K-Pop boy group xikers shows signs of becoming industry veterans. As a unit, they radiate confidence and enthusiasm, and even though they are only two years into their careers, they have consistently pushed themselves to excel with each new release.
The group made their first overseas trip in 2022 when they were called KQ Fellaz 2, opening for their label seniors ATEEZ. Both groups share a unique underdog narrative in the industry, quickly establishing a reputation for their exceptional performances. Members MINJAE, JUNMIN, SUMIN, JINSIK, HYUNWOO, JUNGHOON, SEEUN, YUJUN, HUNTER, and YECHAN possess skills akin to professional dance teams and share a group chemistry that enables smooth teamwork. Additionally, they feature talented lyricists and skilled vocalists, making their live shows incredibly engaging.
Having just released their fifth EP, ‘HOUSE OF TRICKY : SPUR’, the group has now embarked on their second world tour, Road to XY: Enter the Gate, equipped with their most demanding setlist yet. This tour includes member JUNGHOON, who returned from a nearly two-year hiatus due to a knee injury. CLASH met the group backstage in New York City to discuss their second world tour, recent album, and the process of building their artistic identity as fifth-generation idols.
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NK: Welcome to New York, everyone! Is there anything specific you want to do while you’re in the city this time?
MINJAE: I’ve heard that cheesecake is a signature dish in New York, but I haven’t tried it here yet, so I want to give it a go.
NK: What are some of your must-have travel items for those constantly on the go?
SUMIN: I recommend propolis spray for my throat.
MINJAE: That's because he’s always shouting.
SUMIN: I do always shout!
HUNTER: I think an adapter is essential since we encounter different plugs for chargers wherever we go.
YUJUN: Shin rameyon! Korean food!
JINSIK: I have sensitive skin, so I need to bring my shower filter to ensure my skin stays healthy.
NK: Do you have any amusing travel stories to share?
SEEUN: YUJUN always misplaces things!
HUNTER: Just the other day, when we arrived in the US, YUJUN was trying to take a photo of a Pokémon-themed airplane and accidentally dropped his phone. It fell from the third floor to the second floor, so the staff had to help him retrieve it.
NK: Is your phone alright?
YUJUN: Yes, it's fine!
NK: You’re here for your second world tour, and you've prepared many new performances for international fans. From your first tour, is there anything you've learned that you hope to improve on this time?
MINJAE: Every song in this setlist is very energetic, and we trained intensively for it. The opening section—‘XIKEY’, ‘Red Sun’, and ‘Oh My Gosh’—is particularly intense, so we knew we had to take care of ourselves during the tour. Each member made an effort to work out and rest well, which I believe is crucial.
NK: I recently watched your videos for hello82's YouTube channel, and the members showcased impressive vocal skills! Which song do you consider xikers' most vocally challenging, and why?
SEEUN: I’d say ‘Moonwalk’. It’s our new song—our first fan song—with beautiful lyrics, and it’s fun to perform.
MINJAE: Plus, it has many high notes, making it quite challenging.
SEEUN: And he nailed it! [points at MINJAE]
NK: If you could choose just one song from xikers’ discography to listen to for the rest of your life, which would it be?
The members respond enthusiastically, agreeing on ‘Moonwalk’, ‘TRICKY HOUSE’, and ‘Break a Leg’, with HUNTER also mentioning ‘Supercalifragilistic’.
MINJAE: That topic is always tough—choosing the most representative song for xikers.
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NK: That leads me to my next question! If someone asked, “What is xikers' brand?” which song would you choose to represent you?
This time, the members unanimously select ‘TRICKY HOUSE’.
NK: Congratulations on celebrating your second debut anniversary in March! Reflecting on your journey so far, what has been the coolest experience or accomplishment for you?
JINSIK: We filmed some content, and I had to do bungee jumping. I’ve never feared heights, but it was terrifying at that moment [shivers].
SEEUN: I think concerts are always a highlight. We recently performed our first show for this tour in Seoul, and it went wonderfully.
HUNTER: It was amazing.
NK:
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K-Pop boy group xikers displays the qualities of seasoned industry professionals. Together, they radiate assurance and intense enthusiasm, and even though they have only been active for two years,