K-Interview: ONE OVER N (1/N) (Korean Band)

Interviewer: Nikhat Parveen (Delhi, India)

Editor: Ankita Panda (Kolkata, West Bengal, India)

1/N (One Over N) is a South Korean alternative rock band that has been gaining popularity since their 2017 debut for their comforting, nostalgic sound. The self-produced quintet includes Shin Sung Ku (신성규), So Soon Woo (소순우), Choi Hoon (최훈), Kim Ye Hyun (김예현), and Kim Myung Su (김명수), who took their band name from the Korean slang for putting things into equal pieces. In that spirit, they’ve shared everything from ingenious work to raw emotion about the bittersweet nature of youth through poignant songs such as “Burn Out” and “Fever”.

We at Hallyuism had the golden opportunity to connect with the band. In this exclusive interview, 1/N opens up about their artistic journey, creative philosophy, brotherhood, and the bond they share with their fans around the world.

To start off, could you introduce the band to our readers? What does the term “1/N (One Over N)” mean to your group in terms of your collective identity and how you make music together?

Myung Su: Hello! It’s a pleasure to meet you. We are One Over N.

The name One Over N (엔분의일) was created after our early school band decided, “Let’s make the music we truly want to make.” It reflects who we were as college students at the time. Back then, we split the cost of everything equally, so we were always dividing things by the number of people.

Today, the meaning has grown beyond that. It also represents how each member takes on their own role within the band and shares the responsibility of creating our music together.

Sung Kyu: Just as you mentioned in the question, it represents our dedication and affection for the band. I think the name is deeply connected to our slogan, which comes up in the next question.

Soon Woo: When we first formed ONE OVER N, the meaning was a bit smaller. It meant five members dividing up roles to create a single band. Now it feels like it’s gradually expanding to mean not just us, but everyone who’s connected to ONE OVER N through our music, all coming together.

Ye Hyun: The name comes from the idea that each 1/N comes together to create a single result. Even the present moment we are living in is made up of all these 1/N parts joining as one. Music works the same way—it is completed when every 1/N member comes together, which is why we chose this name.

Hoon: ONE OVER N means dividing something equally by the number of people involved. When we first started the band, we wanted a name that reflected something we had in common, so that’s how we came up with it.

Over time, it seems to have taken on more meaning than that. It captures the idea of each person doing their part, and also the idea of sharing what we create together. It might sound like a plain name to some, but it’s one I’m fond of.

우리 젊음을 나눠 먹자, 엔분의일로, which translates to ‘Let’s share our Youth, One over N,’ is the key motto of the group. With the term ‘Youth’, what do you want the audience to take in? What aspect of this writing do you think attracts the audience towards your music?

Myung Su: To me, youth is about living life as an adventure. It’s about taking risks, failing, crying, and laughing. In that sense, I believe One Over N is always in the midst of youth. I hope our fans can listen to our music and, throughout their own adventures in life, sometimes find comfort in it and other times simply enjoy it for what it is.

Sung Kyu: I think it’s a fascinating phrase because it combines familiar, everyday words in an unexpected way. In a sense, music itself is also a harmony of ordinary sounds, so the idea feels very fitting. We want to create music that feels both familiar and extraordinary at the same time.

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Soon Woo: Everyone goes through a period called youth, and because we turn the things we experience during that time into songs, I think that’s why people who listen to ONE OVER N’s music find something to relate to.

Ye Hyun: We hope our music becomes a bridge connecting us in this era we live in together. Whether you are currently in your youth or reminiscing about it, we hope our music creates a moment where we all feel connected, bringing you comfort along the way.

Hoon: Our music and lyrics may carry a message about youth, but beyond that, I think this long journey we’ve been on together is closer to what youth really means. The idea closest to what I’m trying to say is that I want to share what we’ve created while spending our youth together, with the members and with the fans. 

The songs such as Burn Out and Polaris have won many fans. Can you please tell our audience about the songwriting process? Do you write riffs or melodies first, and then hunt for lyrics? Or vice versa?

