Soon-to-debut K-pop group reveals sci-fi action flick 'P1H'

Members of K-pop group P1Harmony pose during an online press event for unveiling its film project “P1H: A New World Begins,” Tuesday. / Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

By Kwak Yeon-soo

K-pop group P1Harmony unveiled a feature film titled “P1H: A New World Begins” introducing the members through a sci-fi action film. This is the first time a K-pop group has debuted with a film project, according to its management agency FNC Entertainment.

The action in the film revolves around the six-member boy band ― composed of Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul and Jongseob ― who must save the world from a virus that turns people aggressive and violent. The members who are spread out in different periods across time must come together to find a solution.

“P1H” features a star-studded cast including actors Jung Jin-young, Jung Hae-in, CNBLUE's Jung Yong-hwa, AOA's Seolhyun and comedian Yoo Jae-suk.

Compared to other K-pop groups like as BTS or BLACKPINK whose films are documentaries centered on real behind-the-scenes stories of their world tour or album-making process, P1Harmony offers both fantasy adventure and the group's worldview.

“P1H is a film that reveals the worldview of a K-pop group. It was interesting to unfold the K-pop narrative through film, and I focused on delivering a universal message so it can reach the group's global fans,” said Chang, the mononymous director who was also behind hits like “The Target” (2014) and “Canola” (2016).

The members of P1Harmony, the first boy band to debut in four years under FNC Entertainment following SF9, said they are nervous and excited about the film's premiere ahead of their debut.

“We were nervous about unveiling the film project because we all had no acting experience. But after hearing that our official trailer for the film surpassed 1 million views in three days, we are more excited than nervous to make our debut,” Jongseob said.

A poster for the film “P1H: A New World Begins” / Courtesy of FNC Entertainment

They said their personalities are reflected accurately in “P1H.”

“We did MBTI personality tests and interviews with director Chang to build our own universe. We were able to immerse ourselves into the characters we played and I think that experience will definitely help us in performing onstage as a K-pop group,” Jiung said.

The members also expressed their desire to follow the footsteps of K-pop groups that are making incredible achievements in both the domestic and global music scene.

“Our ambition is to nurture our talent and creativity to follow their path. We hope to find our musical strength and grow as a leading K-pop group,” Jiung said.

The film will hit local theaters on Oct. 8, and P1Harmony will officially debut in October.