xikers Yujun Reveals ATEEZ's Wooyoung Cheered Them On Ahead of "DIENAMITE" Comeback

K-POP group xikers shared the encouragement they received from their KQ Entertainment seniors ATEEZ ahead of their latest comeback.

On November 2, xikers held a media showcase at Myunghwa Live Hall in Seoul to celebrate the release of their eighth mini album, "ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING," featuring the punk rock-inspired title track "DIENAMITE."

During the press Q&A, the members were asked whether ATEEZ had offered any advice ahead of their comeback, particularly as the two groups prepare for overlapping promotional activities.

Yujun revealed that ATEEZ member Wooyoung frequently treats him to meals and that their conversations had recently turned to xikers' comeback preparations.

"Wooyoung often buys me meals, and when we were talking, our comeback came up. He told me it was good to see us always working hard and encouraged us to keep it up during this promotion," Yujun said.

He added that the encouragement from his senior had given him additional confidence as the group prepared to return to the stage.

The members also addressed ATEEZ's recent popularity through dance challenges and whether they had considered preparing similar content for their latest release.

Yujun explained that xikers had paid particular attention to the guitar-inspired movements and choreography of "DIENAMITE," considering which elements could be adapted into a challenge that would be easier for fans to follow.

As a result, the group prepared a simplified version of the choreography, which they plan to introduce during their music-show promotions.

The possibility of promoting alongside ATEEZ also drew attention during the showcase to which Junghoon recalled closely watching ATEEZ's performances during his trainee days, explaining that there had been many things to learn from the senior group.

However, he emphasized that xikers also hoped to demonstrate their own musical identity through the latest release.

"We worked really hard preparing ‘DIENAMITE' because we want to show our own unique charms," he said.

Both groups are represented by KQ Entertainment, with ATEEZ debuting in 2018 and xikers following in 2023.

Meanwhile, "ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING" marks xikers' return approximately five months after their previous mini album, "ROUTE ZERO : The ORA." Its title track, "DIENAMITE," is the first xikers title song produced by leader Minjae, with members Sumin and Yechan also participating in the lyrics.

xikers' 8th Mini-Album "ROUTE ZERO : The CALLING" will be available on all major streaming services on Nov. 2 at 6 p.m. KST.