CIX ‘Still Has a Lot to Show’

CIX was one of our 10 Best K-Pop Debuts of 2019. The fourth generation of K-pop, this dynamic boy band of five—BX, SEUNGHUN, BAEJINYOUNG (former member of WANNAONE), YONGHEE, and HYUNSUK—under C9 Entertainment makes and gives sensuous pop music with emotional clarity and topical issues steering their songwriting. Their flashy visuals, infectious energy, and catchy hooks often take center stage, but you love them most for what’s within their songs—a full spectrum of feelings—letting one go on an introspective musical journey. 

In 2019, CIX debuted with the EP Hello Chapter 1: Hello, Stranger. “Complete in X” (CIX) is all its members’ uncertainties embraced and rolled into a cohesive unit. Each song in the act’s catalog portrays the essence of that entity, spanning a variety of musical genres, from passionate and upbeat tunes to beautiful blues. Additionally apparent in their slick performances is CIX’s commitment to honesty and the expression of feelings more directly. “We pay close attention to the emotions used to convey each song, the overall tone, and small details to deliver the message in our music,” says HYUNSUK.

That’s admirable—CIX won’t ever back down from being committed to using music that will stir feelings of intimacy with the listener, a deeper bond, rather than mimicking patterns or adhering to a certain predefined concept. And that’s what I like about their songs—the honesty, raw emotions, and all the resonating elements adding to those deft vocal deliveries.

Tracks like “Movie Star” explore the pressures and demands placed on individuals in the spotlight. A contemplative song like “Numb” exposes youth concerns, the young who turn numb, departing what they want and dream of—CIX takes on themes of youth, change, finding oneself, and finding strength in weakness—also vocalizing a mature self in the very meaning of love—and the many feelings accompanying it—joy, anxiety, longing, pain, endurance, and inadequacy. 

0 or 1, the quintet’s brand-new single album, is a frank declaration of the consuming sentiment, featuring tracks that describe “the complex emotions of love.” CIX dropped the album in January 2024, eight months after releasing their sixth EP, OK Episode 2: I’m OK, the epilogue for the ‘OK’ series. “0 or 1 serves as a brief hiatus from our universe story that has been presented until our previous mini-album,” says BX. It’s distinct without deviating from what distinguishes CIX—deconstructing CIX without losing sight of its essence.

My following interaction with the band crystallizes that—the facets that define CIX, the soul of the band, the songs they’re putting out, and how together they’re moving ahead in a bid to show what they’ve got—a lot of which is yet to be shared.

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How did each of you make the transition from being where you were to where you are today?

BX: We have grown and changed a lot through various experiences, but I believe we still have a long way to go. CIX still has a lot to show that hasn’t been shared with the world yet. Just like we have evolved in many areas so far, we promise to present different sides in the future.

SEUNGHUN: Even though I find myself lacking as a vocalist, I think I have progressed a lot. A vocalist’s ability can improve drastically with a tiny difference, so I believe I have been and am going through constant changes by overcoming challenges and improving my skills.

With a slew of hit studio albums, EPs, and singles to date, I’d like to know some of your favorite songs that best encapsulate the essence of CIX.

YONGHEE: These days, I miss the first albums we released with our debut. Perhaps because those are our oldest albums, all the songs have special memories for me, and I think they carry our essence the best.

BAEJINYOUNG: I also think our debut track, “Movie Star,” represents our color as a group the most, which is why it is my favorite track.

Which music video did you like making the most?

BX: Honestly, it is very hard to choose one, as I had fun filming every single music video. It was always enjoyable to work on all music videos while imagining our fans, FIX, feeling happy after watching our work.

HYUNSUK: For me, it was “Jungle” because it had the biggest set, which remains in my memory vividly. It was an exciting shoot because I was surprised and mesmerized by every scene we filmed.

Is your approach to making music changing with the times?

SEUNGHUN: I am not composing actively just yet, but I try to incorporate various genres when I practice writing melodies.

BAEJINYOUNG: There would be different approaches based on the changes in time, but most of all, we like to try various challenges so we can present many sides of ourselves in every moment.

Tell me more about 0 or 1. The name is interesting, what is the significance of the title?

BX: CIX’s first single album, 0 or 1, serves as a brief hiatus from our universe story that has been presented until our previous mini-album, and it shares new music and charms of CIX. There are 2 tracks in this album, the title track “Lovers or Enemies” and “My Name Is Shadow.” As told through these songs’ titles, we decided to name this album 0 or 1 to represent the complex emotions of love in the most simple way of dichotomy.

In what ways being a part of CIX influenced your identities?

HYUNSUK: It was an interesting experience to film a teaser video with multiple languages generated by AI and to showcase various contents based on androids and humanoids in our concept photos, for instance. Musically, we tried something new such as a dance-pop that involves the use of retro yet stylish instruments. We still were able to carry the group’s unique color, so overall we are satisfied with the final result.

BAEJINYOUNG: The title track “Lovers or Enemies” shares the simple, direct expression of the most complex emotion, or love, while the B-side track “My Name Is Shadow” narrates about the dedicated love with poetic lyrics and dreamy music. With these two songs, we wanted to convey the unified message of the album.

I believe the bond between a band and its fans is precious. What are your feelings on this concerning FIX?

YONGHEE: I believe we’re maintaining a good relationship by constantly communicating, taking care of each other, and supporting and loving each other.

HYUNSUK: I think we have a deep connection because we have spent quite some time together. I consider our bond with fans to be encouraging because we always share many things from our daily lives with each other.

What has been your most memorable fan moment?

BX: For me, it was when we presented ourselves at our first debut showcase. I think it is especially memorable because I was both nervous and excited at the same time.

SEUNGHUN: I remember seeing fans who were waiting for me until the late night or early morning schedules, and I felt sorry and grateful at the same time. I am committed to showing better versions of myself by working harder.

What is the bigger picture you’re looking forward to?

BX: Starting with a concert in Korea, we will soon embark on our international tour. I’m very excited to meet our international fans again, and I cannot wait to show everyone our stage.

HYUNSUK: We’re about to have a concert and a tour, and I hope we can conclude those successfully.

How do you feel about the explosive rise of the Korean wave as K-pop idols, and what do you think maintains K-pop’s appeal?

SEUNGHUN: I think it is a meaningful and gracious moment because we can share our music with a larger audience. Also, I believe K-pop’s charm and popularity lie in its grand performances that provide amazing visuals to enjoy.

BAEJINYOUNG: I’m just forever grateful that many people are supporting and loving us! I think K-pop’s biggest strength is its diversity in music and charm.

What distinguishes CIX from your industry peers?

YONGHEE: First of all, we’re all on the taller side. Also, each member’s charm is very unique, and we can create a fun, new charm together as a group. Last but not least, our music is very good too.

HYUNSUK: I think we have a synergy that is completed by the collaboration of each member’s charms, and it is something very special and unique.

Can we see you perform in India anytime soon?

BAEJINYOUNG: We cannot share specific details just yet, but we hope to communicate with our Indian fans in person when a good opportunity arises. Thank you always for loving and supporting us from afar.

Any message for your Indian fans?

BX: Dear FIX in India, we’ll visit you with better performances as soon as possible, so please stay healthy and wait for us just a bit more! Love you.

SEUNGHUN: Hi Indian FIX! Whenever we can, we’d love to visit you and perform for you, so please wait a little bit longer! Love you always.