Myung Su: Both songs were written by Choi Hoon. As the bassist, I remember focusing on maintaining a solid rhythmic foundation while adding subtle details that would enhance each song’s emotional dynamics and bring out its dramatic moments.

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Soon Woo: I take the songs that Sung Kyu or Hoon bring in, then re-record and mix them to make a demo. Of course, since I’m the drummer, I create and record the drum tracks and rhythm parts. At the demo stage, we strip away what’s unnecessary and add what’s needed, gradually completing the song. After that, we record all the tracks, gather them together, and move on to mixing.

Sung Kyu: The songs began with Hoon writing both the music and the lyrics. We’re truly grateful that so many people have enjoyed them. Personally, I tend to write melodies and lyrics at the same time. For me, songwriting often starts with simply humming a tune.

Ye Hyun: As a guitarist, my role is to add depth and detail to our demo tracks. I create new riffs and arrangements, or adapt existing ones to shape the music.

Hoon: There’s no fixed way I write songs. Sometimes the lyrics come first, sometimes the music does. The one constant is that I keep working at it consistently. One more thing: when something intense happens in my life, I try not to just let it pass. I try to closely observe how I feel about it and express that through music. This process helps me a great deal as a person, and it also helps me create better work as a musician.

The band’s behind-the-scenes videos and vlogs let fans see the dedication it takes to release the music on your own. What are the best things and the worst things about doing the production process yourself?

Myung Su: The best part is that we can create exactly what we want. Without anyone else’s interference, we can present our music exactly as we imagine it, and listeners hear it just as we intended. The hardest part is the songwriting process. Every song is different, but some are incredibly difficult to finish. There are moments when it feels like we’ve reached a dead end, and those moments can be really exhausting.

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Sung Kyu: To me, the rewarding and difficult parts are inseparable. The difficult parts eventually become the rewarding ones. The more challenges there are, the more involved we are in every aspect of the music. 

As creators, I think that level of struggle is inevitable if we want to produce something with real depth. Thankfully, after going through the entire process so many times, those challenges have become a little easier, and I believe that has naturally led to better results than before.

Soon Woo: The good thing about producing it myself is that I can quickly try out whatever I want. When there’s something I want to attempt, I don’t have to go through anyone else. The part I find difficult is that the work tends to drag on. As I work, I keep spotting parts I want to fix. Because it’s my own creation, I care about it so much more. So the work often ends up leading from one thing to the next, endlessly.

Ye Hyun: I think the best part of doing everything ourselves is that it allows us to showcase our unique identity at its best. The challenging part, however, is that there are so many details to pay attention to, and it takes a lot of time.

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Hoon: Doing everything ourselves means we can keep trying until we’re satisfied. Especially in a world like today, where so many technologies are widely available, a lot becomes possible. But the downside is that it takes just as much time and effort. There’s also likely a quality gap compared to what a professional would produce for you.

I don’t think one approach is better than the other. I’ve experienced both, and each has its pros and cons. As time goes on and we divide labor more, I think I’ll miss the days when we did everything ourselves.

Which song do you think will make the perfect first impression for the new fans to discover 1/N?

Myung Su: That’s a really difficult question. Honestly, I’d love for people to hear all of our songs. But if I had to choose just one, I’d pick ‘Fever‘. It was one of the very first songs we wrote as a band, and it still remains one of the songs that closes out our concerts. It’s probably our most straightforward song, but I think that also makes it the one that shows who we really are in our rawest, most honest form.

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Sung Kyu: Right now, I’d say ‘Polaris’. I think it’s the song that best represents who 1/N is in our thirties. In Korea, we have traditional names for each decade of life. Turning thirty is called Irip (而立), which means “the age of establishing one’s convictions.” I believe Polaris reflects that idea perfectly.

Soon Woo: I’d say ‘Resonance’. From the very start, its intense sound could leave a great first impression on new fans. And if you look into the lyrics, the theme of being forgotten is something people can relate to regardless of nationality or ethnicity.

