“Since we can use multiple languages, we’re able to express ourselves in more diverse ways.” Is how X:IN describes just what makes their music that little bit special. The five members: E.Sha, Nizz, Nova, Hannah, and Aria make up a multicultural group. From Russia to India, this blend of cultural identities is what makes them stand out.
But beyond their identities lies depth, tackling layers of vulnerability in tracks like “No Clarity", which is part of their latest comeback. The new album Hyper sees the girls showcase a new concept, one where they explore themes of feeling overwhelmed but still being quietly strong. I talk to the members about the comeback and what it means to show a side that can be scary yet empowering.
E.Sha: Among the b-side tracks, I think it would be “Who Dat". It’s a song and choreography style that really suits us and something we can do well. We also felt that it fits us the best. Each member’s character stands out clearly in the song, and I think that’s why our fans loved it even more.
The title track, "Dazzle Flash", opens with verses that feel incredibly vulnerable on first listen. How do you approach recording those lines that relate to your own lives?
Nizz:When I first heard the song, I focused on delivering the lyrics in a way that would immediately draw attention to the message. Rather than singing in a typical way, I tried to record it more like I was speaking, so the meaning could come across more naturally.
Following that, “No Clarity” navigates themes of feeling as if you've lost yourselves. Yet there's a quiet power in there with lyrics like “I'm not weak at all.” What inspires you to carry that message not only for yourselves but also for listeners who are feeling seen?
Nova: Everyone has moments when stress builds up and feels overwhelming. This song is about that feeling when your mind isn’t at ease and everything starts piling up. As artists, we experience it often, since we’re constantly in the public eye and always active online, where people always have something to say about us. At the same time, the song carries a sense of support. It’s about having someone who stays by your side, someone who would “share an umbrella with you on a rainy day". In the end, it’s a reminder that these hard moments can be overcome and that there are always people who will be there to help you through them.
This album sees a shift from your earlier releases. What made you want to try a bolder sound this time around?
Hannah: It’s an experimental track that brings drift phonk into a house structure. While keeping X:IN’s signature powerful energy, we also blended in a softer vibe within it to expand our musical spectrum and show more diverse colours in our music.
As a multinational group, how do you bring those diverse influences into the music and performances today?
Aria: We’ve had songs that incorporate elements from our cultures to showcase our diversity. In "Synchronise", you can hear traditional Indian instruments. In “Attention Seeker", we used Hindi, Russian, and Korean in the lyrics to deliver the message more sincerely. I think our different backgrounds help us be more open, aware, and educated about diversity and cultures. It also allows us to see things from multiple perspectives.
Your multicultural identity comes through in past tracks like “Attention Seeker", which feature Hindi lyrics which are pretty much unheard of in K-pop. Do you think featuring your culture is what makes you stand out?
E.Sha: Yes, that’s right. Since we can use multiple languages, we’re able to express ourselves in more diverse ways. Especially because these aren’t languages you commonly hear in K-pop, it becomes a positive point of differentiation and helps create music that’s uniquely ours. Beyond language, we all grew up in different environments and cultures, so I think it’s great that we can express music and performances with our own distinct vibes.
You recently made a reel where all members wore lehengas, which again feels so fresh in the K-pop landscape. Do you find yourself learning new things from one another's cultures regularly? Many fans must feel very represented.
Nizz: Thanks to the members, I get to experience and share different cultures, which is always something I’m grateful for and find fun. Especially this time, when we wore lehengas and filmed Reels together, it was such a fun experience. Aria’s reaction to seeing us in lehengas was really touching, and she shared stories about Indian culture, which helped me understand India better.
Even in everyday conversations, when we talk about different topics, Nova and Aria often naturally share Russian and Indian culture, so as time goes by, I feel like we’re learning more about each other’s cultures in a very natural way.
View this post on Instagram
Your music often reflects on personal journeys from your hometowns to your life now in Korea. How important is it for you to tell your own individual stories, and is it intentional?
Nova: Since our members are often involved in writing lyrics, we naturally draw a lot from our own experiences. We try to make each song as personal as possible so listeners can truly connect with it. At the same time, not every story comes from something we’ve lived through, so sometimes we step into different perspectives and imagine those emotions.
