Rookie ARrC returns with new member for 'nu kidz: out the box'

K-pop boy group ARrC pose during the showcase for its new album "nu kidz: out the box," at SBS Prism Tower in Mapo District, Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Mystic Story

K-pop boy group ARrC has returned as a seven-piece act for its new album “nu kidz: out the box,” welcoming the newest member Andy, who is known for his appearance in the K-pop survival show “Project 7.”

The new album, which drops at 6 p.m. Tuesday, is the group’s first comeback since it debuted in August with the EP “AR^C.”

“When I first heard the news about joining, I was happy at the thought of being able to work together with the members and meet the fans who had been supporting me,” Andy said during the group’s showcase for the new album at SBS Prism Tower in Mapo District, Seoul, Tuesday.

“Actually, since I had spent a long time as a trainee with ARrC members and lived together with some of them, it was awkward at first but afterward we became comfortable like in the old days. Standing on this stage with the members makes it feel real, and I will work hard as ARrC’s Andy.”

The second mini-album has a total of five tracks, including the neo-soul song “accident ~ at the studio” and the R&B track “alien in Seoul,” as well as experimental tracks “loop.dll” and “connected.”

A concept photo for ARrC's new album “nu kidz: out the box" / Courtesy of Mystic Story

The title track “nu kidz” is a triton pop genre song that reinterprets early 2000s hip-hop sounds, arranging synths in each section to create a fresh sound texture that's unfamiliar in the K-pop scene.

The members — Hyunmin, Kien, Choi Han, Rioto, Doha, Jibeen and Andy — explained the new album will highlight the group’s unique musical style.

“This is an album that contains a positive message supporting every 'nu kidz' who are making their own path in their own way. It includes five hip-hop-based tracks,” Jibeen said.

Hyunmin shared that the title track captures how the group continues to push boundaries musically.

“The song reinterprets 2000s hip-hop sounds in ARrC's own style. It shows (our) determination to be nu kidz who break existing frameworks with our own methods and flexible mindset,” he said.

“There were some strong title track candidates but we unanimously liked 'nu kidz' as soon as we heard it. We felt a strong desire to perform it on stage. Also, like ARrC's team name, which means to always remember sincere connections, we thought 'nu kidz' could connect [us and the fans, and through] positive influences, along with its message.”

The members hinted at diverse performances for the title track.

“We reinterpreted '90s choreography in ARrC's style, [using] hip-hop [as a] base. We completed ARrC's energetic performance freely using chairs and tables as objects,” Choi Han said.

Hyunmin added: “'nu kidz’ showcases different choreography in every chorus beyond the chair and table performance. As we worked hard with members to show unique performances, we hope to receive good responses.”