OX:N Talk "SWIRKY," "SOMEBODY," and the Heart Behind Their Japanese Debut

An inside look at OX:N’s Japanese debut, creative synergy, and heartfelt messages for fans.

OX:N continues to showcase their exceptional artistry as they build on the momentum of their Korean debut earlier this year. Having officially debuted as OMEGA X’s first subunit on June 20, 2025, the quartet—JAEHAN, XEN, JEHYUN, and YECHAN—has already proven themselves to be a unit defined by creativity, intention, and skill. Their musical talent was evident from the start, so it’s no surprise that they stepped into this new challenge with confidence, vision, and heart.

On October 23, 2025, OX:N unveiled their first Japanese single album, SWAY, marking a resonant and emotionally layered entry into Japan’s music scene. The title track, “SWIRKY,” embodies the exhilarating pursuit of breaking free from routine to discover one’s own world, while its counterpart, “SOMEBODY,” turns inward, expressing a yearning for true love after navigating loneliness and self-doubt. With JAEHAN and YECHAN contributing to the composition and lyrics of “SWIRKY,” and XEN guiding the creation of “SOMEBODY,” SWAY highlights not only their versatility but their commitment to telling authentic stories through music—solidifying OX:N’s growing identity as artists who create with purpose.

In our exclusive interview with OX:N, we dive deeper into SWAY and the emotional landscape behind their Japanese debut. The members reflect on what this new chapter means to them, how it differs from their Korean debut, and the personal worlds they envisioned while creating “SWIRKY” and “SOMEBODY.” From their hands-on creative process to the moments in the studio that left a lasting impression, OX:N opens up about their evolving chemistry, the unique challenges of entering Japan’s music scene, and the memories from meeting fans around the world that continue to inspire them.

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OX:N, welcome back! It’s wonderful to speak with you again. Since your debut with N, how have the past few months been for you as artists and as individuals? 

JAEHAN: Hello, this is JAEHAN. I recently participated in JTBC’s music survival program, Sing Again 4! After the N album promotions, I took vocal lessons to prepare for the Sing Again 4 stage and created our digital single, “LOVE+,” and OX:N’s Japanese debut album.

XEN: We started working on the next album right after N, so I think I spent the most time creating new music. 

JEHYUN: We’ve been keeping ourselves busy with preparing the next album amid many activities.

YECHAN: Great to talk to you! We did a lot of things to continue our activities as OX:N, and in between, we tried to find happiness in our daily lives.

Congratulations on your Japanese debut! How did you approach expressing emotion in a new language — and were there any memorable moments during recording? 

JAEHAN: Thank you for congratulating us. I think the hardest part was finding a place where the pronunciation and meaning matched at a satisfactory level when translating the Korean lyrics into Japanese. We went through constant revisions in lyrics and melody to meet that goal. 

XEN: The most memorable moment for me would be translating and editing Korean lyrics to Japanese lyrics. That process actually took the most time, and I worked hard to improve my Japanese pronunciation.

JEHYUN: Since it’s in a different language, pronouncing Japanese words was the hardest part. Different pronunciation could make a difference in conveying the song’s emotions. 

YECHAN: I think it was a bit challenging to write the lyrics in Korean first, then translate them to Japanese to match the syllables. Also, it’s always difficult to work with certain pronunciations that are hard to express in Korean, but I think we’re getting better.

JAEHAN

The title track “SWIRKY” expresses the journey to find your own world, away from a restrained everyday life. What kind of “world” did each of you hope to create or discover through this song?

JAEHAN: I wanted to send a message that we hope you always believe in yourself and move forward in whatever direction you want. 

XEN: For those who feel lonely from time to time, I wanted to say that you’re not alone and we’re with you. I hope everyone to walk in the path they want with confidence, not the path set and pressured by others, at least once in their lives.

JEHYUN: I think I wanted everyone to feel a sense of comfort and ease after listening to the song. 

YECHAN: In a society where many people work in a constant loop without breaks, I hope people to step into the alleyway to find love and interest.

JAEHAN and YECHAN, since you both contributed to writing “SWIRKY,” can you share a bit about how the song came together creatively — and which part of the track reflects your personal experiences most? 

JAEHAN: I always have a thought, ‘Is this the right way to go?’ Even though there is a set answer, I always feel like there are other answers. With that in mind, I got to think about how we chain ourselves by living the life of certain answers.

YECHAN: In Japan, there are many overpasses. On top of the overpass, it is full of cars with no pedestrian lanes, but under the overpass, there are many people and restaurants. To me, it seemed like a place where meetings and communications among people begin.

XEN, you wrote “SOMEBODY,” which explores loneliness, self-hatred, and the desire for true love. What emotions were you channeling while working on it, and how did you want listeners to feel when they hear it? 

XEN: I think I’m the type of person who has a lot of thoughts and tends to get depressed easily. But I got to thinking that these emotions couldn't be mine alone, and that’s when I started creating the music and lyrics. I wanted people to think about sharing energy and power through “SOMEBODY.”

