DAY6 discusses hits, resilient return
DAY6, a rock band under the K-pop giant JYP Entertainment, has navigated a unique path in the K-pop industry, distinguishing itself with its members’ instrumental talents and heartfelt lyrics, despite their hiatus caused by military service.
Formed in 2015, DAY6 consists of four members — Sungjin on guitar and vocals, Young K on bass, guitar and vocals, Wonpil on keyboard and vocals and Dowoon on drums and vocals.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed significant challenges for the members, whose strength laid in live performances while traditional opportunities to showcase their music evaporated. Subsequently, with Sungjin’s enlistment in March 2021, the members entered mandatory military service one by one, putting the group on hiatus.
However, during this period, the band’s previously released track, “You Were Beautiful,” from the 2017 digital single album “Every DAY6 February,” began to garner attention. Not only did renowned idol groups offer shoutouts, but the song also steadily gained popularity through fan recommendations.
The title track “Time of Our Life” from the fifth mini-album “The Book of Us,” released in 2019, also underwent a similar trajectory.
Having garnered unexpected popularity during the hiatus, the band finally reunited in full after Wonpil’s discharge last November, signaling a resumption of activities as a complete ensemble.
In line with this, DAY6 is set to release its new album, “Fourever,” Monday. This marks the team’s return after three years since its last release, the seventh mini-album, “The Book of Us: Negentropy — Chaos Swallowed up in Love,” in April 2021.
During a lively interview with The Korea Times at a cafe in Gangnam District, Wednesday, the four DAY6 members attributed their success to their devotion to creating “timeless music.”
“Utilizing band sounds may have its advantages, but I think the direction of our music, which aims to be timeless, is the key to our success. It’s a sound that never falls behind, is not burdensome to the ears, and at the same time is uniquely charming,” Young K said.
The members also pointed out the importance of lyrics.
“I think lyrics that resonate with fans are the reason why our music continues to be sought after. We always write sincere lyrics. I think fans empathize with that sincerity,” Wonpil said.
The title track “Welcome to the Show” encapsulates the band’s signature poignant lyrics and acoustic band sound. Young K, a significant contributor to the creation of every DAY6 song, characterized the new track as the “ultimate anthem of life.”
“I aimed to craft a tune that would evoke joyful singing from everyone. Initially, the song’s theme revolved around the band and the audience harmonizing together. However, upon receiving advice from producer Park Jin-young to strive for a song with universal appeal, we aimed to encapsulate the notion of pouring one’s heart out in life and extending an invitation for everyone to partake,” Young K explained.
Sungjin also remarked on the contrasting energetic atmosphere of the new song compared to the nostalgic feeling of previous tracks.
“While our previous title tracks had a melancholic tone, this time we opted for a more upbeat song as the title track. As we return from our hiatus, I hope it exudes a welcoming and exhilarating vibe,” he said.
When asked about their sentiment on reuniting after military service, the members unanimously agreed that their bond had significantly deepened. Wonpil described the cohesion of the team during their first rehearsal after reuniting.
“It was our first rehearsal in a long time, but strangely, the hiatus seemed to fade away as the performance flowed naturally. After being together for so long, even if we’re physically apart, it didn’t seem to affect us much,” Wonpil said.
Dowoon, who enjoys fishing as a hobby, disclosed how Sungjin eagerly longed to reunite with the drummer while he indulged in his pastime during a brief military leave.
“During my break, I often went fishing. Then one day, Sungjin jokingly asked me if I was about to fish forever. It was evident he missed me greatly, so eventually, we arranged to meet,” he chuckled.
Despite the passage of time since the group’s last album release, the band’s aspirations for the new album remained modest.
“We originally didn’t anticipate achieving such success. Therefore, instead of setting lofty goals for this album, we simply hope it preserves the essence of our journey and leaves a lasting impact through the music,” concluded Sungjin.