ASC2NT Reveals Creative Journey Behind Debut Mini Album STILL : I in Candid Interview

Boy group ASC2NT has reached a significant milestone with the release of their first mini album "STILL : I," a project that marks a turning point in the five-member group's musical journey. In a series of candid interviews following the album's release on February 26, members Garam, Jay, Leon, Kyle, and Hyowon opened up about the creative challenges, personal growth, and ambitious goals that shaped their most substantial body of work to date.

A Long-Awaited First EP

For ASC2NT, who debuted under NewWays Company in May 2024, the mini album represents far more than just a collection of songs. Leader Garam explained that the extended timeline between their debut and the EP was intentional. "We spent a lot of time searching for ASC2NT's unique color musically. If you look from our debut single to our third release, they're all quite different," he said. "This mini album brings all of those explorations together to clearly define who we are."

The album is part of ASC2NT's ambitious "Four Seasons" project, with "STILL : I" representing the spring chapter. Kyle elaborated on the concept, noting that the group deliberately aimed to capture the very beginning of spring rather than its peak. "We wanted to express that starting point where frozen flowers begin to bloom and find their original form," he explained. "That's why the music isn't purely uplifting — it has this coexistence of loneliness and the excitement of a new beginning."

Breaking Out of Comfort Zones

One of the most distinctive aspects of "STILL : I" is the dramatic reshuffling of vocal roles among the members. Producer Kang Ji-won, who helmed the entire album, worked closely with each member to assign parts that pushed them beyond their established comfort zones. Kyle, known for his high-register capabilities, found himself handling mid-to-low range sections. "At first it felt unfamiliar, but after hearing the final product, I was like, 'Is that really my voice?' It was a proud moment of discovering a new side of myself," he shared.

Newest member Hyowon, who joined the group in July 2025, earned a standout role by landing the chorus parts in the title track "Still Rose." "I never expected to get the highlight section. Every member recorded the entire song, and the parts were assigned from there," Hyowon recalled. Kyle praised his potential, noting that Hyowon has untapped high-register abilities that could shine in future releases.

Even leader Garam embraced the album's experimental spirit, though not quite in the way he hoped. "I secretly practiced rap on my own and submitted a full version hoping they'd notice," he admitted with a laugh. "But the rap assignment never came. Someday, I'll definitely get my chance."

From Stage to Runway

ASC2NT's creative evolution extended beyond music when three members — Leon, Kyle, and Hyowon — walked the runway at the 2026 F/W Seoul Fashion Week for the KWAKHYUNJOO COLLECTION. The experience proved to be a humbling yet exciting challenge for the group. Despite standing 181 centimeters tall, Kyle found himself feeling small among professional models. "I thought walking would be easy watching the models, but maintaining the right stride, spacing, and eye contact was incredibly difficult," he confessed.

Leon, who has a keen interest in fashion, described the experience as eye-opening. "I was certain I was walking in a straight line, but I kept drifting to the side. The lighting was so intense I could barely see ahead," he said. Garam, who attended as a celebrity guest, initially felt left out but quickly changed his tune after watching his bandmates navigate the catwalk. "I'm grateful I didn't have to do it. It could have been a disaster," he joked.

The Military-Served Advantage

ASC2NT holds a rare distinction among current-generation idol groups: all five members have completed their mandatory military service. This means the group faces no impending hiatus for enlistment, a concern that typically shadows male K-pop acts during their peak years. "There's zero pressure about military service in my head," Garam stated matter-of-factly. "I forgot about it entirely until you brought it up."

Kyle, a Marine Corps veteran, shared a memorable encounter with singer-songwriter Roy Kim during basic training. "He was in the 1st platoon and I was in the 2nd. During a running assessment, we ran side by side — he finished 2nd and I got 3rd because he sprinted past me at the last moment," Kyle recalled, expressing hope to reconnect with Roy Kim now that he has debuted.

Looking Ahead

As ASC2NT approaches their second anniversary, the members have set clear goals for 2026. Hyowon hopes to reach 100,000 YouTube subscribers and earn the platform's silver play button for the team. Garam is focused on surpassing previous album sales figures, while Leon aspires for ASC2NT to become a group with at least one song that everyone has heard of. Kyle summed up the collective vision: "This year, I want ASC2NT's individuality and charm to be so firmly established that no one can replicate our flavor."

ASC2NT's first mini album "STILL : I," featuring the title track "Still Rose," is now available on all major streaming platforms.