Interview: 'Monster Rookies' xikers Hope to Be An Inspiration to Others...and They're Well On Their Way

Almost exactly a year ago, I had the honor of watching a group of bright-eyed trainees as the opening act on tour for their company-mate, ATEEZ. Known then as KQ Fellaz 2 (ATEEZ were the original KQ Fellaz before they debuted), this group of kids had chops and charm that I knew would take them far.

Fast forward to March 2023, and that group of talented young boys, with their ever-growing eagerness and ferocity on stage, debuted as xikers, the 10-member group consisting of Minjae, Junmin, Sumin, Jinsik, Hyunwoo, Junghoon, Seeun, Yujun, Hunter and Yechan.

Now, with two mini albums under their belt, xikers are embarking on their first world tour, TRICKY House: First Encounter. After seeing their pre-debut stage on ATEEZ's tour, I had also seen xikers at KCON LA this summer and got to witness their growth firsthand, so I knew their first-ever solo show in the U.S. was not to be missed.  

Not only was I present for this epic and powerful concert at New York City's Apollo Theater last night, I also got to sit down with the group last week and chat with them about their career thus far, the lore that ties their concept together, and their dreams and aspirations for the future.

Find out what they had to say below!

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You're about to kick off your first tour in the U.S., what are you most looking forward to?

Minjae: Definitely meeting our fans, "road𝓨" with our concert.

Junmin: We actually released two mini albums so far, and one of the best things to look forward to is the fact that we can introduce the B-side tracks into our performance.

You recently performed at KCON LA. What was that experience like for you?

Seeun: It was a perfect experience because it was our first time in L.A. after debut, so it was really good. When we came before debut, it was mainly just to practice and to be with ourselves, and train. It was more of a training period for us. After we debuted, it was amazing that we had gained so many more fans and we were able to perform at such a big venue, at such a big event, with fans.

Can you maybe give any setlist spoilers for the tour?

Seeun: Junmin and Hunter have a special stage and they are really sexy!

So far, your albums have focused around this concept and character of 'TRICKY', can you explain what that's all about?

Minjae: Firstly, TRICKY is like the main icon of our universe. TRICKY usually makes us be confused but sometimes he also helps us to find something new for our future. So, we have to find main events or missions on our journey with TRICKY. But, we don't know how TRICKY helps us or makes us confused. We don't know yet. I can say that many people, road𝓨, can look forward to our new main events after our albums. That's the key points of our universe.

Do you have any concepts or different musical styles you want to try in the future?

Sumin: Old school, hip-hop!

Who are some of your personal favorite artists or musical influences?

Yechan: Seori is an artist I really like! She's a Korean artist.

Yujun: Jungkook [from BTS]

Yechan: xikers' Minjae!

Minjae: I love Post Malone!

Jinsik: I've listened to EXO since I was young, so I really like EXO.

Yechan: Junghoon's role model is Justin Bieber

[Editor's Note: Junghoon is the 10th member of xikers who is currently on hiatus due to an injury and therefore unable to accompany the group on tour at this time.]

Sumin: I'm a huge fan of Bruno Mars

Hyunwoo: There's two, Yim Jae-beom and Michael Bolton.

Hunter: For me, ATEEZ!

I know you just debuted this year, but what is your most memorable moment you've had since your debut?

Yechan: On the last day of our promotions for our first album, Junmin actually cried on stage. It was very cute!

Yujun: For me, I actually remember our debut day the most because we were very nervous. But, when we got on stage, the audience cheered for us so loudly and were really enthusiastic for us. It was one of the most memorable moments.

What are some things you want to accomplish in your career as xikers?

Hunter: I think to just be a memorable group for future K-pop idols and to be a role model for younger generations. 

Do you have anything you want to say to your fans?

Hyunwoo: Coming to the U.S. and having all of these experiences and growing upon those experiences and stacking them up, I want to use all of those and become an even better artist in the future for you!

Seeun: Thank you so much for cheering us on up until this point. We will work even harder to become better artists in the future. So please continue to love us!