WAKER made a dazzling return with a "well-made" new release.
The group WAKER (WAKER, Gohhyun·Kwonhyup·Lee Jun·Rio·Saebyeol·Sebum) released their mini third album In Elixir : Spellbound today (the 8th) at 12 p.m. on various online music sites and began full-fledged comeback activities. This new release fills nine tracks—the scale of a full-length album—and properly showcases their reputation as a "genre restaurant." At the same time, this album is even more special as it coincides with WAKER's second anniversary today (the 8th).
Below is the full Q&A with WAKER, who has taken a new leap with their mini third album.
Q. How do you feel about returning with a mini third album at the start of the new year 2026?
We think it's a meaningful chapter that opens the start of 2026, so we're excited and feel a great sense of responsibility. Since people will begin the new year with WAKER's music, we want to show even better stages.
Q. What message does this mini third album In Elixir : Spellbound convey?
It's an album expressing an irresistible emotion, especially the moment of "falling in love." We put the flow of emotions—slowly seeping into someone and before you know it being unable to escape—into the broad concept of an "elixir." We hope WAKER's music and stages become that kind of "elixir."
Q. What kind of song is the title track "LiKE THAT," and how did the members react when they first heard it?
"LiKE THAT" is a song about searching for love within intense energy. It's highly addictive, so we were eager to let fans hear it quickly. Also, because it's a funky sound WAKER hasn't tried before, all the members reacted that it would be challenging and fun.
Q. If there's a most captivating killing part or point choreography, what would it be?
I think the chorus is the killing part. It's a sexy feeling WAKER is showing for the first time, so I think many people will like it. I also hope people pay special attention to the dance.
Q. Among the three concepts—street, all black, and dandy—if you had to pick the best concept?
All the members overall liked the all-black outfits best. We think it's the concept that best reflects WAKER's new image.
Q. The visual film's staging, where the heart rate rises to 124 bpm, is impressive—when was the moment your heart actually raced the most?
It was probably the first shoot of this music video. The scene set in a shop was the first scene. At that time, all the members' heart rates probably rose to 200 bpm.
Q. Among the tracks of various genres, is there a song you feel particularly attached to?
[Gohhyun, Sebum] "Drop Out." Sebum created the choreography himself for the first time, so the song is more meaningful and dear to us. We'll show it through a good opportunity, so please look forward to it.
[Kwonhyup, Rio] "Lucid Dream." My favorite song often changes with each album, but on this album the emotional tracks are especially to my liking.
[Lee Jun, Saebyeol] "Sugar Crush." The part that goes "Sweet like chocolate fondue" is really addictive. It's a good song to listen to when you want to feel comfortably happy.
Q. Is there a reason you include nine tracks on each mini album?
We think the more tracks there are, the more we can show on stage. Above all, we wanted to present various genres with our voices.
Q. Through this promotion, what kind of evaluation would you like to hear from fans around the world?
A hardworking group. We hope people recognize that we keep developing year after year. We'll work hard to make that happen, so please watch over us.
Q. In 2026, your third year since debut, is there a goal you especially want to achieve?
We want to hold a solo concert under the name "WAKER." Also, we hope it's not just a year with many activities but a year that remains memorable.
Q. Please give a new year greeting and a final word to Slippers (the fandom) who waited for your comeback.
[Gohhyun] Thank you so much for waiting so long. Please take care of us in 2026 as well, and I hope only happy things fill your year. Happy new year, and I love you.
[Kwonhyup] It feels even more special to start 2026 together. I hope this album's music stays in Slippers' hearts for a long time.
[Lee Jun] I hope the new start of 2026 becomes an amulet for everyone reading this.
[Rio] We've returned with great music to match the wait, so please look forward to it. I hope the start of 2026 also begins well with WAKER.
[Saebyeol] We'll work to become an even cooler and prouder WAKER, so please continue to support us.
[Sebum] WAKER has come back really blazing and cool this time. Please watch the stage with firm hearts. If Slippers hadn't been there, this comeback wouldn't have happened. Always thankful and love you lots.
Meanwhile, WAKER will perform the title track "LiKE THAT" on Mnet's M Countdown airing today at 6 p.m., followed by KBS2's MUSIC BANK on the 9th, MBC's Show! Music Core on the 10th, SBS' Inkigayo on the 11th, and others.
[Photo] Provided by Howling Entertainment
[OSEN]