With a name that bridges their roots to their future, OX:N emerges as the first subunit of the acclaimed boy group OMEGA X, showcasing a more mature and artistic side of the members whom fans have come to love. Announced on May 30 and officially debuted on June 20 with their mini-album N, OX:N brings together Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, and Yechan: four artists united not just by their shared history, but by a vision of growth and lasting connection. OX:N embodies both focus and possibility: the ‘N’ in their name refers to the Roman numeral IV, representing the four members, as well as the mathematical variable ‘n’ symbolizing the infinite directions the unit, and OMEGA X as a whole, can explore. Their debut album invites listeners on an emotional journey, starting with the polished vulnerability of the opener “SUIT&TIE” and the heartfelt ballad “LET ME IN”. The retro-pop title track “YOU” charms with its honest confession, while “ORPHEUS” draws on soul-stirring mythology. Closing with the emotional rock anthem “CAUSE OF YOU”, the members not only showcase their artistic growth but also the unshakable bond they share with each other and their fans.
As Jehyun shares, “While our activities as OMEGA X were focused on the more K-Pop Idol side of us, OX:N’s album will be able to showcase a more artistic, mature, and relaxed side of us, which I am excited about. I hope our fans look forward to and enjoy our subunit album as well!”
From creative challenges to heartfelt confessions, OX:N takes us behind the scenes of their debut in a roundtable Interview.
Throughout the process of preparing the subunit’s debut, the members discovered a lot about themselves in the face of those unknowns. “Our album N is really special to us”, Yechan reflected. “Throughout the process, there were a lot of challenges and things we had to overcome. But through it all, we realized just how deeply our love for what we do, making music and sharing it with our fans, can drive us to give everything we’ve got.” That sense of purpose also became a key part of defining their musical identity. Xen elaborated on the thoughtful discussions that shaped the album’s direction: “While preparing for our album, we had more meetings than ever before, not only among the members but also with the company staff,” he explained. “There were multiple days where we spent half a day just discussing what kind of direction and image would be best for us. Through those meetings, we were able to clearly organize what we wanted to show and how to execute it. That process gave us a lot of confidence, and we feel like our new music represents the best version of ourselves.”
With regards to how the members challenged themselves artistically with this release, Yechan explained that the subunit gave them room to experiment with a new kind of presence. “If OMEGA X gave off an energetic and youthful vibe, as OX:N we tried to ease up a bit, filling and fitting into the empty spaces like puzzle pieces to show a more relaxed side,” he said. He added with determination, “We’ll keep working hard to showcase that cool and confident image going forward.”
As they reflected on the journey of preparing N, the members opened up about how promoting as OX:N feels different from their time as a full group, what makes this unit unique, and the lessons they have learned from working more closely as four. For them, stepping into subunit promotions has been both a creative exploration and a weighty responsibility. Jaehan shared that the unit was formed with the hope of keeping the presence of OMEGA X alive while the full group remains apart: “We always feel a strong responsibility to show a solid, distinctive presence both musically and in how we connect with fans and the public. By staying strong and true to our identity, we can hold that space until the full group returns,” he explained. That sense of duty is something he carries deeply: “When we had 11 members, there was this subtle feeling that someone else would cover a certain part if I didn’t. But now it’s just the four of us, and that shift has made me take more responsibility and pushed us in a better direction.” Yechan, however, also noted the unique charm of a smaller team, reflecting: “If we keep working hard to fill the empty spaces intentionally and meaningfully, that in itself can become a unique strength of OX:N compared to OMEGA X.“
The dynamics of four have presented challenges and opportunities in equal measure. Jehyun admitted: “With 11 members, the performance feels much fuller and complete visually. Performing as four has its own charm and strength, but I miss the other members and feel their absence.” Still, the close-knit dynamic allows for more focus and efficiency. Yechan pointed out that moving and waiting takes about half the time compared to when they’re all together, while Xen described how the smaller group feels creatively liberating: “When there were 11 of us, I had to convince 10 other people to get on board with my ideas. Now, I only need to persuade three, so I feel like I’ve gained more freedom to try things I’ve always wanted to do.” That closer bond has also fostered new ways of working and sharing ideas. Yechan mentioned how conversations during car rides became a natural way for them to align on musical directions, saying: “Those little in-between talks with the four of us make it easier to have deeper discussions that might’ve been harder with all 11.” Xen added that even casual, silly chats often spark creative ideas, helping the group grow even closer.
Musically, the unit has also allowed them to explore new sides of themselves. Jaehan shared how OX:N gave him the chance to experiment vocally: “Most of the parts I sang in OMEGA X were in the higher range, but here I recorded across all ranges, and I think I discovered a new side of my voice. The mid and lower tones bring out a more mature vibe, and I really enjoyed that.” Yechan reflected on how their goal as OX:N is to capture that instant connection with listeners: “We’re constantly studying and exploring what draws people in, how to make that immediate impression, and how to give off the kind of good energy that naturally attracts people.”
Some of the tracks on N lean into a retro-inspired sound, and it’s clear that each member brings his own influence to the table. Yechan recalled growing up with Maroon 5’s Songs about Jane on repeat, saying with a smile, “I was really into their music, especially “This Love.” Xen shared that the British band Muse immediately came to mind, citing their iconic Absolution album track, “Time is Running Out” as an early favorite.
