MCND are back, and what better way to celebrate their return than with a chat with Davide K-pop! Marking our fourth interview together, it is always an absolute pleasure to catch up with Castle J, BIC, Minjae, Huijun, and Win. Having previously followed their electrifying energy right here in London—from covering their unforgettable live concert stops to tracking their artistic evolution- I couldn’t be more excited for their latest era.
After a two-year wait, MCND has officially returned with their 7th mini-album, [Devil Youth Club]. Embracing a brand-new persona centred around the rebellious ‘Devil’ character, the group is shaking up the music scene with a bold philosophy: “We don’t follow the rules, we just design the club.” Blending their signature intense hip-hop foundation with gritty rock textures in the title track, the boys are showcasing a rougher, completely unfiltered side of their artistry.
Along with fresh music, excitement is already building for their upcoming European tour, where fans across the continent will finally get to experience these powerful new tracks live. Dates and locations have been announced, but still waiting for more details. Keep an eye here for all info.
Dive into our exclusive interview and video message below to hear all about the new album, their creative process, and what they have been up to since we last spoke.
Davide: Hello MCND! It is an absolute pleasure to welcome you back to Davide K-pop for our fourth interview together. How have you all been doing lately, and how does it feel to make your official comeback after two years with your 7th mini-album, [Devil Youth Club]?
Castle J: Hello, this is Castle J of MCND. We spent our time growing as individuals and gaining experience and knowledge across various fields like music and video production. I am so happy to finally make the comeback we’ve been longing for after two years. Since we are standing in front of the public after such a long time, I do feel a bit nervous and worried, but every day I’m steeling my resolve to bring back memories of how well MCND performs.
Davide: This album introduces a brand-new character: the ‘Devil.’ It represents youth that refuses to follow predetermined rules, summarised by the message, “We don’t follow the rules, we just design the club.” What was the main inspiration behind this rebellious concept, and how does it connect to your personal personalities?
Minjae: The ‘Devil’ in this album is a character chosen to express a slightly more mature and controlled mood compared to the mischievous image we’ve shown before. Since we naturally carry a somewhat rebellious image in our daily lives, I think those traits fit the tracks very well. It’s a concept that really suits MCND, as we always try to break out of set moulds and forge our own path.
Davide: Let’s talk about the title track, ‘Devil Youth Club.’ It blends your signature hip-hop strength with a rough rock texture, heavy guitar sounds, and powerful performances. What was the recording and choreography process like, and what do you want fans to feel when they listen to it?
Huijun: The recording process went smoother than expected, but the choreography process was quite difficult. There were a lot of adjustments to the moves, so I remember having a tough time practising. When our GEMs listen to this song, I want them to feel once again that MCND’s live stages are truly amazing.
Davide: The B-sides on this album are fantastic as well! WIN, I saw that you directly participated in writing the lyrics for ‘Hot Stuff’—can you share how that creative process went? Also, what are your personal favourite tracks from the album besides the title song?
Win: After listening to the guide version, I wrote the lyrics because I wanted to show a sound that feels even more like “the real me” right now! The verse included in the album is actually a revised version after one rewrite. Finding the common ground between the company’s internal feedback and my own ideas was a really fun process. Haha, naturally, ‘Hot Stuff’ holds a special place in my heart since my lyrics are in it~
Davide: The album highlights a contrast between an innocent face and a bold inner side, with keywords like ‘Pure face, Devil hearts’ and ‘Sweet but Dangerous.’ Which member do you think matches this description the best in real life?
Castle J: I think Minjae fits this song the best. Behind his fatal choreography and expressions, his natural pure and playful side matches this comeback track really well.
BIC: All of our members are unique and fascinating in their own ways, so I think everyone has a bit of that hidden inside them!
Davide: You are also preparing for an upcoming European tour! While we don’t have the specific dates and locations locked in yet as we speak, European Gem are already so excited. How are you getting ready for the tour, and what are you most looking forward to about performing live for your international fans again?
Minjae: Since Europe was the very first overseas region we visited, it feels like we are going back to leave a great impression and share wonderful energy with our European fans once again. Preparations are coming along really well. What I’m most looking forward to is seeing whether our Gem’s energy is still just as amazing as before or if it has changed—I want to go and see them as soon as possible!
Davide: Finally, do you have a special message for the GEMs who have waited two years for this incredible comeback and are eagerly waiting to see you on your European tour?
BIC: We are going to come see you looking super cool, so please give us lots of anticipation and love.
Minjae: Hello! It took a really long time to prepare for this comeback until now. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who waited for us. Since we are finally greeting you after two years, I hope you’ll feel our growth and all of our charms on stage during the concert. Thank you!
Huijun: To our Gem who waited for two years, I am sorry and thank you. Please enjoy our DYC promotions together with us!
Win: Nice to see you! It’s been a long time since we last met! Please look forward to an awesome stage! Don’t forget to give us your loudest cheers! I won’t forget to give an amazing performance either!
Davide: Thank you so much, MCND! Wishing you massive success with [Devil Youth Club]. Stay healthy, good luck with the preparations, and I hope we can see you in London very soon!
Make sure to keep following and supporting MCND on their journey here. Catch them in Europe this November and December.
DAVIDE K-POP 