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"We want to deliver 'the STAYC of now' as we evolve positively" — The album 'STAY ALIVE' is packed with three years of evolution.

The Korean six-member girl group STAYC will release their first Japanese full-length album, 'STAY ALIVE', on February 11th. This album covers everything from their Japanese debut single "POPPY" to their latest single "Lover, Killer," and includes 17 tracks in total, including five newly recorded songs that were previously considered as single candidates. It is an album that can be called the culmination of their three years since their Japanese debut. We conducted an interview in Japan this time to ask about their thoughts on the long-awaited full album and the members' favorite songs.

An album where you can feel "the STAYC of now"

── Please tell us how you feel now, with the release of your first Japanese full album 'STAY ALIVE' approaching.

Sieun: I'm so excited to finally be releasing a full album in Japan. We named the album 'STAY ALIVE' because we wanted people to feel the STAYC of now—how we are evolving positively and moving forward.

Isa: Ever since we were in production, I've been so full of excitement and wanting to show it to everyone as soon as possible. I want SWITH, of course, and many other people to listen to it.

── What kind of song is the lead track "MWUAH"?

Sumin: It’s a song where you can feel STAYC’s signature bright and energetic charm, paired with lyrics that contain a message of love. "MWUAH" is an English onomatopoeia for a kiss, and it appears many times throughout the song. It’s a catchy part that makes you want to hum along, so I hope everyone enjoys it as the "MWUAH" challenge.

Yoon: I think it’s a song with a very clear Kishōtenketsu *[起承転結; きしょうてんけつ: A traditional four-part narrative structure originating from Chinese poetry—introduction, development, twist, and conclusion. It is a concept widely shared in East Asian cultures, including Korea, where it is known as 'Giseungjeongyeol' (기승전결).] structure. While the melodic tune is the core, the rap acts as an accent, and there are parts where the mood suddenly switches to a soft impression. One song is packed with so many gaps (contrasts), and the recording process was really fun.

── Japanese versions of "I WANT IT" and "Stay WITH me" are also newly included, aren't they? 

Seeun: We chose "I WANT IT" because it’s a fresh track that we just released in Korea last summer. "Stay WITH me" is STAYC’s very first fan song, so it holds a very special place in our hearts. We produced a Japanese version because we wanted to feel even closer to our Japanese SWITH.

Sieun: I’ve heard that "I WANT IT" is popular on Japanese TikTok too. I’m looking forward to people enjoying it even more now that there’s a Japanese version.

── What do you keep in mind when singing in Japanese?

Yoon: Definitely the pronunciation. When I see foreign artists covering Korean songs with natural pronunciation, I think it’s really cool. So, we also try our best to sing with the most natural pronunciation possible. To achieve that, we checked with the Japanese staff many times and pursued naturalness.

Sumin: Originality is important, but right now, I’m working hard to accurately reproduce the pronunciation I was taught.

── Please tell us about the new song "Satellite" as well.

J: My voice tone is on the lower side, but during the recording, I was requested to "sing in a higher tone than usual." I struggled a bit with that, but I was able to discover a new singing voice I didn't know I had, so it’s very memorable to me.

What are your "Oshi-kyoku" in 'STAY ALIVE'...? *[Oshi-kyoku (推し曲): A combination of "Oshi" (one's favorite/support) and "Kyoku" (song), referring to a user's most recommended or favorite track.]

── It’s a massive 17-track volume, but please tell us your favorite songs.

Sieun: I’d like to recommend "Satellite." The highlight is the lyrics, which let you feel a more mature side of STAYC.

Isa: For me, it’s "MWUAH." After all, it is the lead track. I want everyone to listen to it a lot!

Yoon: It’s our Japanese debut song, "POPPY." It feels somewhat mysterious, yet really wonderful, to have our Japanese debut song included in our first Japanese full album released in our third year.

Seeun: I like "Say My Name." We introduce ourselves at the beginning of the song, and I hope people pay attention to how the six of us show our individual personalities there.

Sumin: I want to push "Lover, Killer." To give some background, this song was originally a candidate for our comeback in Korea. However, that was changed, and it was adopted as a release for a Japanese single instead. The performance is also a style I personally love, so I have a special attachment to it.

J: Is it okay if I pick two? "Say My Name" and "Lover, Killer." For "Lover, Killer," it's because I wish we'd had more opportunities to show it to everyone back then. As for "Say My Name," just as Seeun mentioned, there are many fun points, so please enjoy listening to it♪

Favorite J-POP and memories in Japan

 ── You sing the Japanese lyrics perfectly. Do you usually listen to Japanese music?