XEN

There’s an emotional thread connecting both “SWIRKY” and “SOMEBODY” — a sense of searching for freedom and love. How do these two sides represent OX:N’s identity right now? 

JAEHAN: I think our attitude of constantly trying and taking new challenges is expressed well in our music. 

YECHAN: Through both songs, we wanted to show a more personal side of ourselves, because sometimes I also feel like running away somewhere.

You’ve all taken an active role in writing and producing since debut. What have you learned about yourselves as songwriters and musicians since creating your first album? 

JAEHAN: In my opinion, there is no end; I could present better music and performance by constantly thinking and studying, so I learned that I need to keep on trying. 

YECHAN: For me, I think I got a little more honest. In the past, my goal was to create songs that are beautiful and cool. But now, I hope to convey my honest feelings and emotions in music. 

Since SWAY focuses on self-discovery, what helps you personally stay grounded or reconnect with yourself amid busy schedules and travel? 

JAEHAN: I think it’s when I think about the future. We often have free time when moving between schedules or waiting for a schedule, and I tend to think a lot about the future during those times. I believe in holding my balance well for a better tomorrow.

XEN: I would look at photos of my cat, U. It gives me the greatest strength and makes me feel like I can overcome anything. 

JEHYUN: Sometimes I have a moment to think by myself, and seeing serene sights outside of a car window while moving makes me think about myself a lot.

YECHAN: I usually look back at my day when I take a bath or shower before going to bed.

JEHYUN

You’ve worked closely together on two albums now. Has the way you communicate or create as a team changed since your debut? 

JAEHAN: I don’t think there is a big difference. However, each of us now has a clearer direction, and I think we are incorporating them well in our work. 

JEHYUN: Because we’ve always communicated with each other on everything, I don’t think our way of communicating has really changed.

YECHAN: We've got to accept each other as is, rather than to change our differences.

Both tracks touch on themes of self-acceptance and emotional release. What message do you hope fans who might be struggling with their own inner battles take away from this single album? 

JAEHAN: I wanted to convey our wish for people to believe in themselves and to cut off anything that ties them down in life.

XEN: I hope “SOMEBODY” provides energy and a place to rely on for anyone who feels lonely.

JEHYUN: I think everyone, including us, would feel some type of struggle at least once in life. It’s not something that only you are feeling, so I hope you’re not having a hard time with it.

YECHAN: I want to tell them that everything’s okay. As long as it’s within the law, I hope they do everything they want and feel like, and grow while fixing any errors on the way. I think that might be a secret to enjoying life.

Each of you has shown new shades of yourselves through OX:N. What’s one thing you’ve discovered or embraced about yourselves through this subunit journey so far? 

JAEHAN: Someone once told us to accept reality, and while that is true, what’s more important is the attitude to change that reality and improve moving forward.

JEHYUN: I believe I’m getting better at accepting difficult situations.

YECHAN: I think I’m a little shy around strangers. With more members, other members can lead a conversation instead of me, but with fewer members in OX:N, I see more room to fill in conversations. Especially when we’re communicating with fans, I hope to make more humorous and smart comments.

You’ve spoken before about OX:N being a bridge that connects all of OMEGA X. How do you think this Japanese debut strengthens that connection, both musically and emotionally? 

JAEHAN: With every new release, OMEGA X will become stronger. I think everyone’s anxiety might grow bigger if we don’t do anything. 

YECHAN

If N was about expressing love and identity, and SWAY is about freedom and discovery — what do you imagine the next chapter of OX:N’s story might explore? 

JAEHAN: We haven’t started discussing our next chapter, but we’ll continue sending positive messages and the stories we want to share.

YECHAN: We would need to talk more among ourselves too, but I hope to create music that solely focuses on one emotion in a more honest way.

Looking back from your debut to now, what moment are you most proud of? 

JAEHAN: I feel proud after finishing each album. We always finish an album with certain challenges and circumstances, but after finalizing one, I feel very proud that we made it through. 

JEHYUN: I think it’s when we debuted as a unit. I was very proud to debut as OX:N despite many challenges and difficulties.

YECHAN: I was very happy to see our fans having fun and a good time at our live party.

Finally, please leave a message for FOR X around the world reading this. 

JAEHAN: With your constant trust and support despite many changes, we can continue trying and moving forward. I’ll become an artist who always appreciates and repays your support! Thank you.

XEN: I hope to continue meeting you with new music. Thank you always, and love you all.

JEHYUN: Thank you so much for your constant support and love. And remember, we are never alone.

YECHAN: It’s the end of the year, and you might find yourself in more worries and thoughts, but I hope you share a good time and cherished hearts with your loved ones.

Listen to OX:N's discography on Spotify or Apple Music.

Connect with the members of OX:N on Instagram, Xen (IG), Jaehan (IG), Jehyun (IG), Yechan (IG), YouTube, X, and TikTok.

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*Special thanks to the members of OX:N, IPQ Entertainment and Helix Publicity for this exclusive interview.

Image and Video Credits: IPQ Entertainment