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| Photo Cr. BeBy Entertainment |
After a year-long wait, X:IN makes a striking return with their third mini-album, "Defend Myself"—their first release under new agency BeBy Entertainment and their most raw, introspective work to date.
Stepping away from the spotlight’s glitter, "Defend Myself" pulls back the curtain on the emotional toll of idol life, exposing the pressure to maintain perfection and the personal battles fought behind the scenes. Through deeply personal lyrics and genre-defying soundscapes, the album chronicles X:IN’s struggles with self-doubt, identity, and the weight of expectations—ultimately declaring a defiant act of self-preservation: to protect me.
Leader E.sha describes the album as a duality: "It’s about the reality behind the glamour—our journey to shield ourselves in moments of chaos. The four tracks each carry shifting emotions, mirroring the turbulence we’ve faced."
At its center lies the explosive title track, 'Attention Seeker,' a sonic clash between craving validation and fearing scrutiny. Each member channels a cinematic alter ego to embody this tension, blurring the lines between narcissism and authenticity. It’s a fearless anthem about the paradox of fame—the hunger to be seen and the terror of being truly known.
'Attention Seeker' Music Video
Join us as X:IN unpacks "Defend Myself," their evolution as artists, and the unflinching honesty that defines this new era.
How does it feel to release your new album?
E.sha: We worked really hard on it, so we’re confident, but we were also nervous about how the public would receive it. But our fans have been loving it so much, which makes us really happy. We’re promoting with excitement for every stage.
'Attention Seeker' deals with the conflict between wanting and fearing attention. How did you approach portraying those contradictory feelings in both the music and visuals?
Nizz: In the bridge section of the song, there’s a part where multiple emotions expressing different versions of the self come out simultaneously in three languages—Korean, Russian, and Hindi. I think that part best captures the essence of inner conflict.
Were there any funny moments while filming the music video for 'Attention Seeker'?
Nova: In the first half of the music video, you can see our hands bound in chains. It looks really cool on screen, but those were actual metal chains—so when the director asked us to walk like we were exhausted and drained, no acting was needed. The weight literally pulled us down. Personally, I really liked how those scenes turned out—they look so real and intense.
What is your favorite part of the choreography in 'Attention Seeker'?
Hannah: There’s a move where I jump forward at the start of my rap part. It feels really fresh, and since it’s my first time doing a jumping motion in choreography, I ended up loving it.
You've described embodying "movie-like personas" in the title track. What character or emotion did each member channel, and how did that help express your inner struggles?
Nova: I expressed anger. Our producer guided me on the key points he wanted me to convey, so I poured my emotions into every step—writing the lyrics, recording, and performing the song. I also tried my best to express that anger through my acting in the music video.
Hannah: Each of us has a symbolic object—mine is a transparent marble, representing my reflection. I tried to convey the message that even if there’s uncertainty about the future, I’ll believe in myself and keep moving forward.
Aria: I expressed self-doubt, worry, and sadness. As someone who used to be—and still is, to some extent—very insecure and self-conscious, it almost felt like voicing my internal monologues. I think this part really captures the internal conflicts and dilemmas a person faces, even if they appear polished on the outside.
E.sha, you mentioned the album explores "two sides" and shifts atmosphere throughout. Can you briefly walk us through that emotional journey across the four tracks?
E.sha: First, the title track, 'Attention Seeker,' is a song about the struggles and intense times we’ve been through. It has a serious and grand feel. Right after, the second track, 'Sabaha,' is the complete opposite—a light, playful song about casting a love spell. It has an occult vibe and might sound unfamiliar at first, but it’s incredibly addictive. The third track, 'Bitter Love,' depicts the complicated relationship between pride and lingering feelings. Though it’s a love song, you could also relate it to human relationships in general. Finally, the fourth track, 'Almost Done,' has a bold, metallic beat and is autobiographical, telling the story of how we got to where we are now. It’s a hip-hop-based track perfect for concerts.
Just like the split-self concept in Attention Seeker, if you listen to all four tracks in order, you’ll feel the emotions and moods shifting dramatically. The charm of this album is that the songs are so different—you won’t even realize it’s over by the time you finish listening.
How challenging was it to move away from your previous "playful and kitschy sound" to this more raw and honest approach?
We’ve never stuck to just one genre. We’ve always experimented with new and conceptual elements. This time, as we worked on the album, we included our personal stories and experiences, which naturally made the overall mood darker than before. But we thought it was a great change—something fresh and interesting, especially for people who love conceptual albums.
You mention wanting to become "real artists, not just ordinary idols." What's the difference to you, and how does this album represent that evolution?
Nizz: All members participated in writing lyrics, creating choreography, and more, actively sharing their personal experiences and emotions. We focused on how to express our truths more sincerely and aimed to deliver that to the public. That’s why this album showcases a more evolved version of X:IN.
Looking at the album's core message of choosing "to protect me"—what advice would you give to others about setting boundaries while pursuing their dreams?
Nova: Knowing what you truly want and setting boundaries is a way of protecting yourself—especially online. Not everyone will understand your journey, and that’s okay. Focusing on your goals and safeguarding your mental space helps you stay strong and true to yourself.
Any message for your fans, READY?
Hannah: For this album, including the title track and B-sides, all members participated in writing lyrics, so we’d really appreciate it if you pay attention to the lyrics too! We’ll always work hard to bring you great music in the future, so please continue to show us lots of love and support. Thank you!
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