X:IN open up about the world of K-pop; Indian member Aria talks about a potential collab with Sriya from BLACKSWAN and more!

Time of India

23-06-2025

In today's day and age, K-pop groups have grown beyond just having Korean members. Groups like X:IN,
BLACKSWAN
, KATSEYE, etc., have managed to break the boundaries by having members from different countries and regions across the world.
In a recent interview, X:IN opened up about surviving in the Korean entertainment industry and how they cope with everything.
X:IN gets candid about being a K-pop group
X:IN recently made their comeback with their new mini album titled 'Defend Myself' in May this year. In an interview with the Financial Express, the idol group got candid about their life as K-pop artists and more.
Their new album, 'Defend Myself', is their first release after shifting to a new agency.
While emphasising the importance of being involved with the music-making process from the get-go, member E.sha shared that 'If we participate actively, we get to be involved in the process before the song is completed. So, when the song is completed and we sing and dance to it, we definitely have more occasions where we can understand (the song) and express ourselves better.
'
She also emphasised the goal that the group seems to be operating on right now.
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She shared that their 'goal to express the emotions that they have experienced and felt in (their) songs as best as possible' was best expressed through their new music.
'Rather than setting a single meaning, I hope that each listener can interpret it differently,' she continued.
Mixed backgrounds in one group
The group also delved into how they work together while having completely different backgrounds. While E.sha, Nizz and Hannah are Korean, member
Nova
is Russian, and Aria is from India.
Aria, birth name Gauthami, is the first South Indian K-pop artist, while Sriya Lenka from BLACKSWAN became the second Indian K-pop idol with the group's debut after former Z-Girls member Priyanka.
Member Hannah shared how the different backgrounds have not caused any issue between the members and that everyone has a 'strong desire to learn and understand each other's cultures'.
Interest in acting and 'anything creative'
The group members expressed their interest in venturing into different industries, which include acting and 'anything creative'.
Aria has already got an acting credit under her belt with the project 'Melvilasom' or 'The Address'. Other than that, the members also shared that they have considered other routes besides K-pop, stating that they have thought about 'acting someday and also producing, composing, and MCing.
'
Not chasing trends, making their own identity
The group members also emphasised staying true to their sound and not chasing trends. Nova stated that 'Going viral can be a great way to reach new audiences.
If something feels genuine and fun—or if we simply feel like following a certain trend—we go for it and always make sure to enjoy the process. I believe that's what helps our fans feel a real connection with us.'
Will Aria and Sriya Lenka collaborate in the future?
When asked about the possibility of working with fellow Indian K-pop artist Sriya Lenka, Aria shared how she may be interested in the opportunity. She shared that 'Unfortunately, we've never had the opportunity to meet and talk yet, but I would love to if such an opportunity arises, and I think it would be really meaningful for us and also our fans to celebrate Indian representation.'