The reason why VANNER has hit the "Jackpot" is because they never gave up, and their rise to the top is their take on a real-life game of Capture the Flag.
After emerging as the winners of Peak Time (2023)—a reality competition created by JTBC—VANNER was the talk of the town and a name that K-Pop fans soon knew by heart.
Taehwan, Gon, Hyesung, Sungkook, and Yeonggwang debuted in 2019 under the wing of VT Entertainment. Now, they're signed with KLAP Entertainment and continue to wave a banner for VANNER.
The 5-strong boyband has recently launched their 2nd mini album titled Capture the Flag. Lead by its catchy carrier single, "Jackpot", there are about a hundred and one things to love about this new piece of art. From the fearless lyrics to the unapologetically michievous music video, VANNER is turning a new leaf wherein the jackpot is theirs for the taking.
Fundamentally, VANNER is an inspirational success story that will play your heartstrings and and repeat on your playlist.
Get cozy as we chat with the quintet about their dazzling mini album, real-life Capture the Flag games, their biggest fears, and their latest search history on Google/Naver!
VANNER Exclusive Interview: Capturing the Moment
★ POPMACHINE: Hello, VANNER! Congratulations on the success of your 2nd mini album, "Capture the Flag"! What is the primary message you want to convey through this masterpiece?
TAEHWAN
It’s about VANNER’s journey searching for another JACKPOT.
GON
Thank you! This album encompasses everything from our debut. Our friendship and love between the members, to the moment when a JACKPOT finally explodes.
HYESUNG
This album represents VANNER’s deep musical colors and showcases VANNER to the world.
SUNGKOOK
It contains our five members' friendship and VANNER's story from the past to the present.
YEONGGWANG
This album effectively captures the strong bond of VANNER.
★ POPMACHINE: We heard that some members were involved in the songwriting/production process. Which specific parts can we thank you for? And what was the biggest challenge you overcame during the process?
GON
I participated in the lyrics for the track, “CIRCUIT”! The most challenging part for me was the intro of the song. It starts with a rapid scale which felt like a challenge.
★ POPMACHINE: The music video for the carrier single, "Jackpot", is such a work of art. Which part is your favorite?
TAEHWAN
My favorite scene in the Music video is when I burst through the door! Haha
GON
I particularly like the scene where we do the cat punch choreography during the chorus! I choreographed that part myself, and I think the sexy vibe really stands out.
HYESUNG
I enjoy the part where there's a scene of reverse playback at the beginning of the music video!
SUNGKOOK
At the site, I liked the scene where TAEHWAN bursts through the door, but after the music video was released, the scene where TAEHWAN turns off the light left a strong impression! Haha
YEONGGWANG
The scene where we argue over money is both immersive and funny! We had a lot of fun shooting that scene together.
★ POPMACHINE: Which lyric in "Jackpot" would you like to have as your SNS bio/description?
TAEHWAN
I'd like to use the lyrics "La vida loca" as my description, which means "crazy happy life." It's a lyric that holds a lot of meaning for me and that I deeply love.
GON
I want to use the lyric "질 수 없지!" which translates to "I won’t lose!" as my description. Because I believe in striving forward without crumbling, no matter what trials come my way.
HYESUNG
I like the part "끝날 때까진 끝난 게 아니야" which means "It's not over until it's over."
SUNGKOOK
'Still alive', because I'm still alive^^
YEONGGWANG
I chose "SINCE 2019"!
★ POPMACHINE: Circling back to the title of your mini album, "Capture the Flag", can you describe a moment in your lives when you felt like you were on a mission to symbolically capture a flag?
TAEHWAN
I think we can liken it to our trainee days. There were many moments where the dream of debuting was within reach only to slip away, so I feel like those times were like playing a
GON
It feels like that moment is right now!
HYESUNG
I think it was “PEAK TIME”! I thought of the flag as a chance, and I believe we seized that chance.
SUNGKOOK
Our trainee days…? The time when we competed towards debuting feels somewhat similar to the game of “Capture the Flag.”
YEONGGWANG
When I was recruited to this company felt like playing “Capture the Flag.” and joining VANNER felt like hitting the “JACKPOT.”
★ POPMACHINE: If you all were to play a game of Capture the Flag in real life, which member is most likely to win, who would cheat, and who would be the first to give up?
