BTOB hopes ‘Outsider’ will encourage people to be themselves

 South Korean boy band BTOB is back Monday with a special album containing six songs, including the title track “Outsider.”

A neo funk/neo soul style song with lyrics co-written by two of the group’s members, Minhyuk and Peniel, “Outsider” encourages listeners to break free from the frustrations of daily routines and worries and boldly live the life they want to live.

This photo, provided by Cube Entertainment, shows BTOB in the “Silent” version of a teaser image for its new album “[4U : OUTSIDE].” (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

“Ultimately, it’s a song of healing,” Changsub, one of the lead vocalists, weighed in. “BTOB are singers who give comfort.”

The once seven-member group has currently been reduced to four, with Hyunsik and Sungjae carrying out their mandatory military service and Ilhoon having left the group in December amid allegations of drug abuse.

Through the special album, Eunkwang, Minhyuk, Changsub and Peniel try to show their new sides both in terms of musical depth and physical appearance.

The group recently performed in “Kingdom: Legendary War,” an Mnet competition show featuring five other K-pop boy bands, which helped expand the band’s “spectrum,” according to Changsub.

“We wanted to show that wider spectrum in the new album,” he said. “Not only as a group with stronger vocals but also as professionals on the stage.”

Moreover, the album’s teaser images were taken under two contrasting concepts: “Silent,” composed of black and white images with chic, sensual and sexy vibes, and “Awake,” a color version invoking natural and relaxed feelings.

Asked to describe what is unique about the new album, Changsub said it is the way in which each of the six tracks offers something different for each circumstance and mood.

“None of the colors are the same,” the 30-year-old said. “If you’re depressed, listen to ‘Can’t Breathe.’ If the sun’s shining and you feel like going somewhere, listen to ‘Traveler.’ If you feel trapped in a place with lots of people, listen to ‘Outsider.’ Listen to whatever you want, whenever you want.”

Next year marks 10 years since the group’s debut. Asked what they look forward to the most, Changsub replied, “A 10-year anniversary concert.”

“I earnestly hope that we’ll be free from COVID-19 and be able to sing together face to face, passing around the mic.”

“[4U : OUTSIDE]” is set for release on music streaming sites at 6 p.m. (Korean time).