Ye Hyun: I think ‘Under the Moonlight’ is the best song for first-time listeners to start with. Thanks to its upbeat, cheerful melody, it even won the grand prize on a Korean music competition show.

Hoon: Honestly, I’m not sure. Even the fans who come to our shows all like different songs. So when I get a question like this, I usually just pick the songs I like myself. I like ‘Resonance’ and ‘Burn Out’.

There are times when we sometimes face brain fog for multiple reasons. What inspires you when you are frustrated or need new ideas?

Myung Su: This isn’t exactly a source of musical inspiration, but whenever I need the strength to push myself forward, I often watch acceptance speeches or interviews with people I admire.

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Sung Kyu: If I’m facing a tight deadline, I’ll do whatever I can to squeeze something out. But if I have the time, I simply focus on living an ordinary life. I think it’s important to spend time collecting little moments from everyday life that can later become inspiration. And when my mind goes blank… I let it stay blank for a while.

Soon Woo: First, I stop what I’m doing. Then I do something else to clear my head—working out, listening to music, or watching concert footage to cool down. And then I sit back down and start working again.

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Ye Hyun: Personally, I get ideas by watching performances or plays by other artists. Expressive elements from other art forms often prove to be really helpful.

Hoon: As I mentioned above, I just keep working at it consistently. I write, pick up the guitar, open and close the music software, create a new project and delete it, over and over. If there were some specific method that solved the problem, nobody would be struggling with it in the first place.

You are so full of energy when you tour live, like 2026 HIGHTENSION. How is it different from studio recording to performing live in front of thousands of supporters?

Myung Su: They feel like completely different worlds. If recording is like swimming in an indoor pool, then performing live is like swimming in the open ocean. It’s not a perfect comparison, but live performances are much rougher, more unpredictable, and far more vivid. There’s nothing quite like the energy of playing live.

Sung Kyu: Recording and performing are completely different experiences. Recording feels like carefully sculpting something that will remain forever, while a live performance is about releasing something that exists only in that moment. Since the process is different, the mindset and the outcome naturally become different as well. Every artist is probably different, but personally, I think I’m someone who releases music because I want to perform it live.

Soon Woo: Studio work feels more like a job. There are times when it’s a headache, boring, and tough. Performing in front of an audience, on the other hand, feels more like play to me. It’s so much more fun and thrilling. But to get to that fun playtime, you have to do the headache-inducing, boring, tough work well beforehand.

Ye Hyun: While studio recording focuses on conveying emotions through precise pitch and lyrics, live performances are all about sharing energy with the audience. We need to be bursting with energy on stage so that the crowd can feel that same energy and share it with us.

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Hoon: Live performance and recording are quite different. Recording is the process of making music into the most ideal form we imagine in our heads — music that comes out of long hours of refining, re-recording, and shaping the sound.

Live performance is completely different. The show turns out completely differently depending on what kind of show it is, who’s there enjoying it with us, and how we’re feeling that day. The audience plays a huge role in that. That’s probably why so many musicians place such importance on their connection with the crowd.

Is there a specific lyric you’ve written that still gives you goosebumps or makes you feel incredibly emotional when you perform it live in front of an audience?

Myung Su: I haven’t written any lyrics myself, but one moment that has always stayed with me is when the audience sings along to the chorus of ‘Polaris’. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Sung Kyu: I’d have to choose ‘Fever’, our debut release. Since it was our very first song, it’s also the one we’ve shared with audiences for the longest time. The energy that has accumulated through countless performances is incredible, and it’s a song that still gives me goosebumps when we play it live.

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Soon Woo: They aren’t lyrics I wrote myself, but I feel that emotion when we sing the chorus of ‘Blue Spring’ together. The feeling of connecting with the audience in this moment, in this space, really hits me.

Ye Hyun: Live in concert, the chorus of ‘Fever’ is the most memorable part. Even though it’s been nearly 10 years since its release, jumping around and having fun with the audience during that moment is still an absolute blast.

