SEVENTEEN’s S.COUPS And MINGYU On Living It Up As CxM With ‘HYPE VIBES’

Amidst a crowded musical landscape, S.COUPS and MINGYU have cut through the noise and become global superstars of their own.

Since their official debut on the scene back in 2015 as part of the K-pop powerhouse group SEVENTEEN, the duo has made significant waves across a variety of fields — whether it be music, fashion, or social media — further elevating their presence as icons in the making. Millions of fans have come to adore the two for their cool confidence and infectious charisma outside of their work, yet seeing their electric energy on stage is more than enough to prove just how much they have invested themselves in their craft as they deepen their artistry and commitment to excellence with every release and endeavor of theirs over time.

Now, that commitment takes a deeper, more personal turn with their debut as CxM and the release of their first mini-album together with HYPE VIBES. Beyond showcasing who they are amidst a decade of shared growth, it is a record that highlights S.COUPS and MINGYU fully immersing themselves in the present –– inviting fans and audiences to partake in their shared festivities and realizations, especially as they move along to their own rhythm, unbound by convention, and live life with a vibrant, if vivid, intensity.

It’s that very essence that makes HYPE VIBES the most earnest demonstration of who they are beyond their reputation as idols or public figures. Their shared efforts in bringing this record to life not only underscore how this record is a deliberate departure from the collective synergy they’ve developed as thirteen members with SEVENTEEN, yet also serve as a distilled expression of the unique chemistry they share as a duo with CxM.

Because HYPE VIBES isn’t merely a reflection of what they can do together –– but it acts as a capstone marker that captures where they are now, shaped by years of experience, though still living it up with a curiosity and confidence for what lies ahead.

In this exclusive interview with Billboard Philippines, both S.COUPS and MINGYU candidly open up about the journey that’s led to their debut as CxM, revealing just how much they’ve involved themselves in bringing every part of HYPE VIBES to life, and how their experiences as part of SEVENTEEN over all these years have molded them into the artists they are today.

Billboard Philippines:  Since the official announcement, the concept of CxM as a sub-unit has excited many fans all around the world. What led to your decision to debut as a duo, and how did you both feel when the idea first came up?

S.COUPS: MINGYU and I have always had a lot in common when it comes to interests like music and fashion, so the idea of forming a unit came about naturally through our conversations. We thought, why not take this opportunity and try something together? We’re really grateful that so many fans are excited about it, and since they’ve given us so much support, we want to do our best to give back with good music and performances for this comeback.

MINGYU: S.COUPS was the one to first suggest it! I think our label also felt we’d make a good duo. Honestly, it just felt right from the start, and overall, it’s been a really positive, enjoyable experience. 

Both of you had a major role in writing and producing the tracks on HYPE VIBES. Can you describe the creative process behind the album? Were there any unexpected challenges or moments of inspiration during the making of it?

S.COUPS:  I think we just went with the flow. Instead of sticking to a strict plan or outline, we often had spontaneous conversations and tried out everything that felt right in the moment. When it came to composing, we even incorporated parts of our everyday chats into the tracks. For the lead single, we went to the actual filming location of the song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” trying to capture the local vibe and environment of LA as much as possible. Working in the States was a somewhat different experience compared to working in Korea — it had its own unique charm.

MINGYU: There were actually a lot of moments when inspiration just hit me out of nowhere. For the lead single, the idea came purely while listening to the song and watching the movie. It just clicked. I was curious about what would happen when a vintage pop song and K-pop came together.

Having written and co-produced songs for SEVENTEEN and your solo tracks on HAPPY BURSTDAY, what differed in your respective approaches to the making of HYBE VIBES?

S.COUPS: Since this is a unit project, I think our own thoughts and ideas were reflected more deeply. We had to pay close attention to everything—from the order of the tracks and the photos — down to the smallest details. To be honest, it wasn’t always easy, but I really enjoyed the process.

MINGYU: I wouldn’t say there’s a huge difference in the sense that we’re doing what we love. It’s more so that there are so many things I want to try, so I’m just taking it one step at a time — doing what I want to do and creating as I go as I mature as an artist. 

