AxMxP Is Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month for September: Exclusive Photos

Ha Yoo Joon

You debuted on Sept. 10. One week later, how do you feel?

Honestly, it still doesn’t feel real. I’ve trained for years with this debut in mind, but I haven’t fully processed it yet.

As the frontman, you’re in charge of leading many moments on stage. How do you handle that responsibility?

I try to reflect on myself often. You can’t completely avoid feeling pressure, but I believe when my inner state is clear, that’s what shows outwardly too. I write down my emotions in a notebook to look at myself more closely.

What did you write most recently?

Something like, “I still feel like I’m only dreaming. I hope I can navigate this period well.” I’ll probably add a few more lines after today’s Billboard interview.

At your Olympic Hall showcase, you performed all 10 album tracks plus one OST track — 11 songs in total. How challenging was that?

It was the first time we had to fill two hours, including stage talk, so I was definitely worried. But once I got on stage, the fans’ energy carried me. Even with music show tapings right after, I didn’t feel exhausted. These days, every moment feels like a blessing.

Of your triple title tracks — “Shocking Drama,” “I Did It,” and “Love Poem (You Make Me a Poet)” — as well as previously released songs like “Monday To Sunday,” “Buzzer Beater,” and “SEE YOU LATER,” which one feels most special to you?

“Buzzer Beater.” It was the first song we received, and it feels like home — like it’s firmly within my range.

You co-wrote lyrics for “Headbang.” Do you plan to compose more in the future?

Definitely. I’ve been working on songs for years and have unreleased material. “Headbang” was something I wrote long ago that finally made it onto the debut album.

How do you balance rapping and singing on tracks like “I Did It”?

It’s exciting. I feel like I have two selves — one rap-driven, one vocal-driven — that are gradually merging into one.

What music inspires you now?

Besides our album, I listen to Stevie Wonder the most. Recently, I also crossed paths often with CORTIS during music shows, and as a hip-hop fan, I really admired their performances.

On stage, you often shout “Make some noise!” What does that mean for AxMxP?

Fans told me they lost their voices at our showcase because they kept shouting back (laughs). I love that connection. Singing alone is fine, but sharing that energy with others — that’s the real magic of being in a band.

What message do you hope to deliver through AxMxP’s music?

Each song carries its own message and color. For now, I just hope those nuances reach listeners. If our music helps someone release emotions they’ve held inside, that’s enough for me.

When have you felt the power of music most strongly?

When I first heard “White T-Shirt” in a taxi, crossing Yeongdong Bridge at sunset. I was overwhelmed and cried. Later, rehearsing that song for our showcase, I felt the same tears again. Music really is like a time machine.

Kim Shin

You wrapped up your very first fan showcase at Olympic Hall on September 10. You performed all 10 tracks from your first album as well as the OST “SEE YOU LATER” from Spring of Youth. What was that experience like for you?

We had played festivals and company concerts before, but two hours dedicated to just us felt totally different. It truly made our debut feel real.

How did you first pick up the guitar?

My sister started playing acoustic guitar as a hobby, and I joined her. I later joined my middle school band, then became a trainee at FNC Entertainment. The deeper I went into lessons and evaluations, the more fascinated I became with music as a whole.

On music shows, bands are rare. What stood out to you about that experience?

We’re grateful to shows like Music Core that provided an environment for live instruments. Playing live transforms everything — the energy exchange with fans is so much greater.

What songs do you listen to most these days?

Right now, Alek Olsen’s songs. I like the intimate feeling of just guitar and voice. Discovering new music constantly inspires me.

Which AxMxP lyric resonates most with you?

“White T-shirts.” I love the metaphor of heartbreak as a stain on white fabric — simple but vivid.

Do you want to get into producing?

Yes. We’re still developing, but we think a lot about musical direction and stage design. Cru, for instance, is really into lighting and often talks with staff about it.

Which performances have inspired you recently?

LEE CHANHYUK’s “Endangered Love” and “Panorama” stages. His clear message and the way he delivers it through music were powerful.

What do you hope to convey through AxMxP’s music?

I want to have a positive impact. Music can change people, and those people can, in turn, change the world.

What have you taken away from FNC Entertainment’s Band Kingdom tours?

They were just the beginning. Those shows taught me to see every stage as motivation, not burden, for growth.

When you hear the word “Billboard,” what comes to mind?

Global artists, of course. BTS. And our seniors P1Harmony making it onto the Billboard 200.

Your dream stage?

