Boy Band Mirae tries out new concept in album 'Boys will be boys'

Boy band Mirae, once known for its futuristic concepts, returned with a new image for itself in “JUMP!,” aiming to be the friendly, basketball-playing boys next door. “JUMP!” is the lead track of Mirae’s fifth EP, “Boys will be boys …

Boy band Mirae poses during a showcase for its latest album ″Boys will be boys″ at the Yonsei University Centennial Hall in Seodaemun District, western Seoul, on Wednesday. [RBW, DSP MEDIA]

Boy band Mirae, once known for its futuristic concepts, returned with a new image for itself in “JUMP!,” aiming to be the friendly, basketball-playing boys next door.

“JUMP!” is the lead track of Mirae’s fifth EP, “Boys will be boys.”

The boy band held a showcase at the Yonsei University Centennial Hall in Seodaemun District, western Seoul, on Wednesday ahead of the album release to talk about their latest upcoming album.

“Our first three albums were focused on being futuristic: We were going to Mars. But from our last album, we focused more on the concept of harmless, refreshing boys,” Lee Jun-hyuk explained.

Lee Jun-hyuk, who injured his leg during the shooting for the song's music video, remained seated throughout the showcase. He will not participate in the band’s promotion activities to instead focus on his recovery, his agency DSP Media said.

“This time, we turned into sporty yet approachable boys that you could find next door […] I think we are an idol group that fits perfectly with the sporty concept,” Lee Jun-hyuk said, adding that some members enjoy playing basketball during their downtime, just like in the album concept.

“'JUMP!’ is an addictive song: When you listen to it once, you’ll never forget it,” Lien said. “The song is rhythmical, just like how a basketball would dribble around the court.”

Seven-member boy band Mirae debuted in 2021 under DSP Media with its first EP, “Killa.” The band consists of six Korean members — Lee Jun-hyuk, Yoo Dou-hyun, Khael, Son Dong-pyo, Park Si-young, Jang Yu-bin — and one Japanese member, Lien.

Lee Jun-hyuk and Son Dong-pyo are known for their appearance on Mnet's 2019 boy band auditioning program "Produce X 101," in which Son came in at sixth place in the final contest, making his debut as a member of the project boy band X1.

Mirae last released its fourth EP, “Outrun,” in February 2022, followed by a special single “Snow Prince” in December 2022. “Boys will be boys” is the boy band’s first album release since all seven members turned 18, as Mirae was already preparing for their future releases.

“Even our youngest member [Jang Yu-bin] is over 18 now, so we can finally pull off a sexy concept. Who knows? Maybe you’ll see it very soon!” Khael said with a laugh.

Mirae’s fifth EP “Boys will be boys” was released Wednesday at 6 p.m.

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]