originally posted on Hallyu LA on September 21, 2021.
MCND, short for Music Creates New Dream, burst onto the K-pop scene in February 2020. Composed of Castle J, BIC, Minjae, Huijun, and Win, the group quickly made their mark with the debut mini-album “Into the Ice Age” and its standout title track, “ICE AGE.”
Known for their dynamic style, MCND seamlessly blends various genres, incorporating hip-hop, pop, and electronic dance music into their sound. This versatility, coupled with active involvement in the creative process, has endeared them to a growing fan base.
Hallyu Ave sat down for an exclusive interview with the vibrant boy group MCND about their latest venture, “THE EARTH: SECRET MISSION Chapter 1,” an intriguing project that has fans buzzing with anticipation
If you prefer, you can watch the full interview here:
What type of preparations did you go through for this comeback?
Huijun: To show each of our characteristics for a great performance, we practiced a lot
Can you tell us more about the concept?
Castle J: Our concept is to succeed in missions to meet you in our universe. We focused more on the lyrics to deliver the message.
What is your favorite memory while preparing for this comeback?
Win: Preparing for the comeback was fun because we’ll get to meet you again. The best about making a comeback is we were able to put the things we want to say to our fans in the song
What do you usually do to relieve your stress?
Minjae: When I’m stressed I usually listen to music or play games. I also go to the practice room to listen to music and dance to take my stress away.
Huijun: I would eat food I like with the other members. After practice, I also watch moves or dramas to release stress.
Do you have any special skills or talents you’d like to share?
Castle J: We of course have to be good at dancing, singing, and rapping. Other than music, I’m not good with sports.
Minjae: Didn’t you [BIC] say you’re good at badminton?
BIC: Yes, I’m good at badminton and bowling. When I was in middle school, I was in a badminton team and in high school I was in a bowling team.
Minjae: Ah you were in a team so you’re good?
BIC: Because you’re in a team, you have to prove your skill
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Huijun: If given the chance, I would like to collaborate with every artist.
What advice would you give to someone who also dreams to be a singer?
Castle J: To everyone who dreams of being a singer, this is a word of support. First of all, the job of a singer is to love music, don’t forget that. We love and like music so we focus on it to overcome difficulties. We like this job until the end, so you have to keep your music loving mind.
Win: I also want to say something but Castle J already said it. There’s always a rainbow at the end of every storm.
Castle J: No pain, no gain.
If you could say something to your pre-debut self, what would you say?
Castle J: Hi Sunjun, I’m sure Sungjun won’t be Castle J then. Sungjun, you’re doing well, you don’t have to doubt yourself. You’re a good person than you worry about yourself, so be confident and do whatever you want. I’m cheering for you!
Win: Junhyuk, you’re lacking a lot right now and you’ll always be filled with disappointment but after a year, two, three, and four years, you’ll be able to be as cool as anyone else. I hope you don’t feel pressured and just do your best as you do now. Fighting!
What would you like to do once COVID-19 is gone?
Minjae: Meet with GEM and I want to have a concert
If you only had 24hrs left, what would you like to do?
Castle J: First of all, I want to be with the members and the members’ family. Talk to each other and send them. It’s a sad thought. I want to live longer than 24hrs. I don’t want that day to come until we win first place.
How do you reward yourselves after a successful comeback?
Huijun: We receive so much love from GEM. We won’t get to meet because of COVID-19 but thank you for still loving us.
Message to GEMs:
BIC: We are now coming back with “THE EARTH: SECRET MISSION Chapter 1”. Thank you for waiting for us after a long time. We welcome new fans. Please show your love and interest.
Minjae: From our previous comeback and this comeback, we always show our new charms, so please look forward to it. Our worldview concept has widened so please enter. Thank you.
