ONF Credits Trust and Teamwork for Their New Beginning in 'ONF: MY SELF'

ONF returned with their second full-length album 'ONF: MY SELF' at a media showcase in Seoul on June 17, marking the group's first comeback under KI Entertainment following their departure from WM Entertainment.

The six-member group, consisting of Hyojin, E-Tion, Seungjun, Wyatt, Minkyun and Yuto, reflected on a year of major change that included completing military service and transitioning from WM Entertainment to KI Entertainment.

The members enlisted and were discharged together before returning with 'ONF: MY IDENTITY' in November 2025, which ultimately became their final release under WM Entertainment. When asked about remaining together through both military service and an agency change, Hyojin credited the group's shared goals and trust in one another.

“I think our goals were all the same. We also have deep trust in each other, and I think our teamwork is very good. We believed that if we continued together with that mindset, we could achieve better results.” Hyojin mentioned. Wyatt also added, “rather than thinking our six members had some special mindset, it was more like, ‘Of course we're going together.’” Member Minkyun also attests this to the group's secret which he says is that all the members listen to each other’s feelings openly and honestly.

That sense of unity extended beyond the group's decision-making and into the production of the album itself, with members taking on expanded creative responsibilities throughout the project. Aiming to enhance the overall quality of this album, leader Seungjun worked in overall planning and execution, aiming to properly convey the narrative the group wanted to express. Maknae Yuto also served as performance director taking charge of choreography in order to convey the new change and direction that ONF would be taking with this new chapter.

When it came to the visual side of the performances and overall concept, E-Tion took part in that while Hyojin took more care in the group's vocals and synergy. Lastly with Wyatt and Minkyun contributing to the composition and lyrics of various tracks it shows a team that seems to be on the same wavelength altogether.

'ONF: MY SELF' continues the group's ongoing "MY" series, following 'MY NAME' and 'MY IDENTITY.' Describing the meaning behind the release, Hyojin said, "If the previous albums expressed our name and identity, this Part.2 album carries the meaning of expressing ourselves as we are."

That message is also reflected in the album's title track, "Open The Door," which explores the uncertainty of stepping into an unknown future while continuing to move forward. Speaking on his participation in writing the lyrics, Wyatt explained, "When I wrote the lyrics, I wanted to express worries, concerns, and anxiety about an unseen future. At the same time, I hoped that many people would see a hopeful future while listening to the song."

The six-track album includes "Open The Door" alongside B-sides "Bad Dream," "Escape," "Mirage," "Silver Lining" and "Once In a Red Moon," continuing the group's message of embracing new beginnings. Among the album's B-sides, "Escape" incorporates elements of electro-pop, synth-pop, funk and contemporary R&B. The song was written by Wyatt and highlights the growing creative participation of ONF's members throughout the project.

The members also reflected on their long-standing partnership with producer Hwang Hyun, who has worked closely with the group throughout their career. According to Seungjun, the relationship has extended far beyond music production and has played an important role in shaping ONF's identity as a group."We have talked a lot over the years. We talked about difficult times, good times, sad times, and even small everyday things," Seungjun said.

He credited those conversations as one of the reasons ONF's music is able to convey sincerity, adding, "Because of that, I think our songs contain more sincerity and truth. If possible, I hope we can continue drawing ONF's story together in an even cooler way."

Looking ahead, the members expressed hope that the album would offer listeners encouragement during uncertain moments. E-Tion shared that one of his wishes for this comeback was for the music to provide comfort and strength to those facing challenges in their own lives.

"The future is unknowable, and everyone can relate to feeling anxious. For example, when you are changing jobs or need courage for something, I think listening to this song will give you great strength and energy," he said.

While the group acknowledged having long-term goals for the future, Minkyun emphasized the importance of focusing on each day as it comes."I think that if we live each day thinking, 'I really worked hard today,' then tomorrow will surely be a good day too," he said. Yuto ultimately summed up ONF's aspirations by expressing his hope that the group will become one that "does not change and keeps working hard, so please look forward to us."

As ONF begin a new chapter following an agency transition and increased creative involvement in their music, the members say they hope to continue moving forward together while offering listeners honesty, comfort and encouragement through their songs.

ONF's 2nd Full-Length Album 'ONF: MY SELF' will be released on various music sites today (the 17th) at 6p.m KST.