Photo Cr. Singing Beetle

 

Fresh off the release of their highly anticipated first single album of 2026, 1VERSE is stepping into the new year with powerful momentum. Released just ahead of the US leg of their <SHATTERED> tour. The hypnotic and emotionally charged title track “WABIF” (Wide Awake Before I Fall), a song that draws listeners in with contemplative lyrics, addictive beats, and the group’s signature storytelling style. With lines like Still keep humming / Life ain’t fair but I just keep coming, the track captures the restless spirit of youth and the determination to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

Following their history-making debut in July 2025, the group continues to build remarkable first-year global momentum, proving that their rise is far from fleeting. From the beginning, 1VERSE has centered their music on authenticity and lived experience, a philosophy echoed by Michelle Cho, CEO of Singing Beetle. She describes “WABIF” as a song for anyone who has ever doubted themselves but refused to give up, emphasizing that the group’s lyrics embrace real-life imperfections and emotional honesty.

Serving as the second chapter of their Shattered era, WABIF continues 1VERSE’s raw exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and inner conflict. Co-written by members Kenny and Nathan and produced alongside hitmakers such as EXO, Taeyeon, and John Legend collaborators Adrian McKinnon and dr.ahn, the track blends emotional depth with what is described as a bold “sexy drill” sound. 1VERSE continues to break boundaries while sharing stories that resonate across cultures. In this interview, the group reflects on their creative journey, upcoming tour, and the meaning behind one of their most personal releases yet.

First of all, congratulations on being named among the Top Debuts of 2025 by several outlets, including KpopWise. And congratulations on your new single! Kenny and Nathan, you both co-wrote the track—what was the songwriting process like? Was it challenging, or did anything surprise you compared to your debut era?

Nathan: My experience was very different from Kenny’s. I joined in October, and this writing session happened on my second day in Korea, so it was really intimidating. I was in a room with Penny Michelle and Adrian, who are very well-known songwriters, and I remember thinking, oh my gosh, what am I doing here? I’m not ready for this.

But it was really cool because they invited me into the session. Kenny worked on the lyrics with everyone, and I got to participate a little, too. Most importantly, I was able to share my story—my falling moment, when everything felt really low for me and I didn’t want to give up. That connects to my experience of coming to Korea, auditioning for K-pop groups, and never hearing back.

Somehow, that all became part of the song. So, my experience was completely different from his, but it was really meaningful.

Kenny: This was actually one of the easier songs I’ve written for the company. I was thinking about a specific moment and the emotions inside it. While everyone was sharing their stories, I was just typing away. I’d listen and think, oh my god, that’s so sad, and keep writing.

After a while, I realized I had finished the chorus, and I asked everyone what they thought. They said, this is really good. We really like it, and I was like, Oh, okay—that’s really nice.

Fun fact: this song was written before Shattered. I think Shattered was written the day after. I definitely put a lot of myself into this one, so I’m really excited for it to finally be released. We’ve been waiting almost a year for this song to come out.

The U.S. tour is coming up soon. Is there one thing you want 5TARZ to be especially excited about?

Nathan: Get ready for Shattered. We’ll be ready for that. And also, just a lot of energy. We’re going to be very locked in.

Whatever fans are expecting, we’ll do even better. I’m really excited to perform our team’s song—the one that has my voice and our story in it. At the same time, I’m a little nervous. This is the first time we’re really showing music that represents who we are.

I’m honestly a bit scared that I might not be able to perform everything perfectly, but I’m also very hopeful. We’ve prepared so much for the fans, and I hope we can give them something they’ve been waiting for.

Kenny: (laughs) Before Nathan answered, I was going to say, I expect to feel shattered, but he took it first. Sorry!

And also, I can’t wait to bring more vintage Funko Pops and rare editions on stage to show everyone. Maybe I’ll even throw a couple into the crowd—I’m a gift-giving performer.

Aito: On this tour, there are some things that include my own drawings, so please look forward to that.

Kenny: Yes, his drawings and his designs are part of the “WABIF” photo cards and the tour. I was always nagging him to follow my instructions.

But seriously, I’m so proud of him. He’s using his graphic design skills from college, and it looks really cool. You’ll have to see it.

 

Since Seok is new to the touring life, is there anything you would like to show him while in the US?

Kenny: I would like to show him some earplugs, because every single plane that we’ve been on there is a crying baby. So, I will protect his ears from that.

Nathan: There was one family that flew into Orlando with us, but when we left Orlando, they flew again with us, behind us. Like ain’t no way that’s happening! That’s a true American flying story. I would like to introduce Seok-hyung to Arkansas because I am from Arkansas. I would love for him to check out my home town. He’s actually been very intrigued by how other people describe Arkansas. Like farmland, but we don’t just have farmland, we have other stuff too that I can’t wait for him to see.

Kenny: I’ll give have a coupon discount for all the luggage in Korea.

Aito: Seok-hyung be prepared, there’s going to be a lot of hardship when you first get to the states. It was my first time when I came last time. There were a lot of culture things that I had not expected, but you just have to go through it.

Kenny: Our CEO Michelle pointed out, that when the Americans landed in America, our speaking went double times speed. “OMG ain’t no way, that’s so crazy” “Let’s go to Chipotle. You want to go to Chipotle?” “Oh, hellll yeahhh Chipotle!”

Aito: I have Joe to count on. (as a Translator)

If you had to convince someone who doesn't know you yet to come see you in concert, what would you tell them? 

Nathan: Come watch us, come have fun! You want to have fun, right? Why won’t you want to have fun? Respectfully, what are you doing?

Aito: I don't know if I'm allowed to put it like this, but… if you ever doubt what kind of K-Pop fan you want to be, you want to be a 1VERSE fan.  

Everyone: Ohhhh~

Kenny: Last time, my mom decided to attend one of our concerts and she got tons of freebies, like crocheted figurines of us. So, if you want lots of free stuff after you buy your concert ticket, be happy to attend one of our concerts, because you'll get fed, you'll get water, and you'll also leave with tons of free stuff!

Nathan: Bathroom breaks?

Kenny: Bathroom breaks no. Freebies yes! It’s going to be an adventurous 2-hours!

Seok: If you need to recharge, come see 1VERSE. We'll give you a whole lot of energy!

Nathan: It sounds like a commercial. Are you tired? Are you very stressed? Come stop by 1VERSE.

Kenny: It’s also our honeymoon with Seok. He’s finally signed the pre-nup. So, he’s coming to America!

Everyone: Cheers

The <SHATTERED>Tour is underway! Find tickets near you here. For more tour information check the FAQ. 

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