With the release of their seventh EP, YOUNI-T, the boy group YOUNITE enters a transformative phase in their career. No longer simply following directions, the members are actively shaping their musical identity. This YOUNITE new album reflects their journey toward artistic ownership, as they speak candidly about growth, collaboration, and staying true to themselves.

Featuring Eunho, Steve, Sion, Hyungseok, Woono, DEY, Kyungmun, and Zion, YOUNITE recently sat down for a group interview where they opened up about the creative process behind their latest release—and how it differs from their earlier work.

Crafting Music with Meaning

From the start, YOUNITE leaned into their individuality instead of rigidly following their agency’s vision. Over time, this mindset has empowered the group to take creative risks. “In the beginning, we didn’t know much, so we just did what we were told,” a member admitted. “But now, we observe more, speak up, and contribute to the creative side. It feels like we’re building something together.”

Silver Lake, known for his songwriting and lyrical contributions, played a significant role in shaping this project. “I’ve always wanted to tell personal stories through our music. This time, I asked to be more involved, and thankfully, I was given that opportunity,” he said. His input brought a deeper sense of authenticity to the lyrics and overall tone of the album.

Balancing Vision and Collaboration

Asserting their artistic direction wasn’t always easy—especially when it clashed with producers like Reimer. But instead of backing down, the group focused on finding harmony without losing their voice. “We wanted more energy and individual moments to shine on stage,” said Silver Lake. “There were disagreements, but we found a balance that reflected who we are.”

The result? A more liberated performance style. Zion mentioned how their concert interactions became more fluid and spontaneous. “We just started throwing in ad-libs naturally. It felt instinctive,” he said. Kyungmun added that nerves used to hold him back but no longer dominate his stage experience. “I used to be so anxious I couldn’t eat. Now, I can actually enjoy being up there.”

Dreams Beyond the Stage

While YOUNITE recognizes they’re still building their name, they remain hopeful that quality music will eventually speak for itself. “We’re not famous yet, but we want more people to hear our songs,” said Silver Lake. “As long as we stay focused on the music, the recognition will come.”

And their dreams don’t stop at recognition. They’ve set their sights on global milestones, from topping the Billboard charts to one day stepping onto the Grammy stage. “Anything can happen,” Silver Lake said confidently. “We want to be number one across the board.”