Hoon: There are many. I think it’s because a lot of our songs are written based on things I’ve actually gone through. If I had to pick just one, I’d choose the chorus lyrics of ‘Blue Spring’. 

“On the day we met, I became a child once more.
And again, I grow as you leave me behind.
Though I cannot hold the innocence again
I pray, those cherished memories will last forever”

A lot of your behind-the-scenes chemistry is shown in your vlogs, from everyday hangouts to climbing mountains together. What does your close personal friendship outside of the studio mean to your inside-the-studio team dynamics?

Myung Su: I believe the friendship we’ve built together is reflected in the harmony of our band. We don’t always have to say things out loud—we understand each other through instinct, and we play based on that shared energy. It’s about much more than simply staying in time or playing the right notes.

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Sung Kyu: I think a band develops its own personality. The whole becomes something greater than the sum of its parts. Individually, we may not each be the greatest musicians or vocalists, but within the bigger picture of the band, everyone brings out something beyond their own abilities. I think that’s one of the most beautiful and unique things about being in a band.

Soon Woo: We met around age 20, and it’s already been 16 years. By now we’ve become more like brothers than friends. Even without saying a word, each member quietly handles what they’re responsible for. It feels like we’ve become a family that shares not just ONE OVER N, but life itself.

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Ye Hyun: I think it has a bigger impact on our chemistry with fans than on the chemistry between the members. Creating fun moments together by showing our authentic, human sides seems to build that tight, special bond with our fans.

Hoon: There’s no special reason for doing various activities outside of music. A lot of the time, it’s just because I think it’ll be fun. I do these things because they bring me joy, more than because I’m hoping for some particular outcome.

At Hallyuism India, we connect South Korean artists with Indian audiences. Many fans here find comfort and inspiration in your music. How does it feel knowing your music has reached listeners in India and continues to connect people across cultures and distances?

Myung Su: It’s honestly amazing! I’ve always believed that music is a universal language, but it’s still incredible to know that not only fans in India, but people from all over the world know about us. 

Having fans in India, especially, was something I never expected. In fact, I think I have just as many questions for them as they have for us. Either way, it makes me incredibly happy.

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Sung Kyu: Even as I’m answering this interview, it’s still hard for me to believe that someone across the ocean is listening to our music. One day, I’d love to see it with my own eyes—to witness people singing along to our songs. I think that’s when it will finally feel real.

Soon Woo: It’s truly amazing that there are connections formed through ONE OVER N’s music even in places where we don’t share a language. I can’t quite put it all into words. Someday I’d love to meet them in person at a show.

Ye Hyun: It’s incredible that our music, coming from a place with a different language and culture, has reached all the way to India. Even though we come from different backgrounds and experiences, I’m deeply grateful that we can offer comfort and inspiration through music.

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Hoon: Meeting new fans is always fresh and amazing to me. It feels especially remarkable that people overseas get to know the music of a Korean indie band. That’s why I’m all the more grateful for it. And I’m always grateful to the people who introduce our music to others like this. I’ll keep working hard so that we can come find you in person someday.

If you could collaborate with any artist in the world or perform on the stage of any international music festival, who or what would it be?

Myung Su: Personally, I’m a huge fan of Beyoncé. If I ever had the chance to perform with her, it wouldn’t matter where the stage was. I’d say yes without hesitation.

Sung Kyu: I can’t think of anyone in particular I’d want to collaborate with. But if I could choose any stage in the world, I’d love to perform at Sphere in Las Vegas. It’s a venue I’ve been really curious about.

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Soon Woo: I’d love to perform at Red Rocks Park. The audience seating is built like an amphitheater between two enormous rocks, and the view of it from the stage is incredibly majestic. You could call it a wondrous venue created by nature itself.

Ye Hyun: I really want to perform on the stage of the Glastonbury Festival, which has the longest history. While there are many artists I personally love, I haven’t really thought about collaborating with anyone yet.

