[INTERVIEW] AMPERS&ONE shines with global programming just one year after debut

K-pop septet releases new mini-album ‘ONE QUESTION’

By Pyo Kyung-min

Although the K-pop industry is already filled with boy bands, AMPERS&ONE, a seven-member rookie group that debuted in November 2023, stands out not only for its music but also for its members’ diverse backgrounds, with more than half of the group from English-speaking countries.

As the members worked to bridge their cultural differences, they developed a unique dynamic that gives the group a more authentic, free-spirited energy, setting them apart from the rest.

On the team, members Kamden and Kyrell are American, Brian is Taiwanese Canadian, and Mackiah is Australian. Seungmo, Jiho and Siyoon are Korean.

In a recent interview with The Korea Times, their leader Kamden explained how their varied backgrounds give them an advantage in an industry already saturated with boy bands.

“Since our debut, we have been thinking a lot about how to show a new and unique charm,” Kamden said during an interview at the headquarters of the group’s agency, FNC Entertainment, on October 15.

“We reflected on what makes us different and finally realized that our strength comes from our global nature. Four of our seven members are foreigners, so we can offer a more honest, cool and charismatic image compared to other groups.”

The members seemed more at ease during this interview, unlike they did during their debut media showcase held almost a year ago. Over the past year, the group has seemingly adapted to the K-pop idol lifestyle, with members who initially struggled with the language showing decent improvement in their Korean skills.

Seungmo also emphasized the benefits of having a multinational background, noting that they found harmony in their differences.

“Our chemistry is really special because of all the different cultures our members come from and I think fans and audiences would also find that especially charming,” he said.

“Compared to our debut, we have become much better at communicating with each other, which is shown in our performances. The foreign members have improved their Korean and we, the Korean members, have been studying English. Now, when we are together, our interactions are much more natural and we are more cohesive.”

Showcasing their distinct multinational appeal, AMPERS&ONE will release their new mini-album, “ONE QUESTION,” on Tuesday, marking their first musical comeback in seven months.

Jiho compared the new album to “bibimbap,” a popular Korean dish consisting of rice mixed with assorted vegetables, noting how the album reflects the members’ mix.

“While eating bibimbap on the plane (when we were) returning from an event abroad, I realized how much this album resembles the dish,” Jiho said with a smile. “All six tracks have their own distinct flavor, but together they create a delicious bibimbap that is ‘ONE QUESTION’.”

The album’s first single, “He + She = We,” perfectly embodies this concept. With its funky house beat, catchy rhythm and energetic melody, the song goes beyond the typical love formula, highlighting the idea that people can come together to truly complete each other.

The track was written and composed by CNBLUE vocalist Jung Yong-hwa, a senior artist at the group’s agency, who also guided the group during the recording process.

“He not only wrote and composed the track, but also directed us during the recording,” Seungmo recalled. “We were nervous at first, but Jung’s kind and detailed feedback really helped us improve. The recording was so fun that it felt like time flew by.”

With this new album, the members of AMPERS&ONE hope to solidify their identity as a group and leave a lasting impression on the public.

“The message of this album is ‘become one,’” Kamden said. “The title track is about how the fans and us members complete each other… The song has such a catchy melody that it’s easy for anyone to enjoy. We hope people listen to it and see what kind of group we are, leaving a lasting impression on many.”