[Edaily Reporter YUN GI BACK ] “I feel like we’re still blazing our own trail in K-pop. It can be lonely at times, but thanks to the support of our fans and families, we’re gaining confidence.”

On the 28th, at the showcase for their third mini-album “i=!” (I Equals I), held at the Cube Convention Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Woo Muti of the group XLOV shared these thoughts on walking a path different from others. Hyun was absent due to health reasons, so only three members—Woo Muti, Louis, and Haru—took the stage.
XLOV is a group that has garnered attention for its “gender-free” concept, which breaks down gender boundaries. Woomuti said, “From the very beginning of planning the group, we anticipated that there would be unfamiliar and surprised reactions,” adding, “We’re working hard to turn that surprise into love.”
She continued, “The image we present isn’t meant to say, ‘Try to be like us,’” and emphasized, “We want to show the world that this style and these choices exist. I hope we can be a source of new inspiration for someone.” She also expressed pride, noting that they’ve been hearing stories from fans of various ages about how their lives have changed as a result.
Their latest album, “i=!”, also explores the theme of choices and the duality of life that results from them. Umuti explained, “No matter what choice you make, you can’t know the outcome in advance. When faced with a choice, you feel both fear and anticipation, and you find yourself wondering what would have happened if you’d chosen differently,” adding, “This album began with those very reflections.”

X-Love released a double title track to showcase contrasting charms. “Hush” is a song that blends a heavy bassline with Eastern-inspired instrumentation, expressing beauty even within a dark and eerie atmosphere. In contrast, “Two Gem Chihuahua” tells the story of a Chihuahua wolf that harbors sadness beneath its cute exterior.
Woomuti expressed confidence, saying, “We wanted to showcase the beauty of Eastern culture to the world through our own efforts,” and added, “We’ve been interested in this since our trainee days, and now we feel ready to truly show it off.”
They also put a lot of effort into their performance. Haru explained, “The key move is the consecutive spins in the chorus of ‘Hush.’” Louis added, “We spin eight times during the roughly 34-second chorus,” and revealed, “I also choreographed the partner dance with Haru myself.”

Given their unique concept, they made no secret of their desire to become advertising models. Woo Muti drew laughter by saying, “I wonder why X-Love hasn’t become a model for makeup or color cosmetics brands yet,” adding, “We have a great love and passion for beauty, and I’m confident we’d do a great job.” Haru expressed interest in clothing brands, while Louis reached out to contact lens brands, hoping to attract attention from the advertising industry.
Woomuti said, “I have a lot on my mind as I’m walking a new path, but it’s reassuring to have fans who are ready to cheer us on no matter what kind of music or performance we put out,” adding, “I want to become an artist who opens new doors for junior artists set to debut in the future.”
The members’ stated goal is to take first place on a music show. Louis remarked, “We prepared this album with all our might,” and added, “I hope you’ll take a look for the hidden connections between the music videos for the two title tracks.”
Meanwhile, regarding Hyun’s future activities, the agency stated, “We plan to carefully decide whether he will participate in upcoming schedules, such as music shows and fan signings, after comprehensively considering the progress of his recovery.” X-Love’s third mini-album, ‘i=!’, will be released at 6 p.m. today.