TEMPEST: The Super Rookies of 2022

After pulling off a flawless 2022 K-pop debut, all eyes are on the youthful boyband TEMPEST (@tpst__official) and it would appear that their consistent prosperity is simply a hint of what’s to come for the skillful, down-to-earth group. 

When we first encountered TEMPEST back in March through the mini album, It’s Me, It’s We, people of all ages quickly gravitated towards the well-balanced attributes at the core of the versatile group and their compelling debut single “Bad News”. Operating as the group’s age-appropriate somewhat retro-pop intro to the industry, TEMPEST’s unified comprehension of music became an immediate safe, welcoming space for listeners, with thoughtful song stylings across It’s Me, It’s We catering to the unique skill set of all seven members. 

With regard to impeccable talent and personality, every contributing voice that manufactures the group’s essence plays an immediately irreplaceable role – ultimately indicating that TEMPEST’s diverse ensemble has everything required to go the distance and evolve into respected K-pop legends. In the months that followed a whirlwind-like launch, TEMPEST’s mainstream popularity organically surged, leading to several appearances on music programs, variety series, virtual concerts, and more, as well as inevitably creating anticipation surrounding their next move. 

Now, as TEMPEST takes that next step, the group has dropped their first comeback album, SHINING UP with the title track, “Can’t Stop Shining”, our rather high expectations have been met with absolute artistic perfection. With SHINING UP out now, we had the wonderful privilege of choosing TEMPEST our next Vanity Teen digital cover group, speaking to the juggernaut-rookies about every bold step of their inspiring journey so far. 

You’ve been together for less than a year now and have already reached a stature that proves you’re a natural rookie-of-the-year contender! How would you sum up your thoughts and feelings on the past several months?

LEW: We were able to make it because iEs [our fans] are with us and all their support is so precious and we are ever so grateful. Whenever we make good results, we are always thankful and think about how we can repay them for the amazing support they give us. So, winning the Rookie-of-The-Year award and giving the honor to iE is our goal.

When you released your first EP, It’s Me, It’s We, it moved just shy of 100,000 units! That’s sincerely remarkable, so some major congratulations are in order! How did you initially react to the news, and do you remember how you found out?

HYEONGSEOP: Although it was our debut album, we were amazed and pleased that 100,000 of our albums got sold… And this has pressured us in a good way. We feel that many people love and support us and this motivates us to work harder, meet expectations and run boldly towards our dreams.

“Bad News” is impossible not to love and seized the attention of so many listeners! It’s energetic, catchy, well-produced, and really plays up every member’s individual capabilities, which is reflected by its 20 million views. How would you say that song has changed your life/perspective as a singer?

HYUK: First of all, thank you so much for loving “Bad News.” The love and positive energy has given TEMPEST a lot of motivation, which made us think, ‘Let’s show that we can do better and show how cool we are in the next album!’ We prepared a lot for this comeback. 

Each song you craft offers different pieces of TEMPEST, however the final track “Bad At Love” is such a flawless sleeper hit! What b-side addition to SHINING UP would you say feels like it has the most potential to captivate listeners?

TAERAE: I think it’s “Only One Day” because the song gives a warm feeling with a mellow vocal of TEMPEST and our confession towards iE. Since this song is dedicated to iE, it is even more meaningful.

The concept of the cover shoot and your overall album theme is just absolutely sensational, and perfect for the peak of summer! What were some of the highlights of getting to go full-on bright and engaging for the visuals of this SHINING UP era?

EUNCHAN: We tried to put both “cool” and “mature” charms of TEMPEST into this album. So I would say “Reverse charm” is the key point of the album. Following the song “Bad News” which has aspiring and energetic vibes, there will be more various charms that we can show throughout the album.

I would imagine that moving into your first comeback must have helped ease some of the nerves you faced when dropping It’s Me, It’s We! Now that you’re able to return even more focused, how would you describe the recalibrated sound of TEMPEST?

HWARANG: TEMPEST is back with the second mini album, ‘SHINING UP!’ This album features a cool summer vibe and talks about youth in our own way, which is very refreshing and intense! You can also enjoy TEMPEST’s youthful energy which is expressed by light.

