The group ICHILLIN' has returned with a new album that will cool down the summer heat.
ICHILLIN' announced their glamorous return to global fans with the release of their fourth mini album 'WILD CHERRY' on the 31st.
'WILD CHERRY' approaches listeners with a familiar yet fresh sensibility, marking the starting point of a new chapter for ICHILLIN', and it will be an album that naturally reveals their matured stage manners and charm.
The title track 'XL(Extra Love)' is an R&B dance-pop song that metaphorically likens the sweet and addictive feeling of love to XL-sized Extra Love, expressed through a groovy rhythm, immersing listeners in the depth and excitement of emotions that are hard to escape once you fall in.
In addition, a total of four songs are included in the album, such as 'Appetizer', which likens the excitement of love beginning to a sensory flavor, 'Glass Heart', which contains a bold message of believing in the transparent strength felt inside and moving endlessly forward, and the remix version of the title track 'XL(Extra Love)', where you can check ICHILLIN's bubbly tone and charm.
ICHILLIN, armed with even deeper maturity and a stronger charm, introduced their new album 'WILD CHERRY' through a Q&A.
Below is the full Q&A regarding ICHILLIN's fourth mini album 'WILD CHERRY'.
Q. What are your thoughts on coming back with the new album 'WILD CHERRY'?
A. (Lee Ji) It's an album that we all put a lot of love into, and I'm really excited and happy to finally be able to show it to our fans, Willing, on stage.
Q. What kind of song is the title track 'XL(Extra Love)', and are there any points to listen for?
A. (Jackie) It's a calm yet hip song that expresses the excitement of love unique to ICHILLIN'. It features a different vocal style compared to previous songs and captures ICHILLIN's voice that feels nostalgic and whispery. I recommend listening to it loudly while driving or on a light walk.
Q. What are the viewing points for the performance of 'XL(Extra Love)', and can you explain the key choreography?
A. (Cho Won) It's a calm song, but the hip choreography creates a harmonious performance that is not boring, which is the viewing point for the 'XL(Extra Love)' performance. You should pay attention to the choreography that expresses the key lyrics 'XL' and 'Extra Love' with our fingers.
Q. If you had to express the new album 'WILD CHERRY' in one word or sentence, what would it be and why?
A. (Ye Joo) I want to express it as an unbreakable, solid love. The songs in this album made me realize hope and preciousness once again during the listening and recording process. Especially, the lyric 'solid glass heart inside me' from the included song 'Glass Heart' resonated with me deeply.
Q. Is there a charm or strength unique to ICHILLIN' that you want to showcase through 'WILD CHERRY'?
A. (Ji Yoon) Through the title track 'XL(Extra Love)', you will experience ICHILLIN's matured charm that has been saved up until now, and through the included songs, you will feel ICHILLIN's bright and refreshing energy.
Q. Is there a reaction or description you want to hear regarding 'WILD CHERRY', or a goal you hope to achieve?
A. (Chae Rin) For this album concept, each member has a fruit they represent, and I hope that when you think of the fruit, you think of ICHILLIN', and when you think of ICHILLIN', it triggers thoughts of the respective fruit. Specifically, I feel particularly close to cherries among various fruits, so I hope ICHILLIN' is the first thing that comes to mind in cherry festivals.
Q. With the upcoming 4th debut anniversary in September, how do you feel?
A. (Juni) I can't believe that ICHILLIN' is already four years old. We've released about twenty songs during this time, and I know that's not an easy feat, so I want to express my gratitude to many people. We will continue to work hard, so please keep an eye on us!
Q. Do you have any special episodes or memorable moments during the album preparation process, such as recording, photoshoots, or music video filming?
A. (Jackie) At the music video shoot, I had the chance to ask foreign participants right on the spot to join the 'XL(Extra Love)' challenge. I remember practicing hard and happily filming for the challenge.
Q. Please say a word to your fans, Willing, who have been waiting for ICHILLIN's comeback.
A. (Lee Ji) First of all, I want to thank Willing for waiting so long. I will fill the time that was hard to endure because I missed you with happy memories!
A. (Juni) It's our first comeback in 2025, so thank you for waiting. Thanks to Willing, I think I'll be able to enjoy this activity happily!
A. (Cho Won) Since this album is filled with our affection and sincerity, please listen to it a lot. We are making a comeback in the hottest month of 2025, so let's enjoy it hot together, Willing!
A. (Ye Joo) It was a long wait for our comeback, and I'm so grateful for your support always by my side. We will give strength to our tired Willing during this hot weather, as we have worked hard in preparation. Thank you!
A. (Ji Yoon) It was a long wait, right? I missed you. Since we are meeting again during this hot summer, let's create another unforgettable memory together. I appreciate you and love you always!
A. (Chae Rin) It has been so hot, hasn't it? I'll do my best to make the heat go away and fulfill the worth of waiting. See you soon!
A. (Jackie) Thank you so much for waiting. We returned with meaningful and good songs, so let's enjoy it together!
[Photo] KM Entertainment
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