INFINITE's powerful return

Boy band INFINITE has burst back onto the K-pop scene with a much-anticipated EP album titled “Reality,” intense dance moves and a high-tech music video featuring 360-degree viewing.

“We’ve been recording since January,” said Woohyun at a press showcase for the group’s comeback on Monday at Seoul’s Olympic Park. “We’re excited and happy to finally be able to show fans the results of our hard work.”

The pounding title track, “Bad,” which speaks of a man falling in love with a “bad” but irresistible woman, is a combination of hip-hop, electronic dance music and orchestral sounds, and signifies the “essence of the INFINITE sound,” Woohyun added. “It’s the culmination of everything we’ve worked for so far.”

The seven-member group, which celebrated five years since its debut this June, has become known for both its throbbing dance tracks and its powerful, synchronized performances on stage. The choreography for “Bad” was created by choreographer ADDM, who has been working with the group since its debut, and features strong hip-hop moves.

“It’s everything you would expect from our group and one step further,” said Sungkyu.

The members have been active in various parts of the entertainment industry. Sungkyu released solo album “Another Me,” while Hoya and Dong-woo formed subgroup INFINITE H. L starred in TV series “My Lovely Girl,” and Woohyun released a single with SHINee member Key. But it is the first time in a year that INFINITE has returned to fans as a full group, the members said, and now they are more mature than ever. 

“Every time we make a comeback, we say that we’ve grown from boys into men,” said Hoya, who sported a sleeveless leather top that showed off his chiseled arms. “It’s true again this time. Though we’ve always released dance songs, I think ‘Bad’ is the most powerful one so far. It’s a great dance track.”

“I’ve matured and grown stronger during our hiatus,” said Sungjong, who recently starred in “Real Men,” a reality show that features celebrities going through military training.

“We wanted to show ourselves as we are at this current point in time, and how we’ve grown,” said Sungkyu. “That’s why the album is called ‘Reality.’”

Another eye-catching feature of INFINITE’s new release is the music video. Filmed with virtual reality technology, the video allows viewers to control the screen with their cursors and experience a 360-degree view of the scenes.

“It was more difficult to film with the special virtual reality camera, but the result was amazing,” said Dongwoo.

“Bad,” which swept online charts upon its midnight release, continues to rank among the top 10 in major music streaming services, including Melon, Bugs Music, Mnet and Soribada.

By Rumy Doo (bigbird@heraldcorp.com)