K-pop act GHOST9 poses during a press event at Ilchi Art Hall, Gangnam District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Maroo Entertainment
By Pyo Kyung-min
K-pop boy band GHOST9 returned with its latest single “ARCADE: O,” following an 18-month break.
The septet, consisting of members, Junhyeong, Shin, Kangsung, Junseong, Prince, Woojin and Jinwoo, unveiled its seventh mini-album and marked the release with a press event at Ilchi Art Hall, Gangnam District, Seoul.
During the event, the group introduced its new album and expressed their feelings about returning after the long hiatus.
Junhyung, the group’s frontman, expressed his fresh determination, saying, “We aimed to highlight our cooler sides, so we’ve put a lot of effort into this album. We’ll be showcasing our growth to a greater extent.”
During the hiatus, rest was not on the group’s agenda. GHOST9 made their presence felt by participating in JTBC’s reality competition show “Peak Time.”
Shin reflected on the experience, noting that his time on “Peak Time” left the most lasting impression since his debut.
“Many groups that appeared on ‘Peak Time’ debuted around the same time, yet hadn’t gained significant recognition. There have been moments of frustration due to our group’s relative lack of success. However, witnessing fellow competitors from the program enduring similar circumstances provided a source of strength,” he said.
Driven by a newfound determination, the group presented their latest release, “ARCADE: O.” This album marks the continuation of their “ARCADE: VOW” series, following their previous work “Arcade: V.”
The centerpiece of the album is the opening track, “RUCKUS,” a song poised to make waves in the K-pop landscape. Adding to its allure is the eye-catching “handcuff dance.”
Comparing “RUCKUS” with the title track from their preceding album, Junhyung explained that the new song brings a different appeal.
“The previous album’s opening song, ‘X-Ray,’ was a rather forceful blend of sound and choreography. In contrast, ‘RUCKUS’ showcases an entirely new genre and choreography style. We aspire to demonstrate our growth and showcase our ability to master diverse concepts,” he said.
K-pop act GHOST9 performs its new song “RUCKUS” onstage during a press event at Ilchi Art Hall, Gangnam District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Maroo Entertainment
Jinwoo, the youngest member of the group, recently turned 20 during the group’s hiatus.
Making his initial appearance on Mnet’s 2019 survival reality show “Produce X 101” at just 16 years old, Jinwoo shared his sentiments at the event about entering his 20s.
“I’ve been a part of GHOST9 since 2020, performing during my teenage years and now into my 20s. I don’t feel much different, and I’m always ready to give it my all.”
In a lighthearted moment, Jinwoo further boasted about his physical growth, sharing that he had grown 5 centimeters during the hiatus, making him a lofty 182 centimeters tall.
The group is also gearing up for its Japanese concert, scheduled for Nov. 25 and 26, marking its debut in the Japanese music scene.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, member Junseong remarked, “Our recent fan meet-and-greet event held in Japan made us feel genuinely cherished. As winter sets in Japan, we aim to share our warm hearts and create an enjoyable experience for our fans through the concert.”