Las Vegas’ Sphere. It feels built for music. I also love Ichiko Aoba’s video performing on a rock — the harmony between place and sound. One day, I hope we can find a space that amplifies our music like that.

Cru

What drew you to the drums?

My father loved Rush, where drums are so prominent. I picked up sticks at 8, and by middle school I was playing seriously.

Which AxMxP track showcases your drumming best?

When we perform live, we rearrange all the songs. The one I find most fun to play on stage is “I Did It.” On record, though, the track I’m most personally satisfied with is “Season of Tears.” I poured a lot of heart into it, since I personally composed all the drum parts that went into the album version.

Why did you invest so much into that track?

It reminded me of church music I used to play as a teen. I felt comfortable and inspired to add my own fills.

You’ve shown strong performance flair on stage. Is that important to you?

Yes. From the beginning, I practiced tricks like stick spins. But more importantly, I’ve learned that band synergy matters most. Watching seniors on the FNC Entertainment’s Band Kingdom tour taught me about live arrangements and fan interaction.

Do you want to compose more?

Absolutely. I’ve been writing since trainee days. I couldn’t debut with those songs yet, but I’m saving them.

How did growing up with American rock shape you?

On road trips with my dad, we blasted ’70s and ’80s rock in the desert near LA. Those memories still come back whenever I play.

When did you first connect with K-pop?

Through YouTube drum covers. I realized rock and hip-hop could merge. Playing BLACKPINK’s “Pink Venom” and “Pretty Savage” on drums was so fun.

What does Billboard mean to you?

I’ve always wondered what it feels like to top the Billboard charts. Recently, I saw KPop Demon Hunters OST tracks filling the charts — I hadn’t even realized they were anime soundtracks at first.

What message do you hope to share now?

I used to want to look like an “artist.” Now, I mostly want our songs to give people positive energy and release stress.

When have you felt music’s power most vividly?

During Band Kingdom, when Yoo Joon sang FTISLAND’s “Paradise” with seniors. Watching from behind, I thought about our four years of training and cried. I rarely cry — but it was beautiful.

If AxMxP performs in the U.S. someday, what do you hope audiences will feel?

They might find us unusual at first, but blending K-pop with band energy could appeal to even more listeners. And yes, we’ll deliver. I feel most alive on stage.

Ju Hwan

Born in 2010, JU HWAN is the youngest member of AxMxP — with even a past as a child actor. When did bass first captivate you?

At shows, when I felt the ground shake from low bass vibrations. I wanted to create that myself.

Which AxMxP songs give different “vibrations” for you?

“Love Poem” resonates like a rock ballad, while “I Did It” hits harder and louder.

How has your first week after debut been?

It’s surreal. I keep asking myself if this is real, but it’s been so fun. Any fatigue disappears when I’m with fans.

You ended your showcase with a deep bow. Why?

It just came out naturally. I was overwhelmed with gratitude — especially to debut at Olympic Hall, where so many seniors have held concerts.

Olympic Hall has hosted solo concerts for many of your FNC Entertainment seniors, from CNBLUE and N.Flying to SF9 and P1Harmony. Your older sister, an N.Flying fan, also sparked your interest in band music. Did her influence even extend to the witty comments you made during the showcase?

Yes, a little. Even my showcase comments probably had some of her touch (laughs).

What stands out from FNC Entertainment’s Band Kingdom?

Meeting our seniors broadened my horizons. The biggest charm of bands is their synergy, and those experiences proved it.

At your showcase, you revealed a bass etched with AxMxP’s logo. How did that come about?

Shin and I wanted something symbolic. We carved the letters ourselves into the back of my bass and painted them in.

What makes your bass special?

It’s a five-string, which fits many of our songs. When I first played this model, I immediately thought, “This is it.”

Who inspires you as a bassist?

Choi Won-hyuk, who plays with multiple bands. His playing may look simple, but the emotional depth is immense. Watching him perform brought me to tears. I hope to show that kind of power too.

How do you feel about talk of a “band boom” in Korea?

Personally, I don’t think we’re there yet. There are still so many amazing bands waiting to be heard.

What do you hope to achieve musically?

I want our team’s sound to keep evolving. I admire bands like Earth, Wind & Fire — timeless, emotional, universal. If our songs can deliver diverse feelings to people, I’ll be happy.

What message do you hope to share as AxMxP?

I hope our music can make the world a little more beautiful. Songs like “We Are the World” show how music can truly impact humanity.

What recent team discussion stuck with you most?

Yoo Joon once said, “Never forget that what we do influences people.” We all agreed, and that mindset stays with me.

AxMxP

AxMxP