[Exclusive Interview] RE:Guys: “The “RE” now means more than just repetition—it represents a new beginning.”

New chapters are a defining mark for any group. This statement couldn’t be more true for RE:Guys, formerly known as GreatGuys, the members have returned ready for a fresh era. Made up of seven members: Minki, Yeongki, D.I, Donghyun, Daeyoung, Jinhyeon, and Semin who is currently fulfilling his military enlistment duties.

February saw them attend their first fan meeting since their reunion, of which they described the feeling of seeing GRACE again as “overwhelming in a way that’s hard to put into words.” They’ve reflected on their time away and are ready to be bolder, wanting to try new sounds and concepts. I spoke to the group about the new chapter, and what they learned about themselves while away.

You’ve reformed and are now back fresh and ready to start a new chapter. Having had a break, did you approach this era with a different outlook compared to when you first debuted?

RE:Guys: During the break, we had a lot of time to reflect on ourselves. Back then, we were just running forward without looking back, but now we’ve started to think more deeply about why we do this and what kind of music we want to make. So this time, we think we’re prepared with a stronger mindset and a more relaxed perspective.

The “RE” in your name now carries a new meaning. How would you describe the group’s new vibe compared to your debut? Do you feel now you’re older and have more experience, you feel more confident?

RE:Guys: The “RE” now means more than just repetition—it represents a new beginning. Compared to our debut, the atmosphere has become much more natural and honest, and with experience, we’ve definitely gained confidence on stage. Rather than feeling like we have to prove something, we now focus more on enjoying it.

Are there any new concepts or sounds you’re excited to try? Perhaps something you would have felt hesitant to do in the past?

RE:Guys: In the past, we couldn’t try certain genres because we weren’t sure if they suited us, but now we want to challenge them. For example, we’d like to try bolder performances or songs that express deeper emotions, and musically, I want to explore hip-hop and R&B more intensely.

You’ve spoken about how emotional it’s been to see each other’s growth. Looking back, what moments have made you realise that you’ve all grown not just as individuals but as a team?

RE:Guys:  It was when we realised how much our way of understanding each other had changed during practice. In the past, everyone focused on doing well individually, but now we naturally try to fill in each other’s gaps. That’s when we felt we had truly grown as a team.

The music you’ve released has become a comfort to fans. How do you balance creating something honest yet light and replayable? 

RE:Guys: We try to express our emotions as honestly as possible while making sure listeners can relate comfortably. It’s important not to make it too heavy, but still allow sincerity to come through.

That honesty has allowed you to accept imperfections and now lean on one another. Has this new mindset changed how you work and support one another?

RE:Guys: It has definitely changed a lot. Instead of hiding our weaknesses, we now bring them out and try to solve them together. Because of that, we can share opinions more comfortably and trust each other more during the creative process.

Rather than deliver grand messages, you focus on small moments. Would you say these stories are what connects the fans to your music?

RE:Guys: Yes, we think those small stories actually create greater empathy. They may not be extraordinary moments, but they’re emotions everyone experiences, so fans can relate to them more closely.

February saw you reunited with fans at a mini fan meeting. How did it feel to finally reconnect with those who have been patiently waiting for your return? 

RE:Guys: It was overwhelming in a way that’s hard to put into words. We could really feel the time they had waited for us, which made us even more grateful. Just being able to meet them again gave us so much strength. We don’t think we’ll ever forget that moment.

In this new chapter, what role does fandom play when it comes to communicating and connecting as artists?

RE:Guys: Our fans are more than just supporters—they grow alongside us. We communicate through music, and their reactions influence us as well, so we feel deeply connected.

Yeongki, as the leader, what moment have you been most proud of since the return, and how do you determine what direction to go in while leading the members? Do you feel any additional pressure?

Yeongki: My proudest moment was seeing the members genuinely trust and rely on each other. When deciding on direction, I always think about what feels true to us and try to make choices everyone can agree on. The responsibility is definitely big, but it also motivates me to grow.

Jinhyeon, you’ve mentioned that V from BTS has been a role model for you. Is it his musical style that you personally enjoy listening to, or is it his vocal approach that has influenced your own singing style?

Jinhyeon: I think it’s both. His musical style is very appealing, and I’ve learned a lot from the way he conveys emotion and uses his vocal tone. While finding my own colour, I try to keep learning from the good aspects.

Donghyun, your beginnings saw you busking in Hongdae. How important do you think the Hongdae busking scene is for aspiring singers who want to work hard in music?

Donghyun: I think Hongdae busking is a great starting point. It gives you the chance to perform directly in front of people and feel their reactions right away, which helps you grow a lot.

D.I. between rapping and dancing, is there a role you feel more drawn to, or do you prefer to not be boxed in? 

D.I.: Rather than choosing one, I want to enjoy both. Each has its own charm, and I think it’s better to show diverse sides of myself rather than being limited to just one.

Minki, as a rapper, were there any particular songs or rappers that led you to pursue becoming a rapper yourself? 

Minki,: The music of many hip-hop artists I listened to when I was young had a big influence on me. Especially seeing rappers express their own stories honestly made me want to tell my own story too.

When writing your own raps, how do you go about the process? Do you start with the beat or the lyrics? And where do you find inspiration?

RE:Guys: It depends, but I usually start by listening to the beat and then imagining emotions that fit the mood. I draw a lot of inspiration from everyday feelings, experiences, and fleeting thoughts.

Semin, growing up, were there any singers who inspired you to become the singer you are today? As an artist now, what kind of songs do you enjoy? 

Semin: I grew up dreaming while watching various singers, but I was especially influenced by vocalists who are good at conveying emotion. These days, I like songs with strong melodies and emotion, regardless of genre.

Daeyoung, during your time away from the group and leading to the new chapter, has your approach to singing or practising changed? 

Daeyoung: During the break, I came to value the basics more. I now try to practise more systematically and make an effort to better understand my own voice.

This “new side” you want to show isn’t about extraordinary abilities but about the strength to start again with a smile after failure. What message do you hope fans take away from this new chapter of your journey?

RE:Guys: I want to convey that it’s okay not to be perfect. Even if you experience failure, you can smile and start again—and I hope fans feel that the process itself has meaning.

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