In the 12th year of their debut, Apink (Cho Rong, Bo Mi, Eun Ji, Nam Joo, and Ha Young) who, through ongoing challenges and development, is on the path to becoming the ideal long-term idol, made its anticipated comeback with the 10th mini-album 'SELF.'

With their most recent album, Apink has, after a long time, returned to a straightforward and upbeat style. 'SELF' is an album that contains the meaning of being the original appearance of "myself" rather than that of someone else. In the album, every member showcases their individual personalities to emphasize Apink's original look.

Apink's shout-out video to allkpop readers:

The album's lead single, "D N D," which stands for "Do Not Disturb," is not only in the pop dance genre but also a brand-new song with a high phrase and a sense of groove that demonstrates Apink's exceptional singing ability and leaves a lasting impression. It contains a motivational message that says, "Imagine your own world because no one will interfere," to those who have lost hope because they couldn't find their own color.

Along with the title song, there are 4 additional songs on 'SELF.' Included in this are the R&B; hit dance song "Withcha," which showcases Apink's talented voice; the soothing ballad "Me, Myself & I," lyrics written by member Park Cho Rong; the song "Candy," a fan song that lyrics were written by member Kim Nam Joo for Apink's 12-year anniversary; and the album's concluding track, "I want you to be happy."

To commemorate Apink's awaited return, the members sat down with allkpop to talk about their 10th mini-album, a 12-year-long career as Apink, and more.

allkpop: How does it feel to be back after a year since your last comeback as Apink? What do you think has changed the most since then?

Eun Ji: It was an exciting project to prepare an album along with the concert.

Ha Young: As for the biggest change, I would say it's our stage presence. We used to focus on more serious and heavy songs, but now we've returned with brighter songs and performed with big smiles, which is a noticeable difference.

 

allkpop: What does Apink want to convey with the new album? Could you tell us the meaning behind the title track? You said during a recent interview that you tried to capture a lot of Apink's original color this time.

Cho Rong: With this album, we wanted to showcase our true selves and Apink's bright and cheerful image, rather than conforming to someone else's expectations. The title track "D N D" carries a message of courage for those who may have lost hope in finding their own identity, saying "No one will disturb you, so imagine your own world."

allkpop: Since the message of this album focuses on your own personalities and yourselves. If you could say anything to your trainee self or yourself 10 years ago, what would it be?

Cho Rong: If I could say anything to my trainee self or myself 10 years ago, it would be to practice even more and never have any regrets. Time flies by so fast!

 

Nam Joo: I would tell myself that no matter what challenges may come my way, I have the strength to overcome them. Even the difficult moments in life can be special and meaningful.

 

allkpop: How did the preparation for 'SELF' go? Did you encounter any challenges while recording the songs or expressing the feelings so that you could successfully let the audience understand the message or emotions of the songs? Please share with us the album's creative process.

Bo Mi: Giving hope and courage to our listeners has always been a sense of duty for me, and it comes naturally as it's something I deeply care about. Actually, preparing for this project was also a source of healing for me.

 

Eun Ji: It didn't feel difficult at all to express the messages in the title track and the songs that express our gratitude towards our fans, as they were all clear to us.

allkpop: Cho Rong wrote the lyrics for the track "Me, Myself & I" while Nam Joo participated in writing the lyrics for "Candy." "나만 알면 돼 (I Want You To Be Happy)" is written by all the members! Could you please tell us about the writing process and your inspiration behind writing the songs?

Cho Rong: When I wrote "Me, Myself & I," I wanted the lyrics to reflect the album's theme of 'SELF.' The focus is on my own experiences, and I hope to provide comfort to others who may have experienced low self-esteem.

 

Nam Joo: Writing the lyrics for "Candy" was surprisingly easy! As I tried to convey the love and emotions that I shared with our fans, the words just flowed out naturally.