TAEHWAN
I think the member most likely to win is, GON. The member most likely to cheat is HYESUNG, and the member most likely to give up first is me.
GON
I think I will win, and SEONGKOOK will cheat, and HYESUNG will give up. Hahaha
HYESUNG
I think GON will win, SEONGKOOK will cheat, and I think I will give up first.
SUNGKOOK
Hmm, it’s an interesting question! I think GON will win because he has good physical abilities, and HYESUNG might cheat on purpose because he has a good sense of humor. TAEHWAN might be the first to give up because he’s not that competitive^^
YEONGGWANG
GON will win, HYESUNG will cheat, and…I think I’ll be the one who gives up first. Hahaha
★ POPMACHINE: Like the "Jackpot" you sing about, what would you consider your biggest win, so far?
TAEHWAN
I think the moment I met our members and the moment we appeared on the show 'PEAK TIME' was the JACKPOT moment for me.
GON
The moment we met our fans, VVS.
HYESUNG
I think every moment is like hitting the JACKPOT. There are still so many opportunities waiting for VANNER, and the fact that we are working hard for those moments makes it feel like a JACKPOT.
SUNGKOOK
The fact that the five of us are on stage together, performing, that’s a JACKPOT!
YEONGGWANG
I think hitting the JACKPOT is that we can meet and get to know the seniors we’ve been admiring for so long, haha.
★ POPMACHINE: Your 5th debut anniversary is coming up soon [upon time of interview], which is also Valentine's Day. Do you have any special debut anniversary plans with your fans?
TAEHWAN
We had a photo shoot with the members at a photo studio for our fans. You’ll be able to see the behind-the-scenes video soon!
GON
We’ll be communicating with our fans through live stream, and also we are planning to reveal special content~!^^
HYESUNG
We took pictures together with the members to celebrate our 5th anniversary, and it was so much fun! I hope our fans enjoy watching us take pictures. And we are also planning to meet our fans through live streaming!
SUNGKOOK
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our fans. Thank you for being with us until our 5th anniversary!!
YEONGGWANG
We prepared content where we took pictures with the members. Next time, if we get the chance, I’d like us to make chocolate to give out~!!
★ POPMACHINE: Do you have any upcoming concerts or fan meetings that VVS can look forward to?
TAEHWAN
We don’t have a specific plan yet, but I’m hoping for a concert~hehe.
GON
I hope we can hold a concert for VANNER soon!
HYESUNG
I think you will hear good news soon! Please wait for the news!
SUNGKOOK
I really hope we can have a concert this year hehe.
YEONGGWANG
We don’t have exact plans, but since our second mini album has been released, I would love to have a concert!
★ POPMACHINE: If you ever plan to go on a world tour, which country would you like to visit as your first stop?
TAEHWAN
There are so many VVS in the States, and it’s been quite a long time since I visited. I really want to go to the US.
GON
Anywhere with VVS is fine with me~!!
HYESUNG
I want to visit every country in the world! I’d love to go wherever there are VVS!
SUNGKOOK
I would like to visit countries I haven’t been to before, and also countries I visited a long time ago.
YEONGGWANG
I would like to visit Europe. I’ve never been to Europe!
★ POPMACHINE: We're sure that you have received millions of heartwarming fan interactions, so far, but is there a specific comment/moment that stood out to you?
TAEHWAN
Some fans have told me that my vocals have given them strength to keep going, and every time I hear that, I feel so happy and it strengthens my resolve to always give our fans a good time when we are on stage.
GON
During this promotion, I felt an exhilaration when I sang my favorite part of the song, “I won’t lose!” and our fans sang it together with me. One of the comments said, “VVS blew the roof off the broadcasting station with their cheers today,” which was very memorable and still sticks with me.
HYESUNG
I love comments that say, “I love you.” ^^
SUNGKOOK
I remember a comment saying, “Oppa, you’re the most handsome person in the world.” haha
YEONGGWANG
The most memorable moment for me was being able to see our fans again after a long time.
★ POPMACHINE: You are all very talented in terms of singing, dancing, performing, and songwriting. Aside from these, do you have any hidden talents that people would be surprised to know about?
TAEHWAN
it seems like I have talent in photography, videography, and editing!^^
GON
I think VANNER’s talent is our perseverance, never giving up until the end!
