Seventeen's S.Coups and Mingyu Launch New Duo CxM with Mini Album HYPE VIBES
Seventeen leaders S.Coups and Mingyu have officially teamed up to form CxM, the group’s newest subunit, set to debut with a mini album titled HYPE VIBES. The project arrives September 29, adding another dynamic pairing to Seventeen’s growing lineup of spin-offs.
Seventeen’s S.Coups and Mingyu debut their new unit CxM with mini album HYPE VIBES, showcasing raw chemistry, Hawaii shoots, and six fresh tracks.
PLEDIS Entertainment
Over the past year, the 13-member group has experimented with subunits beyond its core vocal, hip-hop, and performance divisions. Jeonghan and Wonwoo introduced JxW, Hoshi and Woozi collaborated as HxW, and the trio BSS — DK, Hoshi, and Seungkwan — gained immense popularity with their earlier debut. Now, Carats are preparing to embrace CxM, a duo that highlights S.Coups and Mingyu’s natural synergy as members of the hip-hop team.
The two artists describe HYPE VIBES as an album rooted in variety and authenticity. During their interview with Rolling Stone, they explained that the project aims to present a less polished, more effortless charm. “We aimed to be more natural, thinking there could be a type of coolness that comes from being effortless,” S.Coups shared.
To set the tone, the pair traveled to Hawaii for a concept shoot, capturing candid moments that felt more like a trip among close friends than a staged photo session. Both members recalled the experience as enjoyable yet unexpectedly exhausting, with long days that began at sunrise and ended late into the night. Surfing, nature, and raw inspiration from the setting fed into the creative process behind the album.
CxM’s six-track mini album carries a wide range of sounds and stories. The opening track, “Fiesta,” reflects the energy fans might expect from the duo, while “5, 4, 3 (Pretty Woman)” reimagines Roy Orbison’s classic with a modern twist featuring Lay Bankz. Songs like “Worth It” blend hip-hop and R&B influences, recorded during sessions in Los Angeles, and “For You” delivers easy listening inspired by the members’ real-life conversations.
“Young Again” stands out with its acoustic festival-style sound, encouraging listeners to live fully in the moment, while “Earth” draws from the duo’s Hawaii experience and incorporates an EDM-driven beat. Each track was carefully crafted to reflect CxM’s identity while also leaving space for Seventeen’s signature versatility.
The members revealed that much of the album was created with input from longtime producer Bumzu and that they hope fans will connect with both the variety and intimacy of the songs. “I think Carats will appreciate the chemistry between me and Mingyu, and it will be shown on stage as well,” said S.Coups.
