It’s rare for a K-pop idol group to show off various talents in the way that PENTAGON has over the years. After their debut in 2016, the nine handsome men stayed active in the K-pop scene while also taking part in TV shows, dramas, movies, musical theater, and various other activities. They have self-produced their songs, with all the members taking an active role in writing the music and lyrics. They consistently bring us into PENTAGON’s world of music. They are loved by fans in South Korea and abroad. They have already released several albums in Japan, which sold exceptionally well.
Supporting PENTAGON’s lively activities is their fan club “UNIVERSE.” Most K-pop idols love their fan clubs. But the love that PENTAGON has for “UNIVERSE” is famous for being exceptional. The lyrics of “Eternal Flame,” which was released in 2020, were based on comments from their fans. This led to the first independent K-pop fandom channels (YouTube, Melon, etc.).
Though members Hui and Jinho are currently absent due to their military obligations, the five elements that make up the meaning of PENTAGON (vocal/rap, dance, teamwork, mind, and talent) will never disappear. Rolling Stone Korea was curious about the PENTAGON of today and the future, as they shine even brighter.
Hello PENTAGON, it's nice to meet you. Before we start our interview, please say hello to our Rolling Stone Korea subscribers.
YanAn) Hello, I am YanAn from Pentagon. We're interviewing with Rolling Stone Korea. Please show us lots of love!
Kino) It’s an honor to be able to tell our story through Rolling Stone, the best magazine. We hope you enjoy PENTAGON’s interview with Rolling Stone Korea.
You have successfully finished your promotions of "DO or NOT," released on March 15, 2021. How do you feel about the end of the promotions?
Hongseok) It’s bittersweet. In every performance and moment, we want to perform better. So there are always things we wish to improve. But on the other hand, we're excited as we're able to show a different side of ourselves with this comeback.
Wooseok) We were so happy to see everyone healthy and enjoying themselves as we were doing our promotions. But it was sad to see how fast the time was going by. We were so happy and excited every moment on stage. We had such a good time. I hope we showed performances that were very "PENTAGON-like."
We're guessing the members know and understand each other really well, which makes you guys like a family. When was a time you guys felt genuinely supported by each other?
YeoOne) It’s more than just one specific moment. When we’re all together laughing and joking around is when I feel like we’re a family!
Yuto) Even if we’re so busy with work that we can’t even sleep, we look to each other for strength.
We want to hear your guys' first impressions of each other. Give us your first impression of another member!
Shinwon) The member with the best first impression was YeoOne! I also received a lot of help from YeoOne when I first became a trainee. Thanks to him, I was able to learn the system better. He was the guide for Cube Entertainment's trainees when everyone was so young.
Wooseok) Like how everyone is different in their gifts and talents, every member left a deep first impression as they all have distinct characteristics. Those members got together and became the multi-talented PENTAGON of today.
We can feel your love for "UNIVERSE" in all of your videos. During these times of social distancing, when did you miss "UNIVERSE" the most?
Hongseok) We miss them the most whenever we read their words or letters or do a contact-free meet and greet. We want to see them even though we're "seeing them." Because we can't be with them, we want to see them even more.
Kino) It's really sad when we perform on stage in an empty concert hall with no "UNIVERSE" present. It was my dream to hear our fans sing along with us. I really want things to get better so we could perform in front of "UNIVERSE" and have fun together.
There are many words to describe PENTAGON's music. But if you were to describe PENTAGON’s music with one color, what color would that be?
YeoOne) If I were to describe it with one word, it would be white. The reason, PENTAGON is like a white canvas. So whatever color you paint it with, we successfully transform into that color.
Kino) I’ll also go with white. Whatever color you mix it with, it’s still the color of PENTAGON.
As you guys have been together for a long time as PENTAGON, I am sure there are times when you had differing opinions, right? When there are disagreements and small arguments in the group, how do you resolve them?
Shinwon) For me, I like to talk about it and resolve it right away. If there's a disagreement between the other members, I speak to each person involved individually. Then I decide whether they should fix it themselves or with the other members.
YanAn) If disagreements happen when we’re together, each person lets the other person win.
PENTAGON's performance skills are so exceptional that even other artists acknowledge you. When you come up with your concept or your performance, where do you receive inspiration?
Wooseok) We really think deeply and try to control each gesture and facial expression to deliver the meaning of our lyrics and emotions to the people watching. Because performances are not something you do alone, teamwork with the members is really important. For that, I believe that you must know yourself first.
PENTAGON debuted in 2016, which makes you a fifth-year group. Because teamwork is essential for what you do, what advice would you want to give to newer groups as more experienced musicians?
Hongseok) Now that five years have passed, I now realize that really isn't that long. Some older musicians have been in a group for 10, 15, 20 years. But if there is a word of advice I could give to groups that are now just starting, I would tell them to put the team first. If you put the group before yourself, I believe you will eventually succeed.
YeoOne) You started because it's something you love. So even if there are hard times, love what you do and have fun doing it!
The promotion this time around was done as a seven-person group because of Jinho and Hui's absence. Yet, you guys achieved so much and successfully completed the promotion. When all the PENTAGON members are together, where would you like to go on a vacation?
Shinwon) I hope a concert hall is our first travel destination.
YanAn) I want to go to Jeju Island together! I want to ride bikes, go kayaking, and eat delicious food.
In five to ten years, how do you want the group PENTAGON and PENTAGON's music to be remembered by the public?
Yuto) Like how songs released a long time ago are still loved today, I hope our music will continue to be loved by people.
Kino) In five to ten years, I hope our music and reputation are at their pinnacle. Not as the PENTAGON you remember, but as the PENTAGON who is with you now.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVIN