Dont let others define you: AMPERS&ONE channel Korean culture and underdog grit with Definition and Born to Define tour

Just one year earlier, they had stood nervously backstage at Queens Theatre preparing for their first North American tour stop. Now, after opening on arena stages, sold-out shows, and a growing global fanbase, they returned to New York City not as newcomers searching for their footing, but as artists determined to define themselves on their own terms. And that message sits at the heart of AMPERS&ONE's latest album, Definition, and their world tour, “Born to Define.â€

As a multinational group composed of KAMDEN and KYRELL from Seattle, BRIAN from Canada, MACKIAH from Australia, and JIHO, SIYUN, and SEUNGMO from South Korea, the group understands the importance of representation, especially during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. For them, embracing Korean culture within K-pop was essential while creating the album.

“In this album, we kind of emphasized the ‘K' of K-pop, Korea, because we decided to infuse traditional Korean sounds into our title track, ‘God,'†MACKIAH explained, “I think it's very important that we express Korean culture and let the whole world know about the traditional practices that were happening in Korea.â€

One of the defining elements of the song is the use of the gayageum, a traditional Korean string instrument whose delicate sound threads through the track.

“I think it creates a very nice mood for the song,†MACKIAH continued. “It feels much more conceptual and unique. Honestly, I think this is my favorite album we've released to date.â€

Beyond its cultural influences, Definition also explores vulnerability and trust, themes the members say mirror their own growth as a team.

“I feel like there are lyrics in ‘God' about relying on others to kind of lift us up,†KYRELL said. “That's a really important part of being in a team too. One thing I've been learning recently is that relying on other people isn't a sign of weakness.â€

That trust has helped carry AMPERS&ONE through the whirlwind pace of the K-pop industry. Since debuting three years ago, the group has steadily climbed from rookie status to becoming one of the scene's promising rising acts.

When amNewYork first met the members before their Queens Theatre performance, they laughed nervously as they talked about finally living out their dreams and visiting the concrete jungle. The following year, they shattered expectations by opening for P1Harmony at arena shows. Earlier this month, they sold out Gerald W. Lynch Theater in Midtown Manhattan.

“The amount of love that we're receiving just proves that we are doing something right,†MACKIAH said. “It validates what we're doing as a group and encourages us to work even harder.â€

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For KYRELL, the group's success is measured less by numbers and more by the joy they can bring fans. “Our goal is to continue being a light and a source of happiness,†he said. “Hopefully, we can bring joy into people's lives.â€

Still, success in K-pop rarely comes without criticism. In an industry known for relentless competition and scrutiny, AMPERS&ONE have learned how to navigate negativity while fighting for their place at the table.

Rather than shy away from criticism, the group transformed those frustrations into fuel on tracks like “What You Talking About.†A favorite for both KAMDEN and SIYUN, who said it's dedicated to their haters. 

“There are always haters,†KAMDEN said with a shrug. “But you've got to go your own way.â€

That mentality resonates deeply throughout Definition, an album centered on individuality and refusing to let others decide who you should become.

When discussing which tracks felt the most personal, each member gravitated toward songs that reflected their own outlooks.

“‘My Way,' because I'm always doing things my way,†SEUNGMO said with a grin.

MACKIAH quickly agreed. “I'm biased because it's my favorite track,†he laughed. “But also, because I'm always going my way too. I don't really listen to others.â€

For BRIAN, the standout was the fan song “All Eyes on You.†“It's because all my eyes are on ANDEAR,†he said warmly, referring to the group's fandom. “I love my ANDEAR.â€

JIHO connected most with the emotional ballad “Tears in Your Smile.†“I really like the lyrics,†he admitted. “I think about those kinds of feelings a lot.â€

The song became one of the emotional anchors of the album. After not including a ballad on their previous release, the group intentionally wanted to return to a softer, more vulnerable sound.

“SIYUN and SEUNGMO really love ballad tracks, and a lot of fans connect with emotional songs like ‘Tears in Your Smile,'†MACKIAH explained. “The message is basically that it's okay to be sad. It's okay to let your emotions out instead of hiding them behind a smile.â€

“I think almost everyone can relate to that feeling, hiding emotions from your family, friends or workplace. We want to be a place where people don't need to hide any of that. Just be open, be yourself, and don't let anyone else define you,†he added. 

That connection with fans has become the emotional core of the “Born to Define†tour. From the explosive choreography to the heartfelt fan interactions, the members said every moment onstage is built around creating unforgettable memories together.

“We wanted the crowds to be really hyped up and energetic from beginning to end,†JIHO said. “We thought carefully about the setlist this time because we wanted the concert to start with energy and end with energy too.â€

The roaring screams at their Gerald W. Lynch Theater performance on May 8, where the members jumped into the aisles to dance with fans, showcased that energy. 

For KAMDEN, some of the most meaningful moments come from seeing how deeply fans connect with the group's performances offstage as well.

“I saw this one video where a fan started running and exercising to improve their cardio so they could dance through the whole concert,†he recalled, laughing alongside the members.

As AMPERS&ONE culminated their tour inside the Empire State Building, they reflected on the message they hope fans carry long after the tour ends.

“Don't let others define you,†KYRELL said. “Be yourself and let's have fun together.â€