QWER 'rehearsed all night to bloom a flower like no other in the world'

연합뉴스 / 2024-09-23 17:34:40

▲ Member of K-pop girl band KWER pose for photos at the media showcase for their second mini-album, "Algorithm's Blossom," held in Seoul on Sept. 23, 2024. (Yonhap)

SEOUL, Sept. 23 (Yonhap) -- "As much as 'T.B.H' received so much love, we hope this album is equally cherished. Just like the title of our song, we hope 'sunny days' fill your path." (Siyeon)

At the showcase held on the 23rd in Seodaemun, Seoul, for their second mini-album Algorithm's Blossom, the girl band QWER expressed, "We've embraced both love and pain as nourishment to bloom a flower like no other in the world."

QWER, consisting of Chodan (drums & sub-vocals), Magenta (bass), Hina (guitar & keyboard), and Siyeon (main vocals & second guitar), debuted in October of last year. The group gained attention as it was produced by popular creator Kim Gyeran. The members come from diverse backgrounds: Chodan and Magenta as creators, Hina as a TikToker, and Siyeon as a former member of Japanese girl group NMB48.

▲ Member of K-pop girl band KWER perform at the media showcase for their second mini-album, "Algorithm's Blossom," held in Seoul on Sept. 23, 2024. (Yonhap)

Their song "T.B.H," released in April, quickly climbed domestic music charts. Riding on the success of this hit, the band performed at major events, including Korea's iconic rock festival Pentaport Rock Festival, and garnered widespread attention at various university festivals.

Magenta reflected on their growing fanbase, saying, "Some fans were able to follow along with 'T.B.H' from start to finish, even replicating the instrument parts. It made us realize how hard we need to keep working."

Hina recalled their performance at Pentaport, describing it as a dream stage for any band. "We wanted to give it our all, so we practiced and rehearsed rigorously. Thankfully, we gave it our best and have no regrets."

In Algorithm's Blossom, QWER explores their journey as a band, using the unique metaphor of "flowers bloomed by algorithms" to represent their destiny and growth. Hina explained, "Our YouTube project Favorite Kids was born from the 'grace' of algorithms, and since our formation and growth are closely linked to it, we used the expression 'flowers bloomed by algorithms.'"

The album contains eight tracks, including the title song "My Name is Clear," the pre-released "Fake Idol," the empowering duet "Run" by Chodan and Magenta, and the comforting "Goodbye, My Sorrow" aimed at those who’ve overcome tough times. The lead single, "My Name is Clear," features a blend of piano and guitar melodies with a hopeful and emotional theme. Soyeon from (G)I-DLE contributed to its composition and lyrics, crafting a message of resilience and optimism.

Hina added, "Even if today feels gloomy, like rain falling, there's hope that tomorrow will be sunny. The song reflects a character named 'Clear,' who, while holding sadness, shares an honest confession. It's a song where fans can enjoy interpreting the lyrics."

There has been skepticism surrounding QWER’s authenticity as musicians, due to their unique girl band format and their varied pre-debut backgrounds. Chodan addressed this, stating, "We never neglected rehearsals or lessons. There were many times we stayed up all night practicing, even when tired, because we wanted to show our best on stage, with a stable performance and tight chemistry."

▲ Chodan of K-pop girl band KWER poses for photos at the media showcase for the group's second mini-album, "Algorithm's Blossom," held in Seoul on Sept. 23, 2024. (Yonhap)

The band demonstrated their live music prowess during the showcase, impressing the audience. Magenta emphasized that the album reflects the members' growing pains.

"When you're practicing late at night in the studio, it’s easy to get exhausted and want to leave. In those moments, we’d play clips from our earlier showcases where we were nervous, and ask, 'Do you want to keep feeling this way?' It kept us motivated. We want to show that, through all the trials and hardships, the band is growing beautifully." (Magenta)