Alright folks, hold on tight – ENHYPEN just dropped their repackage album, ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-! These 4th Gen guys have truly cemented their place in K-pop, and as an ENGENE myself, I’ve always been obsessed with their creative concept and how they blend their dark, fantasy-inspired world with different sounds. So naturally, I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what’s next, because I knew I’d find myself in awe of their storytelling.
ENHYPEN has a universe that really pulls you in – and it’s simply impossible not to get immersed in it. So let’s talk about it! ROMANCE: UNTOLD? Felt like stepping into a dreamy world where love was messy, emotional – and just a little magical. But now, we’ve got ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-, and oh boy, they’ve brought another twist, haven’t they? It’s a shift that still holds onto ENHYPEN’s signature charm. I can’t wait to get into what’s new, what’s familiar, what I like, and what I don’t!
Care to stick with me as I break things down and share my honest thoughts? Great! Let’s kick things off with some standout tracks from ROMANCE: UNTOLD that I’ve been dying to get into.
ROMANCE: UNTOLD
Moonstruck
Now this is how you set the stage for an album! Moonstruck was a beautiful opening track for ROMANCE: UNTOLD, with its otherwordly feel. The members’ crisp falsettos over the delicate harp in the pre-chorus? A hypnotic combo. I have this one on repeat!
I must admit, though, that I expected to hear Jake have a narration over the opening track like their earlier ones (e.g., Walk the Line and Intro: Whiteout). It was just so iconic and impactful – and allegorical. Regardless, ENHYPEN’s always nails their opening tracks! They’re always my favourites, with this entrancing quality that just hits different! I wouldn’t say Moonstruck topped Fate (DARK BLOOD’s opening track), but it sure held its own as a mesmerising start to this new chapter.
XO (Only If You Say Yes)
XO (Only If You Say Yes) as the title track for ROMANCE: UNTOLD? Colour me surprised. It was much lighter, almost whimsical, compared to ENHYPEN’s typical dark, angsty title tracks. But their vampire storyline was maintained, of course! It’s not ENHYPEN without their unique supernatural concept. This song weaves the fantasy of eternal love into the innocence of young romance, and the music video captures this perfectly.
One scene that I find pretty poignant is when Sunghoon mouths “joahae” (“I Like You” in Korean) to Chloe (a new character in ENHYPEN’s story world), but his voice remains unheard, seemingly symbolising missed opportunities and the loud silence of unreciprocated feelings. I felt intense déjà vu because it mirrored the intense emotional tension in the DARK BLOOD Concept Trailer – also between Sunghoon and the female lead – and was a powerful callback that added weight to the otherwise lighthearted track.
Now, this introduction of Chloe, a new key figure, adds more depth than you’d imagine! Her role marks a narrative shift from Sooha, a central character in ENHYPEN’s earlier lore, signalling a new chapter in the group’s vampiric journey. If you watched the ROMANCE: UNTOLD Concept Cinema, you’ll understand that ENHYPEN values her love and support, as they embark on a mission to save her while escaping the vampire arrest operation.
Musically, I’d describe XO as a catchy, synth-pop melody, with fluid and addictive rhythmic beats. The stuttering vocal technique in the chorus is quite memorable, and I reckon it makes this song replayable for many listeners! As for the stylistic use of auto-tune, while it adds a sleek, contemporary edge to the track, it sounds a bit too repetitive at times – for me, at least.
This song is definitely not as complex as ENHYPEN’s previous tracks, but I can’t deny that the chorus – or “killing part,” as they call it – lives rent-free in my head. So be wary of having XO on repeat when you have exams coming up – this earworm might just become SHINee’s Ring Ding Dong’s partner-in-crime!
Brought The Heat Back
Okay, so Brought The Heat Back completely flipped the switch for me! The funky disco vibes and dynamic instrumentation had me hooked. It’s the kind of song that plays during a celebration and transports me to the dance floor! This breath of fresh air was a welcome contrast, and the music video’s edgy visuals only amplified my love for this song. Honestly, the whole concept and performance hit closer to my style, making it one of my faves from the album.
