When boy band MCND made its debut in February last year, expectations were high for the newcomers to the K-pop scene.

While things didn't go as the five members had hoped due to the coronavirus pandemic, when Castle J, BIC, Minjae, Huijun and Win spoke to the Korea JoongAng Daily they said when finally do get to meet with fans it will feel like they're debuting all over again.

“[The coronavirus pandemic] was really sad for us, because we debuted with the dream of standing on a stage surrounded by fans,” said Win.

“So in our minds, we want so much to meet with the Gems [fan club] in person,” added Minjae.

MCND released EP “MCND AGE” on Jan. 8, its first new music in five months since its debut EP “EARTH AGE.” The new EP is a follow-up to its previous, as well as the band’s debut album “into the ICE AGE,” finishing up the “AGE” series. In “EARTH AGE,” MCND took on the theme of five extraterrestrial aliens who landed on Earth in search of their dreams. In “MCND AGE,” they seek to open up a new chapter for themselves in the new world.

“We were quite nervous about the album during the time that we waited,” said Castle J. “So what we did was practice harder and harder. I’m actually thrilled to show a cooler side of MCND.”

The band released its lead track “Crush,” an electronic dance pop song reminiscent of old-school hip-hop, a day before the official album release. The song carries the message that the members will crush the stage with their energy and passion, with a more laid-back choreography style to show how they have grown in the past year. Member Castle J took part in writing the lyrics of the song.

Another song that the members recommend is “Outro,” which Castle J not only wrote the lyrics for, but also composed and arranged.

When it comes to the band's name, the hangul can also mean michin nomdeul — crazy dudes. The band has often been called that by fans for the crazy amount of practice they put into their high quality performances as well as the energetic vibe they show off on stage and the crazy good chemistry the bandmates have with each other. The real meaning behind the letters is “Music Creates New Dream.”

“I think the song really carries our color,” Castle J said. The lyrics, “They call us the crazy dudes, that’s right that’s true […] We’re crazy about music,” come as a response to the fan-endowed nickname.

BIC explains that they also tell each other to “enjoy and have fun” on stage before they perform, while Castle J explained that the secret to their teamwork is communication.

“If we have a problem or if we feel upset about something or someone, then all five of us come together to solve it, to ultimately understand each other better,” he said.

Having to face the coronavirus immediately after its debut meant that MCDN hasn’t had the chance to meet its fans or enjoy the press events that most rookies do. The members hope that their new album will help get them in the spotlight this year. They received the Rookie Award at the Soribada Best K-Music Awards in August last year along with boy bands Cravity and TOO, but they hope for even more in 2021.

“We heard that our debut album felt really new and fresh,” said BIC, “and we hope that this album gives the impression of a uniquely-MCND-vibe.”

Minjae added, “We hope to show more people MCND's color.”

MCND held an online meet-and-greet last year in March to say hello to their Gems. They have also been active on their online fan cafe, uploading many posts and going live on Naver V Live, as well as keeping fans up to date on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

“It’s true that we can’t really believe that we’ve debuted,” said the members when asked whether not being able to meet fans in person has deterred them from feeling the ecstasy of a debut. “We really can’t wait to meet with Gems and actually feel, ‘Wow, I’ve really debuted.’”

MCND's biggest goal for this year is to hold an offline performance and event for fans. Until then, the members' mission is to better their skills until that day comes.

“Let’s enjoy ourselves and have fun until the end,” BIC said, when asked his New Year’s resolution. “I hope we get to enjoy the stage with Gems, without masks. Personally, I’m going to work on my dance skills and work to grow more.”

“We want to hold a concert in front of so many Gems,” said Huijun. “Personally, I’d like to learn French, and help spread the name of MCND.”

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]