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'A more mature and powerful side' to TREASURE: Members on 'REBOOT,' songwriting and growth

Olivia Munson
USA TODAY

Since debut, TREASURE has captivated audiences across the globe. With millions of streams and records sold, the K-pop boy group continues to push forward with skillful performances and memorable tracks.

As they approach their third anniversary, TREASURE is expanding their artistry.

On July 28, the group released their second full-length album "REBOOT," signaling a new era and bringing forth "a more mature and powerful side of TREASURE," said Choi Hyunsuk, the group's co-leader.

USA TODAY spoke with TREASURE about their latest music release and growth through the years.

Who is TREASURE?

(L-R) Park Jeongwoo, Asahi, So Junghwan, Yoshi, Haruto, Junkyu, Jihoon, Choi Hyunsuk, Doyoung and Yoon Jaehyuk of TREASURE.

TREASURE is a 10-member K-pop boy group under YG Entertainment. Members Choi Hyunsuk, Jihoon, Yoshi, Junkyu, Yoon Jaehyuk, Asahi, Doyoung, Haruto, Park Jeongwoo and So Junghwan debuted with "THE FIRST STEP : CHAPTER ONE" in 2020. The group was formed on the reality-competition program "YG Treasure Box."

"THE FIRST STEP : CHAPTER ONE" peaked at No. 1 on the Circle Album chart and was certified platinum by the Korea Music Content Association. The album's two tracks – "BOY" and "COME TO ME" – reached No. 7 and No. 10, respectively, on the Billboard World Digital Songs Sales chart.

At the time of their debut, the group won several new artist awards, including the new wave award at the APAN Music Awards, rookie artist of the year at the Golden Disc Awards, rookie of the year at the Asia Artist Awards and best new male artist at the MAMA Awards. TREASURE was also named "the fastest-rising K-pop act in the world of 2020" by Twitter, according to Forbes.

Since debut, TREASURE has released two studio albums, two EPs, three single albums and several singles, many of which have hit the top charts worldwide.

"DARARI", off the group's first EP (which is certified triple-platinum), saw viral success and was one of the most "shazamed" and streamed K-pop songs of 2022 on Apple Music and Spotify. The song now has over 183 million streams on Spotify.

How many members are in TREASURE?

(L-R, top to bottom) Choi Hyunsuk, Haruto, So Junghwan, Jihoon, Junkyu, Park Jeongwoo, Yoshi, Yoon Jaehyuk, Doyoung and Asahi of TREASURE.

There are 10 members:

  • Choi Hyunsuk Born April 21, 1999. Hometown: Seoul, South Korea.
  • Jihoon (Park Jihoon) Born March 14, 2000. Hometown: Busan, South Korea.
  • Yoshi (Kanemoto Yoshinori) Born May 15, 2000. Hometown: Hyogo, Japan.
  • Junkyu (Kim Junkyu) Born Sept. 9, 2000. Hometown: Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea.
  • Yoon Jaehyuk Born July 23, 2001. Hometown: Yongin, South Korea.
  • Asahi (Hamada Asahi) Born Aug. 20, 2001. Hometown: Osaka, Japan.
  • Doyoung (Kim Doyoung) Born Dec. 4, 2003. Hometown: Seoul, South Korea.
  • Haruto (Watanabe Haruto) Born April 5, 2004. Hometown: Fukuoka, Japan.
  • Park Jeongwoo Born Sept. 28, 2004. Hometown: Jeollabuk-do, South Korea.
  • So Junghwan Born Feb. 18, 2005. Hometown: Jeollabuk-do, South Korea.

TREASURE 'become a lot cooler' with 'REBOOT'

Maturity was one of the keywords TREASURE considered when they were creating and preparing for "REBOOT."

"We researched a lot so we can show our fans that we've grown up and become a lot cooler," says Doyoung.

As an introduction to this chapter, TREASURE began a new venture: T5 consisting of members So Junghwan, Junkyu, Jihoon, Yoon Jaehyuk and Doyoung. The unit's track "MOVE" was pre-released June 28, highlighting TREASURE's growth.

Over the last few years, each experience has shaped TREASURE into stronger performers and individuals.

"You can see how we've grown in our live performances now that we've toured and have a lot of live shows under our belt," says Asahi.

The 10-track "REBOOT," featuring single "BONA BONA," underscores TREASURE's determination to push boundaries and broaden scope.

Fostering identity and showing another side to TREASURE

With this album, TREASURE is forging their current identity and refining their skills. The members are known for being involved in the music production process, and this album was no different.

Junkyu shares how he is excited for audiences to listen to "MOVE" (which he wrote and composed), saying, "I'm thankful that the members followed my guidance well and we created a good song."

Being able to participate in writing this album allowed the members to spotlight their talents. The variety in tracks on "REBOOT" moves TREASURE past the "teen image" they portrayed previously.

"Concept-wise, we are showing a more mature and powerful side of TREASURE," says Hyunsuk.

Being in TREASURE has been 'an honor'

Through the years, the members have spent a lot time together, and TREASURE's bond is very close as the members deeply cherish one another.

"I really value that I get to be a member of TREASURE," says Jeongwoo. "I'm glad I can be of help to the group."

Jaehyuk calls being a member "an honor," saying, "I'm inspired by all nine members. They're my entire life."

Co-leader Jihoon expresses similar sentiments. "As a 24 year old, I think that your 20s and 30s are when you peak and can make the most memories," he says. As Jihoon is with his members, he's having fun and enjoying each and every moment. "I really cherish this time."

TREASURE loves their TREASURE MAKERS

(L-R) So Junghwan, Jihoon, Choi Hyunsuk, Park Jeongwoo, Doyoung, Asahi, Yoshi, Haruto, Yoon Jaehyuk, and Junkyu of TREASURE.

The fandom name for TREASURE is "TREASURE MAKER," who the members lovingly nickname "Teume."

With this album, Haruto hopes TREASURE MAKERS can see "a renewed side to TREASURE."

For Junghwan, he hopes the fans have fun listening. "I personally poured everything preparing this 'REBOOT' album," he says. "I hope that our TREASURE MAKERS can see the result of our efforts."

In the end, TREASURE wants to show their immense appreciation toward their fans. "We always love you and hope you're healthy TREASURE MAKERS," says Yoshi.

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