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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-10-16 09:29:39
SEOUL, Oct. 16 (Yonhap) -- "Like a small wave growing into a big one that can sweep across the globe, we will work hard!" (Dohee)
On the 15th, rookie girl group Say My Name held their debut showcase at the SBS Public Hall in Deungchon-dong, Gangseo-gu, Seoul. The group expressed their ambitious goal of delivering energy that makes people feel happy and hopeful through their voices and dance.
Say My Name is a seven-member group consisting of leader Honda Hitomi, Dohee, Kani, Mei, Junhui, Soha, and Seungjoo. Honda Hitomi, known to many from her time in the popular Japanese girl group AKB48, as well as from her participation in the audition program Produce 48 and her activities with the group IZ*ONE, is a familiar face in South Korea.
"This is my third debut, and it’s a personal challenge," Hitomi shared. "I wanted to continue my activities in Korea, and I decided to pursue everything I wanted in life without regrets."
The group name, "Say My Name," means "Call my name!" It reflects their desire to convey a message of hope that encourages everyone to embrace their identity. The members highlighted their unique vocal qualities as their strength. Soha explained, "Our team's strength lies in our vocals. Each member's voice has its own charm, allowing us to express a wide range of emotions across different songs."
The group gained attention even before their debut due to the involvement of Kim Jaejoong, a former member of TVXQ. As the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of their agency, Encode Entertainment, Kim Jaejoong played a crucial role in selecting songs and overseeing the album production. He commented, "The team name signifies the idea of members calling each other by name and fans calling out to them as they chase their dreams. We aimed to showcase a diverse range of genres and the members' unique colors in the debut album."
Set to release on the 16th, their self-titled mini-album draws on the imagery of water. It symbolizes the way the members, each with their own distinctive charm, come together to create a harmonious whole, like waves gathering to form an ocean. The album includes four tracks, including the title track "WaveWay," which features choreography reminiscent of a cat’s movements, and "Tonight, I'll Be the Brightest Star," a song co-written by Hitomi.
Junhui, discussing the title track, said, "When I first heard it, I felt it had a smooth yet striking charm that fits our members perfectly."
The members, with their diverse nationalities and age differences, are united by their passion for their dreams and Hitomi's leadership. The group includes Japanese members Hitomi and Mei, Thai member Kani, and others. Hitomi, the oldest at 23, and Seungjoo, the youngest at 14, have a nine-year age gap. Mei shared, "Hitomi, with her organized J (Judging) personality type from the MBTI, leads us with charisma. Even during tough practices when I wanted to go home, her encouragement helped me keep going."
The guidance provided by Kim Jaejoong as a mentor was instrumental in preparing the members for their debut. Hitomi, who considers him a role model, reflected on his advice: "PD Jaejoong once told us, 'What lasts forever is not the result but the process.' That message left a deep impression on me, and I’ve taken it to heart, cherishing every moment and doing my best."
Say My Name hopes to hear their songs playing in convenience stores and cafes as a sign of their growing presence. While they still find every aspect of their debut journey, from shouting their team cheer to performing on stage, unfamiliar, they are determined to grow by enjoying each moment on stage.
"We hope to become Say My Name, a group that brings love and smiles to everyone. Please support us!" (Mei)
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