Exclusive: K-Pop Group WAKER Opens Up About Their EP ‘SWEET TAPE’, Future Goals, And More

2024 has been a rich year for K-Pop fans. It saw the comeback of seasoned artists as well as the birth of new artists. New artists in K-Pop have managed to grab the hearts of fans with their powerful vocals, distinguished choreographies, and their wit and humor. One such group that made its debut early this year is WAKER. Managed by Howling Entertainment, WAKER is a six-member group comprising Kohyeon, Kwon Hyeop, Ijun, Leo, Seabyeol, and Sebum. The group made a powerful debut in January 2024 with their EP ‘Mission of School’ and its single ‘Atlantis’.

After the resounding success of their first album, WAKER made their much-anticipated first comeback in July 2024 with the EP, ‘SWEET TAPE’, and its title track ‘Vanilla Choco Shake’. Presenting their fans with a different side of themselves, WAKER put forward their sweet charms for ‘Vanilla Choco Shake’.

Their latest release is quite distinct from the debut song ‘Atlantis’, and WAKER wanted to showcase a summery vibe, as well as the members’ vibrant charm through ‘SWEET TAPE’. Elucidating on it, member Kohyeon said, “With this album we wanted to bring out the individuality and vibrant charm of each member. To make it musically appealing for the audience we focused on ‘Easy listening’ (genre) that can be easily enjoyed by the public.” Post the success of this summery sweet comeback, the group wants to try a completely different, “more wild or mature masculine” concept for their next comeback.

While WAKER has consistently tried to stir the hearts of their fans through their music, for member Kwon Hyeop, ‘Call my name’ is a song that all their fans need to listen to. “The lyrics of the song contain our feelings towards Sleeper (fanclub), so I would recommend you to hear it,” he said.

First of all we hope for many people to know about us, and we want to become artists that can fill out domes. And by integrating the individual charm and talent of each member we hope to become a group filled with various charms. – Saebyeol, WAKER

As a rookie group, the sky is the limit for WAKER, and all members are looking forward to growing themselves as individuals as well as a group. While Kohyeon wants to upskill himself in all areas of “music, acting, and entertainment to participate in various activities”, Saebyeol wishes to promote a song that he had made, and if given an opportunity, the idol also wishes to study music composition to grow himself. Member Leo has found himself with an affinity for the electric guitar and wishes to learn it properly, and Iijun wants to relive his school band days by being a part of a band again and is actively practicing the guitar to make that dream come true. After having participated as a lyricist for the ‘SWEET TAPE’ album, Sebum is looking forward to composing his own song.

Personally, I want to compose a song. This was my first time to participate as a lyricist through this album. I’ve thought about composing a song that best showcases my individuality. – Sebum, WAKER

As rookies, making a strong impression on the fans and industry experts is not always easy, but WAKER is determined to overcome all challenges to become a group that “gives ‘miracles’ and ‘hope’. Although we didn’t start from a good situation, as we grow and rise higher, we want to showcase WAKER’s growth and effort. I want to show people around the world the hope of WAKER, a group that worked hard to achieve their goals,” said Sebum.

We hope that when you look at us it will encourage you to never lose hope, regardless of the situation. Since all of Waker came together after so many trials and tribulations, we wish that this positive and hopeful energy will shine on all those supporting us. – Iijun

Much like the rest of us, the members of WAKER too unwind by watching dramas, and animes and listening to music. And the members revealed their favorite songs that they have on their playlists. For Kohyeon, (G)IDLE’s ‘Fate’ is a must-listen song, Kwon Hyeop is a fan of Kang Asol’s ‘Us in May Four Years Ago’, and Leo recommends Lucy’s ‘Unbelievable’. According to Saebyeol, the one song everyone should listen to is Rumble Fish’s ‘Smile Again’, because though “it may seem like an upbeat song, but actually, it’s a song that can bring a lot of comfort.” And like most new generation K-Pop artists, Sebum too is a fan of BTS’ ‘Best of Me’, while Iijun swears by The 1975’s ‘Sincerity Is Scary,’ and Gilbert O’Sullivan’s ‘Naturally.’

The members also shared their messages for their Indian Sleepers, promising to always give their best while asking the fans to continue cheering for them. Kwon Hyeop has been looking forward to meeting his fans and India and said, “For a very long time we had longed to connect more closely with our Indian fans, it is an honor to greet you all even in this way. I hope that there will be more opportunities for us to interact with you in the future as well.”

Leo and Iijun promised to try and hold a concert in India for all the Sleepers, while Iijun also shared his wish to try the local Indian curry when they visit the country. Saebyeol further added, “Hello! People might not know WAKER in India yet, but I believe that one day we will have the opportunity to perform and conduct activities in the biggest auditorium in India. Till then we will work hard so please support us.”

This time we are greeting you through the video and written interview but one day will hope to come see you and showcase our performance as well as our face. We really want to meet the Indian Sleeper’s as well. We will come visit for sure, so please give us a lot of love till then. Thank you for always supporting us. – Sebum, WAKER

Check out the music video of WAKER’s ‘Vanilla Choco Shake’ here.