When the teenage boy band The Wind (@thewind.official) debuted only a few months ago, they quickly aimed to revitalize the next generation of K-pop by establishing their potential to grow into resourceful industry assets. And now, after captivating listeners with a handful of charismatic releases, the youthful seven-member group is also showing fans that they’re prepared to put in the work that’s required for them to achieve their bold dreams.
But first, let’s go back to the beginning. In May of 2023 when we initially discovered the group with their high-energy single “ISLAND,” The Wind impressed aspiring fans with their equally powerful vocals and a fresh enthusiasm for bubbly pop music, delivering exactly what the current era of youthful K-pop needed. Through the bright-eyed introductory track, the group combined a series of potent, lively beats that complement the members’ balanced range from start to finish – unintentionally creating a specific, hopeful atmosphere associated with early second-generation sounds like Girls’ Generation’s iconic track “Into the New World.” However, The Wind still delivered originality by bridging that aforementioned classic, comfortable K-pop sound with a modern take on ‘High Teen’ conviction that’s currently unlike any other boyband in the market.
On their recent follow-up single “WE GO,” The Wind valiantly upgrades their plucky, warmer pop style with a strong gust of uptempo magnificence by incorporating a barrage of group chants and an infectious chorus that bolsters their status as rising rookie superstars. Throughout the group’s second pop track and creative music video, The Wind steadily conveys lyrics that capitalize on admirable rookie enthusiasm, tuning out anything designed to place limitations on their goals – while immaculately drawing comparisons to an endless, star-filled sky where anything is possible. And with all sincerity, everything they’ve assembled thus far has officially convinced us that they have what it takes to go the distance.
As our new Vanity Teen Magazine digital cover group, the skilled seven-member boyband is now sharing behind-the-scenes stories, how they’ve adapted to idol life, and the importance of becoming a reliable family forged by art.
It’s such a pleasure to meet all of you, and congratulations on a successful launch this year! Since debuting with the group, what’s the biggest change you’ve experienced in your daily life?
SHIN JAE WON: I think the biggest change is that we have [our fans, WHIZ] who love us. As an ordinary high school student, it is the WHIZ who makes it possible for me to exist as an idol like this.
KIM HEE SOO: First of all, I think the biggest change is that I go to music broadcasts and perform on stage every day. When I was a trainee, I only practiced my dance and singing in the company’s practice room and showed the stage to the teachers and staff, but now I think the most meaningful and exciting thing is that I can show my dance and song to WHIZ and other members of the public
THANATORN: I think it’s time to be with the members. In fact, before our debut, we practiced together a lot, but after our debut, we now live together 24 hours a day, practice, and gradually get to know each other more, and even nowadays, I feel like we spend more time together than a real family [laughs].
CHOI HAN BIN: The time I spend with the members has increased compared to when I was a trainee, so my personal time has decreased. But I feel like I’m working hard towards my dreams and I feel like I need to work harder.
PARK HAYUCHAN: After I made my debut, many people wrote me letters to wish me a happy birthday, so that’s when I realized that I had become an idol.
JANG HYOUN JOON: I haven’t been able to meet my friends very much since my debut until now, but when I finally met my friends for the first time in a long time, I felt a big change in them watching our music video in class!
AN CHAN WON: When we talk on the family group messenger, every time I talk about it, I say, ‘I’m a celebrity.’ or ‘The idol is here.’ I think playing pranks every time is the biggest change I feel in my daily life.
There’s a very natural sense of musicality to The Wind, which is extremely impressive for such a young rookie lineup! What would you each say is the biggest asset that you bring to the K-pop industry?
THANATORN: I don’t think it’s easy to find a concept like ours in this day and age. In particular, we strive to show the charm that only teenagers like us can digest on every stage.
PARK HAYUCHAN: I think we have become a team that is like a fresh breeze to K-pop by showing a refreshing feeling, which is rare these days.
When you debuted with “ISLAND” it felt like an instant classic with a fresh, youthful spin on old-school K-pop! What stands out to you as being the most timeless aspect of your iconic song?
SHIN JAE WON: The title track of our debut album, ‘ISLAND’, made us feel the nostalgia of our K-pop seniors, and at the same time, we were able to create a competitive and original color by adding a new feeling of our own.
KIM HEE SOO: First of all, the title track of The Wind’s first mini album “ISLAND” is a song with a strong drum beat, emotional chords, and a catchy melody. I think it’s the excitement of electric guitar sounds and heart-pounding drum beats and the ‘High Teen’ freshness that’s rare in the K-pop scene these days.
It’s also your first title-track music video and it maintains a fun, energetic atmosphere from beginning to end! What’s one memory from that monumental experience that you’ll cherish forever?
AN CHAN WON: I’ve always been interested in LPs, but I was very disappointed because I only saw LPs or broken turntables, but there was a turntable on the set of the music video. I was so happy to hear the LP play for the first time!
