SISTAR19 Makes a Comeback After 11 Years: Why Not the Full Group SISTAR?
SISTAR19, a unit of the group SISTAR, has made a comeback after 11 years. Consisting of Hyolyn and Bora, SISTAR19 was formed in 2011 as a duo unit. The age of 19, signifying the boundary between a girl and a woman, was chosen to represent the purity and anxiety of this period, with the intention to express the love and emotions felt during this time through their music. SISTAR19 gained popularity with two singles, 'Ma Boy' and 'Gone Not Around Any Longer', but naturally went their separate ways after SISTAR disbanded in 2017.
Bora transitioned to an acting career, building her filmography, while Hyolyn re-emerged as a solo artist and head of her own agency. After 11 years, as if by fate, they reunited with a digital single that aligns with their previous singles, titled 'NO MORE (MA BOY)'.
The title track 'NO MORE (MA BOY)' begins with a sweet string sound, leading into a sophisticated and weighty bass, with a punchy drum beat and a simple yet addictive hook melody. Another track, 'SAUCY', impresses with its dreamy synth vibe and harmonious acoustic sound, creating a warm and attractive pop genre song.
SISTAR19, with their unique concepts and addictive music, shared their album work process and goals in an interview with DongA.com on January 9, ahead of their album release on January 16. Here is a Q&A session with SISTAR19.
Q: How do you feel about reuniting after 11 years? Who initiated the reunion?
A: Bora: It's exciting but also worrying, thrilling but burdensome. We've always casually talked about working together again, but it wasn't serious until our agency proposed it. During this preparation, we not only discussed the concept and activities but also shared personal emotions. We've become closer and more comfortable with each other.
Hyolyn: It still doesn't feel real. Maybe it will once we start music broadcasts. I'm looking forward to working with a member again after being solo. I used to be nervous and tense, but with Bora by my side, I feel stable. I'm grateful for her presence.
Q: Was there any discussion about a full group comeback?
A: Bora: A full group comeback was discussed, but it required the right timing and alignment of our thoughts. It's more challenging to gather many people. This time, we realized it's not just about the members agreeing.
Hyolyn: With all four of us in different companies and busy with individual work, it's not easy to gather in one place. We reunited with the hope of doing this before it gets too late.
Q: What was the reaction of Soyou and Dasom?
A: Hyolyn: The members are looking forward to it and waiting. They congratulated us, hoping it goes well.
Bora: When we talked about it together, they weren't as surprised as I thought. They were like, 'It'll be fun,' 'Do well, but what should we eat? I'm hungry.' Haha.
Q: Are you nervous about performing after a long time?
A: Bora: I was more excited than worried. I really wanted to perform. At first, it was fun, but as the stage approached and we filmed the music video, anxiety set in. I tried to minimize the gap caused by the break.
Q: Why did you choose 'NO MORE (MA BOY)' as the title track?
A: Hyolyn:
A: Hyolyn: We had a lot of thoughts because the music market changes so rapidly. We needed a song that wouldn't just be compared to our previous hits but also resonate with many people. While keeping in tune with the current trends, we chose 'NO MORE (MA BOY)' which has a weighty instrumental base, not too trendy yet contemporary. We wanted to convey our coolness, confidence, and charisma not just through big dance moves or high notes, but through subtle gestures and our voices.
Bora: The lyrics might sound intense, but we thought expressing them calmly and confidently would suit our current selves.
Hyolyn: It's a song that follows the line of our previous ones. From the depths of love (Ma Boy), through the pain of break-up (Gone Not Around Any Longer), and now, after repeating this cycle, the coolness and confidence to let go are shown in 'NO MORE'.
Q: Why did you decide to come back in winter, considering SISTAR is known for summer hits?
A: Bora: SISTAR19 isn't bound to just summer. 'Gone Not Around Any Longer' was released in January.
Hyolyn: We wanted to start the new year with a gift-like presence in January.
Q: The cowboy concept photos generated buzz. How did you decide on this theme?
A: Hyolyn: The lyrics' concept matched well with a cowgirl theme. It was also something new for us. The line 'I'm aiming at you' felt just right.
Bora and Hyolyn also discussed the unique challenges and excitement of coming back as a unit, expressing gratitude for each other's support and looking forward to showcasing their evolved artistry to the fans.
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