[Exclusive Interview] POW on "Being Tender" and Expressing the Essence of POWteen
Photo Cr. GRID Entertainment
On June 27, the group POW ( Yorch, Hyunbin, Jungbin, Dongyeon, and Hong) released their 3rd EP album, "Being Tender."
"Being Tender" is an album that contains the essence of POW’s high teen or ‘POWteen’ and European youth culture sensibility that he showed through his previous works, and it contains POW’s sparkling and refreshing freshness even more intensely.
In particular, the title song ‘Being Tender' was produced by members Yorch and Jungbin, adding POW’s musical color, and contains the real story of the members who still find it difficult to treat their precious objects affectionately.
KpopWise spoke with POW about the new EP in this interview. Let's learn more and enjoy POW’s musical worldview, which is more energetic and expanded than before, together this summer.
Can you tell us about the meaning behind the title "Being Tender" ?
[Jungbin] While preparing “Being Tender,” I kept asking myself, “What does it really mean to be tender?” Actually, this album was born after we all found out that Yorch would carry a can of tuna to feed a stray cat he met near our dorm. Watching how Yorch treated that cat made me realize what “tenderness” really is — it’s about respecting someone, keeping the right distance, and being delicate at the same time. That’s exactly how we feel about our fans. Through this album, we wanted to show that our fans mean that to us.
[Hyunbin] I think being tender is about finding the right temperature between people. These days, everyone’s so busy and barely the time to breathe, which makes people sensitive and quick to put up their thorns. In the summer heat, it’s even easier to get irritable. I hope our song “Being Tender” can be like a refreshing morning breeze. I’d love for our music to help people soften their sharp edges and end their day feeling warm and happy.
In the production of this EP, what was your creative vision for "Being Tender" and how did you approach producing for the group?
[Yorch] For the title track “Being Tender,” I suggested adding a group chant at the end. The members and I had been wondering, “How can we make this song feel even more energetic?” So we tried recording it ourselves, shared a demo with the company, and kept tweaking it until we got to the final version you hear now. That whole process was so fun and satisfying.
[Jungbin] Back when we first debuted, if we got a demo, we’d just stick to the original arrangement and what we’d practiced. But over time, I feel like I’ve learned more about what makes our fans enjoy and connect with our songs. I focused on bringing that out as much as possible in this arrangement. I added parts where we can have fun and interact with fans on stage.
Was there a funny moment while filming the music video?
[Yorch] We filmed with the cat, too — but the cat kept running away, so there were lots of scenes where I had to pretend the cat was there. It felt awkward but fun, and I tried to bring out my emotions anyway.
[Dongyeon] I think you have to understand the other person to get close to them, and to understand them, you need a similar experience. So I tried eating the cat food on set to understand the cat better. It tasted so weird! I learned that cats and humans definitely have different taste buds. Next time, if I have a pet, I’ll make sure to give them tuna or meat instead.
'Being Tender' Music Video
If "Being Tender" was a movie genre, what would it be and who would each of you play in that movie?
[Yorch] I think Being Tender would be a warm, heartfelt teen or coming-of-age film — a story about understanding each other and growing together. If the members were movie characters: Dongyeon would be the smart kid who helps everyone with homework; Hyunbin would be the mood-maker, the funny friend who keeps everyone laughing; Jungbin would be the serious one with deep emotions, like an actor great at dramatic scenes; Hong would be the baby-like, gentle presence that makes everyone feel cozy; and I’d be the cool soccer player at school — the sweet guy everyone likes!
[Dongyeon] I’d say it’s definitely a teen film. Our music always captures POW’s youth. If I imagine the roles: Jungbin would be the most social, outgoing friend; Yorch seems quiet at first but is actually the quirkiest when he’s with us; Hong would be like Hyunbin’s innocent little brother; Hyunbin is always bright but would have a surprisingly sensitive side in our teen “POWteen” story. And I’d probably be the comic relief! Haha.
Which track from "Being Tender" do you identify with the most?
