Like the immortal lives of vampires, some stories never really end. That’s the vibe K-Pop boyband ENHYPEN brings to The Blood Diary, a new video podcast series that explores mysterious events from around the globe, where members of the group take turns blurring the line between fact and fiction.
Throughout each episode, members of ENHYPEN take turns recounting stories while attempting to uncover the hidden “liar.” Fans (aka ENGENE) are encouraged to follow along, piecing together clues and deciding for themselves which story isn’t what it seems.
Created by HYBE MEDIA STUDIO and brought to fans in partnership with Spotify, The Blood Diary is the first from STAN:A, a new video podcast show that brings fans closer to artists they love through candid conversations and original storytelling.
The first episode of The Blood Diary is out now on Spotify, and new episodes will drop biweekly every Friday at 8PM KST.
To step further inside the mystery, For the Record spoke with the first hosts of The Blood Diary—ENHYPEN’s JUNGWON, JAY, JAKE, and SUNOO—about what it was like to work on the series, the stories they chose to tell, and what fans can expect as the series pulls them into its thrall.
The Blood Diary features you all as immortal vampires sharing mysterious records on the night of a full moon. What was it like stepping into these roles?
JUNGWON: It was cool and fun how each member came ready with a story and shared it. When I was telling my story, I got so immersed that it became a little scary. I hope this vibe comes across well to ENGENE and that they really enjoy it.
JAY: It was a new concept that we had never tried before, but I found myself completely immersed in the story, maybe thanks to the atmosphere on set. Telling a story as a vampire was already fun, but the best part was watching the members suspect each other and trying to find the Blood Liar.
JAKE: I was so happy that we were able to show a new side of ourselves to ENGENE. This vampire concept is something only ENHYPEN can pull off, don’t you think? Combining a concept that only we can handle with storytelling is really going to make for an even more fun video podcast.
SUNOO: Telling stories as a vampire was fun, but it was even more exciting to watch and listen to the other members share theirs. I actually think I got more nervous listening to the other members’ stories than when I was telling my own. I found myself completely absorbed the whole time.
The tagline of the show is “The Mystery Records of Immortal Vampires.” Without giving too much away, what kind of “bizarre events” can fans expect to hear about in your diaries?
JAY: Stories from the past that feel even more fantastical than fantasy, and strange incidents hidden behind everyday life. We’ll be sharing scary stories that are even harder to believe because they actually happened in real life.
A highlight of each episode is the “Blood Liar” game, where one member weaves fiction into their story to deceive the others. Before you went into production, did you already have suspicions on who the best “Blood Liar” would be?
JUNGWON: JAY is pretty good at lying. So if he’s the “Blood Liar,” I think he’ll be very good at deceiving the rest of the members.
JAY: When it comes to “liar,” you’ve got to think of JAKE! He once made plans to meet me, but then totally flaked. That’s when I realized that he really is a liar.
JAKE: We’d never done a concept that involved deceiving each other before, so it was hard to predict. But somehow… I thought that JAY might be the best “Blood Liar.”
SUNOO: Before the shoot, I was trying to guess who it might be… and I had a feeling it would probably be JAY!
Every day on Spotify, we see how audio has the power to move and resonate with people in a deeply personal way. How did the specific sound design and atmosphere of The Blood Diary help you get into character and bring these mysteries to life?
SUNOO: Watching the final edit of the video podcast with all the sound effects, I was completely drawn in by how realistic it felt. Thanks to the sound design, I think ENGENE will experience thrills and feel curious in ways they normally wouldn’t while watching the podcast. I highly recommend that everyone fully dive into The Blood Diary.
What are your biggest hopes for The Blood Diary?
JUNGWON: Until now, we’ve mostly appeared on lighthearted, fun variety shows, but with The Blood Diary, we’re looking forward to showing a heavier, more serious side of ENHYPEN that fans haven’t seen before.
Anything else to add about the making of the podcast or reflections you have now that the first episode is out?
JAKE: I filmed a lot with JAY, and I got a huge kick out of seeing him get scared while listening to the stories. It was also really fun preparing a new story for each episode and sharing it directly with the members. I’m also really looking forward to all the different stories the other members will bring in future episodes. I hope ENGENE enjoys it as much as we did.
JAY: Spotify is an essential part of my daily life, so I’m thrilled to be a host for this video podcast! The Blood Diary covers a variety of real-life incidents, so I think viewers will get to experience a more authentic thrill. It’s definitely worth looking forward to.
JUNGWON: I use Spotify all the time, so I’m really happy to be a host for a Spotify video podcast. I hope ENGENE will see many different sides of us through The Blood Diary. Please look forward to it.
SUNOO: When I was filming the episode where I was the “Blood Liar,” I had to deceive the other members, constantly insisting, “It’s true! I’m not lying!” which was really tough. But as I watched the others gradually fall for my story, I started to enjoy it. I’m not sure when the episode where I play the “Blood Liar” will be released, but I hope you all look forward to it!
Check out the first episode of The Blood Diary on Spotify now.
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