HYESUNG
I think we have talent in acting. Every member can interpret songs and express them through acting!
SUNGKOOK
A sense of humor? I think I have a good sense of reading the situation quickly.
YEONGGWANG
If VANNER’s evolving performance is considered talent, then I think that’s our talent..hehe
★ POPMACHINE: If you had to trade looks and personalities with another VANNER member for a whole week, who would you choose?
TAEHWAN
I would like to trade with GON! I’m curious about what kind of countless imaginations he lives with on a daily basis. Haha
GON
YEONGGWANG! Since he’s the youngest, I feel like it would be somewhat comfortable.^^
HYESUNG
I would like to live as myself. All of our members have good looks and personalities but I like my slightly arched eyebrows!^^!
SUNGKOOK
YEONGGWANG. a life of being handsome for just a minute..! I’d like to experience that life.
YEONGGWANG
I would choose TAEHWAN!
★ POPMACHINE: If you had the opportunity to spend 24 hours straight with every VVS in the world, what activities would you prepare for them?
TAEHWAN
I would prepare a perfect date course and give our fans a perfect day.
GON
I’d like to go camping together, cook delicious meals, and have a fun day!
HYESUNG
I want to endlessly talk and share thoughts with our fans. I want to share each other thoughts.
SUNGKOOK
I hope we can start with a concert, then have a great meal together, and spend a day where we can communicate closely like a bonfire.
YEONGGWANG
I would like to meet up and talk, getting to know each other more.
★ POPMACHINE: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now, 10 days from now, and 10 minutes from now?
TAEHWAN
In 10 years, I think we will have achieved our goals as VANNER and will be coming back with an album. In 10 days, unfortunately, I think we’ll be slowly wrapping up JACKPOT promotions. And in 10 minutes, as of now, we’ll probably be catching up on some sleep in the car while on the move. Hehe
GON
I’m also curious! Haha maybe I’ll be living just as hard as I am now!
HYESUNG
I think we’ll continue preparing for stages and thinking about performances.
SUNGKOOK
In 10 years, VANNER will have become a team at the top of the world, and in 10 days, we’ll probably be working hard on our schedules. And in 10 minutes, we have an interview!
YEONGGWANG
In 10 years, we’ll probably be actively contributing in our respective positions, and in 10 days, and in 10 days, we'll be busy with our schedules! And in 10 minutes, I think we'll be having a meal. Hehehe
★ POPMACHINE: What is your favorite food, and what type of food do you dislike the most?
TAEHWAN
My favorite food is tteokbokki, and I don’t like food that has too many spices.
GON
My favorite food is tteokguk, and although it's not a food, I don't like carrots!
HYESUNG
My favorite food varies, but I don’t like eggplants.
SUNGKOOK
My favorite food is chicken, and I dislike kimchi fried rice.
YEONGGWANG
I like salmon, and I don’t have any food I don’t like!
★ POPMACHINE: What is your biggest hope and your biggest fear?
TAEHWAN
My greatest hope is to be healthy and happy with my loved ones for a long time, and my greatest fear is losing those precious people. I believe it’s important to cherish the ones next to me.
GON
I wish VVS would be healthy and happy, and my biggest fear is to lose VVS.
HYESUNG
My wish is to stay healthy, and also my biggest fear is losing my health.
SUNGKOOK
My biggest hope is to continue my career for a long time, and my minor concern is also related to losing my career.
YEONGGWANG
My hope is for the people around me to be healthy and happy, and my biggest fear is bugs…!
★ POPMACHINE: Tying in with our 2 previous questions, would you rather eat your most disliked food for 1 year straight or face your biggest fear tomorrow?
TAEHWAN
I would eat my least favorite food for a year…!! Haha
GON
I’ll eat my least favorite food!
HYESUNG
I'll choose to face my greatest fear head-on tomorrow, and then I'll sleep soundly for the whole day!! Hehe.
SUNGKOOK
OMG! I can’t give up my career, so I’ll eat kimchi fried rice tomorrow.
YEONGGWANG
I choose to eat my least favorite food.
★ POPMACHINE: What song is at the top of your playlist right now?
TAEHWAN
IU’s ‘Love wins all’
GON
Charlie Puth’s ‘That’s Not How This Works’
HYESUNG
SZA’s ‘Kill Bill’
SUNGKOOK
VANNER’s ‘JACKPOT’!!
