EPEX embraces romance and reflection in Youth Chapter 3: ROMANTIC YOUTH, the final chapter of their coming-of-age trilogy
South Korean boy group EPEX has officially concluded their introspective and emotionally charged Youth trilogy with the release of their highly anticipated full-length album, Youth Chapter 3: ROMANTIC YOUTH. Under C9 Entertainment, the eight-member group has steadily chronicled the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of youth across three musical chapters—each one peeling back a deeper layer of vulnerability and personal growth.
Following Youth Chapter 1: YOUTH DAYS and Youth Chapter 2: YOUTH DEFICIENCY—both released in 2024—this final installment in the series takes a decisive emotional turn. While previous entries explored the voids, confusion, and emotional disarray faced by young people, ROMANTIC YOUTH marks a more accepting and evolved phase. It reflects the group’s message of self-love, emotional resilience, and romantic exploration, both in love and in life.
“Since this album is the last chapter of the Youth trilogy, I worked on it with even more affection,” said MU, a member of EPEX. “In the first two chapters of the trilogy, we discussed the reality, various concerns, and the deficiency of youth. In the final album of the series, we’re fully accepting all those elements and stepping forward to the next chapter. We hope you look forward to what EPEX will present after Youth Chapter 3: ROMANTIC YOUTH, and please listen to it a lot, as it is filled with great songs.”
The album’s eight-track lineup includes the previously released single “Picasso”—a bold, genre-blending homage to creative reinvention. As the third track on the album, it exemplifies the group’s intention to push boundaries and paint new narratives in each moment, much like the iconic artist himself.
The album opens with “와플 (Waffle)”, a hard-hitting ratchet track that declares emotional independence, challenging shallow platitudes and outside interference. That message of self-determination continues in “방 (Bang)”, a high-energy hybrid rock anthem that captures the relentless spirit of youth facing challenges head-on.
The title track, “눈물 나게 고마워서 (Grateful to Tears)”, pivots toward introspection. A heartfelt pop ballad laced with acoustic and rock elements, it explores the pain and grace in farewells, signaling maturity and emotional evolution. The theme of romance takes a lighter tone with “늑대랑 춤을 (Dances with Wolves)”, a playful confession of love at first sight, and “아침부터 밤까지 (Morning to Midnight)”, a mid-tempo pop track likening tender feelings to stars lighting up a night sky.
One of the album’s most poetic moments comes with “고래의 바다 (Whale Fall)”, a moving pop ballad that draws metaphoric beauty from the depths of loss and rebirth. Much like the natural phenomenon of a whale’s descent bringing life to the ocean floor, the song contemplates how every moment of youth—no matter how dark—adds to the wholeness of a person.
The album concludes with “Pluto”, an ambitious, optimistic track that charts a symbolic journey toward rediscovery. It delivers a bold message of perseverance and the belief that even what feels long-lost or forgotten can be reclaimed.
“First and foremost, I’m very excited to make a comeback with the third full-length album! It feels surreal to release an album that closes the Youth series. For this album, we poured a lot of care into it as it is filled with songs that carry EPEX’s vibe and charms. It also contains our true sincerity, so I hope you give much love to our new album as well!” said AYDEN, sharing his thoughts on the group’s milestone release.
Youth Chapter 3: ROMANTIC YOUTH is more than just a musical finale—it’s a declaration of growth and a tribute to the turbulence and beauty of young adulthood. With its genre-spanning sound, sincere lyricism, and emotional ambition, EPEX continues to carve out a space for themselves as one of K-pop’s most emotionally resonant acts.
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