PENTAGON have not had an easy trek through music.

Often faced with the setbacks of a revolving lineup of members (due to military service obligations and health-imposed breaks) and the hurdles of a competitive music scene, the nine-member group have definitely been through their fair share of challenges.

But, PENTAGON have never been the type to quit. Persistent and determined, the group has relentlessly pushed through the barriers that hinder them, using it to further fuel their climb to success. And, you get to see exactly that in their latest album IN:VITE U. 

IN:VITE U comes as their 12th mini-album across their six-year journey so far. Known for their vibrant and creative concepts, the new album sees PENTAGON—who, as a whole, comprises HUI, JINHO, HONGSEOK, SHINWON, YANAN, YEO ONE, YUTO, KINO and WOOSEOK*—under a whole new light. 

"We’ve gone through our contemplations and growth in music, and now we are more experienced and are older," JINHO tells Bandwagon. "This is a mature album that naturally followed that. You will be able to distinguish some differences compared to our previous work when you listen to it. So, I think it would be great if you compare them while listening to it."

The mini-album spans six tracks, each co-written and co-composed by the members. The lead single 'Feelin' Like' comes as an especially meaningful song for the group, being one of their most sonically experimental songs to date and also their first music show win with Jinho, who was previously away fulfilling military service. 

"It’s a very experimental song for our team song and for the title track but we won," says WOOSEOK. 

"I think it’s just a straight-up cool song," adds HONGSEOK. 

Looking back on preparing for their ever-elaborate stage performances and promotion activities, HONGSEOK jokes, "Throughout this album, the thing that was in my head the whole time was ‘You have to be good looking, you have to be good looking'."

"Keeping the angles [of the choreography] is the hardest part," adds YANAN.

"That’s why everybody worked so hard to lose weight. I can’t forget Yuto eating cup noodles on the day our promotions ended. I said, ‘Hey Yuto, you’re eating something?’ and he was like, ‘Yeah it’s over now'," says JINHO, with the rest of the members erupting in laughter. 

Beyond their first win with Jinho, you'll notice IN:VITE U marks a lot of firsts for the group.

As a K-pop act that's heavily involved in their songwriting and production, IN:VITE U comes as PENTAGON's first comeback without their leader HUI (who is currently completing his military enlistment) who often fronts the group's creative process. 

Regardless, like with the many challenges they've previously faced, the 'Daisy' hitmakers tackled it together, with each member making up for the absence of their fellow teammates—including YEO ONE who is currently recovering from recent physical injuries—in tenfolds. 

"Each of our identities and our thoughts has grown stronger. Before we definitely needed a person to lead but I think a lot about how our members would be able to maintain each unique colour," says SHINWON. 

"When the master songs came out and when I listened to them in sequence ‘Oh! This is a masterpiece!’ The probability is good and the flow is good. Each song’s point is so good, I wondered if there was an album that made me feel this way. [I remember it was when] I was on my way back to the company after my radio schedule, I felt so happy and my heart started pounding," he adds.

While IN:VITE U is PENTAGON's 12th mini-album, it's definitely only the mere beginning of a long line of projects they hope and plan to do together. The last six years may have not been easy for the 'DO or NOT' hitmakers but having each other definitely made their journey sweeter. 

When asked what dreams they still have for the group, JINHO was quick to say, "Until I’m 40, I would like to be together." But of course, in true brother-like fashion, this was met with playful remarks teasing the oldest member. 

"But, you have 9 years left then?" laughs KINO. 

All jokes aside, the group still hope to make music together whatever the future may hold.

"I watched Rolling Stones' documentary and even though they grew old, it meant a lot for them to get together and perform on stage. It meant a lot for them and also their fans, I would like to be like them," says WOOSEOK. 

"It’s cool. There are global singers who have been idols for over 20 years. Of course, we won’t be as organized as it is now but I think it's lucky to have friends like you guys with the same dream as I get older. So, I’m correcting it to 50; we are together till 50," adds JINHO.

In a message to their fans, who they lovingly call their UNIVERSE, HONGSEOK says, "Thanks to UNIVERSE, ‘Feelin’ like’ won 1st place and wrapped our promotion well. We are happy every day because we are receiving so much love, attention, and affection. With this in mind, we will hurry to prepare our next comeback so we can come back to UNIVERSE! We will be back with good music and performances, so please wait for us."

"Each member has a strong colour, so maybe we will probably do individual activities. And then, next time PENTAGON gets together, we would like to hear that we have aged well and that we have changed in a good way," adds YUTO. 

"Please give us lots of love, interest and look forward to us everybody. Thank you," says KINO. 

Watch our video interview with PENTAGON here. 

Listen to PENTAGON's IN:VITE U here. 

*This article previously omitted WOOSEOK in the rundown of PENTAGON members. It has since been amended.