What stood out to me was the MV’s cinematic (and chaotic) value. If you haven’t already, you’ve got to watch it – I bet you’ll agree! The flying fish that hit Jay had me cracking up! The themes of friendship and competition came through in such a fun manner despite the darker undertones, and I love how they played with their vampire lore with the visual gags and metaphorical elements.
Watching them “die” in dramatic fashion – like the coffin dropping on Jungwon or the car slamming into Sunoo – only to comically revive? They’re lucky they’re immortal and almost immune to harm. The mix of horror and comedy was unexpected, but I liked it! It felt like the boys didn’t take themselves too seriously here. It was nice to see them embrace a more playful side compared to their usual brooding personas.
Two other standouts for me were Paranormal and Royalty. The former was particularly intriguing – the drums and bass? Always a yes from me. The mystical lyrics are so on-brand, too! That said, I wish the bass was more prominent – it would have helped Paranormal reach its true potential!
On the other hand, Royalty is a B-side I officially pronounce a late-night drive anthem. Its alternative pop and electronic influences create a chill atmosphere that gets you jamming before you realise it. I’m not gonna lie though; the amount of borderline cheesy infatuation and adoration in the lyrics makes my nose wrinkle. Still, tuning that out, this one’s a solid track!
Discussing The Repackage
In a nutshell, ROMANCE: UNTOLD felt like I had unlocked new layers in ENHYPEN’s ever-expanding universe. I found myself reflecting on how far they’ve come as storytellers, how each song ties together concepts of the past and present while opening windows to a world of opportunity. With ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- finally dropping, I was so excited to see how they’ll build on the foundation they’ve already set. Could this top the original? Stay tuned!
The much-anticipated repackage has got two new tracks – No Doubt as the lead single and Daydream as the bonus, building on the success of the original album. It maintains a similar genre palette – lots of love and emotion infused with a modern pop flair. Let’s dive into what’s waiting to be discovered – starting with the repackage’s new additions!
No Doubt
Introducing the new lead single – No Doubt! It’s got this cool mix of retro-inspired synthesisers and minimal 808 bass rhythms, and I’m living for it! The laidback feel carries over from XO (Only If You Say Yes) with its smooth, airy production that reminds me of Y2K-era R&B-pop. I wouldn’t bat an eyelid if I saw Justin Timberlake or Jay Park performing this song!
One thing I noticed, though, was that there’s not much build-up in the song. No Doubt stays pretty consistent throughout, and while that’s not necessarily bad, it does make the track feel a little one-dimensional. With both XO and No Doubt, ENHYPEN seems to be exploring these more subdued, minimalistic choruses. The stylistic, purposeful auto-tune usage is here too, but I honestly feel like it almost takes away from the song a little. I think raw vocals would’ve added some depth, especially with those early 2000s influences, maybe with a bridge or some kind of dramatic peak. Imagine if they leaned more into that vibe; it could’ve been super nostalgic, you know?
That being said, I was still enamoured – to no surprise – by the impeccable choreography and performance! Call me biased, but Ni-Ki really stood out to me; he was so charismatic! And I have to give it to Heeseung too; he shone in the chorus with his piercing stage presence. As for the music video, the office environment setting was a more mature, almost grown-up image that was pretty different from ENHYPEN’s usual boyish charm – which I’m guessing is a nod to the theme of changing relationship dynamics quite well!
Overall, No Doubt may not have completely wowed me, but it’s a song I wouldn’t mind putting on aux in the car or at house parties! And I think it’s still a great step forward as they continue to evolve and experiment with their sound. I’m looking forward to seeing where they go from here!
Daydream
Ah, Daydream. What an interesting track! It’s got a dream-pop energy; mixed with softer, ethereal melodies and a blend of electronic sounds that feels super soothing. I quite enjoy the melodic parts and wish they were longer – because I’ll be real, I’m not entirely sold on the excessive whispering throughout the song. That’s a bit much for me, but I can see why this suits the aesthetic and feel they were going for in the track video!
