Seven years post-debut and following a change in the group’s lineup, EVERGLOW’s fire remains undimmed—a tumultuous journey of theirs that continues with their latest mini-album ‘CODE.’
‘CODE,’ arriving one year and eight months after their 2024 single album ‘ZOMBIE,’ marks a new chapter for the now four-member group (E:U, SIHYEON, ONDA, and AISHA). The mini-album comprises four songs—“BREAKOUT,” “FOCUS,” “CODE,” and “Can’t Be Broken”—showcasing EVERGLOW’s musical evolution from past hit title tracks like “DUN DUN,” “Bon Bon Chocolat,” and “Adios,” while maintaining their signature powerful and intense energy.
Following the release of ‘CODE,’ the quartet will embark on their 2026 ‘RE:CODE’ world tour across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, having already completed their two-day kickoff shows in Seoul this March. In an exclusive interview with allkpop, the members expressed their excitement about the tour and “creating harmony with the fans.”
“From beginning to end, it will be a show you can’t take your eyes off,” said ONDA.
Check out allkpop’s exclusive interview with EVERGLOW below!
allkpop: How has 2026 been for you so far? Looking back at these first three months, how would you describe the start of your year?
E:U: I think this year can be seen as a new beginning for EVERGLOW. Since we’re kicking off the first half of the year with our first mini-album in March and are already preparing for a world tour, I feel the phrase “EVERGLOW’s beginning” fits perfectly.
SIHYEON: Time really seems to have flown by already this year. I think I can define the start of this year with the word “passion.” Preparing for and promoting this album, these past three months have allowed me to reaffirm my passion for my dreams.
ONDA: It was a preparation period for a fresh departure and a new beginning. That’s because it was a time when I was working hard with the members to prepare for our music video shoot for our March comeback.
AISHA: It was a new beginning and felt like something “popping” (exploding). Since I started with emotions I had never experienced before, I think there was both excitement but also a bit of anxiety.
allkpop: How did the preparations for your fourth mini-album, ‘CODE,’ go? In what ways did getting ready for this comeback differ from your previous albums, and how were you able to navigate the new adjustments or challenges that came up during the process?
E:U: Since the number of members was reduced from six to four, the roles each individual member had to take on increased a lot. I think I prepared really hard to personally supplement those parts and make sure nothing felt missing.
SIHYEON: This mini-album can be seen as the album where our participation in the production process was the highest. There were truly many challenges we faced, but I think I was grateful because I could overcome them together with my precious members.
ONDA: I think this is an album where our opinions were reflected quite a lot. We checked every single song down to the mix versions ourselves. I think we approached the changes and challenges with a mindset of enjoyment.
AISHA: First of all, the chemistry among the four of us is so good that now we can tell just by looking at each other's eyes, so the practice process itself was really fun. We shared our worries together and pulled each other along.
allkpop: What would you say is the album’s focus this time around, and what do you want listeners to take away from it?
E:U: We wanted to showcase EVERGLOW’s signature color. Our powerful performances and sharp, cool sound are what define us, so we made sure not to lose that. We hope listeners will focus on those specific aspects.
SIHYEON: The message we want to convey through this album is “liberation and connection.” I hope listeners can enjoy the pleasure that comes from the intense sounds as they listen through the tracks, and ultimately feel our sincerity in the final track.
ONDA: The tracks in this album are all interconnected as one. We prepared this with a heart full of hope that both we and our listeners can communicate and become connected through music within that organic flow.
AISHA: We aimed to capture a sense of liberation that breaks away from existing logic or algorithms to awaken one’s instincts. There are times when staying in the familiar makes you feel trapped without even realizing it. I hope this album marks the beginning of a new narrative that breaks through those boundaries.
allkpop: Are there any particularly memorable scenes from when you were preparing for ‘CODE’? Between the recording sessions and the music video filming, which part of the creative process was your personal favorite?
E:U: I personally love my part that comes right before the final chorus in the music video. The intense makeup went really well with the outfit, and I’m especially fond of it because so many fans love that scene. I also like how the black outfit in that scene suited me so well.
SIHYEON: The time we filmed the music video while preparing for ‘CODE’ remains the most memorable for me. The weather was really cold at that time, but all the members focused as one and finished the shoot safely. It was a moment where I was reminded by our strong teamwork.
