ENHYPEN’s latest comeback with their sixth mini-album, Desire: Unleash, has taken the K-pop world by storm, with the title track “Bad Desire (With or Without You)” delivering a hauntingly beautiful blend of dance-pop and supernatural storytelling. Released on June 5, 2025, the music video and album dive deep into themes of inner conflict, obsession, and forbidden love, continuing the group’s signature vampire-inspired narrative. This article breaks down the key elements of this fantastical release, from its gripping visuals to its musical depth, and why it’s a must-experience for fans and newcomers alike.
Why “Bad Desire” Is ENHYPEN’s Boldest Comeback Yet
ENHYPEN, formed through the 2020 survival show I-LAND, has built a reputation for weaving intricate stories through their music, and Desire: Unleash pushes this to new heights. The album and its lead single explore the duality of desire—both its allure and its dangers—set against a backdrop of heaven and hell. Here’s why this release stands out:
- Cinematic Storytelling: The music video for “Bad Desire (With or Without You)” portrays the members as vampires or demonic beings grappling with their urge to transform their beloved into one of their own, navigating a surreal boundary between paradise and damnation.
- Musical Evolution: The dance-pop track, produced with the help of hitmaker Cirkut (known for ENHYPEN’s “Bite Me”), blends heavy beats with flamboyant melodies, creating an addictive soundscape that’s both chic and intense.
- Fan Hype: With 2.18 million pre-orders, Desire: Unleash proves ENHYPEN’s global influence, amplified by their viral Coachella 2025 performance where they first teased the album. Currently sitting over 15 million views on Youtube.
Key Highlights of “Bad Desire (With or Without You)”
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Music Video | Directed by 2eehyein, the MV features dramatic visuals of fire and water, with the members free-falling from the sky and dancing in a storm. The vampire narrative is vivid, with symbolic imagery of inner turmoil and longing. |
| Choreography | The performance is fierce yet delicate, with intricate dance lines and expressive movements that match the song’s emotional intensity. A spoiler of the choreography at the 2025 Weversecon Festival had fans buzzing. |
| Lyrics | Lines like “With or without you, a heaven without you must be like hell” capture the song’s theme of obsessive love. The lyrics blend Korean and English, adding universal appeal. |
| Production | Cirkut’s touch brings a Timbaland-esque vibe, though some critics note the heavy vocal effects can feel overwhelming, bordering on “uncanny valley.” Still, the chorus delivers a dramatic flourish that’s undeniably catchy. |
Breaking Down the Album: Desire: Unleash
Desire: Unleash contains eight tracks, each exploring a facet of desire through diverse genres. Here’s a quick look at some standout songs:
- Flashover: A track about uncontrollable longing, likened to a fire that consumes everything in its path.
- Outside: Expresses the urge to mold someone into your own image, with a member of Big Hit Music’s upcoming rookie group contributing to its creation.
- Lose: A pre-released track with a Korean version included, showcasing ENHYPEN’s sultry vocals and emotional depth.
- Helium: A romantic metaphor comparing love to breathing helium, featuring member Jay’s contributions in lyrics, production, and guitar.
The album’s variety and narrative cohesion make it a journey worth taking, with each song adding to the overarching vampire fantasy.
Final Thoughts
ENHYPEN’s “Bad Desire (With or Without You)” is a masterclass in K-pop storytelling, blending supernatural allure with emotional depth. The music video’s fantastical visuals, paired with the album’s diverse tracks, create an experience that’s both thrilling and introspective. Whether you’re drawn to the choreography, the vampire narrative, or the infectious beats, this comeback proves why ENHYPEN remains a force in the industry. Dive into Desire: Unleash and let the group’s “beautiful fire” pull you in.
