XLOV in Paris: Love Is a Child of Korea

The South Korean group XLOV, formed in 2025 and composed of Wumuti, Hyun, Rui, and Haru, quickly established itself on the K-Pop scene with a strong identity where music, aesthetics, and performance become one.

While in Paris for the European leg of their tour, the four artists shared their vision of collective creation, their intimate relationship with artistic expression, and the special bond they maintain with their fans.

 

A Collective and Intimate Creative Process

Within XLOV, each member actively contributes to shaping the group’s artistic identity. Wumuti, the main producer, oversees much of the creative process while leaving room for individual input. Rui, for instance, is behind the now-signature split move in the choreography of Rizz.

“Each song becomes a piece of our ‘diary,’” Wumuti explains, describing how their first album reflects their journey and evolution.

Each member gravitates toward different parts of the process: Hyun enjoys the transformation from demo to final version, Rui values the moment when everyone hears themselves together during recording, Wumuti focuses on sharing ideas—sometimes difficult to bring to life—and Haru is particularly drawn to the visual side, from filming to storyboards.

XLOV and ELOVs: A Reflective Relationship

The name XLOV, described as “an incomplete love,” reflects a sense of incompleteness inherent to each individual.

“The ‘E’ is missing from our name, but present in our fans’ name, ELOVs. It reflects the balance between our identity and that of our community,” they explain.

This bond plays a central role:“This love makes us feel beautiful and pushes us to always do better,” Wumuti summarizes.

Throughout their tour, the group noticed that audiences react in surprisingly similar ways across countries. Their artistic universe seems to transcend borders, creating a direct exchange with fans.“Sometimes I spot our fans in the street: there’s a mutual recognition, like a silent connection that forms instantly,” adds the leader.

K-Pop as a Space for Expression

Coming from different backgrounds, the members of XLOV found common ground in K-Pop.

“K-Pop is the stage that allowed us to achieve our dream, but it’s also our own choice. It brought us together and allowed us to create as a group.”

Their ambition is clear: to leave a lasting mark on pop music and, one day, become legends.

Genderless: A Way of Life

For XLOV, “genderless” goes far beyond a concept or an aesthetic—it is a way of life.

“An individual can be defined by their blood type, MBTI, or astrology, but those frameworks never fully represent who they are. Why should we follow codes and boxes, and have to choose between two predefined options?” Wumuti questions.

Beyond appearance, the group advocates for a freer vision of identity, one that exists outside imposed categories.

Body and Mind: An Essential Discipline

Performing on stage requires both rigor and balance. Hyun emphasizes a key idea: taking care of both the body and the mind.

Sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and stretching are all part of their routine, but maintaining balance also involves personal habits. Haru, for instance, finds comfort in calling his family—a simple yet essential way to stay grounded.

Rui mentions the energy he draws from his culinary cravings, while Wumuti sometimes unwinds with a glass of wine after a long day.

“Our body is also an instrument we need as singers,” Hyun reminds.

Mutual Inspiration

XLOV highlights the sincerity of its journey, including moments of doubt and uncertainty before and after their debut.

“It’s strong enough that when I look at myself in the mirror, I can find the confidence I sometimes lack, and learn to love myself as well,” Wumuti shares.

The group also emphasizes the time they took to understand themselves:“We took the time to figure out who we are and what we want to do.”

While their experiences may differ from those of their audience, they observe a reflective dynamic: some people find the motivation to pursue their own path through XLOV’s music and story. A mutual inspiration, where artists and fans grow together.

Paris: Stage and Ambitions

As the city of love and fashion, Paris marked a symbolic stop on their tour, especially around Valentine’s Day.

“We always do our best to deliver something striking—not just in Paris,” they say with a smile.

Curious about their audience, the members pay close attention to the style of Parisian fans. They also express a strong interest in fashion, dreaming of collaborating with haute couture houses and attending Fashion Week.

On February 14, 2026, at the Salle Pleyel, XLOV delivered a concert blending original tracks with special performances. Driven by songs like Rizz and 1&Only, the show also featured covers: Wumuti and Rui performed Gashina by SUNMI, while Haru and Hyun took on Mamushi by Megan Thee Stallion. Wumuti also offered a more intimate rendition of Angel Baby by Troye Sivan.

Despite a still-developing discography, the group delivered a cohesive and dynamic performance, closing with an encore of Biii:-P.

XLOV expresses a preference for more intimate venues like Salle Pleyel, which allow for real interaction with the audience, while also aiming for larger stages such as Coachella. Their immediate goal, however, remains clear: reaching first place on Music Bank, a South Korean music show.

An Identity in the Making

Sincerity, freedom, expression—three words that define XLOV.

Through their artistic approach and the bond they share with their fans, the group outlines a more personal vision of K-Pop, where identity is shaped as much in intimacy as it is on stage.

Thanks to Marie-Pierre Medouga and the 5 Oceans Studios team for allowing us to attend and meet XLOV.