1VERSE Exclusive Interview: The Evolution of 'WABIF' The Wait is Over!
- lewishooper1
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
OUT NOW: 1VERSE officially enters the ‘WABIF’ Era — An exclusive launch day deep dive into their bold new sound and the journey to the top.
Lewis Hooper recently sat down for an exclusive look into the minds of 1VERSE just days before their massive comeback on January 21st, 2026.
From their ground-breaking debut to their new sexy drill sound, the 1VERSE members are carving out a lane that is entirely their own. Their latest single, WABIF (Wide Awake Before I Fall), is more than just a track—it’s a gritty exploration of resilience and finding light in the chaos. Let's take a deep dive into the minds of some of the most upcoming artists in the K-pop industry!
During their exclusive sit-down, Lewis Hooper wasted no time diving into the unique chemistry that defines 1VERSE. Dojeon Media was granted three questions to ask. Lewis Hooper kicked off the interview by diving into the core of the group's identity:
Your group name, 1VERSE, signifies individual 'verses' coming together to form a unified "universe". Given your vastly different backgrounds—from North Korea and Japan to the United States—what was the most surprising cultural commonality you discovered while preparing for your debut together?
The members admitted that they don’t spend much time looking for similarities; instead, they embrace their differences as their greatest strength. However, they found that their "universe" is held together by one undeniable commonality: a relentless passion and determination to cement their name in the industry.
"Our stories are very different, yet they rhyme," the group shared. "That shared drive is what helps us write. Even our tracks like 'Shattered' and 'WABIF' came together through a bit of luck and a lot of collaboration. We didn't start with a rigid concept, but by adding our individual touches to a shared timeline, we turned our diverse experiences into a unified sound."
Our stories are very different, yet they rhyme — 1VERSE
But the bond goes beyond the studio. To strengthen their connection, the boys have been spending their downtime building memories:
Arcade Rivals: They’ve developed a group obsession with claw machines, hitting the arcade whenever they have a free moment.
Buffet Dates: Nothing brings 1VERSE together like a trip to a buffet, where they bond over food and conversation.
The 5TARZ Connection: More than anything, they’ve cultivated a "loving bond" for each other and their fans, proving that heart and hard work are the ultimate universal languages.
Lewis then turned the conversation toward the group's creative evolution, asking:
Members like Hyuk and Kenny have taken an active role in songwriting, and Aito in choreography. As you move beyond your debut era, how are you working to blend your individual musical styles—from Nathan’s solo roots to 'Sexy Drill' and R&B—into a cohesive sound?
The members highlighted how their "hands-on" approach at a rising agency has allowed them to take the wheel:
Nathan revealed that his contributions go beyond just sound: "I’ve been able to use my background in graphic design to help with our album covers and sample cards. It’s been amazing to see that side of my creativity merge with the music." He also shared a full-circle moment: "EXO's 'Growl' is what originally got me into K-pop. Back in the US, I used to record tracks in my closet and perform them the very next day. Now, I’m bringing that same energy to 1VERSE."
Kenny added that their growth is fueled by their independence: "The great thing about being with a growing company is that we can be incredibly hands-on. While we had a lot of professional guidance at the start, we now have much more creative control."
Aito and Seok are also leaning into this freedom. Aito works closely with the choreography team to add the members' personal flair to every move, while Seok has begun opening up through songwriting—focusing on pouring raw emotion into his lyrics to ensure their future music resonates on a deeper, more personal level.
During the interview, Lewis addressed the group's powerful history, asking Hyuk and Seok:
You have both spoken about the profound challenges of your early lives and the courage it took to pursue music. Now that you have officially debuted and are connecting with your fandom, 5TARZ, what message of hope do you most want to convey to fans who feel their own dreams might be out of reach?
Seok shared a deeply personal reflection on his journey as Hyuk was absent from the interview:
"Before finding music, I actually studied to become a doctor, but I eventually realized it wasn't my path. Coming to South Korea meant navigating a completely new world; even though the language was the same, everything else felt foreign. I leaned on the advice of elders and friends to find my way. Looking back, those struggles didn't hold me back—they fueled my ambition to succeed. My secret is simple: hard work fueled by raw emotion. To our fans, I want to say: even when your dreams feel a world away, never give up. Your past is the fuel for your future."
Final Thoughts
Through a unique blend of global backgrounds and creative autonomy, 1VERSE is proving that their shared determination and raw storytelling are the keys to building a limitless "universe" for 5TARZ. Mark your calendars: WABIF drops January 21st @ 6 PM KST. Get ready to see why the world can’t stop talking about them.
Check out the full exclusive interview with 1VERSE! If you like the interview, remember to click, like, share, and subscribe!
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