Music

Hive's New Secret Weapon: Lee Hyun Returns as MIDNATT, 'Ready to Lead the Fifth Generation'

May 15, 2023 | by Deborah Kim

Big Hit Music, Hive IM HYBE's MIDNATT Reveals Identity on the 15th: Drops Additional MV Teaser

Singer Lee Hyun has made a comeback as MIDNATT, the new artist presented by his record label, Hive.

Lee Hyun unveiled his new identity at a press conference held on the 15th in CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall, Seoul, to celebrate the release of MIDNATT's first digital single 'Masquerade.' He revealed his identity for the first time, stating, "I'm both excited and nervous to greet you under a different name, not as Lee Hyun," and asked for everyone's support for his journey as MIDNATT.

MIDNATT translates to 'midnight' in Swedish. Lee Hyun, who has been a member of the first Big Hit Entertainment artist, 8Eight, since 2007, explained, "Midnight is a time to start a new day, as well as a time covered in darkness. I thought MIDNATT would be a suitable name to represent the end of a long hiatus and a fresh start."

Earlier, Hive's chairman, Bang Si-hyuk, announced that they were preparing 'Project L,' a new concept project that merges music and technology, and MIDNATT's new song 'Masquerade' is the result of this. 'Masquerade' stands apart from the songs Lee Hyun has previously performed, highlighting rhythmic electronic guitar and a synthwave genre that emphasizes a retro sound.

'Masquerade' is being produced and distributed in six languages, including Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, and Vietnamese. The technology of Supertone, an AI audio company subsidiary of Hive, was used to manipulate Lee Hyun's voice recorded in foreign languages. Lee Hyun said, "It was awe-inspiring to see my voice transformed into a female voice through technology. Just like how auto-tune was initially a point of concern for singers but eventually naturally accepted, I hope that this project will also be positively received as part of the process of change."

Jeong Woo-yong, the HiveIM representative who planned this project, was also present, explaining that "this project began when we met Lee Hyun, who wanted to show a new image, while we were thinking about how to expand the imagination of musicians using technology and provide a new musical experience through it."

As he begins his new activities as MIDNATT, Lee Hyun said, "Rather than the technical aspects, I hope you'll first see me," and expressed his determination, "These days, they call the newly debuted singers 'fifth-generation idols.' I will do my best to earn the title of 'MIDNATT, the front-runner of the fifth generation.'"