A group that chooses the beauty they desire rather than conforming to predetermined standards—XLOV, K-pop’s first genderless and gender-free idol group.
“What is the version of myself that I truly love?” XLOV has built its own artistic world around this question through music and performance. Rather than fitting themselves into predefined expectations, the members freely express the beauty they have chosen for themselves. Since their debut, this philosophy has remained consistent, expanding beyond music and performance into a new form of self-expression.
In their latest pictorial, XLOV showcased their signature expressive acting, captivating gazes, and graceful poses reminiscent of elegant dance lines, bringing each concept to life in their own unique style. Throughout the shoot, the members displayed natural chemistry, effortlessly moving between pure, ethereal moods and playful, lighthearted moments while revealing their diverse charms.
Their recently released second mini album, I, God, marks the fourth chapter of the group’s ongoing narrative that began with their debut. The album tells the story of XLOV’s journey from incomplete beings experiencing imperfect love to ultimately becoming “God” by finding completeness within themselves. Promotions for the new album concluded successfully with enthusiastic support from fans.
Reflecting on the comeback, HYUN said, “This promotion seemed to pass by faster than any of our previous activities. We barely had enough time to sleep, and everything felt like it ended so quickly. Of course, I wish we could have done even better, but more than anything, I want to tell all of us that we really worked hard,” he said with a smile.
Leader and producer WUMUTI described the new album by saying, “This album asks people, ‘Aren’t you struggling with the same questions and pain?’” He continued, “The story XLOV has been telling isn’t just our story—it could also be yours. That’s the message we wanted to convey.”
At a time when much of today’s K-pop market favors short, highly addictive songs, XLOV deliberately chose a longer song structure featuring prominent bridges and soaring high notes. WUMUTI admitted that he initially wondered whether the composition might feel less commercially accessible. However, he explained, “Considering the message we wanted this album to deliver and the voguing-inspired performance we challenged ourselves with, we believed this structure suited the project best. We had many concerns, but creating the album was incredibly enjoyable.”
For the first time since debut, the album also features unit tracks. WUMUTI and RUI collaborated on “Extancy,” while HYUN and HARU performed “HIPS,” with each unit presenting a distinct musical identity that has been well received by fans.
Speaking about his partnership with WUMUTI, RUI said, “WUMUTI and I have similar heights, shoe sizes, and even similar preferences when it comes to dance lines, so we synchronize details very quickly. The styling for our unit performance of ‘Extancy’ also received a lot of positive feedback, making it especially memorable.”
Performing “HIPS” alongside HYUN, HARU shared, “Before my debut, I had focused exclusively on hip-hop. I was excited to finally have the opportunity to show that side of myself to our fans, and I was truly happy that so many people gave it their love,” he said with a smile.
HARU, who also participated in writing the lyrics for “HIPS,” explained, “We wanted to express our own sense of style along with a distinctly Gen Z vibe. We included playful references, such as ‘Pikachu,’ because we wanted the lyrics to be fun and entertaining for listeners.”
The message XLOV hopes to deliver through its music is clear: trust yourself rather than the opinions of others, and choose the version of yourself that you truly love.
When asked which song they would recommend to people who hesitate to embrace what they love because of other people’s expectations, both HYUN and WUMUTI selected “One&Only.” HYUN explained, “It’s not simply an upbeat and sexy song. It carries the message that you are one of a kind in this world.” WUMUTI added, “As the title suggests, the song represents being one and only. We wanted to emphasize that every one of us is truly unique.”
Known for his wit through YouTube original content and appearances on programs such as Hong Seok-cheon’s Jewel Box, HYUN said he would like to appear on reality competition shows including Bloody Game, The Genius, and Crime Scene. “I enjoy watching survival programs not only from Korea but also from overseas,” he said. “I’d love the opportunity to participate myself and discover what I’m truly capable of.”
Having majored in dance, RUI shared his approach to preparing for performances. “I record videos of myself frequently so I can monitor every detail,” he said. “I’m the type of person who keeps practicing until I’m completely satisfied with my performance,” demonstrating his exceptional passion for the stage.
Finally, WUMUTI shared his aspirations for the future. “I want to honestly express the beauty I experience in every moment, along with the music, performances, and styling that I genuinely love,” he said. “I hope EVOL and XLOV can continue writing the same diary together—sharing the same moments, growing older side by side, and building lasting memories.”
Meanwhile, XLOV will meet fans during its 2026 Asia Tour Seoul concerts, scheduled for July 18 and 19 at Blue Square WON Banking Hall in Seoul. Following the tremendous enthusiasm generated by the group’s European tour, anticipation continues to grow for the next chapter of XLOV’s journey and the unique stories the group will continue to tell through its music and performances.
(Photo Credit: bnt)
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