The members stepped up in a big way! Day contributed to “Pose!”, while Hyungseok and Day took part in writing the lyrics for “Parallel Line” and “Savior.” Steve and Eunho were involved in the songwriting and lyric writing for “Nothing,” and five members (Kyungmoon, Sion, Uno, Eunho, and Hyungseok) wrote the fan song “So Alive.” In total, members contributed to all five tracks on the album.
CBS No Cut News got an inside look at the production of UNITE’s 8th mini album, ‘Inyeon Part 1’. In this second part, we dive into the overall production process. This interview was conducted via written responses from the agency, Para Music, and the members, just two days after the album’s release.
1. The album is titled ‘Inyeon Part 1’. Why ‘Part 1’? Will there be a series? Please give us a hint if you can.
Para Music: This album is more like a story about the initial stage of recognizing the keyword ‘Inyeon’ (Fate/Connection). Rather than a finished conclusion, we saw it as the starting point of a process where UNITE, coming from different times and experiences, newly connects with their fans.
The keyword ‘Inyeon’ will expand in various ways in the stories to come, so please think of this album as the first record of that journey.
2. The album description mentions various genres across the tracks. Was the goal to include ‘diverse genres,’ or did the genres naturally vary while gathering songs that fit the overall concept and message?
Para Music: Rather than aiming for diversity for its own sake, various genres naturally came together while expressing the concept of ‘Inyeon’.
The emotional placement and role of each song were very important for this album. Some tracks captured feelings of anxiety and distance, while others focused on confidence and breakthroughs, so we chose the genres that best suited those specific emotions.
That is why we incorporated genres like Digicore, UK House, and Rage Hyper. Instead of just following trends, we wanted to unfold them naturally within UNITE’s own color.
3. Hyungseok mentioned during the comeback showcase that many of the five B-side tracks were chosen by the members after discussing them with the company. To what extent were the members’ choices reflected in this album?
Para Music: We believe this album reflects the members’ opinions more than ever before. During the song selection process, the members consistently discussed the direction and mood they wanted with the company. In some cases where the internal production team was divided, the members’ choice ultimately led to the song being included.
Specifically, rather than just looking for “good songs,” it was more important to see what role a song played within the album’s worldview and the message of ‘Inyeon’. Therefore, a lot of their input regarding the flow and connection between tracks was reflected.
4. Among the tracks, which one did the members and the company agree on most quickly, and which one had the most disagreement? Please explain why.
Eunho: The song we agreed on most quickly was “So Alive.” It’s the only fan song on the album, and everyone felt that we definitely needed a refreshing band sound for the final track, so the consensus happened naturally.
On the other hand, “Savior” had the most discussion. At first, the members felt it was a bit different from the overall mood of the album, but the company told us that the song could actually play a crucial role in the middle. In the end, it turned out to be a track that creates a great balance within the album.
Para Music: I agree with Eunho. “Savior,” which is placed at the center of the five songs, also took the longest to revise. Since it had to serve as the anchor for the entire album’s flow, we had many discussions regarding the sound direction and the message.
Ultimately, we believe it’s a song that maintains the connectivity and narrative of ‘Inyeon Part 1’ while best capturing the new color and direction UNITE wants to show. It’s a track that naturally captures a mood and emotional line we haven’t shown before.
5. Besides the title track “Pose!”, there are “Parallel Line,” “Savior,” “Nothing,” and “So Alive.” Please brag about the highlights of each song and let us know what we should listen for.
Para Music: “Parallel Line” is a song that expresses emotions swinging between anxiety and confidence through the energy of strong synthesizer tones. Its biggest charms are the sense of distance, as if you’re almost touching but not quite, and a chorus that makes you want to run outside.
“Savior” is a hybrid hip hop track that blends 90s hip hop vibes, boombap, and R&B, based on classic piano and strings. Through powerful performance and an energetic group section, it delivers a message of never stopping the challenge. It acts as the opposite axis to “Parallel Line” within the album, conveying the conviction that we are eventually connected even amidst different signals.
“Nothing” is the track with the highest level of member participation in the lyrics, and we believe it captures the emotional line and atmosphere most delicately. “So Alive” is a rock-based fan song with a message that we are the ones who keep each other going even in shaking moments. It’s the song that closes the album in the most UNITE-like way.
6. Members are credited on all five tracks. We’re curious about the working process and any memorable anecdotes. It would be great if you could explain by song.
Steve: I participated in “Nothing.” When I went to the US earlier this year, my mother bought me a MacBook and told me to work hard. As soon as I returned to Korea, I worked so hard that I made almost one song a day. It’s even more meaningful that one of those songs made it into this album. Since I’ve prepared many songs, I really hope to share them all with you someday.
Day: When I work, I usually play the beat and keep freestyle rapping to catch good lines. I worked on “Parallel Line” with Hyungseok, splitting up short pockets of time between our busy schedules. I remember the meat we ate after finishing the work was absolutely delicious.
7. Were there any moments during the album production where you discovered the members’ ‘growth’?
Hyungseok: I felt we grew in so many areas. Above all, I felt it most in how the members gathered their opinions with one heart and focused on practice. Details like gestures and expressions on stage have improved a lot, and it was impressive to see everyone naturally express their own characters and vibes during the music video shoot.
8. The members showed high satisfaction, giving the album 4.8 out of 5 (Hyungseok) and 10 out of 10 (Uno). Now that ‘Inyeon Part 1’ is out in the world, how is the satisfaction level, and which part are you most satisfied with?
Para Music: We believe this album doesn’t just end with trying new genres, but is the album that most clearly shows what kind of team UNITE is growing into. We are most satisfied with the fact that the members actively participated throughout the production process and pondered the direction themselves, which naturally melted into the music, performance, and visuals.
In particular, we find it meaningful that the message of ‘Inyeon’ (Fate/Connection), a relationship that naturally continues as time and experience accumulate, was completed not just as a single concept but as a language that penetrates the entire album.