When you first filmed the music video for “Bad News,” the group was still very fresh. Obviously, you’ve become closer and have gone through a lot since then – so did that change your comfort level when it came to filming new content for SHINING UP?

HYUK: While shooting the music video for “Can’t Stop Shining,” we went to a beach that’s far away from Seoul for the first time. We went to the beach and had fun. We danced and encouraged each other whenever we were tired, and I think we got closer through the filming process.

Your group has such a perfect blend of personalities, making TEMPEST represent a unique, standout team! How would you each say your personality has grown or changed since joining the group?

HYUK: After I became a member of TEMPEST and when our team debuted, many fans were very interested in us. Because of this, I started to pay close attention to tiny little dance moves and considered how I could show better performances to our fans. I am sure that I will never stop thinking about ways to show my great side to our fans iE.

LEW: After our debut, I feel more responsible both on stage and off stage. On stage, we practiced and worked hard to make a better performance, look better, and sound better. And off stage, I’m sincerely thankful to our staff who always works hard for us. We always try to work hard to show a good performance. And lastly, we are always thankful and love our IEs. We will try to grow from A to Z for iE so they can be proud of us. 

HWARANG: Personally, my style was far from bright. So, I was worried about whether I could deliver TEMPEST’s bright energy through the debut song “Bad News.” But as time passed, I thought I was getting closer to the concept we’d been aiming for which makes me practice harder. Please look forward to our continued intense energy!  

TAERAE: I think my heart and mind have grown throughout my time in TEMPEST. I now understand some of the differences in everything. Also, my mind has developed professionally. I believe that I am definitely growing into a better person than before.

HYEONGSEOP: Ever since I met our members, I have become more positive. No matter how tired I am, I can concentrate on practicing again when I hear our members’ laughter and feel their vitality. Before all this, I got easily exhausted. 

HANBIN: I feel I am no longer lonely after joining TEMPEST. TEMPEST is another family to me. Despite being the oldest, I get a lot of help from my members. My personality style is not to be negative. I try to spread my positive thoughts and energy when I’m with my members.

Some of the programs and YouTube content (like TEMFLIX) that you’ve participated in have been a wholesome way for fans to get to know TEMPEST off-stage! What other joint activities or adventures are you hoping to partake in together if you had the luxury of choosing?

HYUK: We would like to go on various YouTube or entertainment content. There is a lot of content that makes people laugh these days. We want to appear on a variety show and make iE laugh. TEMPEST has a sense of humor [laughs].

LEW: TEMPEST self-produced content, “TEMFLIX!” We want to create content where we can communicate with our fans and have a good time together. For example, we think having a sports day or a visual radio for the content will be fun.  

Now that we’re hitting the tail-end of summer, what are a few fall fashion essentials that TEMPEST members might be able to recommend? 

HWARANG: I think the must-have item for autumn is a necklace. Fall is not too hot or cold compared to other seasons, so you usually wear clothes like sweatshirts, knits, and hoodies. I thought it would be nice to use a necklace to spice up the outfit! 

EUNCHAN: I think wearing cool-toned clothes would give a cool and refreshing look for fall fashion items. And I also believe that the items would go well with the mood of “Can’t Stop Shining” [laughs].

As we close out our cover story, thank you so much for taking the time to discuss your blossoming careers – and we’re so excited to see what comes next for TEMPEST! Any final thoughts or messages for Vanity Teen readers/fans?

HANBIN: Vanity Teen readers and iE! Thank you for looking out for TEMPEST, and we will do our best to show how we grow to be a great artist. Thank you!

HYEONSEOP: For the iEs ,who love TEMPEST, and Vanity Teen readers, hello! We’re TEMPEST. We made our debut in March of ’22 at the beginning of this year and have run towards every moment to meet you for six months. TEMPEST wants to get closer and share precious moments with you through our music and stage. We will make your day happy through our music. Also, as a group, we put passion on stage with seven members each showing a unique charm. Please keep an eye on us and support us. Thank you!

Check out the new music video for TEMPEST’s comeback single “Can’t Stop Shining” included above!