 

allkpop: You are admired by many idols due to the fact that Apink has been together for over a decade, among other things. What's the key to your group's enduring success? How do you maintain a healthy relationship with one another?

Bo Mi: I think having trust and conversations with the members is the biggest thing.

 

Ha Young: I think it's important to have consideration for each other and to maintain trust. And having a similar sense of humor is also important! Even when we're tired or exhausted, we can quickly relieve stress by making each other laugh. That's our team's strength.  

allkpop: Cho Rong, you said in our last interview that you wanted to make a song you wanted to listen to for a long time rather than a performance. For you personally, how would you introduce Apink and your music, let's say, to someone hearing it for the first time?

Cho Rong: Hmm... "I Don't Know"? Or "Only One"? Actually, there are too many to choose from, but These are songs that you can listen to over and over without getting tired of them, and they really show Apink's unique style.

allkpop: Bo Mi, you stated in our last interview that you have a lot of goals for the future, emphasizing that the main objective is for Apink to make a comeback. You always seem so optimistic and grateful for the little things that make life so special. What are some things or moments that give you strength and happiness?

Bo Mi: I'm really grateful that people see me as a cheerful person! Of course, I have my tough moments too, but I try to think about the people who support me through thick and thin, our PANDA (name of Apink's fandom). They're the ones who give me strength and keep me going.

allkpop: Eun Ji, you mentioned in our interview from last year that you prefer traveling to the past than the future because you wanted to recall the memories you had forgotten. What are your favorite experiences from being with Apink over the past 12 years, and what memories do you hope to create in the future?

Eun Ji: Whenever I get asked this kind of question, I always find myself wanting to go back to the past. It's hard to pick just one favorite moment, as each one was special in its own way. But I think every time we stepped on stage together was unforgettable for me. As for the future, I hope we can continue to make new memories and grow together as a group.

allkpop: Nam Joo, you seem to have a very lively and outgoing personality. Do you have any words that you have heard from your colleagues, fans, or people you interacted with that mean a lot to you? That until now, you still keep and hold on to?

Nam Joo: When I heard that someone was trying to emulate my bright energy, I felt a big surge of emotion. I briefly wondered, "Was I really that kind of presence?" but I'm actually grateful and feel even more empowered by those who see me that way.

allkpop: Ha Young, you said during an interview that you want Apink to be remembered as just Apink, that if Apink releases music, people would be, "As expected, it's Apink." If there are one or two things you want Apink's music to be remembered for, what would they be?

Ha Young: I think it's important for people to feel a sense of familiarity and comfort when they think of Apink. We want to be known for our friendly and approachable nature.

 

allkpop: Apink seems to have a really good relationship with PANDA. I remember during ChoBom's promotion, there was a long-time PANDA who brought her baby with her—that's so wholesome. Apink and PANDA have seen each other grow. What do your fans, PANDA, mean to each one of you?

Cho Rong: It's hard to put into words, but our PANDA are really special to us. It's a unique kind of love that's hard to compare to anything else. We support each other unconditionally and just being around them makes us feel grateful, emotional, and even a little sorry at times. We wouldn't be where we are today without them, so we're always thankful.

 

Bo Mi: We've been able to stay together for so long thanks to our loyal PANDA. I hope we can continue to make music and memories together for a long time.

Eun Ji: To us, PANDA are Apink and Apink is PANDA.

Nam Joo: Over the years, our relationship has become inseparable. They are the people we want to see for the rest of our lives. I tend to have a habit of not easily giving affection to others because I started working in society early on, but if it's PANDA, I feel like I can do anything for their happiness.

Ha Young: They are like family, even more than just fans and singers! They give us more than what we give them! I want to thank them so much for showing me what love is.

You may also check out allkpop's interview with Apink's unit ChoBom (Cho Rong and Bo Mi) and Eun Ji here.

Apink's 10th mini-album 'SELF' is now available for streaming worldwide. Watch their music video for "D N D" here if you haven't yet.