Unveiling their boldest and most reflective piece of work to date, K-pop girl group X:IN put out their third mini-album, “Defend Myself,” in May 2025. Releasing digitally on the 17 and physically on the 22nd, the vulnerable musical expression featured four tracks: “Attention Seeker,” “SABAHA,” “Bitter Love,” and “Almost Done.”
X:IN’s latest work marked their first release under their new agency, BeBy Entertainment, and serves as an autobiographical showcase of the group’s emotional turmoil split between the glamorous K-pop chapter and their struggle to shield their real selves in the process.
In an exclusive interview with FinancialExpress.com, Aria, E.sha, Nizz, Hannah and Nova opened up about their firm desire to soar as real artists with “Defend Myself.” In an effort to express their true emotions, the girls sought to surpass the titles of just ordinary idols. Speaking further on the issue, E.sha divulged how important it is for them all to be actively involved in the album’s preparation instead of merely outsourcing their songs.
“If we participate actively, we get to be involved in the process before the song is completed,” she said. “So, when the song is completed and we sing and dance to it, we definitely have more occasions where we can understand (the song) and express better.” Hailing direct involvement of artists, she emphasised their “goal to express the emotions” they “have experienced and felt in (their) songs as best as possible” instead of limiting themselves to a singular musical genre.
“Rather than setting a single meaning, I hope that each listener can interpret it differently,” she explained, when asked if the members wanted self-expression to be defined as their signature sound.
K-pop interview: XIN navigating multi-nationality, ambitions beyond music
Consisting of multinational singers, X:IN is a five-member girl group with Korean members E.sha, Nizz and Hannah, Russian member Nova and Indian member Aria. Alongside BLACKSWAN, the “KEEPING THE FIRE” hit-making music act is one of the first K-pop lineups to roll out the red carpet for an Indian member. On top of that, Aria shines especially bright as the pride of South India, emerging as the first K-pop idol from Kerala.
Despite their multinational differences, the quintet has come together as one. Even Hannah confirmed they “have not had any major difficulties” in finding a common uniting grounded beyond their profession because they “have a strong desire to learn and understand each other’s cultures.”
Making India proud everywhere, Aria from Kerala, a child actor-turned-K-pop idol, made her Hallyu debut after just six months of training. Born as Gauthami, she started acting when she was only three years old. Even beyond her K-pop career, Aria has credits like the film Melvilasom under her belt.
While she got the chance to dedicate a part of her childhood to acting, her fellow members also have their own desire to pursue side-quests. The beloved star shared all five of them are interested “in everything creative, including acting as well.” She further divulged that, in their conversations, the XIN members have considered potentially trying their hand at “acting someday and also producing, composing, MCing.”
X:IN’s Bollywood love
Like many rising K-pop stars, X:IN has also found itself at the centre of social media’s viral fame on multiple accounts. One particular instance especially rang in extra-special moments for fans in India. K-Wave Festival in Bengaluru offered a warm welcome to E.sha, Nizz, Nova, Hannah and Aria in 2023. The young girl group particularly won hearts in the South Asian country by busting moves to the superhit Bollywood tunes of the song “Kala Chashma.”
Despite their own share of viral moments, X:IN admits they are not here to simply chase trends endlessly. At a time when it has become easier than ever to gain popularity online but even more difficult to face cut-throat competition, one can’t help but question how organic it is to reach greater heights by fitting into trends associated with an app or platform’s algorithm.
“Going viral can be a great way to reach new audiences,” Nova admitted, adding that staying true to who they are as artists is what really matters. “If something feels genuine and fun–or if we simply feel like following a certain trend–we go for it and always make sure to enjoy the process. I believe that’s what helps out fans feel a real connection with us.”
Spilling details about their Indian connection, Kerala’s K-pop star Aria confessed the members “have watched a lot of Bollywood music videos together and always mention how they’re so fascinated by how colourful and active everything looks.” Given her own Indian roots, Aria said, “I’m naturally familiar with a lot of our Indian artists.”
As for the other bandmates’ love for Indian music, she revealed that they were really into singer Zaeden’s music, whom they met at the Falcon festival in Assam last December. “I had introduced them to some of my fav songs of his and I remember having a blast jamming to him backstage while he was performing,” Aria opened up, evidently having her own fangirl moment.
Indian star Aria on Desi Representation in K-pop
XIN’s Aria isn’t the only K-pop idol with Indian roots representing the South Asian country on the global stage. Former Z-Girls member Priyanka, BLACKSWAN’s Sriya and KATSEYE’s Lara are other such artists winning hearts in India and on the Hallyu stage alike.
It’s highly likely that Indian fans of the quartet may be keenly dreaming of an ambitious partnership of sorts, potentially introducing a combination of at least two of the four singers as a team, even if just for a one-time feature. I presented Aria with the possibility, asking her if she had any plans of joining forces with either of them for a song.
“Unfortunately, we’ve never had the opportunity to meet and talk yet,” she said of her potential interaction with the girls. “But I would love to if such an opportunity arises and I think it would be really meaningful for us and also our fans to celebrate Indian representation.”
What’s next? Will X:IN come back to India
“Our next goal is to be on a year-end stage or an award ceremony performance in Korea, and to perform in more countries overseas,” Esha opened up. Further revealing that she definitely hopes to be back in India, she recalled how their performances in the country clocked in warm memories owing to the audience’s “passionate and responsive” reactions and excitement, which further fuelled her comfort and enjoyment.
When asked how they hoped to make the most of their visit to India in their personal time as tourists if given the chance, Esha said, “Recently, we performed in Assam, and all the food we had there was all delicious – Puri, butter chicken, naan and more.”
Just talking about it made the XIN member’s mouth water. In addition to fondly thinking of the possibility of digging into a bowl of Indian delicacies again, she owned up that she wanted to visit Aria’s home town in Kerala and travel freely. “I’ve heard a lot from Aria that the nature is really beautiful,” she said longingly.