Welcome to sunshine, good vibes, and your new favorite song: CATCH THE YOUNG’s latest single, “Ideal Type.” Consisting of five members – Sani, Kihoon, Namhyun, Junyong, and Jungmo — CATCH THE YOUNG are a group of all-rounders, each with one instrument and one mission: to bring youthful memories and happiness to their generation.
On an early East Coast morning and a late Seoul night, CATCH THE YOUNG spoke with EnVi about their most memorable behind-the-scenes moments, favorite lyrics, and what being a band in South Korea means to them.
Becoming Your Ideal
“Ideal Type” is a soundtrack to the summer as fresh as juicy watermelon and bright as the simmering sun. While CATCH THE YOUNG have explored lively themes in the past with “You, Always” and “Dream It,” “Ideal Type” can be put in its own category of sprightly songs. From the introductory guitar to Namhyun enthusiastically leading the rest of the instruments in with his voice, the track is full of life from the first second.
One factor that led to the enthusiasm circulating through the song is the innovation behind it. When creating every song, CATCH THE YOUNG aim to showcase themselves as a K-band that can “create performances that are fun for both the eyes and the ears,” drummer Jungmo perked up to say. Before finishing his thought, he added, “By adding choreography, we’re able to create stages that are not only musically engaging but also visually exciting, which I think is what really makes us stand out.”
But it isn’t just the group’s addition of choreography that makes the song a fantastic dance track. The single holds a consistent guitar, leaving there to be no room for a breath or a moment for it to waver into something slower. Along with the fast tempo, there’s a sparkling keyboard and bits of bass put on top of the bottom instrumentals, adding hints of sonic glitter throughout.
Epitome of Encouragement
The lyrics focus on the boys’ acknowledgment of not being perfect, but still striving toward an ideal. Though the meaning may hint at this being an ideal partner, the idea is general and widely optimistic. “With the song ‘Ideal Type,’ we hope listeners can enjoy it by imagining their own ideal type,” lead vocalist Namhyun brightly explained. “But at the same time, the title can go beyond just a person but also represent following and pursuing your dreams or hopes, which can give some encouragement to everyone.”
Later in the chat, he deepened this thought while speaking to his favorite moment in the song: the final chorus, when the narrator confesses to his ideal type. “If you listen to the earlier choruses in the first and second verses, the lyrics are, ‘Even I didn’t know you’re my ideal type,’ which conveys a sense of uncertainty.”
As he spoke, the other members nodded along in agreement, but stayed silent, letting Namhyun finish his thought. “But by the end, the narrator finally finds the courage to confess, which also gives us some courage and strength in real life as well. Since the narrator of the song is building up the courage to confess, I feel like it’s a part that can inspire listeners to be brave, too.”
From beginning to end, CATCH THE YOUNG have created a song that is as captivating as it is refreshing, with a familiarity, no matter the language or age of listeners. So when the song’s music video dropped and showcased the boys as students ready to shine when faced with love, it was the perfect nostalgic addition to the comeback.
Vacation Visuals
Embedded in “Ideal Type” is the group’s hope to not only make memories for their fans, but also for themselves. In the music video, the group can be seen taking the train to their vacation destination, convening on the school field to sing about their glowing daydreams, and enjoying the sun together throughout locations.
In between the dancing and effortlessly cool singing, a story is unraveling both in real life and in the world of CATCH THE YOUNG. While the characters are building their confidence, the members are building their connections.
“There was a scene we filmed at a countryside guesthouse where we ate watermelon together and chatted about random things. I thought that scene showed what youth really feels like and how those small moments can become a lasting memory in our lives,” shared guitarist Kihoon. He thoughtfully paused before continuing, “While we were filming, I also found myself thinking that this exact moment would become a memory someday, which made that scene more memorable.”
The memories they made weren’t the only memories present, either. To add to the bright nostalgia, leader and bassist Sani spoke about the filming location of the schoolyard being a place Namhyun used to go to play at when he was a kid. Suddenly, with a lot to say, Sani began spilling behind-the-scenes secrets about the making of the video.
“We also filmed at the guesthouse since it was a trip with friends. To be honest, the sunset scene wasn’t part of the original plan, but filming went later than expected, and it ended up fitting well.” Reminiscing on the moment with a boyish yet proud tone, he finished by saying, “I think we managed to keep that youthful and breezy concept throughout the video, and it matched the song perfectly. Although the filming was a bit tiring, I’m happy with how it all turned out.”
With youth brimming on the horizon and a juvenile joy dripping in every word of the track, the real question comes down to, who fits the concept best? Immediately, keyboardist Junyong chimed in, claiming the title. “I think it’s me. The lyrics of ‘Ideal Type’ are about having a crush, and I feel like that fresh, youthful vibe of experiencing first love suits me well.” The members of the group smiled around him, with Sani even adding the sly comment, “Sounds like you have a crush right now.”
As the boys teased him, Junyoung was quick to clarify, “It’s not like that! But if you look at the music video concept or the vocal style of the song, I feel like I pulled off the acting pretty well.” The members all agreed, and honestly, we have to as well.
Where to Catch Up with CATCH THE YOUNG
This isn’t the beginning of CATCH THE YOUNG, but it is the beginning of a completely new chapter for the group, one that will define the direction of their dreams and the perspective their fans hold. So what does this next chapter hold? Full of festivals and freedom, it isn’t something current or future fans will want to miss.
During EnVi’s time listening to the members, they clearly emphasized their shared target, but it seems they’ve made steps for themselves: building blocks to stack towards their highest purpose.
“We believe in building from the ground up. First, we want to make CATCH THE YOUNG known here in Korea as a representative K-band,” explained Jungmo. “Once we’ve laid that foundation, our goal is to expand globally and become a team that shares our unique color with fans all around the world.”
This summer, they will be working toward this dream while performing at multiple festivals across South Korea, including the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, the 2025 Jeonju Ultimate Music Festival, and the 2025 Sound Planet Festival.
Before it was time to say goodbye, the boys described their latest single and mood in three words: a prompt they were incredibly excited to answer. Immediately, Namhyun answered, “Energy,” resulting in Kihoon and Junyong joining him as the three synchronistically said, “Youth!” causing a fit of laughter from the whole group. Ultimately, they decided upon energy, youth, and first love, with Kihoon sentimentally bringing them all together.
“We hope that when people see us, it feels like falling in love for the first time, gaining energy as they watch our performances, and experience youth together with us.”
And suddenly, the laughter subsided, and instead, there sat five boys, ready to conquer their boundless dreams.
CATCH THE YOUNG are available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music. Make sure to stay up to date on all things CATCH THE YOUNG on their Instagram and TikTok.
Want more EnVi interviews? Check out our artist spotlight with Maya Kuriel here!
