Mar 07, 2026 9:52am IST
Korean Pop-Rock Band Catch The Young On Indian Music, Bollywood And The Obsession With Visuals In K-pop (EXCLUSIVE)
Catch The Young, the Korean pop-rock band recently released their album, "Evolve,". In the second part of their interview with Variety India, the group discusses how it deals with the pressures of idol life, strikes a work-life balance and their familiarity with Indian music and Bollywood. Excerpts from the interview...
According to you, what has worked so well for the K-Pop industry in the past decade?
Sani: I think it would be K-pop’s signature polish and intensity. It might seem sharp and stimulating at first glance, but if you take a deeper look into the genre, you will notice that it’s actually a meticulously crafted culture.
Kihoon: K-pop artists go through tremendous training to create the performance details, which naturally led to a lot of love for the genre.
Namhyun: Of course, K-pop music is very good and there are many things to learn from the genre itself. However, we cannot ignore its unique visuals, performance, and charms presented by K-pop idols.
Junyong: There are many visual elements to enjoy in K-pop. In addition to music, K-pop has great dimensions and elements, including visuals, dance, vocals, and rap.
How do you handle the pressure and unwind when you feel stressed?
Sani: Instead, I try not to feel stressed in my daily life, which I found to be the best method for myself. I want to keep my thoughts and conditions as positive as possible.
Kihoon: There are times when I suddenly feel empty and depressed, but I don’t necessarily force myself to feel better. Instead, I would just look into my own emotions and think of ways to overcome that in a healthy way, which usually leads me to exercise, hike, or do other activities that can widen my perspective.
Namhyun: I usually relax by eating delicious food, reading, and practicing. I tend to feel stressed when I’m not practicing, maybe because I still feel like I’m lacking in skill and always need to do better. So when I’m able to practice efficiently that’s actually when I feel relieved.
Jungmo: I try to step away from music when I feel stressed or pressured from daily life. I find taking a walk by myself, exercising, and listening to music without thinking about anything quite refreshing in those moments!
Junyong: I just try to sleep, as taking a break without doing anything relieves a headache.
Related Stories
K-Pop fans are said to be obsessed with visuals. Does this bother you since it’s about music?
Sani: Yes, I think so. Visuals have historically been inseparable from being a star on stage, but I believe there should still be a certain boundary. In the past, there were also opinions directed at artists that were perceived as being centered mainly on visuals. With the development of various technologies, we now live in an era where almost every ability, including music and visuals, can be packaged and enhanced through technology. As a result, there are times when artists don’t receive the recognition they deserve. At the same time, as the cycle of trends becomes faster and faster in modern society, the power of entertainment to truly lead and shape culture seems to be weakening. It’s a reality that isn’t easy to change. Still, I hope that this current can gradually shift, and that we reach a time when music is appreciated and accepted for what it is in its purest form.
Kihoon: To be completely honest, I used to think, “Is the visual that important when I’m doing music I love?” But now, I’ve realized that visuals are also one part of self-care, and it’s an important element as an artist.
Namhyun: Personally, I feel more proud and thankful when I hear a compliment on my singing than my appearance.
Jungmo: Sometimes it gives me a mixed feeling to see that visuals are consumed before music. However, I think visuals have a value and meaning if used as a supplementary element for music, instead of blocking it.
Junyong: Some audiences tend to view us as K-pop idols instead of a band, which we’re still grateful for, but sometimes I wish they would focus more on our musical side and performance skills.
Have you guys ever heard Indian songs? Is there any song that you remember?
Sani: I can’t recall the exact titles, but I remember watching various music videos on this YouTube channel, T-Series. Their exciting rhythms are still in my head. Kihoon: I remember the Indian instrument called the Sitar. Maybe it’s because I’m a guitarist, seeing it grabbed my attention as it looked similar to a guitar and motivated me to play it one day. I especially liked its unique sound that instantly reminds me of Indian sounds and the instrument’s own vibe from metal strings.
Namhyun: I watched Indian movies titled "RRR" and "3 Idiots", and their music still lingers in my ears. I also hum “All Izz Well” from "3 Idiots" to myself when I feel like things are not going my way.
Junyong: I’m actually a fan of Indian comedy movies. I remember listening to original soundtracks from those movies!
According to you, what is a good time to debut as an idol?
Sani: I think debuting after 19 years is more appropriate, and personally, I feel that the ages between 21 and 24 allow for the most emotional and mental stability.
Kihoon: There are many important factors as one grows in life, so I don’t necessarily have an opinion on which age is suitable to enter the industry, but I sometimes wonder what it would be like to be younger while keeping my current thoughts and mindset.
Namhyun: I debuted when I was 22 years old, so I don’t think I was one who debuted early in the K-pop scene. In my opinion, debuting around 18 years old is appropriate after going through school life.
Jungmo: I don’t think there is an age to be defined as suitable to enter the industry, because each person grows at a different pace and their status of being ‘ready’ could also vary. The more important thing than age is whether you have enough power to protect yourself.
Junyong: If they have their own musical style and color, I don’t think age is too important.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.