The six-piece group chats with us as they break into the American market with the English language single, “Stranger”
Since their 2020 debut with their EP titled We Are, the six members of the South Korean girl group Weeekly have enthralled audiences with their distinct charm and youthful energy, which speaks to their artistry as ordinary yet special teenage girls. Lee Soojin, Monday, Park Soeun, Lee Jaehee, Jihan, and Zoa are back with their new single, “Stranger,” via IST Entertainment, and chat with us as they introduce themselves to the Western world.
What are you most excited about breaking into the American market?
[Lee Jaehee]
I experienced high energy from U.S. Daileees during our video call fan sign events. I am looking forward to performing on stage while receiving U.S. Daileees’ high-energy support.
[Zoa]
In particular, I am most looking forward to being able to communicate more closely with Daileees who have always been supportive from abroad.
[Lee Soojin]
I’m most excited about being able to meet Daileees in the United States in person and perform on stage. Also, I am really looking forward to experiencing American culture firsthand with the team.
What are your goals as a group as K-pop begins to dominate Western countries?
[Jihan]
We want to introduce a lot of music that embodies the unique color of Weeekly. Also, we hope to grow as an idol group that people anticipate seeing more of in the future.
[Park Soeun]
I want us to become even more well-known in the United States and meet many American Daileees in person. Additionally, I have a strong desire to connect with the American audience!
[Monday]
It would be incredibly joyful and fulfilling if many people in the U.S. can recognize us and even sing along with the Korean lyrics of our songs. It would truly be an unparalleled delight.
Who are some of your influences – individually and as a group?
[Monday]
I have learned a lot and been inspired by pop singer Olivia Rodrigo. Watching her, I realized there are truly no limits when it comes to expressing music. Among Korean singers, through the program ‘Immortal Songs’ on KBS2TV, I was greatly influenced by BTOB’s Seo Eunkwang’s stage of ‘The Man.’ Watching that stage made me reflect on myself and inspired me once again. Both of them are artists whom I really respect and admire.
[Jihan]
I am influenced by various aspects of my members. Since we spend most of the time living and practicing together, it feels like we help each other a lot and grow together.
[Lee Jaehee]
I am greatly influenced by my role model, group Girls’ Generation. I often admire how they always maintain good relationships among members and sustain the team Girls’ Generation for a long time. I frequently think about wanting to learn the secret to their success.
Where does the name Weeekly originate?
[Lee Soojin]
The thought of wanting to create a fresh and special week every day led to the creation of the name Weeekly.
[Zoa]
Among the name candidates for our group, such as “abc” and “Among Us (우리사이),” the name Weeekly seemed to best fit our team’s image, so we decided to go with Weeekly!
How did the group form?
[Park Soeun]
I spent about four years and six months as a trainee, going through numerous monthly and weekly evaluations until the debut lineup for Weeekly was finalized. Looking back, although the trainee days were challenging, I enjoyed that time because I had friends to share the experience with. I believe that period gave me the opportunity to gain strengths and become stronger.
[Monday]
There were many changes and experiences leading up to the formation of Weeekly. We did our best every week and every month for evaluation, and although it was tough, I think we worked hard every day with the members to make each day precious.
When can American audiences expect to see you live and hear new music?
[Lee Jaehee]
Once we start our U.S. tour, you will be able to see our stages live. We will work hard to meet American audiences soon. We are still preparing our new music, so we would really appreciate if you could wait a little longer with lots of anticipation.
[Jihan]
We are diligently preparing for our performances and new music! You will be able to see them soon!
What is your new single “Stranger” about?
[Lee Soojin]
“Stranger” is a hopeful story from Weeekly that depicts the trials and challenges faced on the path towards our dreams, despite feeling pain. It’s a song that we would like to share with our supportive Daileees, who have been our greatest source of strength throughout this journey.
[Zoa]
“Stranger” is a song that revolves around the theme of growing pains. It carries a warm message that Weeekly and Daileees serve as each other’s light.
What would you like fans in the US to know about Weeekly?
[Lee Soojin]
Hello we are Weeekly! We are a group that spreads positive energy both on and off stage. If you want to make every day a fresh and special week, please be with Weeekly! We are very excited to meet you in person this year, and we are preparing diligently. We hope fans look forward to us touring abroad! Thank you!
[Monday]
I can proudly say that our members truly boast exceptional love towards our fans!! Of course, this love was made possible thanks to our Daileees! Please continue to stay with a full-of-love group, Weeekly!
[Park Soeun]
Our Weeekly has great chemistry, and each member has our own individual charm! Above all, we believe our live performances are our strength! We will work hard to deliver fantastic performances in the U.S., so please show your interest toward us!
[Lee Jaehee]
We are passionate in everything we do, cherishing the meaning of each stage and appreciating its value. We always strive not to forget our gratitude towards our fans, so we hope that the fans in the U.S. will also kindly support and stay tuned for us.
[Jihan]
We are a team that has impressive live performances, strong performance skills, and exceptional teamwork!
[Zoa]
I believe that Weeekly is a team that has a lot to show to our Daileees! We will continue to work hard to communicate with our Daileees in many ways and grow in many aspects! So please continue to look forward to and stay tuned! Thank you always.
