[Interview] Cravity on Leadership Change: "We Long to Be the Summer King"

Second Full-Length Album Released Three Years After Team Rebranding
Announcing the Second Studio Album 'Dare to Crave'
Expanding Their Narrative with Self-Composed and Unit Tracks

Cravity is taking photos ahead of an interview held on the 19th in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Starship Entertainment

"The change in leadership was due to a communication error. We were quite taken aback as well, but thinking of the fans who waited for us helped us pull ourselves together."

The group Cravity faced significant changes in their leadership structure and team identity ahead of their second full-length album, "Dare to Crave." Serim, the previous leader, stepped down, and Wonjin and Hyungjun took on a co-leader system, establishing a new framework. The team name also gained the meaning of "CRAVE," signifying longing. Overcoming ups and downs, Cravity tightened their laces and met with us on the 19th in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

Hyungjun said, "I think the fans were the most surprised. We also needed time to process our feelings." Serim added, "Now, I want to take on a supportive role from the sidelines." Wonjin explained, "The change started from wanting to shift the internal atmosphere during practice and album preparation," and added, "We wanted to maintain the signature Cravity vibe while injecting new energy."

On June 23 at 6 p.m., Cravity will release their second studio album, "Dare to Crave." This is their first full-length album in about three years since "Liberty: In Our Cosmos" in March 2022. All members participated in writing and composing, and the album includes many self-produced and unit tracks, capturing the group’s internal growth and expanded narrative.

"This album feels like a gift. The members came together and poured their hearts into each song. We dare to hope that this summer, we’ll be called the 'Summer King,'" Allen emphasized the sincerity of their work. Serim said, "I always longed to tell my own story, and I was able to do that through this album."

The album features a total of 12 tracks, including the title track "Set Net Go?!". Wonjin explained, "The message is about breaking through an uncertain future in our own way. The guitar riff in the chorus is refreshing, and we made a strong impression by connecting it to the performance."

The three unit tracks each have a distinct mood. Serim, Minhee, and Taeyoung worked on the self-produced sexy concept track "Marionette." Serim said, "A marionette is a puppet that only moves when someone controls it, and we are nothing without Luvity (the fandom name). That’s the message we wanted to convey." Regarding the point lyric "ioi," he explained, "It’s an image of the marionette strings being connected like a child, expressed through a combination of lowercase letters."

Jungmo, Woobin, and Seongmin delivered the refreshing vocal unit vibe with "Straight Up To Heaven." Jungmo said, "The song is about light finding its way into a dark life, and the combination with the main vocalists was refreshing." On the other hand, "Stadium," sung by Allen, Hyungjun, and Wonjin, is a performance-focused track set in an arena. Hyungjun said, "The concept is that three boxers put on the best stage."

The Boyz's Taeyoung (from left), Hyungjun, and Wonjin are taking photos before an interview held on the 19th in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Starship Entertainment

Collaboration among members is also a core element of the album. Hyungjun participated in writing the lyrics for "Click, Flash, Pow." After reading his lyrics, Allen said, "His expressiveness and imagination are outstanding. Hyungjun’s draft was crucial in setting the direction for the rap-making."

Wonjin took on the directing for his first self-composed song, "Wish Upon A Star." "This time, instead of making it to my own taste, I directed it to match the way the members wanted to express themselves. Hearing their raw voices, I was amazed at each member’s interpretive ability."

For the track "Underdog," Joohoney of MONSTA X participated in composition and production. Hyungjun said, "I heard that he wrote the song for us while serving in the military, and thinking of that while recording helped me immerse myself emotionally."

Seongmin, who is currently injured, plans to participate in activities as much as possible. "I’m cautious because I know fans might worry, but I’ll stand on stage as long as it’s not too much for me," he said. Minhee added, "He said he would definitely come to today’s interview. His determination to participate in activities was impressive."

The members’ ambitions also extend beyond the stage. Serim, who is appearing on JTBC’s "Let’s Play Soccer Season 4," said, "I haven’t scored a goal for the soccer team yet, but if I do, I’ll celebrate by dancing to our title track." Wonjin, who enjoys playing amateur baseball, said, "If a baseball variety show is created, I definitely want to appear. I became a fan of baseball after watching Doosan Bears’ Jung Subin." Jungmo, who has recently become interested in guitar, said, "Someday, I want to perform in front of our fans."

This year marks Cravity’s fifth debut anniversary. The recent rebranding, which changed the team logo and the meaning of the team name, has also become a new starting point for the members. Wonjin said, "What we long for is the label ‘all-round VT.’ Please see the sincerity we put into this album." He added, "Now, instead of being a group that covers others’ work well, we’ll prove ourselves with our own music."