Speaking of, I loved the track video. The urban hip-hop influence knocked it out of the park for me. I don’t know how this is possible, but it almost made the song sound better! Lyrically, Daydream explores longing, desire, and separation – by painting a picture of yearning for a loved one’s closeness while being physically apart to the point of daydreaming about them. There’s this sense that love transcends all the mundane stuff!
I also think there’s an underlying narrative about the challenges posed by busy lives that keep lovers apart during daylight hours – something that ties back nicely to ENHYPEN’s vampire concept again, where they’re only really active at night. While some parts of this song aren’t exactly my cup of tea, I know many ENGENES are raving about it online (I do confess I’m pickier about the songs I like), and I can totally see why it’s pulled them in!
My Thoughts
I have to give it to ENHYPEN. ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- marks quite a significant change of tone in their discography. And its new songs offered a more optimistic perspective on love, where connection thrives even through separation. I realised that No Doubt radiates confidence, assurance, and security, while XO (Only If You Say Yes) feels more tentative and hesitant. Don’t you think this juxtaposition almost feels like a maturation of ENHYPEN’s characters? I mean, the transition from their usual abstract, fantastical depictions to the office environment – a more grounded, realistic setting – was telling enough!
I think this also reflects in their evolving sound. Lately, they’ve been leaning heavily into electronic elements, with layered vocals, ambient sound, and rhythmic drum loops – quite an experimental soundscape! I also love that the members are getting more involved with the creative process by contributing to the songwriting and production. That’s a sign of an artist taking control of their creative expression. I know they’ll only grow and improve from here – and this isn’t too bad a start!
What impresses me most is what got me hooked on ENHYPEN in the first place – how they’ve managed to keep the storytelling of their universe at the heart of everything since their inception. Each album is a carefully crafted chapter, connecting their past work to what’s coming next. There’s already a lot of buzz for the next album – and for good reason! There are so many new questions about their plot, and I can’t wait to see how the storylines intertwine.
In fact, like countless other fan theories, I strongly suspect Sunoo plays a crucial role in this climactic battle between humans and vampires. Like, come on. Don’t you think it’s a little suspicious how he can be seen on reflective surfaces in ENHYPEN’s music videos when vampires aren’t supposed to have reflections? It makes me wonder about his motives and real identity. So the stakes are high, and with our dear vampires’ tales of trust, sacrifice, and survival, they’re bound to hit a boiling point!
So I think we’re due for a return of something more intense. Last year’s DARK BLOOD release was my favourite era for a reason! Don’t even get me started on it – the choreography, the visuals, the music? If ENHYPEN’s next album or EP leans into that while still pushing their sound forward, I know it’ll be incredible. And as they grow older, I can see their music evolving into something even more nuanced.
Don’t get me wrong – I appreciate how ENHYPEN has tried to approach ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream- differently! Yes, I may not have it on repeat on Spotify – but one thing’s for sure. ENHYPEN knows how to put on a show, and I’ve been ogling at their captivating stage performances instead!
But because I must praise my ults a little more, I can’t help but argue that ENHYPEN has built one of the most fascinating storyworlds in K-pop – in my humble opinion. I simply adore digging into their universe and analysing the details, and I can’t wait to see how their plot plays out! If you haven’t traversed their alternate reality and concept trailers beyond their music, you’re missing out – it adds so much to their lore. And did you hear? DARK MOON, the webtoon inspired by ENHYPEN’s music videos, is set for an anime adaptation – keep an eye out for that, too!
So grab your headphones and enter ENHYPEN’s realm – you’re in for a ride! Got a favorite track or any thoughts on ROMANCE: UNTOLD -daydream-? Whether you’re vibing with the new sound or have a piping-hot take on the repackage, we want to hear it. So don’t be shy – let us know by sliding into our DMs on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok!
Cover Image Courtesy of ENHYPEN.
