(Yonhap)

VIXX LR, a sub-unit of K-pop boy band VIXX, on Monday released its second EP album "Whisper," armed with a fresh sound and the spirit of creativity unbound from its larger mother band.

"We were asked a lot on when LR would return. We've worked hard, living up to the anticipation of fans who have waited a lot. I hope we're received well," member Leo told reporters on Monday at a media showcase held at Platoon Kunsthalle studio in southern Seoul.

Many successful and long-running K-pop acts in the past, including Girls' Generation, Super Junior and Sistar, have launched sub-unit groups as a means to offer more experimental sounds and variety to fans wanting something fresh from their idols.

VIXX LR made its debut in 2015 with the EP "Beautiful Liar," three years after the six-member VIXX was formed by contestants from Mnet's survival reality show MyDOL. The duo's first album reached second on both the Gaon Album Chart and Billboard's World Albums Chart upon its release.

South Korean boy group VIXX LR performs during a showcase for its second EP album "Whisper" at a concert hall in Seoul on Monday. (Yonhap)

"Whisper," produced entirely by Leo and his LR partner Ravi, holds five songs. The titular lead song "Whisper" is a hip-hop-rooted dance track decorated with a distinct heavy bass sound. According to Ravi, the two tried to infuse within the song a "sexy, trendy and modern sound." Other numbers include "Feeling," "Chocolatier" and "Today."

VIXX is widely referred to as a concept-oriented band, producing music and visuals that are based on a particular idea, story or aesthetic for each individual album. While LR's music also has its own overarching themes, the sub-unit is more focused on writing "good music."

"VIXX produces its music, music video, album photo in line with certain concepts. The biggest difference between LR (and VIXX) is that new albums aren't released until we have come out with good music," Leo said.

Leo also said he tried to encapsulate a sound that conveys trendiness, while the music video captured the contrast between the colors red and blue. "The goal of LR this time was to create a great album that's distinct in color," Ravi said. (Yonhap)