Seventeen continues to innovate the way its 13 members interact musically, extending beyond the group’s official vocal, hip-hop, and performance sub-units. In recent years, new duos and sub-units like BSS (DK, Hoshi, and Seungkwan), JxW (Jeonghan and Wonwoo), and HxW (Hoshi and Woozi) have surfaced. On September 29th, S.Coups and Mingyu shine as CxM with the release of their mini-album ‘HYPE VIBES’. This project invites listeners to embrace the moment, delve into emotions, and create shared experiences with fans.
Featuring six tracks that span hip-hop, pop, rock, and EDM, the album not only highlights the chemistry the duo has developed over years of performing together but also showcases personal aspects that might be overlooked in a larger 13-member group.
The core of the album is based on a straightforward philosophy: to live entirely in the present. For S.Coups, this entails approaching each day with intention. He tells Clash: “I aim to maximize every day, ensuring I remain consistent and accomplish my tasks without procrastination. For me, it’s about putting forth my best effort toward whatever is in front of me with intention and authenticity.” Mingyu perceives life as a collection of moments, each accompanied by its own soundtrack. “The music I choose correlates with the moment—whether I'm exercising, feeling down, uplifted, enjoying wine, or having a beer. Every instance brings its own vibe, and music helps us connect and relate on a profound level.”
This mindset also influences their daily lives. S.Coups, as the leader of Seventeen, emphasizes the significance of small gestures: “Recently, I’ve found that working out has increased my energy and maintained my rhythm. Spending time with those close to me, especially our members, strengthens me since we’ve been together for so long and see each other daily. Even after a challenging day, a quick game of badminton with them helps me finish on a lighter, happier note.” Conversely, Mingyu prefers to express the human side behind his upbeat persona: “I believe I’m someone who stays in tune with my feelings. People perceive me as very positive, but I simply try to remain true to my emotions. I experience ups and downs, having days when I feel off or particularly sensitive (laughs). However, I strive not to let that affect me or those around me, while keeping our energy bright,” he shares.
Creating without constraints
The creative process behind ‘HYPE VIBES’ reflects the organic nature of their collaboration. “We didn’t assign roles specifically. Since we have similar tastes in music and style, we began with casual discussions about everyday topics. We would share ideas like, ‘Wouldn’t it be better to do this part this way?’ and things progressed naturally from there. In fact, some lyrics stemmed directly from our daily conversations, making the entire process feel effortless and fluid,” S.Coups explains. Mingyu remembers their commitment to detail: “We focused on so many aspects and couldn’t overlook any sound or lyric. We listened to tracks thousands of times, making numerous revisions. Sometimes the main theme emerged spontaneously, while other times it evolved as we listened to the track—it was a blend of various inspirations.”
Among the songs, some hold special significance. S.Coups emphasizes ‘Fiesta’: “It’s a track that I believe CARATs and those familiar with us envisioned how we would sound. I enjoyed it so much that I even considered it for the lead single. The chorus, in particular, is a section I really cherish and take pride in.” Mingyu draws from a moment with Green Day in Mexico: “One of the tracks is called ‘Young Again’. At a Green Day concert in Mexico, the lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, said something that resonated with me: ‘Put down your phones for just one moment and enjoy the stage—this moment won’t come again.’ That left a lasting impression and inspired the initial lyrics of the song.”
Lead single and musical variety
The single ‘5, 4, 3 (Pretty Woman)’, featuring artist Lay Bankz, reinterprets the classic ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ by Roy Orbison, infusing it with a lively disco vibe. The track evokes strong feelings of irresistible attraction through a direct and modern approach, broadening its appeal to an international audience. For S.Coups, balancing respect for the original and their own identity was a challenge: “The process was indeed demanding, but I think the final result showcases a wonderful blend of classic sounds and our present energy. I considered our parents and how the song resonates across generations—they came together, creating a legacy, and we grew up reinterpreting the song they adored. That mindset guided us during our work. As a reimag
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Seventeen keeps finding new ways for its 13 members to engage musically, extending beyond the group’s designated vocal, hip-hop, and performance units. Recently,