CIX (씨아이엑스) is a four-member K-pop group under C9 Entertainment, consisting of BX, SEUNGHUN, YONGHEE, and HYUNSUK. They officially debuted in 2019 with a name that stands for “Complete in X,” reflecting the idea that while each member may carry their own uncertainties, together they become whole as one.
On September 8, the group released their 8th EP, ‘GO Chapter 1: GO Together’, featuring four songs— ‘S.O.S,’ ‘UPSTANDER,’ ‘환상 속의 그대 (IN MY DREAMS),’ and ‘니가 궁금해 (WONDER YOU).’ Each track weaves a distinct narrative, adding depth to the group’s conceptual framework and musical evolution.
In an exclusive interview with Namaste Hallyu, CIX opened up about the creative journey behind their latest EP, reflecting on their musical growth, group dynamics, and how this latest chapter ties into their ever-evolving discography.
Their latest EP also marks the beginning of a new album series continuing the ambitious storytelling CIX has become known for. Building on the foundations of their earlier ‘HELLO’ and ‘OK’ series, ‘GO Chapter 1: GO Together’ draws inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s ‘Divine Comedy.’ Acting as a narrative bridge, it explores ideas of sin, salvation, and love, tying together threads from CIX’s past storylines.
Reflecting on this connection, YONGHEE noted that if their current journey were to align with one stage of Dante’s work, it would be ‘Paradiso.’ He explained, “We’re having so much fun promoting this album, and we never stop sharing laughter in the green room, filming set, everywhere!”
Offering further insight into the creative process, the group’s leader BX, who co-wrote and composed three tracks including the title song ‘WONDER YOU’, described the experience as creatively fulfilling. “Since this album is closely related to our lore, I got a lot of inspiration from that story’s [Divine Comedy] details,” he said.
That creative energy carried over into filming the music video for ‘WONDER YOU’, which the members fondly remembered. With a laugh, HYUNSUK recounted, “I felt really shy when all of us took off our shirts and worked out, but at the same time, it was the funniest moment. I think it came out great in the music video, though!”
The members also reflected on how each song in the album connected with their personalities. YONGHEE chose ‘S.O.S’ explaining that he finds real joy in “helping others whenever necessary.”
My favorite track is ‘S.O.S,’ but if I compare a song to my personality, I think ‘WONDER YOU’ could best represent me. I wonder about everything with my curious nature!
-BX
SEUNGHUN, also choosing ‘WONDER YOU,’ added, “I consider myself quite bubbly and curious about many things!” Meanwhile, HYUNSUK resonated with ‘UPSTANDER,’ playfully noting, “One of my charms is becoming very serious when I have to be.”
Among the four tracks, ‘UPSTANDER’ holds special significance within CIX’s discography, serving as a counterpoint to ‘Bystander’ from their second mini-album ‘HELLO Chapter 2. Hello, Strange Place’. While ‘Bystander’ conveyed guilt in avoiding others’ struggles, ‘UPSTANDER’ emphasizes the value of stepping forward and leaning on one another.
If you take a look at the titles only, you’ll notice that these two songs are very different from each other, and we thought they could actually highlight the contrasting messages from each other even more. Also, I believe you could focus more on CIX’s music if you compare both songs’ lyrics.
-HYUNSUK
Building on their discussion of standout tracks, SEUNGHUN suggested that new listeners begin with their debut song, ‘Movie Star’, adding, “In my opinion, it is the most sophisticated and sexy song in CIX’s discography. It’s also easy to sing along to the melody!”
Beyond the music, the members opened up about their group dynamics and off-stage chemistry, which naturally spills over into their performances. YONGHEE, often described as the group’s calming presence, remarked, “I think I’m in charge of balancing the team’s energy with such energetic members. In addition, we’re just comfortable around each other off the stage, and that actually creates good energy and chemistry on the stage or screen that our fans enjoy a lot.”
SEUNGHUN added, “We always try to create the best energy together and avoid doing things that each member does not like. I think it’s our small but important rule to care for each other to all be happy.”
This sense of connection extends into their daily life as well and the members offered a glimpse of the same. While SEUNGHUN spoke about how he takes care of his voice with simple practices, like staying hydrated and staying away from the heater during winter, YONGHEE reflected that regardless of the career path he might have chosen, he would still approach life with joy and dedication. BX, meanwhile, imagined what a CIX variety show might look like: “I imagine it to be something that showcases our chemistry as a team, similar to our previous content. I think we have the most synergy and many fun events when we’re all together.”
Even with demanding schedules, the members still find time for personal hobbies. BX recently picked up running, though he admitted with a laugh,“I actually bought a bag, a new pair of shoes, and a knee protector, but I can’t go for a run as much during the promotion period, so I think I’m starting to lose interest in it now.” SEUNGHUN continues to enjoy playing soccer, saying it’s probably his “forever hobby,” while HYUNSUK, who has acted in dramas such as ‘The Chairman Is Level 9,’ ‘Fall for You,’ and ‘Best Mistake Season 3,’ shared that he’s been watching a lot of series lately to study and practice his acting skills. “These days, I’m watching ‘You and Everything Else’,” he added.
These days, with a lot of schedules, I fall asleep right away without looking at my phone at night. It’s my new skill!
-YONGHEE
When asked how they would spend a free day, BX said he’d spend time with his dog and younger brother, Badoo: “I feel very comfortable whenever I’m with Badoo.”
The members even playfully discussed exchanging roles within the group. YONGHEE and HYUNSUK both expressed interest in trying rap and trading places with BX, who laughed that he enjoys his current role as leader and rapper, because he loves “rapping and taking care of others.”
If given an opportunity, I’d like to be a leader. I always liked being a leader since I was young, so I’d like to lead CIX once, too.
-SEUNGHUN
HYUNSUK, the group’s youngest, also reflected on how their bond has strengthened over time: “To be honest, rather than keep feeling that I’m the youngest in the group, I think I’m becoming friends with my members over time because they are so friendly and make me feel very comfortable.”
As the interview came to a close, CIX expressed their heartfelt appreciation for their fans. BX expressed his wish to meet Indian FIXs in person, sharing, “We hope that day comes soon! Please stay healthy and wait a bit more until the day we meet. Love you all!”
With ‘GO Chapter 1: GO Together,’ CIX continues to build their intricate musical universe, blending bold concepts with heartfelt storytelling. Through its rich themes and layered narratives, the group reaffirms their dedication to creating music that resonates with depth and meaning.
Photo credits: C9 Entertainment
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