On the heels of their fifth debut anniversary, C9 Entertainment’s EPEX has concluded their ‘Youth’ series with their seventh mini-album, ‘Youth: Epilogue’.’
The trilogy began with Youth Chapter 1: YOUTH DAYS back in 2024. Since then, the musical project has explored the multifaceted aspects of getting older and growing into adulthood—both the positives and the negatives.
The title track for this epilogue, “ECHO”, kicks with a mysterious organ riff that dissolves into a 2000s boy band groove. Followed by “BETTER DAYS”, “BOYS IN THE BAND”, and “Call it Love”, the mini-album is able to explore different sounds within four songs, while still delving into the acceptance of evolving past adolescence. Members BAEKSEUNG, AYDEN, and JEFF are credited as lyricists as well, allowing for the group to connect with listeners through personalized perspectives.
The Knockturnal had the chance to speak with EPEX about creating the EP, memories of their own youth, what they hope to convey to fans, and more (read below).
Photo Credit: C9 Entertainment
This interview has been edited for clarity.
This mini-album was released alongside of your fifth year anniversary of debuting, so by now, the seven of you have spent quite a lot of time together through these past few years. What is a fond memory or something that you’ve enjoyed about being with each other in this group?
AYDEN: First of all, thank you for the congratulations! We can hardly believe it’s already been five years since our debut. Over the years, the seven of us have made countless memories together, but I think our performances stand out as the most memorable. Our fan concert last summer was especially meaningful because we were able to share that moment with so many ZENITHs, and the energy in the venue was incredible. I believe experiences like those have shaped who we are today.
This epilogue is also the conclusion to your Youth series, so the final chapter of it. How do you feel like you’ve evolved as artists compared to where you were at the beginning of this series?
BAEKSEUNG: Throughout our Youth trilogy, I think we released so many great songs. For Youth: Epilogue, especially, we were involved in the creation of all the tracks, and I think that really reflects how much we’ve grown as artists and musicians.
AYDEN: I also think we’ve grown in terms of the messages we want to share through our music. Throughout our Youth trilogy, we explored themes like dreams and love. Now, we’re talking about learning to accept our anxieties and ultimately finding freedom from them. I think that shift reflects EPEX’s growth as musicians and individuals.
Speaking of your involvement in this, “ECHO”, the title track, had a really unique sound to it. I know some of you guys were able to work on the composition and execution of this song. It’s always cool to see artists involved in the production like that. What was that process like and what did you hope to convey with this song?
JEFF: As more experienced artists, we were eager to become more involved in the music-making process. We felt that participating in the music-making process would help us grow and improve as true artists, which is how it began. The message we wanted to convey is release, the idea of becoming free from anxieties and moving on from youth toward a fresh start.
A-MIN: Over the past five years, we’ve performed on countless stages and released many songs. Along the way, we’ve learned so much and spent a lot of time connecting with our fans. Through those experiences, we were reminded of what we want to show and communicate to them, which is why we were all excited to take a more active role in this process.
Photo Credit: C9 Entertainment
Building on those same themes that you mentioned, this epilogue marks a sort of transition point after the coming-of-age experience and having a stronger sense of identity, which can be a complicated thing for a lot of young people to figure out. Do you have any advice for today’s youth who might not have a lot of confidence yet or are still learning who they are?
WISH: I think these days, a lot of people spend lots of time worrying about how others see them. We wanted to share a message about breaking free from those expectations and moving forward at your own pace. There’s real value in living your life according to your own path, which is the message we wanted to convey through this album.
A-MIN: Our Youth series is ultimately about recognizing your insecurities and learning to believe in yourself. So I don’t think people should be afraid of going through uncertain or difficult periods in life. I think it’s important to have confidence in yourself and continue moving forward.
What is something that you wish you could’ve done in your own youth that you didn’t get the chance to do?
JEFF: Personally, I started training when I was in my first year of middle school, so I wish I had really gotten to enjoy a typical school life. If I could go back, I think I would spend more time focusing on school and making memories with my friends.
WISH: To add to that, I’ve always been curious about the college experience. Even though we’re still young, many people our age are currently enjoying college life. Seeing that makes me wonder what those everyday experiences are like.
Hopefully you can live through those experiences a bit through this team! Out of all the Youth chapters, including this epilogue, do any of you have one in particular that you like or perhaps resonate with the most?
BAEKSEUNG: Perhaps Youth: Epilogue, especially with the track “BOYS IN THE BAND.” The lyrics of that song reflect our story the most. For example, the lyrics describe our bright moments like confetti. They also paint a picture of all of us coming together and singing as one, which feels very true to who we are.
AYDEN: And especially because we wrote those lyrics.
And now that the Youth trilogy is finished, what are the genres or concepts that you guys want to try next?
A-MIN: During our previous Youth series, we had a B-side track called “Closer.” It was a song with a very strong band sound, and it ended up being one of the tracks on the album. Looking ahead, I’d love to try a title track that captures our bright and youthful energy with a band sound.
YEWANG: For the choreography of a future title track, I’ve actually thought about incorporating microphone stands. Personally, I enjoy performances that make use of props, so I think it would be cool to see how the members could use microphone stands as part of the choreography.
And before we wrap this up, do you have any final words for your ZENITH
MU: Our hiatus before this comeback was quite long, and throughout that time, our fans continued to support us and send us so many encouraging and loving messages, which gave us a lot of strength and meant more to us. It’s been about a week or two since our comeback, and I just want to say how grateful we are for all the love and support. We hope to continue making great memories throughout the rest of our promotion. Thank you!
AYDEN: We also have ZENITHs all around the world, and personally, I’m sorry we can’t visit each of you in person. But we’re hoping to meet more of our fans through various activities and schedules in the future. We also keep up with your messages and reactions on social media, so please continue sharing them with us!
EPEX will soon embark on their “ECHO” tour in Asia, with performances in Seoul, Tokyo and Taipei. Youth: Epilogue is now available on all streaming platforms, including the music video for “ECHO“.
