K-pop boy band xikers is transforming chaos into their driving force as they prepare to release their sixth mini album, "HOUSE OF TRICKY: WRECKING THE HOUSE," featuring the title track "SUPERPOWER (Peak)" this Friday. The 10-member group, formed in 2023 under KQ Entertainment—the same label behind global sensation ATEEZ—has quickly established themselves as rising stars in the industry with their raw energy and powerful stage presence.
The group consists of members Minjae, Junmin, Sumin, Jinsik, Hyunwoo, Junghoon, Seeun, Hunter, Yujun, and Yechan, who made their debut with the project "HOUSE OF TRICKY: Doorbell Ringing." This debut concept introduced xikers as time-traveling adventurers jumping through different eras, which proved to be a fitting metaphor for their own rapid rise in the music industry. Their strong debut quickly propelled them onto Billboard's Top Album Sales and World Albums charts, marking an impressive start for the rookie group.
Following their chart success, xikers completed their first global tour across North America and Europe, earning widespread praise for their commanding stage presence that reminded many of their label seniors, ATEEZ. During an interview at a cafe in Seoul's Yongsan District on Wednesday, member Minjae, who co-wrote parts of the new album alongside Sumin and Yechan, explained their ambitious goals for this comeback. "Through this new album, we wanted to really break out of the box and show what makes us us," he said. "Our goal for this promotion is to perform like there's nothing to lose, singing until our voices give out if that's what it takes. If fans can feel that energy, that's our biggest success."
The new single "SUPERPOWER (Peak)" perfectly captures xikers' unrestrained and explosive identity. Member Junmin described the track with enthusiasm, saying there's "even choreography that feels like popping open and chugging down a can of energy drink. We want the audience to feel that rush too." The concept of superpower resonated differently with each member, revealing their individual perspectives on strength and motivation.
For Yujun, his superpower comes from an external source of inspiration. "For me, my superpower comes from our fans," he shared. "They're why I can perform with confidence, even on bigger stages." Yechan found his strength in the group dynamics, explaining, "Watching the other members grow motivates me not to fall behind. That becomes my own power." Hunter, the group's only Thai member, believes their magic lies in their contrasting personalities. "We're very playful and sometimes even mischievous offstage, but we turn that energy into something wild and powerful when we perform," he explained. "That's our unique chemistry, our superpower."
Being under the same management as K-pop powerhouse ATEEZ has provided xikers with valuable mentorship and guidance from their senior labelmates. The members fondly recalled specific moments of encouragement that helped shape their artistic perspective and confidence. Yechan remembered how San's praise for his dancing "gave me so much strength," while Minjae shared a particularly meaningful interaction with ATEEZ's leader Hongjoong after xikers' first Seoul concert. "He told us our passion gave him energy, and that it came at just the right moment for him," Minjae recalled. "Hearing that kind of feedback from artists we admire made us realize we're on the right path, giving people strength and encouragement through our songs."
With their previous achievements on Billboard charts and successful completion of their first global tour, xikers has set even more ambitious goals for their latest release. Hunter expressed his hope that this album will help them reach the top of the Billboard 200, demonstrating their international aspirations. Meanwhile, Jinsik added with determination, "Winning first place on a local music show will always be our dream," showing their desire to succeed both domestically and internationally.
As xikers prepares to enter this bold new chapter, member Junghoon perfectly encapsulated what fans can expect from their upcoming release. "The new song is an energy drink you drink with your ears. I hope people get that same boost when they listen. For us, it's a ten out of ten." With their commitment to turning chaos into power and their unwavering confidence, xikers appears ready to make their mark as one of K-pop's most energetic and promising acts.