For me, songwriting is a very personal process. It creates a stronger connection between the artist and the listener. When we participate in writing, the song feels closer not just to the audience but to us as well, which makes performing it more meaningful.
If I had to choose one song that really reflects our journey so far, it would be “Almost Done". It directly tells our stories about the foreign members coming to Korea to chase this dream and the Korean members’ long years of training. It’s very honest, so I’d definitely recommend giving it a listen.
Aria, you’ve mentioned previously that writing lyrics has helped you realise that you tend to focus on specific themes and aim for more balance. How has that process been since the last comeback? Do you pull from any influences from growing up or today's artists?
Aria: Previously, when working on writing lyrics, I focused only on the core meaning and rhymes without really branching out to experiment with sub-narratives or onomatopoeia. Honestly, I’m not 100% satisfied with what I’ve written so far. Although I haven’t worked on another project recently, I’m always learning and trying to improve so that I can create future projects that I can truly be satisfied with.
E.sha, as both leader and choreographer, you have to balance quite a few roles. How do you continue to develop your own artistic identity, and how has that evolved in this comeback?
E. Sha: I’m constantly trying to figure out what I like and what I’m good at. Since personal taste can change over time, I try to focus on the long-term question of what kind of artist I want to become and grow in that direction. By building things step by step that truly feel like my own, I think I’m gradually establishing my artistic identity. With this comeback, I feel like my character is showing more clearly than before.
Nizz, have your role models growing up helped with your songwriting or creative process? What’s the most fun part of getting ready for a comeback?
Nizz: Watching and learning from various artists, I realised that the most memorable performances are when artists genuinely show what they’ve experienced and felt, when they truly enjoy the stage, and when they communicate with the audience through music rather than language. So for every stage, I try to be sincere and communicate with READYS.
While preparing for a comeback, the happiest moment is secretly filming the music video without READYS knowing. It’s such an exciting and joyful feeling because we know we’ll be meeting them soon. That excitement, along with the desire to show them an even cooler side of us, make the filming process feel less tiring and more enjoyable.
Hannah, as someone involved in choreography, what do you find the most challenging about learning and putting together routines? How do you begin building a performance?
Hannah: I usually listen to the music a lot first and think about the feeling, mood, and overall structure I want to express in each part. Then at the end, I look in the mirror and create the choreography while dancing. Sometimes, while working on the structure and choreography, I feel like there could be an even better idea, and when I feel stuck repeating the same steps, it can be frustrating. I think that’s why this process sometimes feels difficult.
Nova, as the rapper, you often have quite raw moments in your lyrics. Do you worry about being too vulnerable for fear of feeling exposed? How do you approach your own style of rap that works for you?
Nova: I wouldn’t say I feel very vulnerable when writing my rap lyrics. Our rap style isn’t usually focused on deep storytelling, so I actually feel excited because it’s a way to let out emotions I usually keep inside. Rap has that intensity, sometimes even a bit of aggression, and it gives me space to express things I wouldn’t normally show.
That said, it’s different with more emotional songs. I participated in writing “Coming Home", which is very personal and touching. It’s about love for family and the people close to you. I wrote it while thinking about how much I miss them, and I was honestly in tears during the process. In that moment, I did feel more vulnerable, but not in a negative way. It felt natural, like something many people can relate to and connect with.
Which song across your discography feels the most “you” as an individual?
Aria: For me, it has to be “Who Dat". It has a strong hip-hop base and is very different from what we’ve released so far. My personal dance style leans slightly away from the feminine style we usually do, so when performing “Who Dat", I feel like I’m truly in my element. It showcases my natural style and voice the best.
For new fans who have found you through this comeback, what song best captures who X:IN are as a group today?
Hannah: I think “Dazzle Flash” represents a song that highlights both the softness and confidence within X:IN’s strong energy, which is why I believe it fits as the title track of this album.
Finally, do you have any messages for “READY” who are reading?
E. Sha: READYS, thank you so much for supporting and loving us during this promotion as well. Since we worked so hard to prepare for it, seeing you enjoy it makes it even more meaningful and rewarding. Through this interview, I was happy to talk about X:IN’s thoughts and direction as artists. We’ll keep working hard to become an even more proud and admirable X:IN for you, so please stay with us. Let’s meet again soon. Love you.
FOLLOW X:IN
Instagram | TikTok | Youtube | X | Website
