KOCOWA’s Exclusive Interview With P1Harmony

P1Harmony knows how to make a debut. Along with their agency, FNC Entertainment, the sextet thought of a way to make their debut on October 28 stand out from all the other K-pop groups that had already made their mark in 2020. Instead of just releasing a song and music video, the boy band took part in a feature film called “P1H: A New World Begins.” The rookie idols said they had jitters, but they also were excited to showcase their acting abilities alongside established entertainers like “While You Were Sleeping” star Jung Hae In and “Running Man” comedian Yu Jae Seok.

P1Harmony also launched their debut with “Siren” off of their first EP “Disharmony: Stand Out.” Since their debut, the group has been performing on shows such as “SBS Inkigayo” and hosting a number of small fan meetings (with a maximum of 50 people) to comply with South Korea’s Covid-19 mandates. In between their jam-packed schedule, Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul and Jongseob sat down for a group chat with KOCOWA.

Q: Congratulations on your debut! I have never heard of any group making their debut with a film. 

Keeho: We decided that a film would be the best way to express our thoughts and view of the world.

Q: Not all idols are trained actors. How challenging was it to tackle your acting roles?

Intak: We did have some acting lessons before the shoot, but not as much as we had hoped. We had acting lessons for about two to three months, but we still felt a lot of pressure and responsibility. As it was the first movie to be filmed for a K-pop debut, it was an important opportunity for us. But as we were filming, our confidence grew and that made it easier for us to act. I also think it helped that I knew exactly what kind of inspiration I wanted to leave to the audience through this movie.

Q: Do you think that acting and singing are similar in terms of conveying emotions through dialogue and songs? Or are they completely different to you?

Jiung: I think it’s almost the same. Expressing my emotions through singing, acting or even drawing is all a form of art. So, in terms of conveying our emotions, it is all quite the same. It’s all a form of art.

Q: Korean dramas are very popular in the U.S. I know you are all very busy with work and rehearsing. When you have time, do you watch K-Dramas? 

Theo: I had fun watching “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.”

Intak: The most recent one I’ve enjoyed is “Itaewon Class.”

Jongseob: I haven’t been able to watch anything recently because we have been busy, but I enjoyed “Hotel del Luna” as well as “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.”

Q: If you had to pick one or the other to watch, would you choose a K-drama or a Korean variety show? 

Soul (who was born and raised in Japan): I definitely would choose a Korean variety show. It’d be easier for me to understand!

Q: What do you snack on when you watch TV?

Theo: I don’t really watch TV. I think the last time I really watched something on TV was when I was in sixth grade. [Laughs] But if or when I do, I don’t really snack on anything. I also do not eat popcorn when I watch a movie at the theater.

Q: Because of this pandemic, no one can go on tour yet. Where are some places that you are hoping you will be able to play live for fans in the future?

Keeho: We would like to go anywhere where we are wanted. We would like to perform for a diverse audience. We always wanted to travel all around the world even before our debut. It’s unfortunate that we are unable to do so due to the current situation, but we hope to gain recognition and hope you guys can look forward to our upcoming activities!

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It has only been a little more than two months since P1Harmony’s debut. It’s already clear that these FNC rookies have a promising future in K-pop. P1Harmony … fighting!