[Exclusive Interview] In A Minute Journeys Through Heartbreak and Healing with First Full Album "When the sun goes down: Midnight"

    Photo Cr. Mound Media
      

    In A Minute has never shied away from mapping the full emotional terrain of love—from the giddy rush of first encounters to the raw ache of goodbye. Their earlier release, "Who Do You Love: I Need You," and its standout track 'Talking to Myself,' captured that initial gut-punch of loss, the moment right after a breakup when the pain is still sharp and immediate. Now, with the release of their first full-length album, When the Sun Goes Down: Midnight, the group picks up where that story left off, tracing what comes after the initial heartbreak: the slow, uneven process of learning to live again.

    Structured as a journey from sunset through the darkest hour of night and into the light of a new day, the album moves through confusion and longing in its title track "Midnight," lingers in the quiet aftershocks of separation on "Painful," and arrives at acceptance and renewal with "Inner Peace." From there, it widens its lens beyond romance entirely, with "Pause" turning toward the fatigue and quiet anxieties of everyday life. The album's back half turns intimate in a different way, spotlighting solo tracks from members Jaejun, Juntae, and Hyunyeop before closing out with "1AM," a heartfelt thank-you to fans, "INNING," and "In Complete," a reflective look back at childhood dreams and the resolve to keep moving forward.

    "Midnight" Music Video



    More than a breakup album, When the Sun Goes Down: Midnight is a portrait of growth—of picking up the pieces of a shattered routine and rediscovering both daily life and the dreams that got put on hold.

    We sat down with In A Minute to talk about the making of this deeply relatable album, the stories behind its standout tracks, and what it means to finally step out of the midnight hour and into the morning.

    Congratulations on releasing your first full album. The title track “Midnight” compares the confusion and lingering feelings after a breakup to being alone in the middle of the night. What does “midnight” symbolize for In A Minute beyond the song itself?

    Midnight is the darkest time of the day, but we view it as a time to prepare and wait for the moment we can shine the brightest after the sun comes up.

    If you had to describe the album as a movie, what would the opening scene and ending scene look like?

    The opening scene would be sitting alone on the floor grieving after a breakup, and the final ending scene would be standing in front of a mirror, looking at my younger self reflected inside.

    JAEJUN


    Your previous release was Inner Monologue (혼잣말). How does this album continue the story that began with that release?

    While "Inner Monologue" dealt with the grief immediately following a breakup, this album begins with the process of coming to terms with that separation. It captures the journey of fully grieving, feeling the pain, and eventually leaving the breakup behind to rebuild daily life.

    If you had to describe “Midnight” using three words that aren't related to music, what would they be?

    'Longing', 'Confusion', and 'Waiting'.

    If you could send a message to the version of In A Minute who was preparing for debut, what would you tell them?

    I want to tell them not to worry, and to just enjoy each and every day while waiting.


    HYUNYEOP


    Did working on a solo track reveal anything about yourself as an artist that you hadn't realized before?

    JUNTAE: Since it was a genre and style I’ve always wanted to show, I put a lot of thought into it. Writing various toplines and lyrics really helped me refine and define my own musical color more clearly!

    HYUNYEOP: While working on my solo track, I spent a lot of time contemplating on my own. Trying out different things during that process allowed me to realize, "Oh, this actually suits me well," or "This style doesn't really fit me." I discovered what I can express best with my voice, which personally motivated me to keep practicing songwriting.

    JAEJUN: Creating so many tracks and choreographies for a full-length album made me realize just how deeply I love our group and our fans. Even with the tight deadline, I felt so happy working while imagining the members on stage and the fans watching us.

    If you could swap solo songs with another member for one performance, whose song would you choose and why?

    JUNTAE: I would choose HYUNYEOP's "BLAH BLAH"! My solo track has a lyrical and nostalgic vibe, so I'd love to challenge myself with a song that feels more rhythmical and witty like his!

    HYUNYEOP: All of the older members' tracks are so great that I'd be happy singing any of them. Since performing them with my own voice would bring a different interpretation, I think it would be really fun for everyone to listen to!

    JAEJUN: When creating the members' solo tracks, I carefully considered the range and pronunciation that suited each of them best. So when it comes to performing on stage, I feel the most confident with my own song!


    JUNTAE


    Your upcoming solo show-concert, FROM SUNSET : MIDNIGHT, takes place just days before the album release. How does performing these songs live before the album officially comes out change the experience for you?

    Since it's our first time showcasing these songs to the fans who always love and support us, standing on stage in front of them always brings a mix of excitement, nerves, and gratitude. We are determined to deliver performances that will not disappoint the fans who have been waiting for us, and we believe that doing our best will draw a passionate response from the audience!

    You've also had opportunities to meet fans in Japan and appear on a national public broadcast in the Philippines. What has surprised you most about the international response to In A Minute?

    Honestly, it's been so amazing and surprising to realize that there are ININGs overseas who keep an eye on our music and activities, sending us their support. Even though our languages, expressions, and cultural sentiments are different, the fact that people can resonate with our music and cheer us on is truly fascinating, and we are always deeply grateful for it.

    Do you have a message for the fans, INNING who have supported you?

    JUNTAE: I will never take the immense love and support from our ININGs for granted, and I'll work even harder so we can continue building a happy future together. Thank you always, and I love you! Please give this album a lot of love!!

    HYUNYEOP: Thank you so much for waiting for this full-length album. I truly believe it exists in the world because of all of you, our ININGs. I am always so grateful and fond of you all, and we’ll show you our best selves with an unchanging heart.

    JAEJUN: Thank you for giving us a reason to move forward into tomorrow. We will constantly strive and grow so we can build many more memories together. Please listen to this album a lot :)

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    Listen to "When the sun goes down: Midnight"

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