K-pop boy group DRIPPIN / Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment

On a cloudy morning, about two weeks before the release of its new album "Beautiful MAZE," K-pop boy band DRIPPIN set foot in a studio in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, to film an interview with The Korea Times. To start the interview at around 9 a.m., everyone on the spot — including the production team and DRIPPIN members — had to prepare for it in advance at the expense of sleep.

The singers must have been tired and drained, as K-pop stars are usually the most hectic right before their comeback. They often have to shoot different promotional content while polishing their performing skills so that they can showcase the best version of themselves after several months or even years off.

DRIPPIN, however, was far from exhausted. The members actually looked more lively and vigorous than ever, and presumably, this was because they felt a sense of relief and elation for getting somes clues about the direction they would move in the future regarding their music and identity.

"We were on a break for about a year, and this is the longest record since our debut in 2020," Junho said during the interview on March 19. The 21-year-old was formerly a part of the now-defunct project boy group X1, which was formed through the fourth season of the 2019 audition program, "Produce 101."

"During that time, we wandered a lot as we tried to figure out what kind of music suits us the best ... We have actually pulled off different styles and concepts from the beginning. Some of our songs were refreshing and bubbly, while others were dark and deep. We were on a journey to discover the music that defines us, but it was tough to find the right answer."

Since all listeners have different tastes and preferences, DRIPPIN and its agency, Woollim Entertainment, could not decide which path to take. So this time, the group simply chose to do what it is good at — to roll out easy-to-listen to songs that the members love, for which they do not have to struggle to fit in.

That was how the feel-good "Beautiful MAZE" became the lead single of DRIPPIN's new album, according to Junho. Moreover, he shared that the tune captures the moment of the group's confusion.

"When I ruminated on our musical direction, I felt like I was in a maze," he said. "The song seems to encapsulate a diverse range of emotions I experienced back then."

K-pop boy group DRIPPIN poses during a recent interview with The Korea Times at a studio in Gangnam, southern Seoul, March 19. Korea Times photo by Kim Chae-ri

Characterized by synth-pop sounds and up-tempo rhythms, "Beautiful MAZE" also likens various emotions stemming from love and breakup to a maze.

"I was glad when I first heard the song because it was not hard to listen to," said Minseo, the youngest member. "It has catchy melodies, so I think it can easily resonate with casual listeners."

DRIPPIN's new album carries two other tunes: "Get LOUD" and "Black MIRROR." The former is known as a breezy tune for summer, while the latter is marked by its "feeling of the past."

"In the case of 'Black MIRROR,' it has addictive sounds that can be found in the previous releases of other Woollim artists," Hyeop noted. "It is difficult to describe, but people will understand what I mean once they hear it."

The teasers for K-pop act DRIPPIN's new album, "Beautiful MAZE" / Courtesy of Woollim Entertainment

DRIPPIN is the newest boy group launched by Woollim, which gave birth to a plethora of high-profile K-pop acts, including INFINITE, Lovelyz, Golden Child and Rocket Punch. After entering the K-pop scene with the 2021 digital single "Vertigo" DRIPPIN has unleashed the songs of assorted genres and concepts, demonstrating its versatility.

For instance, its 2023 release, "Seven Sins" became the talk of the town for its unique concept centering on the theme of seven deadly sins in Christianity — pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth.

"'Beautiful MAZE' marks a total departure from our previous album," Junho said. "It features us as we are."

This time, however, only five DRIPPIN members — Yunseong, Junho, Hyeop, Minseo and Dongyun —will perform on stage and promote their music offering, as Changuk is on a hiatus due to health reasons. The 22-year-old could not attend this interview as well.

"I am sad that Changuk cannot join us," Minseo said. "My heart aches when I meet him at our dormitory, but that has prompted me to work even harder to make this album successful. This is my biggest goal right now."

Hyeop and Dongyun also revealed what they want to achieve with "Beautiful MAZE."

Hyeop said, "It will be great if people say DRIPPIN has taken a leap in its career as an artist."

Dongyun added, "I hope we can spread our name further this year."