YEONGGWANG
HIGHLIGHTS’s ‘NOT THE END’
★ POPMACHINE: What is the latest thing you searched on Google/Naver?
TAEHWAN
“VANNER TAEHWAN”
GON
I searched for the weather! Haha.
HYESUNG
Crescent moon. I looked it up for my Blog!
SUNGKOOK
I searched for a spell checker hahaha.
YEONGGWANG
I searched for the program, “Transit Love.” I don’t know why I looked it up…hahaha
★ POPMACHINE: If you could have any superpower, which one would you choose, and what would you do with it?
TAEHWAN
Teleportation! I want to use it on my way to work and my way back home^^
GON
I want to be Superman. I can fly and have super strength!
HYESUNG
I want to have superpowers that can eliminate pain. So when people meet me when they are exhausted or in pain, the pain disappears.
SUNGKOOK
The ability to grow taller and have a perfect body and face!
YEONGGWANG
I want to teleport to move between schedules.
★ POPMACHINE: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
TAEHWAN
“There is spring, summer, fall, and winter to every person.” Since I’ve heard that phrase it has stayed with me as the most memorable.
GON
My father told me, “Do what you want to do,” which still remains in my heart.
HYESUNG
“Approach the stage with sincerity.”
SUNGKOOK
This isn’t a piece of advice but “Your voice tone is really good” is the most memorable to me.
YEONGGWANG
The words, “You’ll make it!” are the most memorable to me.
★ POPMACHINE: What is VANNER's ultimate goal for 2024?
TAEHWAN
Getting one step closer to the public!
GON
To have a concert and win first place on music shows!
HYESUNG
I want VANNER to have a solo concert!
SUNGKOOK
Filling the year with busy activities.
YEONGGWANG
VANNER’s solo concert!!
★ POPMACHINE: What is your ultimate definition of happiness?
TAEHWAN
I believe happiness is being together with loved ones for a long time.
GON
My happiness lies in making music and staying next to our fans for a long, long time.
HYESUNG
The ultimate happiness for me as a member of VANNER is probably being an artist who has stood on stage for a long time. It may not be achievable immediately, but I am preparing for that happiness that I can feel when I grow old and still stand on stage someday!
SUNGKOOK
Isn't it happiness to think you're happy and then actually become happy? I am happy at this moment!
YEONGGWANG
VVS’s happiness is my happines.
★ POPMACHINE: Describe VVS in one word.
TAEHWAN
Savior
GON
Oxygen
HYESUNG
Many meanings that cannot be expressed in one word.
SUNGKOOK
Someone who makes you feel happy.
YEONGGWANG
Love
★ POPMACHINE: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to hit the jackpot in life right now?
TAEHWAN
When the time comes, a JACKPOT will come around! Try not to be too anxious and I hope you are happy!
GON
Don’t be too anxious. If you keep working steadily, you surely will see the light!
HYESUNG
A JACKPOT doesn’t just come around. You can do it! Fighting!
SUNGKOOK
Don't expect a one-time jackpot. Instead, aim for opportunities steadily and patiently!
YEONGGWANG
Each person's JACKPOT will surely come, so don't be impatient and don't give up!
★ POPMACHINE: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! Before we wrap it up, do you have a message for your fans and the PopMachine readers?
TAEHWAN
I feel honored and happy to be able to greet you through Popmachine. Please continue to support VANNER's journey ahead, and I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year in 2024!!
GON
I hope that 2024 will be filled with nothing but health and happiness for everyone. VVS! I hope we can meet each other very soon~❤
HYESUNG
Thank you so much, Popmachine, for preparing such fun questions! And for VVS! I love you so much and I hope we make great memories together! Fighting!
SUNGKOOK
Thank you to the subscribers of Popmachine and our VVS fans for watching the interview. We will strive to become an even better group in the future, so please keep an eye on us. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
YEONGGWANG
To all the subscribers and VVS~!! I wish you a happy New Year and hope that 2024 will be a year of JACKPOT with VANNER’s “JACKPOT.” And please continue supporting us!
YOUR NEXT READ: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Sohyang's First Hip Hop Single is a "BLESSING" to the Music Industry
SPECIAL THANKS TO KLAP ENTERTAINMENT | REELS CORP.