[INTERVIEW] ONE PACT Gets Candid on Their First North American Tour, Artistry, and What Keeps Them Going

Since their debut in 2023, ONE PACT has been on the come-up. In an industry that is often pigeonholed for its strict regimens, external songwriters, and fanservice-based personas, members Jongwoo, Seongmin, Jay Chang, TAG, and Yedam are breathing fresh air into what it means to be a K-Pop group.

The group has a hand in every aspect of their releases, bringing their individual talents and past experiences in the entertainment industry to the table. And it’s paying off – with a 2024 Golden Disc Awards nomination for “Rookie Artist,” four released EPs, and a growing global fanbase, ONE PACT is ready to take on their next challenge: their first-ever North American tour.

In New York City, Kpopconcerts.com sat down with ONE PACT before their September 27 Times Square flash mob, where they gave the crowd a preview of their forthcoming Jersey City. Jay and Yedam were unfortunately absent due to visa and travel delays. However, Jongwoo, Seongmin, and TAG spoke sincerely about their excitement for the tour, their group identity, and what they’re excited to share with fans (called &Heart). 

KPC: First of all, how are you guys feeling?

Jongwoo: So excited, because it’s our first time here for a tour. Coming here has been one of my biggest dreams since I was little, and I’m so happy that it finally came true. 

KPC: You guys are deeply involved in ONE PACT’s artistry, whether that’s songwriting, producing, choreographing, or even filming music videos. How did that translate into preparation for this tour?

Seongmin: Because we always participate in doing everything, when it comes to the stage, we know better. We understand everything more, and it’s easier to get into the mood and express it in a more meaningful way. 

Jongwoo: We can describe our artistry better because it’s our song, or the outfit that we chose, and we can be ourselves.

KPC: What are you most excited to experience on this tour, both onstage and off?

TAG: I do have one, specifically! My birthday is coming up soon. It’s gonna be while we’re doing a show in Dallas, so I’m really looking forward to that because it’s also my first time spending my birthday overseas. But aside from that, it’s ONE PACT’s first time that we’re coming to North America for the tour, and we have the opportunity to go to eight states. I’m always very happy to experience new things, so I’m looking forward to it.

KPC: Happy early birthday!

TAG: Thank you!

Jongwoo: For me, I’ve always wanted to come to the United States. There are so many things to see, and I’m really looking forward to seeing L.A. It’s always been one of my biggest dreams to work and do concerts in the USA – it’s a really big opportunity. And also, my uncle lives in L.A. I haven’t seen him in over ten years, so I’m really looking forward to meeting him again.

Seongmin: I’m really excited to experience new things. We did a show yesterday in Toronto, but this is the start in the USA, so I’m really excited for that.

KPC: What songs are you most excited to perform on this tour?

TAG: I’m gonna go with “B2U” (“Back to You”). It’s a really fun song to perform.

Seongmin: “Wild,” because it’s a really, really wild song. 

Jongwoo: “RUSH IN 2 U.”

KPC: That one’s a personal favorite! I want to talk a little bit about your latest album, ONE FACT. It features solo songs from all of you. What made you decide to start the album with solo songs before group songs, and what made you decide that this was the time to do solo tracks?

TAG: The reason I put the solo tracks before the group tracks is that I wanted to show everyone how we became ONE PACT. It started with Jongwoo, since he was the one who started asking everyone to make something [the group]. Then it’s Jay, then it’s Seongmin, then it’s me, then Yedam. Oldest to the youngest. And coincidentally, it’s also the order in which each member joined this group. And then it’s their “weapons” –  so each solo song matches that member’s strengths, like if one member is really good at rapping, another at dancing, or something like that.

And then we go to “YES, NO, MAYBE.” It shows that these guys became ONE PACT, and they have this synergy together. The album ONE FACT is not like a concept album, but it’s who ONE PACT is – our identity. 

KPC: I really love that. You know, I play “Passout” at parties.

TAG: It’s a really good party song! Very fun.

KPC: What are some memorable moments or challenges you faced in preparing the album, especially on the solo aspect?

Seongmin: It was my first time boldly showing skin since I debuted. (Members laugh) I only wore one jacket without the buttons in the album concept photos, and it was a huge challenge for me to prepare for it.

Jongwoo: I’ve written lyrics and made choreography before, but there were very few situations where I had to do both at the same time. Doing both at the same time was new, so I was a bit like, “What should I do with this?” I thought and agonized a lot while doing it. That was the biggest challenge for me, but I was happy with how it came out.

TAG: Personally, I had a really fun time making the members’ solo songs. It was my first time making other people’s solo songs, and I was like, “For Seongmin, Yedam, what should I do?” And it was really fun to think and write lyrics and everything. 

KPC: Was there a lot of collaboration involved in figuring out what each member wanted to showcase?

TAG: Yeah. Before I started writing the songs, I spoke with each member one by one. I asked them, “What would you want to do? What kind of song or concept of the song would you like to do?” And I kind of convinced the members like, “Oh, bro, you’ve gotta do Afrobeats, or, you’ve gotta do bass house trap.” And everyone just followed and agreed with my opinions. 

KPC: What moments have motivated you to continue pursuing music and performing as a career?

Jongwoo: There’s a moment in everyone’s lives where you’re going through a hard time. Recently, I felt that I was so physically and mentally tired and really, really wanted to rest. But as soon as I thought about it, I realized that I’m doing what I wanted to do. I started thinking, “If I don’t do this now, what will I do?” I’m so happy. Just because I’m getting tired doesn’t mean that I should be in a bad mood. So I thought, “I have to do better, because I’m doing what I’ve wanted to do for my whole life.” I just have to go straight forward.

TAG: Every time we finish one promotion or one album, I go through making the next one – recording and everything. I really like the steps before a release, like making songs, learning the choreography, and recording. That progress is really fun and really motivates me. 

Seongmin: Every day motivates me. This is the best job that I can do. It’s my favorite thing. I’ve never regretted becoming an idol and singer. Never. Not even once. Because this is just who I am. It’s perfect for my personality. I like to communicate with fans, and I like to be onstage. When anyone, like friends or family, asks me, “Are you enjoying what you’re doing?” I can confidently say, “Yes, I’m having so much fun.”

KPC: Finally, what messages do you have for the fans who are going to see you on tour?

Seongmin: If you have time, we would love for you to come and have a fun time with us! We will give you our passion and energy. We’ll make good memories and give you good energy to go back to work and make your life better. 

Jongwoo: I know that &Heart in America have been waiting for us for such a long time. We were the same; we were waiting for this moment. It’s a rare opportunity for us to come here, so I hope that you will come. It will be really cool and so much fun, and we worked hard to exceed your expectations.

TAG: We don’t know the next time we’re going to be coming here, so if you have enough time, please come because it’s gonna be really good. Invite all of your friends, and we love you!

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Thank you to ANKR Entertainment for the interview opportunity, and TAG for helping translate! Additional thanks to the Korean Cultural Center New York for hosting us and Angel Polito (@Nojamsjournaling) for helping coordinate the interview location.