ONDA: I think I always feel the joy of creation during recording sessions. I record while changing my tone and melody points to fit various genres. In those moments, I feel like I become one with the music itself. I think this process is the most fun!
AISHA: Personally, I think I liked the recording process the most! Since recording marks the beginning of the album preparations, I tried to stay focused and immersed with a sense of excitement.
allkpop: You’ll be embarking on your 2026 tour soon—congratulations on that! Could you walk us through a “day in the life” of your tour rehearsals? How is the preparation going so far?
E:U: Lately, we’ve been working hard to prepare for the concert. As soon as I wake up in the morning, I head to the practice room to coordinate our choreography with the members, and I spend my time thinking about how we can show a great performance to our fans at the concert.
SIHYEON: I wake up, eat, go to the company to practice for the concert, and I’ve been going through rehearsals steadily. When there’s spare time, I go to the dermatologist and work out, then I think I fall asleep right after I get home. Today, practice ended late, so I plan to go to sleep as soon as I get in.
ONDA: First of all, I think we practice our performance for almost two to three hours every day. In my case, to manage my physical stamina for the tour, I do light cardio for about 40 to 50 minutes on an empty stomach in the morning, about three to four times a week.
AISHA: These days, I’m staying busy preparing for the concert and the tour. I want to show it to FOREVER as soon as possible!
allkpop: How would you describe the overall atmosphere of this upcoming tour? What should the fans anticipate most when it comes to your new performances?
E:U: Since performance is one of our strengths, I think the concert will mostly consist of songs with choreography. I think it would be great if you look forward to seeing the members enjoying themselves at the concert and creating the stage together in harmony with the fans.
SIHYEON: Since this is a tour following a new album release, I naturally think that people would want to hear the B-side tracks from this album live. I also feel that we need to show great performances, and since it's a tour we're going on after a few years, I hope the fans will think, “As expected, EVERGLOW is great.”
ONDA: I would describe the overall atmosphere as explosive energy. From beginning to end, it will be a show you can’t take your eyes off.
AISHA: I want to reveal the new stages quickly, and I really want to show the energy of the four of us soon.
allkpop: When you look toward the future, where do you envision EVERGLOW five years from now?
E:U: I haven’t thought too far ahead yet, but I believe EVERGLOW will still be going strong together.
SIHYEON: I hope EVERGLOW continues on forever even five years from now, and that each of us will shine even brighter as artists.
ONDA: It’s hard to define what the future will be like, but I hope that even five years from now, we will still be communicating with our FOREVER through music, and that even more people will find inspiration and strength in our music.
AISHA: I hope we’ll continue to grow and present new concepts and sides of ourselves for a long time.
allkpop: If there is one thing you’d like people to remember about EVERGLOW’s legacy, what would that be?
E:U: I hope people remember us as a group that gives good music and inspiration to many people. I have dedicated my entire 20s, and I want to be a singer who gives a good influence to many people in the future as well.
SIHYEON: I hope our legendary title tracks beloved by people like “DUN DUN,” “Adios,” and “Bon Bon Chocolat” will be remembered for a long time.
ONDA: There are many songs where intense performance stands out, but personally, I really hope you remember the lyrics and melodies of the B-side tracks with warmth of our voices.
AISHA: Actually, I don't think I can talk about it as just one thing. To me, every album and every moment is part of our legacy.
allkpop: To wrap up this interview, what are your current short-term and long-term goals for the group, and do you have a message for the readers?
E:U: First of all, the goal is to stay together as EVERGLOW for a long time with strong bonds. We will keep working hard until more people recognize and acknowledge EVERGLOW.
SIHYEON: The short-term goal is “Let’s meet many fans during this tour, enjoy, and come back!,” and the long-term goal seems to be “Let’s become a bigger singer.” We will also move forward every moment without getting tired. To the readers, thank you for listening to our interview, and please always be healthy, be happy, and support EVERGLOW a lot!
ONDA: Our goal is for more people to listen to our music and gain energy in their daily lives, and further, we want to become a group that can be a role model for many people.
AISHA: Now that we are back, I want to approach you in a fresh and more personal way. Please look forward to EVERGLOW a lot in the future!
SEE ALSO: [PHOTOS] EVERGLOW successfully kicks off their ‘RE:CODE’ world tour in Seoul
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