Q&A with Agency: "The Joy of Performing, NewJeans' Unique Charm"
"NewJeans continue to transcend and reshape the boundaries of K-pop. Their charm is permeating beyond fandoms into a broader zeitgeist."
- British magazine ‘The Face’
On the 22nd, NewJeans marked their 2nd anniversary since debut. Around this time last year, they were praised for "changing the paradigm of K-pop," and since then, they have grown into a group whose greater potential and future are eagerly anticipated.
NewJeans immediately sparked a syndrome-level popularity upon debut, breaking numerous firsts, shortest times, and highest records on various major domestic and international charts. They made a strong impact on the US Billboard ‘Hot 100’ and ‘Billboard 200’ as well as Spotify’s global charts. Each time they released new songs, the music genres they introduced became trends, and their fitting fashion concepts and performances became part of popular culture (memes).
With their unique aesthetic and overwhelming achievements, NewJeans are rewriting K-pop history. However, they have not rushed. They are steadily taking steps while maintaining their distinct identity. The fan meeting held at Tokyo Dome on June 26-27 vividly demonstrates NewJeans’ popularity and status. As overseas artists, NewJeans entered Tokyo Dome in the shortest time after debut (1 year and 11 months). Despite being a weekday event, tickets sold out early, leading to the opening of restricted view seats, and about 91,200 fans gathered over the two days.
This success continued with their Japanese debut single ‘Supernatural.’ The album topped Japan’s Oricon chart on the day of release and recently received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for cumulative shipments exceeding 100,000 copies. Thanks to global distribution increasing accessibility, the combined cumulative sales surpassed 1 million copies (according to Circle Chart as of June). Thus, all five albums released by NewJeans have become million-sellers.
The NewJeans craze went beyond objective indicators. Despite being a Japanese single, ‘Supernatural’ ranked high on domestic and international music charts, which is rare. Especially in Japan, Hani’s cover of ‘Blue Coral’ and Hyein’s cover of ‘Plastic Love’ are still widely talked about. They resonated not only with K-pop fans but also with the local middle-aged and older generations.
ADOR stated that Japanese terrestrial broadcasters continuously send love calls to NewJeans. There are also numerous requests for additional performances outside Tokyo. The advertising industry is no different, with many proposals for new types of collaborations. Even after their Japanese activities ended, domestic and international media remain highly attentive to the current trends. NewJeans are even praised for serving as a cultural bridge between Korea and Japan. Their unique pattern of steadily increasing music and album sales over time based on being the ‘public’s pick’ is an encouraging sign.
Having set countless, hard-to-break records and performing beyond borders, NewJeans continue to grow. We asked them about their thoughts on their 2nd anniversary as they expand their influence beyond K-pop’s boundaries onto a larger global stage.
Below are the Q&A with NewJeans members
Q. It’s been 2 years since your debut. You recently completed successful activities in Japan. How do you feel?
(Minji) It feels like the two years passed in the blink of an eye. Just when I think I’m getting used to the stage, a new stage awaits. Challenges will continue, but I believe we can overcome them together as members.
(Hani) Over the past two years, my feelings for this work have deepened as I did many things, and I’ve come to love and enjoy it more. Preparing for our Japanese debut was genuinely fun. It was a chance to debut in another country and show new stages, which was very enjoyable.
(Danielle) It’s been a dream-like two years. I’m really thankful to our Bunnies (fandom name) who made these precious memories possible. There were tough and difficult moments, but with Bunnies by our side, we exchanged lots of love and energy, growing and learning more. Days seem to fly by lately. I’ll try to cherish every moment more.
(Haerin) Many memories from the past two years flash by. I’m grateful to be able to be with precious people, and I’m happy that our dear Bunnies are by our side.
(Hyein) I realized, “We haven’t been debuted for that long yet.” I feel it’s still a time when there are many things I want to try and can do. I want to keep showing various sides of us to those who love and cherish us.
Q. What is the biggest change compared to when you debuted?
(Minji) I think I can think more maturely now. I’m still lacking, but I’ve decided to focus on growing with composure.
(Hani) Through various experiences, I’ve gained an understanding of how to do better. Spending more time with the members deepened our understanding of each other. We were already close, but now we’re even closer and enjoy working together more.
(Danielle) I don’t think my inner self has changed much. Of course, I’ve grown in many ways through experience and practice. I think my understanding of the members has also grown. And I’ve become closer to Bunnies and received more love. Now, just seeing Bunnies feels like our hearts connect.
(Haerin) Our new dorm. I’m really thankful to stay in a warm and cozy space. Other than the change in living space, I don’t feel much difference. I think we’re doing well with the members as always.
(Hyein) There are still many moments that don’t feel real, but I think I’m adapting to all environments and getting closer and friendlier with the people around me, discovering various sides of myself.
Q. What is the most memorable moment during NewJeans’ activities over the past two years?
(Minji) There are many moments, but right now, the Tokyo Dome fan meeting stands out the most. It was a dream-like moment spending time with Bunnies who love music.
(Hani) There are really many, but the recent Tokyo Dome fan meeting is very memorable. I have many memories on various stages, but personally, the process of practicing and preparing stands out more.
(Danielle) It’s hard to choose because there are so many. Among them, the recent Tokyo Dome fan meeting comes to mind first. It was a truly happy, dream-like time. It was our first overseas fan meeting, so I was very nervous, but the moment I saw Bunnies on stage, all fear disappeared, and I felt united with Bunnies. The colorful light sticks, Bunnies’ cheering voices, and their love surged like waves, making all my tension vanish, and I really enjoyed it. Thank you, Bunnies.
(Haerin) There are many memorable moments, but I’ll choose the recent Tokyo Dome stage. The countless light sticks and sparkling eyes left a strong impression.
(Hyein) I will never forget NewJeans’ first debut stage. Also, the recent Tokyo Dome stage is very memorable.
Q. What do you think makes NewJeans special?
(Minji) I think NewJeans is special because it is NewJeans. We take on various challenges but also have a mindset to enjoy the moment.
(Hani) We work hard with the desire to deliver good songs and show great stages and content. I think those who like our music will find us.
(Danielle) Rather than being special or different, we sincerely love music and want to share that love with Bunnies.
(Haerin) I think it’s our focus on our work and our wholehearted effort. I believe our enjoyment of the stage has been well conveyed.
(Hyein) Instead of being confined to one concept and style, we always try new things in various ways.
Q. Looking back on the first half of this year, what would you like to say to the members and Bunnies?
(Minji) I’m proud and impressed with the members who handled the busy schedule well. Many stages and events await in the second half, but I hope we can enjoy and accomplish them. Love you! Let’s stay healthy!
(Hani) We handled the busy schedule well, and I hope we finish this year well too~ No injuries! Don’t be too burdened~!
(Danielle) We did it! Our members who always do their best, great job! And Bunnies, let’s all stay safe and have fun in the second half too! Love you~~~? (heart emoji)
(Haerin) Our goal is to keep showing better stages. Thank you to all Bunnies who support NewJeans and to the members who are with me. I’ve received so much help that I want to give even more help back. It’s really happy to know we can expect more in the future. Let’s keep doing well :D (smiling emoji)
(Hyein) I had times when I couldn’t be with the members due to injury. So my goal going forward is to stay healthy without injuries and make many meaningful and happy memories. Sisters~! Let’s keep spending precious time together and make lots of happy memories! Bunnies~ Thank you so much for being with us. Bunnies are precious beings we will never forget in our lives!
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