[Hyunbin] For me, it’s “Fingerprint.” It’s about leaving memories behind like a fingerprint — just like the experiences we’ve built through our performances since debut. I relate to that a lot.
[Hong] For me, it’s “Reason.” It says, “You’re the reason I sing.” There’s a line about you being the reason I hold on and the reason I can sing — and for me, that reason is our POWER fans. So “Reason” is the song I connect with most.
How has each member evolved personally and artistically since your last comeback?
[Yorch] I feel like everyone has grown in their own ways. Personally, I think we’re more relaxed on stage now, and we’ve learned how to understand and express ourselves better. Musically, we’re paying more attention to how we convey our emotions and the small details. We also know each other’s voices and styles so well now, so sharing ideas while making songs or practicing feels much more natural. I think our teamwork has improved a lot.
[Dongyeon] I feel like I’ve become more relaxed, too. Before, I used to take everything really seriously and felt burdened by it. I thought showing my true self was like showing my weaknesses. But with our fans’ love, I’ve realized that it’s not always a bad thing.
Is there a part in the song ‘Being Tender’ by another member that you want to try yourself?
[Yorch] I’d like to try Hong’s first verse in “Fingerprint.” I’d love to see how that part sounds in my voice. [Hyunbin] I’d love to try Dongyeon’s pre-chorus in “Fingerprint.” When we were practicing, I thought it would suit my tone really well — I was a bit sad I didn’t get that part!
[Jungbin] I want to try the second verse rap in “Celebrate.” It’s Yorch and Hyunbin’s part, and they look so cool rapping it.
[Dongyeon] I’d love to do Yorch’s hook in “Fingerprint.” I think it’s the most rhythmic and fun part.
[Hong] I’d also like to try Yorch’s first verse in “Fingerprint!”
How do you hope your fans will feel when they listen to your new music or watch your performances? [Yorch] I hope fans feel our growth and change through this album. There’s even a track with hip-hop elements, so I’d love for people to see that POW is a team with an ever-expanding sound.
[Hyunbin] People are so busy and tired these days that it’s easy to get sharp and sensitive. And with the summer heat, it can feel even worse. I hope our album can be like a refreshing start to your day, helping you feel like, “Even though today was rough, it was still okay.”
[Jungbin] I hope people feel the shining youth that we showed during our debut, but this time in a more mature and grown-up way than our second EP, Boyfriend. Please look forward to POW’s even more mature summer this year.
[Dongyeon] I hope these songs become memories that still shine whenever you look back on them someday.
[Hong] It’s summer — I hope our songs help you blow away the heat! Each track on this EP has a different vibe, so I hope it keeps you cool all the way through.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for POW in the remainder of 2025?
[Yorch] We didn’t start with all the pieces in place for guaranteed success, but I believe we’re steadily climbing step by step. Even if we’re slow or get lost sometimes, we’re always looking ahead. I hope our fans can stay with us on this journey of growth. We want to keep improving and be with you always.
[Dongyeon] When I think about POW as a team, honestly, we didn’t have everything from the beginning. Our starting line might have been behind others — we’ve stumbled and wandered a lot, and maybe we still do. But even if we’re slow, we want to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
Do you have a message for your fans, POWER?
[Yorch] Thank you so much for always supporting us and staying by our side. And thank you sincerely for waiting for this comeback. We’ll keep working hard to repay you with even better music and performances. Please show lots of love for our album Being Tender.
[Hyunbin] Thank you to everyone who sends us messages of support. We know we still have a long way to go, but we feel like we’re growing bit by bit thanks to you. We’ll work hard to show you our best sides soon and make you proud.
[Jungbin] Thank you for sharing our youth with us. POW has so many stories to tell with POWER, so please stay with us for every new chapter.
[Dongyeon] Please show lots of love for our new EP Being Tender. To all the POWERs who’ve watched us grow from our awkward early days — I want to say it’s because of you that we can keep moving forward. We’ll always be a POW that can share warm words with you. Thank you.
[Hong] To all our fans who always support us, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. Please show us your support for new EP Being Tender. We’ll always be artists who can give you strength, wherever and whenever. Thank you!
