By Jonathan Hicap

K-pop boy band ENHYPEN returned with “Romance: Untold” that marked the start of a new chapter of a narrative in their album series. 

This time, “Romance: Untold,” released on July 12, unraveled the story of seven boys who vow to protect their love at all costs. 

“Romance: Untold” contains nine tracks with genres ranging from alternative R&B to rock drum & bass and soft synth-pop. 

ENHYPEN in a concept photo for "Romance : Untold" (Belift Lab)

K-pop idol group ENHYPEN holding their media showcase for “Romance: Untold” on July 11 in Seoul (Belift Lab)

Produced by Billboard Hot 100 hitmaker JVKE, the main track, “XO (Only If You Say Yes),” is a pop track about boys willing to do anything for “you,” but only if you allow them to. 

The romantic fantasy song radiates sweet vibes with lyrics like “I’ll make all your dreams come true” and “I’ll be your genie,” highlighting the boys’ dedication. JVKE is also featured on an English version of the track.

During ENHYPEN’s media showcase for the album on July 11 in Seoul, it was announced that “Romance: Untold” had garnered over 2.2 million copies in pre-orders, underscoring the group’s popularity.  

“We were really surprised as well. Before we make our official comeback, I’m so truly proud and happy to hear such great news,” said Ni-ki about the pre-orders. 

Heeseung said, “I am very happy to be back with our second studio album ‘Romance : Untold.’ Each track has a different color, mood, and energy and we put a lot of thought into each one.”

Jake said that for the concept photos for “Romance : Untold,” they collaborated with fashion director Nicola Formichetti.

“I am really happy with the concept photos this time around. We really tried our best to surprise with a new concept,” he said. 

“This album is really something that I hope will beat all of our ENGENEs’ expectations. And we really poured our heart and soul to show you how much we have grown,” said Sunghoon. 

Jungwon said, “This is our second studio album after two years and nine months.” 

“Following the ‘Blood’ series, we are starting off with a new chapter with the ‘Romance’ series,” said Sunoo. 

According to Jay, “This time around, whether it was lyrics or the music production, we were able to participate in it.” 

‘Romance : Untold’ 

Ni-ki described “XO (Only If You Say Yes)” as a song with a “sweet and adorable vibe.” 

Sunghoon said “Romance : Untold” is about “the boys who swear their loyalty to ‘you’ who make the boys better individuals. This is just like the relationship with the ENGENEs, with ENGENEs’ approval, love, and support, we can grow into better artists, better people.” 

Heeseung became a producer for ENHYPEN’s first fan song “Highway 1009” while all seven participated in writing the lyrics to express their sincere feelings for ENGENEs. 

Jungwon penned the topline for “Hundred Broken Hearts,” further showcasing the group’s increased creative involvement in their music.

Each song in the album expresses different stories. “Moonstruck” portrays a magical moonlit encounter while “Your Eyes Only” is a tale of secret love. 

“Hundred Broken Hearts” is about the determination to avoid a heartbreak and “Brought the Heat Back” is the exploration of newfound jealousy. 

“Paranormal” is about the  belief of the power of love while “Royalty” is a pledge for loyalty, and “Highway 1009” is a metaphor for the journey forward to an endless highway. 

The album also includes special renditions of the songs. Producer JVKE lent his vocals to “XO (Only If You Say Yes) (English Ver.) Feat. JVKE,” while “Highway 1009 (Narr Ver.)” was recreated with narrations in seven different languages.

K-pop idol group ENHYPEN holding their media showcase for “Romance: Untold” on July 11 in Seoul (Belift Lab)

Collaborations 

ENHYPEN collaborated with JVKE, Cirkut, Nicola Formichetti and Lee Choong Hyun for the new album. 

Hit producer JVKE crafted the lead single “XO (Only If You Say Yes),” while Grammy-winning producer Cirkut joined forces for the b-side track “Brought The Heat Back.” 

For the creative direction of the album’s concept photos and music video, globally renowned creative director Nicola Formichetti, known for his work with Lady Gaga, played a pivotal role in enhancing the members’ romantic aura with his sensual fashion direction. 

Directed by the up-and-coming director Lee Choong Hyun, the concept cinema takes the form of a short film, distinguished by its high-quality production and visual aesthetic. It features striking action sequences reminiscent of real-life battles, a melodious score that resonates deeply, and ENHYPEN’s heightened emotional depth.

“ROMANCE: UNTOLD” tracklist 

1. Moonstruck

2. XO (Only If You Say Yes)

3. Your Eyes Only

4. Hundred Broken Hearts

5. Brought The Heat Back

6. Paranormal

7. Royalty

8. Highway 1009

9. XO (Only If You Say Yes) (English Ver.) (feat. JVKE) 

10. Highway 1009 (Narr Ver.) (CD Only)

ENHYPEN's Heeseung (Belift Lab)

ENHYPEN's Jay (Belift Lab)

ENHYPEN's Jake (Belift Lab)

ENHYPEN's Sunghoon (Belift Lab)

ENHYPEN's Ni-ki (Belift Lab)

ENHYPEN's Sunoo (Belift Lab)

ENHYPEN's Jungwon (Belift Lab)