Ready to fall dangerously in love? Four members of OMEGA X (Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, and Yechan) have come together to form the group’s first subunit OX:N. They have released their new mini-album N this past June, almost seven months after OMEGA X’s last release To. in November 2024. These four are showcasing a whole new side as OX:N by diving into more mature sounds and concepts about love. Wearing their suits and ties, OX:N sat down for a roundtable interview where EnVi had the opportunity to learn more about the members’ new journey as a subunit.
N = Infinite Possibilities
Undeniably committed to their craft, the members of OX:N revealed the passion and effort they poured into crafting music that represents the best versions of themselves. “The most memorable moment was when we had our very first tea time to talk about the unit,” Jehyun fondly recalled. “It was our first meeting where everything began.” From that moment, the quartet began to have many more conversations and discussions as a group to figure out the type of creative direction and image they wanted to take on as a subunit. They aim to preserve their distinct identity while creating a stronger version of themselves as OX:N. Jaehan, who leads both the subunit and OMEGA X, shared his sentiment: “OX:N was formed with the hope of bringing all eleven members of OMEGA X back together,” he said. “We believe that by staying strong and true to our identity, we can hold that space until the full group returns.”
Coming back stronger than ever, OX:N are here to deliver a new era. Intentionally curated, the ‘N’ from their group name not only signifies the Roman numeral IV for the four members, but also the unknown number n. This represents the infinite possibilities the group strives to explore together as both a subunit and with OMEGA X as a whole. Indeed, embarking on a new chapter does come with adjustments. The group shared their thoughts on the differences between operating as a team of four versus eleven.
Yechan and Jehyun shared similar thoughts about stage presence. It was easier to fill the stage as eleven, but now as four, they continue to think of ways to make their performances feel dynamic and complete without the notable absence of the other members. “Performing as four has its own charm and strength, but coming from doing it with all eleven, I miss the other members and feel their absence,” Jehyun said. Jaehan mentioned feeling a stronger sense of responsibility when leading the subunit. “‘If I don’t do it, no one else will.’ That shift has made me take more responsibility, and I think that mindset pushes us in a better direction,” he said.
Despite any challenges and adjustments, Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, and Yechan put their best foot forward and put out into the world their special project. N, their first album as OX:N, dives into the different forms of love and how it’s expressed. “Rather than expressing it through just one perspective, we wanted to explore it through different metaphors,” Jaehan highlighted. “That way, listeners can interpret it in their own way and connect with it more personally.”
Drawing from Greek mythology, iconic legends like Justin Timberlake, and even silly chats that sparked ideas, OX:N pulled inspiration from many places to shape their album. Xen shared his enjoyment of watching dramas and movies in his free time which helped him with brainstorming ideas for their concept. “When deciding on outfits, settings, or the overall vibe of a song, I found a lot of inspiration from the films, dramas, and books I’ve experienced, and that definitely played a helpful role,” he explained.
Different Forms of Love
Setting the tone for the album, the first song “SUIT&TIE” slips into a suave and slightly seductive mood, blending notable basslines and percussive beats. Poised and polished on the outside with a tailored fit, it’s nothing compared to the inner turmoil caused by helplessly falling in love. The flirtatious lyrics capture a perspective of being hypnotized and overcome by beauty and love, they have no choice but to give in. “When I first heard the song ‘SUIT & TIE,’ it was Yechan who played it for me, and I immediately said it was amazing,” Jaehan said, adding that “SUIT&TIE” was his favorite track. “It matched the image I had of OX:N perfectly, which is why I was so drawn to it from the start.”
Taking a turn from love to heartbreak, “LET ME IN” sheds light on deep regret that follows a break up and wishes for another chance at falling in love again. As the bridge goes, “Don’t let me way too long / Then I lose my mind.” Their vocals are soft yet declare their emotions of anguish and resilience, continuing to carry their message. Xen, who had a hand in the composition of the track, commented on his favorite line from the song. “The title and phrase ‘LET ME IN’ itself feels very direct. I think it’s a straightforward way of saying, ‘Let me into your heart,’ which hits home for listeners, making it stand out for me,” he expressed.
The album closes with the pop rock track “CAUSE OF YOU,” capturing the surge of emotions sparked by reuniting with a romantic interest after time apart. It also acts as an appreciation letter to FOR X, their fans who have stood by the members of OMEGA X through their toughest moments. “I’ve always believed that we should never forget the gratitude we owe to our fans. Whenever I read their letters, those emotions hit me deeply,” Jaehan, who was involved in the track’s composition, arrangement, and lyric writing, heartfully shared. “It reminds me that being loved like this is something I should never take for granted, and that I need to keep living with gratitude and always return this to them.”
Waiting For You
Their fourth track “ORPHEUS” is inspired by the Greek mythological story of Orpheus and Eurydice. The story of these lovers defy dimensions as Orpheus goes to the Underworld to find and reconnect with his greatest love, Eurydice. The song expresses the same sentiment with heartfelt lyrics and nostalgic beats that echo for a lost love. No matter where or the circumstances, the love will never fade. Lyrics like “I’ll find my way to you,” and “I, I’ll do, do anything for you / Babe, would you stay еxactly where you are?” tap into the essence of Orpheus and Eurydice’s story of endless devotion.
Channeling the spirit of the early 2000s boyband era, OX:N’s title track “YOU” is all about one’s dedication to love. There’s no use in fighting against growing feelings of love and OX:N are showing their listeners to follow their hearts. This song is a funky, retro melody that continues to convey a different side of devotion. “Why don’t ya tell me it’s love, nothing left to lose / ‘Cause giving it all never felt so easy,” they sing. Just when you think you can’t get enough of their charm, the music video shows the quartet’s attempts to win their love interest over, like baking, choosing the right outfit, and singing with a guitar. Their choreography nods to the Y2K era as the group effortlessly brings back the iconic energy and style that define classic boybands.
Evolving Together
OX:N are just getting started. As they continue to promote as OX:N, they hope to do many more performances and plan for a tour where they can reconnect with their fans again. “I think there might have been moments where fans felt a bit of longing or disappointment, so moving forward, we want to make sure there’s none of that. We’ll do our best to make everything we do feel like the most exciting and fulfilling part of the day, like having a favorite hobby,” Yechan affirmed. “We want to be artists who always bring joy and satisfaction through performances.”
The quartet are committed to their evolution as artists and continue to ambitiously work towards their goals as a subunit. Though the rest of OMEGA X could not join them, they are hopeful for their future. “We’re all cheering for each other and doing our best in our respective places, hoping that one day we’ll be back together as OMEGA X again,” Jaehan assured.
N is available for streaming on Spotify and Apple Music. For more OX:N and OMEGA X content, make sure to keep up with them on their Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube!
Interested in more releases in Korean music? Check out our interview with K-band CATCH THE YOUNG here!
