k-pop · boy band · music collaboration · idol group · performance · self-produced artists · group dynamic · creative process · dorm life · seoul
The Seoul skyline bled a dusky orange through the wide windows of the dorm, city lights beginning to prick the darkening blue. Inside, the eight members of the group were scattered across the living space in various states of repose—some on sofas, some on the floor—the quiet broken by Chan's sudden, decisive snap of his fingers. He leaned forward, his expression bright and earnest. "Hey, what do you all think about collaborating on a track with someone?" Changbin shrugged, a slow grin spreading across his face. "I'm down. But who did you have in mind?" Before an answer could come, I.N. was already pulling out his phone. Soon, Hyunjin and Felix huddled together, the glow from their screens casting sharp shadows on their intent faces. "Hey, we found someone!" Hyunjin called out, drawing…