Hoon: My mom is a BTS fan. Getting to work with BTS would be an amazing gift for her.

Apart from the music, what is one thing you would want to experience, see, or eat if you got to spend a day in India with the members of 1/N?

Myung Su: Traveling is always exciting. I’d love to experience India’s food, the atmosphere of its streets, and the little things that make everyday life unique. If I had to choose just one place to visit, it would definitely be the Taj Mahal. I’ve only ever seen it in videos, so I’d love to experience it in person.

Sung Kyu: I’d love to experience an Indian wedding. I’ve heard they’re celebrated like grand festivals, and I’d love the chance to attend one as a guest.

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Soon Woo: I’d love to spend a night at Sri Harmandir Sahib. I found it fascinating that anyone can stay there regardless of ethnicity, religion, or nationality. It would be so much fun to go there with all five of our members.

Ye Hyun: I really want to try authentic Indian lassi. I’ve had it in Korea before, but I’d love to experience the real, original lassi in India.

Hoon: If time allows, I’d like to try all kinds of things. I’d like to visit places with traditional buildings, markets, rivers, and mountains. I also love foods like curry, tandoori chicken, and naan, so I’d love to try the local food too. I really hope to visit someday.

Looking forward to this year, what can your fans hope for, such as live shows or maybe even a new conceptual album?

Myung Su: We always look forward to the end of the year. We’re preparing new songs and some exciting live performances, and we can’t wait to share them with everyone.

Sung Kyu: We’re currently working on a new EP. We’ll be back with some great songs, so we hope everyone looks forward to it.

Soon Woo: We’re preparing to release an EP this year. We’re in the middle of making and working on demos, but we’re still not sure exactly which songs will come out of it. We’ll have to give it our all right up until the moment it’s released.

Ye Hyun: We are currently preparing for our year-end concert, ‘2026 1/N’, to wrap up the year. We also plan to release a new album this year.

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Hoon: This year is already well past its halfway point. What’s left is our annual year-end solo concert, which we always hold. There are various other shows before then, but they’re all essentially leading up to that one. Along with the shows, we’re also planning a new EP. Nothing’s set yet on exactly when or how it’ll come out, but we’re planning to release it within the year. We hope you’ll look forward to it.

Before we wrap up, do you have a special message that you’d love to share with your international fans and the readers of Hallyuism India?

Myung Su: Hello to all the readers of Hallyuism India.Thank you so much for listening to One Over N’s music and for supporting us. Through this interview, we learned that we have fans in India, and that truly means a lot to us.

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We wish we could visit India right away, but since we can’t at the moment, we’d love to keep connecting with you online. We sincerely hope we’ll have the chance to meet you in person someday. Thank you once again, and we wish you happiness always.

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Sung Kyu: It’s still hard to believe that there are people all the way across the ocean in India who know who we are. I hope that one day I’ll be able to stand in front of you and let you hear my real voice—not through speakers, but in person. Until then, stay healthy, stay happy, and we’ll see you someday.

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Soon Woo: Thank you for inviting us all the way from India for this interview. Please keep an eye out for ONE OVER N’s music and activities going forward. Thank you, Hallyuism India!

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Ye Hyun: Hello to all the readers of Hallyuism India; it’s wonderful to meet you. We are truly thrilled to know that our music is reaching you beyond cultural and geographical distances. We hope this connection between 1/N and the readers of Hallyuism India brings even better moments to all of us. Thank you.

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Hoon: Thank you sincerely to everyone who’s read this far. It’s thanks to your interest and support that we’re able to keep making music. Next year will mark our band’s 10th year. We’ll keep working hard to climb even higher, singing and playing with everything we’ve got. Please keep watching over us with interest. Thank you.

Once again, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for your precious time and for sharing insights about your journey. Thank you so much. On behalf of the entire team at Hallyuism, we wish you all the best for your future projects and lots of love from India!

What was your favourite part of our interview with 1/N (One Over N)? Let us know in the comments