After releasing their pre-debut EP 'READY TO START' this summer, the new K-POP group under BY-U Entertainment, ARISE, is aiming to make an impact on the current Korean music scene with their versatility and ability to adapt. We had the pleasure of conducting an exclusive interview with them, where they share how they are experiencing this new beginning and what they promise for the future. You can also watch the video version of the interview at the end of this page. Don’t miss it!
The name ARISE means "to wake up" or "to rise." What do you feel "awakens" with this debut?
JIHU: We feel a new, different version of us awakening within ourselves with our debut. We're going to keep going in the name of ARISE, just like the meaning of the word. It's like where they say character awakening in games.
The group's concept is defined as "transformer." How do you interpret this idea of transformation in your identity?
JIHO: That would be our concept's diversity, as us, ARISE, can transform into various concepts, as from bright and refreshing concepts to dark and girl-crush ones. That's what makes us a transformer type group.
What can you tell us about your pre-debut songs "OOBS" and "Oh! Yeah!"? What message or energy do you want to convey with these songs?
JIHU: First of all, through our first pre-debut song, 'OOBS', we wanted to say we don't have to be stuck within the standards that keep us locked. Let's just set ourselves free from all of them and enjoy our lives. And from 'Oh! Yeah!', we wanted to express our feelings from the time when we finally got to show ourselves officially to our fans' eyes.
From what we know, your music ranges from hip-hop and girl-pop to city-pop/eurodance. What can we expect from ARISE in the future?
JIHO: Since our team's identity is "transformers", we will be bringing various types of music every time. So please stay tuned for our future albums!
You work with producers like B-ROCK (EXO, Suho, TWICE). What was the experience of recording with him like?
JIHU: The style of PD (CEO) YJB is to allow the members to participate in the production of the album. That is why we took part in writing the lyrics for 'OOBS' and 'Oh! Yeah!' on our special album and our albums overall. He believes it is good to think about collaboration with artists in various ways so that they can feel proud and gain experience from what they do.
Our YJB PD-nim and our composer, Sim Jaehyun-nim, they are very kind and caring, yet so professional when it comes to work, so we feel like we're always improving a lot every time while working comfortably. It is our honor to be working with them.
What has been the biggest challenge on your path to debut?
MINJU: The most difficult part of preparing for our debut was that, in a short period of time, we had to prepare a new song, a showcase, and a music video for the song. It was difficult to meet the standards of a K-POP group in Korea. I think that was our biggest challenge.
We’ve seen that two of you are sisters and have gone through different experiences together. How do you think this affects your professional relationship?
JIHU: When it comes to work, we are not affected by our personal lives. Not even us, JIHO and JIHU. When one comes to professionalism, we think it is best to keep our personal things aside and work with clear attitude as much as possible.
JIHO: Yeah, that's so true.
How would you describe the chemistry and dynamic between the four of you?
JIHO: We'd say we all have the same type or some kind of flow that's flowing for all of us. As we have similar likings or gains from the past, we all enjoy. We can't wait to show what kind of chemistry we have with each other!
JIHU: Definitely.
What kind of artists do you dream of becoming?
JIAN: With this debut, our group ARISE is able to show a new side of ourselves, and we want to become a team that continues to grow and change. Like a group such as "transformer" that takes on various concepts, it is our dream to become artists who bring inspiration and joy to many people.
JIHU: Yes, that’s right.
To end the interview, would you like to send a message to your fans in Latin America and Spain?
JIHU: Thank you everyone and fans supporting us or seeing this interview from Latin America and Spain.
JIHO: We are all working really hard for our further releases, so please stay tuned for ARISE!
MINJU: Thank you very much for watching our interview. From now on, we will be showing you much more of ourselves, so we ask for your continued support and hope you will stay tuned.
JIAN: Thank you so much to Latin America and to fans in Spain for supporting us from afar! We would love to meet you in person someday. Please continue supporting and showing lots of love to ARISE. Thank you very much!
ALL: Thank you everyone! Korean Stuff, fighting! Muchas gracias!