As artists who have worked together for so long over the past decade, what makes CxM distinct in terms of chemistry, sound, and the stories you want to tell?

S.COUPS: Having worked together for over 10 years, we already know each other’s interests and strengths inside out. So for this unit, we didn’t feel the need to overcomplicate things—we just wanted to honestly express the kind of music the two of us can create together. We wanted the music to feel uniquely S.COUPS and MINGYU, slightly different from what we’ve shown within SEVENTEEN.

The title of HYPE VIBES suggests an energetic and confident tone. How does the album reflect the kind of energy you want to put out into the world right now?

MINGYU: I hope music is naturally embedded in everyone’s emotions throughout every moment, and that our album, HYPE VIBES, can be that music that flows through those moments in life. 

Working as part of SEVENTEEN, you’ve always emphasized teamwork. How does that philosophy show up even in a sub-unit like CxM, where it’s just the two of you?

S.COUPS: Having spent over ten years together, living side by side, we know each other’s preferences and styles really well. That made the music-making process smooth and enjoyable. Going from 13 members down to just the 2 of us meant our roles changed a lot. In our unit, MINGYU took on more of a leader role, so I could see that he carried more of the weight of responsibility when it came to decision making and setting a direction. For me, I trusted MINGYU’s instincts and followed his lead.

In a way, this is a deeply personal project for both of you. How does HYPE VIBES represent where you are in your careers and as individuals? What makes it feel like a reflection of who you are today?

S.COUPS: Through the past 10 years, we’ve explored diverse genres of music, and all those experiences have shaped our musical identity. As much as we’ve grown, this album reflects who we are now and what we aim for. I think it’s an album that shows our present selves while honoring and reflecting on our past.

MINGYU: I don’t think I dwell too much on where I am in my career or as an individual, but I now have a clearer sense of my likes and wants. This is who I am right now, though I don’t know when or how I might change in the future. I’m still trying to figure it out.

Was there a track on the album that you feel most connected to, either because of the message or the experience of creating it?

S.COUPS: The lead single “5, 4, 3 (Pretty woman)” (feat. Lay Bankz) is definitely the track that stands out to me. We brought our own flavor to a classic, and with its familiar yet refreshing vibe, I hope it becomes a song that people of all generations can enjoy together.

MINGYU: I think the track that has the best message is “Young again.” Time never comes back once it passes, and the moments we share on stage with our members or with our fans in the audience can never happen in exactly the same way again. No matter how much we try to capture it on our phones, it’s not the same. That message really stuck with me.

What do you hope fans take away from HYPE VIBES — not just as music, but as an expression of your journey and your growth as artists?

MINGYU: Rather than hoping that they take away a specific message or meaning from our album, I just hope fans can look back on all the moments we share, see the different layers of who we are, and enjoy the journey with us as it unfolds.

SEVENTEEN is known for its unity. How has your bond and brotherhood with each other influenced the sound and atmosphere of this album? Was there a specific moment in the process of making it wherein you felt your connection shine through?

S.COUPS: While preparing for this album, we worked and filmed in different locations overseas, but honestly, it didn’t feel like work—it felt more like we were on vacation and having fun together. That energy of enjoying the moment in a new environment really aligned with the overall vibe we wanted for this album. I think that sense of ease and flow came through because of our shared tastes and the many years we’ve spent building chemistry together. That kind of natural connection is what allowed the album to feel so genuine.

Is there anything about each other that you discovered while making this album that surprised you or deepened your respect and bond with one another? 

MINGYU: We shared every moment throughout this process. Even with things we’ve sometimes worked individually within SEVENTEEN, we stayed together this time for all recordings and tried to bring out each other’s strengths. That genuine support definitely deepened my respect and bond with S.COUPS.

Looking ahead, do you see CxM continuing to grow as a unit? What’s next for both of you after HYPE VIBES?

S.COUPS: I think a lot will depend on how well this album is received (laughs). We’d really appreciate all the love and support!

MINGYU: The next chapter… hmm, I’m not sure yet. But since we made this album with the intention to perform, I guess we’ll have to take it to the stage, right?

Listen to CxM’s (S.COUPS and MINGYU) first-ever mini-album, HYPE VIBES, in its entirety below: