A Road Never Travelled Before

One year after debuting, xikers, are bent on making sure they stay on the right path no matter which road they take.

- Charmaine Tan

When the world came to a near impossible standstill four years ago, travel became one of the most sacred rites of passage to growing up - an almost forgotten art that made use of physically taking in all the world had to offer to, in turn, learn about who we can be as full-fledged human beings.

For the 10-piece group xikers-only the second to debut from KQ Entertainment after trailblazing seniors ATEEZ - this mindset to cherish all that they have from the very beginning of their artist journeys has earned them not just the acknowledgement of their peers in the music industry, but also fans who are affectionately named roady. Just shy of their first debut anniversary, the group has already released three mini albums, embarked on a world tour, and is showing an ease into the spotlight that should betray more than a mere 12 months of electric (yet mindful) energy expenditure. For all the potential they have yet to realise, the group is already making a habit of celebrating and appreciating all the people and experiences who have propelled them forward. The contrast between their youthful postures and mature outlooks is a constant reminder of why they are "monster rookies" - who only have an infinite amount of songs to put out, stages to perform, and love to show the world.

In this interview, we speak to MINJAE, JUNMIN, SUMIN, JINSIK, HYUNWOO, SEEUN, YUJUN, HUNTER and YECHAN to uncover what having travel and the undeniable charm of wanderlust ingrained in their identities is like in both concept and real life. We also discuss advice from ATEEZ and the kinds of travel companions they hope to be for roady through life.

HI XIKERS! CONGRATULATIONS ON RELEASING YOUR THIRD MINIALBUM AND, VERY SOON, YOUR ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY! HOW HAS THE PAST YEAR BEEN?