There are groups that are born as projects, others as strategies, still others as responses to a ferocious market. And then there are those who seem to arrive for repair something — a void, a silence, a sudden interruption of the emotional line that binds an artist to his story. The OX:N belong to the latter category. They are a sub-unit, of course. I’m a musical experiment, okay. But above all they are a bridge: between what OMEGA A bridge, yes – but never a substitute and this unit was created precisely to safeguard continuity while the history of the group continues, transforms and resists.
And in this gesture – apparently simple, profoundly necessary – there is all the intelligence of a project that does not want to replace, but to expand; he doesn’t want to close a cycle, but keep it alive until everyone can write it together again.
The OX:N they do not shine for quantity, but for the quality of their presence. Four voices, four melodic lines, four ideas of the world that fit together as if they were born to find each other right here, in the year in which K-pop began to ask itself again what it means to grow up without losing its spark.
Jaehan brings the solid calm of someone who holds the weight of things and does so without needing to declare it; Xen has that architectural imagination that transforms every arrangement into a precise gesture; Jehyun guards the gentle strength that becomes a supporting column without ever dominating; Yechan embodies a conscious freshness that doesn’t ask for space, he creates it naturally. Together, the four work not as a sum, but as a system: each is necessary for the other for the project to breathe.
You can feel all this inside “N”their first EP, which is not just a debut but a declaration of intent. YOU opens the curtain with a luminous sincerity, like an invitation to look beyond the first layer; SUIT&TIE shows their rhythmic, sculpted and confident elegance; LET ME IN glides with that precision that belongs to things thought well and felt better; ORPHEUS sinks into an unexpected maturity, revealing a more introspective side that they are not afraid to explore; CAUSE OF YOU closes the circle with a new, collective intimacy, declaring that vulnerability is a strength when shared.
It’s an album that breathes like them: compact, mature, courageous, but also surprisingly soft at the points where the music allows you to slow down.
Here’s why the OX:N they don’t want to fill a silence, but transform it. Theirs is not a step to occupy a void, but to give it shape; it’s not a run, but a listen. They don’t ask permission: they build the space. They are a story of resistance, yes, but also of mutual care, of a shared identity that does not belong to just one person, but to the entire group.
An artistic but also human choice: continue without interrupting, advance without separating, guarding the trajectory of OMEGA while it widens, deepens, keeps alive. It is an acceptance of responsibility towards their history and towards their companions, a gesture of loyalty that becomes musical language.
The OX:N they are what happens when a project is not created to replace, but for hold up. When four artists decide that growing up is a common responsibility — and they succeed, together, with a maturity that seems to come from afar and a freshness that never stops renewing itself.
Panorama spoke to them.
OX:N are finally here! For those who are now approaching the group, how would you present this sub-unit and what distinguishes it from the complete OMEGA X activities?
JAEHAN: OX:N is a group that creates and presents diverse music and performances. We will continue to take on new challenges and share good music consistently.
YECHAN: OX:N is a team that performs with the aim of connecting with audiences in a more natural way. Being fewer than OMEGA X, we can better highlight the individuality of each member. Furthermore, our strength lies in the fact that we compose our songs ourselves.
OX:N quickly returned with a new digital single, “LOVE +”. What kind of vibe did you want to bring this time compared to the debut EP, “N”?
XEN: The members participate in the creation of OX:N’s music, so we wanted to highlight our strength: naturally incorporating our thoughts into the music.
YECHAN: While “N” had a more retro vibe, “LOVE+” offers trendier beats and choreography.
“LOVE +” is simultaneously groovy, nostalgic and dreamy. How did the concept of rediscovering love after a broken heart come about?
XEN: When I first heard the beat, I immediately thought of the melody and the chorus lyrics, “Add even more love to me.” I hope listeners imagine a scene from a movie or drama while listening to “LOVE+”.
The track uses the vocoder in a very unique way. Why did you choose to play with this sound?
XEN: I really liked the rhythm when I heard the beat, but something seemed to be missing, so I added vocoder effects. I think it filled the track well, even though right up until the end I debated whether to keep them or remove them.
Xen — you contributed composition, lyrics and chorus. What emotions or personal stories did you pour into “LOVE +”?
