we couldn’t wait to satisfy them once more. Performing worldwide has allowed us to satisfy our dream of connecting with followers extra carefully. I really feel we’ve grown extra assured and mature on stage in comparison with earlier than. To specific our gratitude to our followers, we made positive to incorporate the highly effective performances they love most from A.C.E on this new album.
HKP: What was essentially the most memorable response from followers throughout your tour that made you’re feeling the impression of the album’s message?
Wow: We’ve launched many albums, however the latest one, “Simply Higher,” was notably particular as a result of we ready it with the hope of having fun with it along with CHOICE throughout the tour. When followers sang together with us, it gave me chills. Past that, seeing CHOICE cry, chortle, and cheer passionately whereas watching our performances actually made the message of our music really feel actual and impactful.
HKP: What makes you’re feeling the happiest and most content material?
Donghun: One thing I used to be reminded of throughout this tour is that I really feel the happiest after I’m on stage, singing and seeing CHOICE in entrance of me.
Wow: Nowadays, I really feel essentially the most happiness and satisfaction throughout the strategy of making ready an album and seeing the ultimate product come out nicely.
BYEONGKWAN
HKP: With such busy schedules, how do you keep your vitality to maintain pushing ahead?
Byeongkwan: Regardless of how busy we get, spending time with our followers at all times provides us power. It may be tiring at occasions for private schedules, however I believe we attempt to discover small moments of happiness collectively as a bunch.
HKP: If A.C.E needed to swap roles for a day—just like the rapper changing into the principle vocalist or the maknae changing into the chief—who would deal with the change finest, and who would wrestle essentially the most?
Yuchan: I believe most of us might handle fairly nicely (pauses), however imagining the vocal members—Junhee, Donghun, and myself—taking over the rap elements often accomplished by Wow and Byeongkwan is a situation that’s onerous to image (laughs).
YUCHAN
HKP: What are your hopes for A.C.E as you embark on this new chapter with ‘Pinata,’ and what can followers sit up for sooner or later?
Junhee: Our mindset has at all times been the identical, each previously and now: “Let’s be higher than yesterday.” That consistency has introduced us to the place we’re at the moment and can information us towards an much more good model of A.C.E sooner or later. Our followers are a part of this journey—they watch over us, cheer for us, consider in us, and love us. We’ll do all the things we are able to to make sure that their help results in pleasure and happiness, not remorse or disappointment.
HKP: Lastly, please go away a message for CHOICE studying this.
Yuchan: CHOICE! A.C.E is lastly again with a full group album after such a very long time!
HKP: Simply as you’ve waited so patiently, we’ve poured our hearts into making ready this album. Just like the that means behind [PINATA], I hope that from the second you hearken to and luxuriate in it, your world turns into crammed with vibrant and delightful colours.
Join with the members of A.C.E on Instagram, Junhee IG, Donghun IG, Wow IG, Byeongkwan IG, Yuchan IG, X, TikTok, YouTube, Fb, BStage.
Hearken to their discography on Spotify, Apple Music, or Soundcloud.
* Particular because of the members of A.C.E and Beat Interactive for this unique interview.
Picture and Video Credit: Beat Interactive