K-pop group ENHYPEN, known for their captivating vampire-themed concept, recently unveiled a groundbreaking musical endeavor: seven individual remix albums for their track “Knife” from their latest mini-album, “The Sin : Vanish.” This bold move, coming just days after the original album's release, showcases the septet's commitment to artistic exploration and their desire to offer fans a fresh perspective on their music. Each member immersed themselves in the remixing process, infusing their personal styles and influences into the track, demonstrating their growth and versatility as artists.
ENHYPEN’s Creative Journey: Diverse Remixes and Fan Connection
On January 19, 2026, K-pop sensation ENHYPEN released seven distinct remix albums for their lead single “Knife,” following the debut of their mini-album “The Sin : Vanish” on January 16. This ambitious project saw each of the seven members — Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, and Ni-ki — craft their own unique rendition of the song. The group, often associated with a sexy vampire lore since their November 2020 debut, used this opportunity to delve deeper into their creative identities and engage with their dedicated fandom, ENGENE.
During an exclusive interview held in a conference room at HYBE’s Seoul office, the members, dressed casually and exuding a warm, “golden retriever-style vibe” rather than their usual mysterious undead persona, openly discussed their individual remixing experiences. Sunoo, who helmed “The Sin : Vanish (Sunoo ver.),” shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I actually loved working on my remix album… I feel like this was a great way to expand my own engagement in recording, so I loved the experience.” His bandmates nodded in agreement, showcasing their mutual support and collaborative spirit.
The choice of “Knife” as the central track for this extensive remix project was unanimous among the members. Sunghoon confirmed, “It was ‘Knife’ all along. From the beginning, we were all on the same page about that. We just worked on it in our different ways.”
The individual remixes highlight the diverse musical tastes within the group:
- Jungwon: The group leader envisioned a live performance-ready track, blending industrial and metal influences to create a “nu metal” version. Producer Armadillo described their collaboration as a “collaborative jam,” where Jungwon's clear ideas for drum patterns and a punchy sound guided the creation.
- Heeseung: His remix, described as hypnotic and dance-driven with an echoey backbeat, incorporated additional vocals. Collaborating with his friend Apro, Heeseung aimed for a laidback, chill vibe with catchy elements, including playful sound effects like dice rolling, and even played the synthesizer himself.
- Jay: The Seattle native’s “Knife” remix is a guitar-driven banger designed for stadium performances. Working with producer Frants, Jay sought an “aggressive metal vibe” that would resonate with audiences in the States and other metal-loving countries.
- Jake: The Korean Australian member explored old-school Memphis hip-hop for his remix, creating a sound that is both retro and fresh. He noted the growing popularity of Memphis-style beats in the U.K. and Europe, aiming for a minimal, loop-driven track that conveys presence and charisma.
- Sunghoon: Inspired by Brazilian funk, Sunghoon crafted a vibrant baile funk remix, hoping it would go viral on platforms like TikTok. Producer Armadillo highlighted Sunghoon’s focus on creating interactive and engaging music for fans.
- Sunoo: His digi-pop remix of “Knife” is optimistically upbeat yet possesses a dramatically tense side, reflecting his “unpredictability and broad emotional spectrum.” Producer Ca$hcow emphasized the use of fractured textures to capture this duality and Sunoo’s intuitive approach to music.
- Ni-ki: The youngest member, a dancer from Japan, created an energetic and intense boom-bap song. Drawing inspiration from the sped-up tracks used in dance warm-ups, Ni-ki aimed for a retro, old-school hip-hop vibe with fun elements like glitching radio sounds, making it a perfect dance track.
Ethnomusicologist Donna Kwon praised ENHYPEN’s dedication to their vampire lore, noting how their 2023 “Bite Me” video challenged K-pop conventions. Kwon, a professor at the University of Kentucky, explained that such lore helps groups gain fans, stand out, and foster community among fans who enjoy deciphering its meanings.
As the interview concluded, the members reflected on their five-year journey. Ni-ki advised his younger self to “be true to your emotions... and visualize your dream.” Sunghoon, a former competitive figure skater, encouraged his past self to “be confident and don’t obsess over the numbers and scores.” Jay emphasized the power of visualization, while Jake expressed his belief in fate. Jungwon simply advised, “Trust yourself and have faith in yourself.” Sunoo, with a smile, wished he had exercised more as a child, believing it would have made him taller. Heeseung, ever the logical thinker, remarked that he wouldn't change anything, acknowledging that his past path led him to his current success.
This innovative approach to music release not only demonstrates ENHYPEN's artistic freedom and individuality but also strengthens their bond with ENGENE, inviting fans to experience their music in multifaceted ways. Their willingness to experiment and share their personal creative processes sets a new standard for K-pop groups, emphasizing genuine artistic expression.