XEN: I worked on this song with producer ByHVN, so I had a bit of an ambition to finish it with just the two of us. It would be nice to know that “LOVE+” sparks listeners’ imaginations, like when reading a book.
Jaehan — as a leader, how did you guide the group through this second release while maintaining the momentum after the debut?
JAEHAN: We thought it was necessary to continue to offer music and performances for fans who are waiting for new works from both OMEGA X and OX:N. At times we were tired, but the continuous support and faith of the fans allowed us to move forward.
Jehyun — what part of “LOVE +” affects you the most emotionally?
JEHYUN: I would say the phrase: “For me you are still a flower that never fades”. I see myself a lot in that way of describing the scent and beauty of love, which are never forgotten, even when time passes.
Yechan — you said you’re excited to try new musical endeavors. What genre or style do you want to explore first?
YECHAN: I still love rock, and I’ve noticed that there are a lot more nuances within the genre today. I want to try to combine rock and hip-hop well.
You worked again with producer ByHVN, who collaborated with Stray Kids, Super Junior’s Ryeowook, BOL4 and aespa’s Giselle. What was the creative process like?
XEN: “LOVE+” was initially created about a year and a half before release. Now it has a stable sound as a band track, but I personally wanted it to have a more comfortable feel, so I remember working on the arrangements and changing some melody lines myself. After many steps and discussions with ByHVN, it was decided to release it as a dance track for OX:N, and I think it turned out very well in the end.
OX:N have already met fans in Tokyo, Osaka, Macau and Shanghai. What is your favorite memory of performing abroad?
JAEHAN: Everywhere we go, I always hear the same thing: we love having passion and pure support sent directly to us.
XEN: Whether we meet our FOR X in Korea or abroad, their energy is always unique. Regardless of the venue, presenting joyful performances always creates a good memory for me.
JEHYUN: It’s always memorable to perform with our fans abroad.
YECHAN: For me, the most recent memory is the fan concert in Osaka. I was a little tired physically due to my busy schedule, but thanks to the fans’ passionate encouragement I found an energy I didn’t even know I had.
How different is it performing as a four-piece compared to when there are eleven of you in OMEGA X?
YECHAN: We can’t do such big choreographies, so we try to focus more on sharing the live experience with the audience, and I think this allows us to connect with them better.
Your music so far balances retro Y2K vibes with something fresh and modern. Do you feel that this duality represents OX:N’s identity?
JAEHAN: Truth be told, I don’t think we’ve shown our distinct identity yet. But we are on our journey to find it, continuing to take on new challenges, and when we find it, the journey itself will be the best description of who we are.
JEHYUN: I think OX:N can be defined as a band that is never afraid to try new things.
YECHAN: I also think we are a team that does what we feel in the moment. We are individually influenced by the music we have loved in the past, and as a group we manage to create something new that brings different inspirations.
Fans say “LOVE +” is a healing song. Was this your goal from the beginning?
XEN: Yes — “LOVE+” is a dance track, but I always wanted listeners to feel comfortable and refreshed every time they listen to it.
Would you like to come to Italy for a concert or a fan meeting? What’s the first thing you would do here?
JAEHAN: I would love to visit Italy! If I came, I would just wander the streets. I’ve never been there, so I want to absorb the atmosphere and air of the country well.
XEN: I would really like to visit Italy. I would like to try good food and enjoy the atmosphere by simply walking.
JEHYUN: Absolutely. I’m a fan of Italian cuisine, so I want to taste local food.
YECHAN: I visited Italy briefly when I was little and remember that the climate and food were great. After meeting our Italian fans, I want to go to the best pizza and pasta restaurant.
After your debut as a sub-unit, do you feel more confident as individual artists too?
JAEHAN: At first there was more pressure, but now I feel more responsibility in my work. Being a member of OX:N helped me grow and have more confidence.
YECHAN: Now there are more things to think about. For example, in OX:N we each have longer parts in the songs, and spending a lot of time discussing our direction made me reflect on myself too. Hopefully I can process all of this as we move forward.
In a word, how would you define yourself within OX:N right now?
JAEHAN: Confidence — because I think I have to believe in myself in order to give confidence to my fans.
XEN: +(plus) — because I want to become a singer who improves every day.
JEHYUN: New challenge.
YECHAN: Grey.
