Sometimes, the good guys aren't the heroes. In their latest mini-album, DRIPPIN shows that villains also have the power to save the world.

Dark, brooding, and mysterious, the K-pop group are stepping into a whole new side of their artistry with their new record, Villain, straying away from the bright and light-hearted concepts we've seen from the seven-piece so far.

Comprising Hyeop, Yunseong, Changuk, Dongyun, Minseo, Junho, and Alex, DRIPPIN first debuted in 2020 with their mini-album Boyager. Growing up from the lost boys they were over a year ago, the 'Nostalgia' act is finally settling into themselves, growing up through their music and alongside their fans they lovingly call DREAMIN. 

"[We've] grown up! We want to show our various charms, from cute to sexy and tough," said Minseo. 

Following the release of Villain, Bandwagon caught up with DRIPPIN to talk about entering the world of K-pop, growing up together, and putting together their mini-album Villain.

Let’s start from the beginning, what were some of your earliest memories of music?

Yunseong: Mine was copying Se7en and Rain’s dance and songs when I was 7 years old.

Donghyun: During our childhood days, my older sister liked K-pop and so I listened to many K-pop songs since I was a child.

What motivated each of you to pursue being a K-pop idol?

Minseo: I wanted to be an idol because I like to be in the centre of attention.

Alex: I’ve been exposed to K-pop since my childhood but I became interested in being an idol after listening to songs by BIG BANG, B.A.P, and BTS and watching their stages. I think that they're cool.

During your training, what were some of your favourite memories? 

Dongyun: What I remember the most is when I looked around the practice room and our company’s building for the first time.

Junho: When I first started being a trainee, I went to the amusement park with the members. We ate and rode the rides, it was really fun. If we have a chance, I’d like to do it again! The most challenging part was when I made an appearance on a broadcasting program.

[📸] 220127 Mnet #엠카운트다운 🖤

오늘도 드리밍 맘에 불 지른 드리핀🔥

저절로 뿜어나오는 마성의 매력에💫
홀린 듯 따라가 도착한 이곳은 천국😇#DRIPPIN #드리핀 #Villain pic.twitter.com/mRRRcumFf0

— DRIPPIN (@DRIPPIN) January 27, 2022

You debuted back in October, what was going through your heads when you finally get to share your music with your fans and the world?

Hyeop: It was an amazing and happy experience to be able to share our music with people all over the world; so I thought that DRIPPIN should become a group that gives a positive influence and give better music and performance!

Minseo: We’re really thankful to all our fans and we’ll practice harder to show you a better performance.

What’s been the most exciting part of being an idol and being in a group together?

Yunseong: Performing in a music show is fun! During the showcase, we got to perform in front of DREAMIN, and I really enjoyed it.

Changsuk: Whenever we’re together on someone’s birthday or on holidays, we will eat together while chatting and laughing. It’s really fun.

[📸] 220128 DRIPPIN(드리핀) 3rd Mini Album [Villain] 발매 기념 Video Call Event📱

매일 드리밍이 주는 사랑으로
행복이 가득한 하루를 보내는 드리핀❣️
모두 좋은 밤 되시고 드리핀 꿈 꾸세요🌙#DRIPPIN #드리핀 #Villain pic.twitter.com/KHnZqvbIIK

— DRIPPIN (@DRIPPIN) January 28, 2022

You just released your third mini-album, Villain. Could you tell me more about the record?

Junho: 'Villain' is also our lead song with a cool and irresistible charm that compares the passionate heart toward a goal to a villain. It tells the story of all 7 members that fight against the mysterious forces with our superpowers!

Alex: ‘Villain’ is a song that compares the passion for running toward the goal to a villain. It’s a song where you can see DRIPPIN’s never before seen powerful performance, so please show a lot of interest and love!

What was the process like preparing for this comeback? Is there anything new you are all learning while preparing the mini-album?

Yunseong: First of all, the villain concept I thought of has a dandy and cool feel so I watched a lot of videos fo the Joker. I paid attention to what kind of expression he makes and the kind of atmosphere he creates.

Changuk:: Everything feels new while preparing for Villain. From the song feel, dance style, everything is new so I learned everything from scratch to be able to express that 'villain' feeling.

What message do you hope your fans get from the mini-album?

Dongyun: We want to show that DRIPPIN can pull off various concepts.

Minseo: That DRIPPIN has grown up! We want to show our various charms, from cute to sexy and tough.

What’s the best part of being in DRIPPIN?

Hyeop: Each and every member of DRIPPIN are such good people, and I think that I’m so lucky to be able to be in a group with these good people.

Alex: I’m so happy to be able to be happy together with all the kind members and DREAMIN.

What are some of your goals for the group?

Yunseong: DRIPPIN’s goal is of course to win first place, then to go abroad and communicate more diversely with DREAMIN. We also want to continue to grow steadily.

Junho: For everyone to be healthy, and for the public to see us as a cool and healthy group. So, we’ll be a group that can shine together for a long, long time! 

Lastly, do you have any messages for your fans?

Changuk: DREAMIN, DRIPPIN made a comeback with a completely different concept! Using this Villain album as an opportunity, we’ll try our best to show DREAMIN many concepts that you’ve wanted us to do, so please look forward to it and we wish you a great 2022!