Interview: Weeekly Talks New Single “Stranger,” Global Expansion, and Fan Love
Photo Courtesy of IST Entertainment
HALSUG: Your recent single, “Stranger,” has been released in both Korean and English. Can you share more about the decision to release the song in two languages?
Soojin: This is our first time releasing a single in English. For the overseas Daileees who consistently send us love and support, we decided to release two versions of music with grateful hearts.
Monday: Our digital single “Stranger” was originally planned to be released only in English. However, during the preparation process, we realized that the Korean version could showcase a different charm compared to the English version.
HALSUG: “Stranger” is described as capturing the growing pains as you continue to pursue your dreams. Can you share some of the challenges you've faced and how you've overcome them?
Jaehee: I tend to overcome difficult moments by sharing them with my friends. Also, I try to find peace of mind by listening to calm music. I strive to think as positively as possible.
Jihan: Looking back now, I think our break period was indeed a challenging moment. To make the most of that time, I listened to music from various genres, practiced, and even studied musical instruments. I believe it was a moment that allowed me to grow even further into the person I am now.
HALSUG: This release is a part of expanding your popularity globally. How do you plan to connect with your new American audience?
Soojin: I will do my best in anything that can resonate with American audiences. I will work hard to ensure that every moment with Weeekly becomes a memorable page in the minds of American viewers.
Monday: I am studying the language [English] deeply to better communicate with our American fans. I will put more effort into it so that we can build a great connection with American audiences this year! Not only this year but also in the future, I will do my best to consistently connect with them.
Jaehee: I will prepare incredibly well to ensure that the audience can enjoy our stage completely! I will do my best to make sure that whenever they think of Weeekly, they will immediately feel the urge to watch our performances.
HALSUG: With over a million listeners on Spotify and a large Instagram following, how do you feel about the rapid growth of your fanbase?
Soeun: First and foremost, thank you for sending lots of support and love to Weeekly. I will work hard to make sure that even more people can get to know Weeekly.
Jihan: We are truly grateful that you love Weeekly and our music! Thanks to your immense love, we feel motivated to work even harder and continue growing. We want to show our better sides to you in the future.
Zoa: Firstly, we are very thankful to our fans who love Weeekly and our songs! Our goal with Weeekly’s music is to spread positive energy and hope to the public. We will continue to work harder to deliver Weeekly’s energy to more people!
HALSUG: Since your debut in 2020, you've captivated audiences with your distinct charm and youthful spirit. How do you think you've evolved as artists since then? If you could send a message to yourself at the time of your debut, what would you say?
Monday: I think I have grown into a more resilient artist. If my debut days were marked by anxiety and inexperience, today’s Monday becomes a more stable person both skill-wise and mentally, which makes me proud sometimes. If I could say a word to myself back then, it would be, “You are doing well!” Since I really love compliments!
Zoa: When I debuted, I was in my third year of middle school, which was a young age to debut. And there were so many new experiences to adapt to and learn from. Now, I feel like I have the ability to prepare well by myself, and I can enjoy the stage more and communicate better with our Daileees! I wish I could tell myself back then, “Don’t be nervous, believe in yourself!”
Photo Courtesy of IST Entertainment
HALSUG: Can you describe each of your group members in one word?
Soojin:
Monday – vocal kitty (명창 refers to a good vocalist, 고양이 means kitty, 먼냥이 takes the name of Monday and kitty to combine a new word “Monkitty”)
Soeun – a smiley rabbit
Jaehee – cute (more than cute; precious, adorable) chicken baby
Jihan – 712vibe (#712vibe, a hashtag that Jihan always use, and her birthday is July 12)
Zoa - naughty maknae
Monday:
Soojin - soulmate
Soeun – the dance leader
Jaehee – mochi doll
Jihan- dimple
Zoa – adorable girl
Soeun:
I think all our members are like palettes. We have a wide range of colors to choose from and the ability to mix them to create new ones. I believe we can pull off any concept well!
Jaehee:
Soojin – consideration/care
Monday - passion
Soeun - sky
Jihan - energy
Zoa – sprout
Jihan:
Soojin – sweet dessert
Monday – girl crush
Soeun- warm sweater
Jaehee – a cute energizer
Zoa – adorable maknae
Zoa:
Lee Soojin – shining leader
Monday - cutie
Park Soeun – dance leader
Lee Jaehee – yellow chicken baby (Korean language refers to it as a cute, small, new born
chicken baby)
Jihan (Han Jihyo) – cherry
HALSUG: Forbes Magazine recently praised your continuous rise on the charts. How does it feel to receive such recognition, and how does it motivate you for future projects?
Soojin: It feels really good to know that our hard work is being recognized, it motivates me to work even harder to not let anyone down.
Jaehee: I am grateful and happy to feel recognized. When I receive compliments, it makes me want to do even better and gives me a lot of motivation!
Jihan: I’m very motivated that the public looks at Weeekly positively. Please continue to look forward to our more wonderful and grown-up selves in the future!!
Photo Courtesy of IST Entertainment
HALSUG: With plans for a U.S. tour happening this year, what can fans expect from your live performances?
Soeun: Because we are working hard to prepare for our U.S. tour, we really appreciate all the support and hope to grow more! Not only that but seeing our chemistry and communication on stage and in person will be fun as well.
Jaehee: We are preparing a memorable and fantastic stage, so please look forward to it a lot! I hope to see you guys soon!!
HALSUG: Finally, do you have any messages for Daileees?
Soojin: Daileees! We are really thankful that you are staying by our side every day, every week, and send us your love generously! Let’s make many new and happy memories for this year! Please stay healthy and be with us for a long time.
Monday: Daileees~ Thank you for sending us unconditional love! I will work hard to become an artist who will make you proud! Please don’t get sick and stay together with us!! We love you!
Soeun: Daileees! It would be great if you could look forward to and be part of our first U.S. tour. Thank you for always showing us great love and support. I will strive to be the Weeekly Soeun who can repay the love you’ve shown us.
Jaehee: Daileees, we are thankful that you always are a reliable presence by our side. The existence of Daileees is so precious to Weeekly that we cannot lose it. Your constant love and support, motivate us to work even harder. Weeekly will continue to work hard in the future!
Jihan: Daileees! I am really grateful for the love and support you have given us! We love you and will see you very soon~
Zoa: Dear Daileees! We appreciate that you are always by our side. Weeekly can exist because of you all! Let’s continue to be each other’s light in the future and create many happy memories together! We love you!
As Weeekly continues to make waves in the music industry, their passion, dedication, and gratitude to their fans remain unwavering. With their latest single "Stranger" set to captivate audiences worldwide, the future looks brighter than ever for this talented group.
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