Jehyun, meanwhile, drew inspiration closer to home: “Rain, the Korean singer, was someone I really looked up to growing up. Watching him as a kid left a strong impression on me, and I felt a deep sense of respect for him.”
Jaehan echoed Xen’s choice, explaining, “When I first started a band back in middle school, the first song we played was Muse’s ‘Time is Running Out.’ Rock has consistently been my favorite style of music, and I feel like Muse was the band that made rock more approachable and accessible for me.”
The opening track, “SUIT&TIE,” explores the contrast between outward composure and inner chaos, a theme that resonated deeply with the members as they recorded the album. Jaehan recalled how the song instantly captured the essence of OX:N when Yechan first played it for him. “It matched the image I had of OX:N perfectly, which is why I was so drawn to it from the start,” he said. Although “YOU” is the album’s title track, the group chose “SUIT&TIE” as the opener because it serves as the best introduction to their unique color and identity. Reflecting on the album’s overarching theme of love, Jaehan emphasizes its inward focus: “I believe that in order to give love to others, you have to take care of and love yourself first. So through this album, I wanted to convey the message that it’s important to learn how to love yourself.” Yechan added a more personal perspective, admitting that while idols are expected to always appear cool and polished, inside there are still dreams, ambition, and desire that drive them. “I just want to become a good person,” he shared. “I want to shape those feelings more healthily and grow not just as an artist, but as a person too.”
The group’s penchant for layered storytelling also shines on the album with “SUIT&TIE” capturing the tension between polished exteriors and raw emotions. The narrative quality inspired them to compare themselves to a movie on their way to the interview. “This topic came up randomly in the car,” Xen recalled with a laugh. “Our members are pretty funny, and there’s this Korean comedy called Extreme Job. There are five detectives in it. Each of us has our own funny character or personality, so that movie came to my mind. While it’s entertaining, it actually doesn’t match up with ‘SUIT&TIE’ though.” They quickly added, “What we said just now might’ve come off a little silly, so to add to that: our three-piece suits were inspired by the HBO Drama Peaky Blinders. We got a lot of inspiration from that series, so I think our styling and vibe would fit that drama’s mood.”
Xen and Jaehan both played key roles in producing and writing lyrics for several tracks on N, offering fans a glimpse into their creative process. Xen shared that “LET ME IN” underwent a significant transformation during production. “Originally, it was a completely different song with a different BPM, genre, and overall sound,” he explained. “As our group was discussing and thinking about what kind of mood and image we wanted to present to the public, this song came to mind. We ended up transforming it into something entirely new, and I think the conversations we had as members were the biggest source of inspiration throughout that process. I’m grateful to our members for that.”
One of the most personal moments on the album comes with “CAUSE OF YOU”, composed by Jaehan as both a confession and a heartfelt thank-you to the fans who have stood by them. Unlike his usual songwriting habits, Jaehan approached this track from a place of joy rather than melancholy. “When working on a song, I tend to write when I’m feeling down,” he admitted. “But for “CAUSE OF YOU”, it was actually one of the few times I wrote with a happy and excited mindset. I wanted to carry that joyful energy onto the stage as well, so compared to other songs this one felt more fun and upbeat: something fans can really enjoy singing along with us.” The process, he noted, flowed easily, making it one of the most enjoyable songs to create. For him, this song holds a particular significance, as it encapsulates everything they want to say to their fans: a sincere message of gratitude and connection.
When asked about the most memorable moments from preparing for OX:N’s release, Jaehyun and Yechan each reflected on different parts of the journey. For Jaehyun, the beginning stood out most: “For me, the most memorable moment was when we had our very first tea time to talk about the unit. It was our first meeting where everything began, making it memorable,” he shared. Yechan, on the other hand, recalled the intensity of the recording sessions: “I think the recording sessions were the most memorable. We finished recording five songs in three to four days, so it was quite challenging. But we poured so much focus and effort into creating the best we could, so it almost felt like a camp,” he said with a smile.
Reflecting on how his vision for OX:N evolved from the start of the project to its release, Jaehan admitted that while the unit began with big dreams and a strong desire to deliver amazing performances and good music for their fans, there is still room to grow. “Honestly, there are still some disappointments in our album,” he said candidly. “I know it’s impossible to be perfect, and there will always be some regrets. But I really want to fill those gaps and lessen the disappointments on our next album by trying our very best again.”
Looking ahead, the members of OX:N are eager to continue building their story and connecting with fans around the world. Yechan shared that they have already been discussing what is next: “Even just earlier today, we had a lot of conversations about what’s ahead. For the rest of this year, we’re planning to do as many performances as we can to make our fans happy. We’re planning a tour, and I think we’ll get to visit countries we haven’t been to before. In Korea, the four of us will be working hard to prepare for the best performances, starting right after this interview.” Xen added that they are also focused on creating more music: “We’re going to start working on our next songs before it’s too late.” While the unit came together because of scheduling realities, some members are in the military or pursuing solo projects, Jaehan emphasized that all of them continue to cheer one another on, hoping for the day they can reunite as a full group. “We would ideally come back with all 11 members as a full team. But realistically that wasn’t possible this time. Still, we’re all doing our best in our respective places, and we hope one day we’ll be back together as OMEGA X again.”