K-pop sensation Enhypen has made a triumphant return after a 10-month hiatus with their much-anticipated album, “Dark Blood.” The seven-member boy band showcased their talent and style during a comeback showcase held in Seoul on Monday, captivating fans with their hauntingly captivating visuals.
Contrary to the eerie theme of their new album, “Dark Blood” is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and love towards their dedicated fan base, known as Engenes. The members acknowledged the unwavering support they received from Engenes during the challenging times of the pandemic, emphasizing the deep connection they feel with their fans. Sunghoon expressed, “This album represents our gratitude for Engenes through the story of a boy.”
The release of “Dark Blood” marks the end of Enhypen’s longest break since their debut. The album arrives 10 months after the release of their third EP, “Manifesto: Day 1,” in July 2022. Reflecting on the past year, Jungwon, the band’s leader, shared, “It was a meaningful year for us. Despite the break, we embarked on our first world tour and had the honor of attending various prestigious award ceremonies. We even had the incredible opportunity to attend our first-ever fashion show.”
In a groundbreaking moment for K-pop, Enhypen became the only South Korean representatives invited to Prada’s 2023 fall-winter male collection fashion show in Milan. This unprecedented invitation demonstrated their global appeal and established them as trendsetters in the industry. Moreover, the band achieved a significant milestone by successfully concluding their first world tour, titled “Manifesto,” in February. The tour featured 22 shows in 13 cities across the United States and Asia, with Enhypen becoming the fourth-generation K-pop group to hold a dome concert.
The invaluable experiences gained throughout the year have greatly influenced Enhypen’s music, leading them to embark on a new series called the “Blood” series with their latest album. Comprising six vampire-themed songs, including the title track “Bite Me,” the album portrays messages of love and connection. The lyrics of “Bite Me” narrate the story of a boy who discovers his deep bond with another person through blood, showcasing the group’s versatility and growth. Heeseung and Ni-Ki actively contributed to the creation of the song, with Heeseung directing the vocal recording and Ni-Ki crafting the main choreography.
Since their debut as the seven winners of the 2019 Mnet survival program “I-Land,” Enhypen has captivated audiences worldwide. Their first album, “Border: Day One,” propelled them to stardom, and their subsequent LP, “Dimension: Dilemma,” achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a million-seller in just one year. Building on their success, the group’s third EP, “Manifesto: Day 1,” achieved two million-seller status with its impressive sales figures.
Looking ahead, Enhypen remains steadfast in their pursuit of growth and artistic evolution. Ni-Ki expressed their aspirations, stating, “We aim to continue advancing as artists and reaching a wider audience. We hope to embark on another world tour and share our energy with Engenes all around the world.”
With its release on Monday at 6 p.m., Enhypen’s fourth EP, “Dark Blood,” is poised to captivate fans and solidify the group’s position as one of K-pop’s rising stars.