CHOI HAN BIN: During the filming of the music video for the title track of this first single album “WE GO”, there was a scene where we were running with an umbrella that was not planned because it was raining suddenly. It was a scene that was taken because it was suddenly added, so I was very curious about how it would turn out, but when I saw the result, I remember being satisfied because it turned out so beautifully.
In the short time you’ve been together, there’ve been a lot of people who are eager to support your journey! What was the first big moment where you truly recognized that love and support existed?
JANG HYOUN JOON: When we made our debut with “ISLAND” in our first music broadcast, we were truly touched and loved by the WHIZ who liked us who were just making our debut and shouted hard for us to cheer them on the spot. And even at this “WE GO” comeback stage, I felt both grateful and grateful for the support of WHIZ, which grew bigger and bigger every time I stood on the stage.
THANATORN: Even during our debut showcase, there were a lot of fans and family members who came to see and enjoy our performance, so I think it was the first time I knew that there was love and support.
There’s also your recent single album Ready : Summer vacation which introduced the world to your infectiously upbeat single “WE GO,” and it’s a must-have for every summer playlist! What were some of your biggest hopes for your first comeback track?
SHIN JAE WON: I think the big goal for this album was to show how much we have grown in a short period of time.
PARK HAYUCHAN: With this comeback, the difficulty of our dancing and singing has increased more than before. We wanted people to listen to our songs and feel that The Wind has grown even more.
Its music video is another excellent and ambitious production because it really captures that full scenic, 24-hour scope of summer in the best way possible! Considering that it looked like an all-day event, which part of the video was the most fun for you to film?
CHOI HAN BIN: There is a part of our “WE GO” music video where we hitchhike together with all the members. We were actually filming on the road where cars were passing, so we were actually really nervous that the car would stop in front of us. I think that’s why I remember that scene so much fun.
AN CHAN WON: I’m reminded of the music video for the pre-release song “Summer Vacation”. If you look at the second half of the music video, there’s a scene where all of us are playing in the pool together. I think we had so much fun when we were filming that we forgot it was a shoot. That’s why, after watching the music video for “Summer Vacation,” I think a lot of people enjoy watching us play.
Now that you’ve released a few singles and have had plenty of time to grow creatively – what would you say is your favorite thing about being an artist? Recording in the studio, learning choreography, live performances, group activities, etc.?
KIM HEE SOO: Since our debut and becoming an artist with the group name The Wind, there have been many happy things that have filled me with excitement during my career! But I think the most memorable time was the performance at Lotte World before my debut. In fact, it was also the first stage for the Lotte World performance to be staged under the name of The Wind, and when I was younger, I only watched this stage as an audience member, but I never imagined that the day would come when I would stand on this stage.
JANG HYOUN JOON: I think it’s time when we get to perform and set the stage. Being able to get on stage and show others how we dance and sing is one of the most fun moments you can experience as an artist.
It hasn’t even been a year since you debuted either, so there’s obviously a lot of time to evolve! What would be some of your ultimate dream goals for The Wind?
KIM HEE SOO: I hope the day will come when the meaning of ‘refreshing’ is the same as The Wind! From our debut song “ISLAND” to our super-fast comeback “WE GO” in a short period of time since our debut just less than a year ago, the ‘High Teen’ concept has been nice change for the industry with a refreshing feeling that is rare to see in the K-pop scene. So we want to become idols that people immediately think of when they hear refreshing — and refreshing when they hear The Wind.
THANATORN: My first big dream after my debut was to go on a world tour, so I would like to travel around the world and say hello to my fans overseas.
CHOI HAN BIN: I would like to hold a big concert in a very big venue with our WHIZ, and I would be very happy to be with them there.
PARK HAYUCHAN: Our dream is to keep growing and always bring good songs to our fans! We will do our best to give you good songs in the future!
AN CHAN WON: We want to be a team that can deliver various kinds of stories and deliver comfort through those stories.
JANG HYOUN JOON: I think it’s my ultimate dream for all the members to really enjoy the stage. Everyone is working hard to do that, so stay tuned!
SHIN JAE WON: First of all, I think the first thing that comes to mind right now is a concert, and I dream of the day when I will perform in front of a lot of fans
Lastly, thank you for your time and for sharing your first official cover story with us! Do you have any last thoughts for your fans and Vanity Teen readers?
SHIN JAE WON: First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Vanity Teen readers and our WHIZ for spending such a valuable time, and I would like to ask for more interest and love for The Wind, which will continue to grow in the future!
KIM HEE SOO: We are so grateful for the opportunity to share the cover story with Vanity Teen. This was a great opportunity to rethink the ultimate goals and identity of the team and we were so excited to be able to share our ambitions and fun and cute behind-the-scenes stories with Vanity Teen readers! We will continue to approach you in a cool and refreshing way, so please stay tuned and look forward to it!