Yoon: I’m so into it that you could practically say I only listen to J-POP. Is it okay if I check my music library for a second?

── Please, go ahead!

Yoon: (Taking out her smartphone) Lately, I’ve been especially obsessed with AiNA THE END *[アイナ・ジ・エンド]. Her song "Kakumei Dōchū" *[革命道中; lit. 'On the way to revolution' (YouTube)] is the theme song for the anime 'Dandadan *[ダンダダン]', and it’s such a great track! Also, I like Reina *[麗奈; れいな 🇯🇵]. Our agency in Korea is located in Hongdae *[弘大/홍대:A vibrant neighborhood in Seoul known for its indie music scene, urban arts, and nightlife near Hongik University.], and Reina actually did a street performance there. Our schedules overlapped so I couldn't go, but I wanted to see her so bad! As for bands, I often listen to SPYAIR. I’ve also been to YOASOBI’s concerts in Korea twice. It was so much fun! Recently, I was told that Mrs. GREEN APPLE is very famous, so I gave them a listen, and they have so many good songs. I’m also checking out Mulasaki Ima *[紫 今; むらさき いま 🇯🇵], who sings "Mashō no on'na A *[魔性の女A; femme fatale A (YouTube)]." Oh no, I want to talk more, but I’ll stop here for now!

── You’re really knowledgeable! How about the rest of you?

Sumin: I like "Goodbye-bye" by TOMIOKA Ai *[冨岡 愛;  とみおか あい 🇯🇵]. I happened to find it when it popped up on YouTube, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I even sent a voice message of me covering it to SWITH through our fan community chat.

J: I like Kenshi Yonezu *[米津 玄師; よねづ けんし]. I often listen to "Lemon" and "LADY."

── Last June, you held your first solo concert since your Japanese debut. What events have stood out to you during your three years of activities in Japan?

Sumin: Fan meetings, where we interact with SWITH through games and talk, are fun, but the concert was a truly special time because we were able to share emotions with SWITH through the music.

Seeun: I can’t forget the "POPPY" showcase. So many people came to see us, and we were able to take that first step of our Japanese activities together. I still remember the sight of the confetti fluttering in the air back then.

── Were you able to clear the things you wanted to do in Japan? Also, were you able to visit the places you wanted to go?

J: When we went to Kyoto for promotional activities, the staff prepared sweets made with matcha. I absolutely love matcha, so I was happy to be able to compare various matcha flavors.

Sieun: Regarding food, the Hitsumabushi *[ひつまぶし;  A traditional Nagoya eel dish where grilled eel is served over rice and enjoyed in three different ways (plain, with condiments, and with broth.] I ate in Nagoya was delicious. Korea has eel too, but this had a different kind of charm and was really, really delicious...! Also, the Crème Brûlée ice cream. I’d heard it was trending, so I ate it right away during my stay in Japan. It was the moment my wish list came true.

Yoon: I have a wish list item that I fulfilled too! We often visit Tower Records for our Japanese activities, and during last year’s release event, I bought a CD at Tower Records for the first time! At that time, there was a large poster of Kenshi Yonezu on display, and seeing it made me really want the CD, so I bought my favorite album.

Sumin: The next one I want to fulfill is going to Universal Studios Japan. Even though I come to Japan often, I actually haven’t been there yet. If I get the chance, I definitely want to go and have some fun.

From Panic Horror to Haikyu!!? Revealing STAYC’s "Oshi" *[Oshi (推し): A term referring to one's "favorite" or "bias," commonly used to describe a person, character, or thing one supports passionately.]

── Lastly, in honor of our media name "OSHIRAKU," please tell us what you are all currently "pushing" (your favorites).

Seeun: Scary things, I guess. I like scary things like horror movies and paranormal phenomena, and my hobby is searching for videos to watch. I also like fortune-telling since it’s something that can't be proven by science. I go to get my fortune told sometimes.

J: I’m the same as Seeun. However, I’m actually not good with scary things (laughs). My hobby is watching dramas, but I’m not very good at thrillers or the panic genre. But after watching about two series, I seem to have built up a bit of a tolerance, so lately, I’ve been into scary-type dramas.

Sumin: Volunteering for rescue dogs and cats. I’m an indoor person and don’t go out of the house much, but when it comes to volunteer work, it’s such an important time for me that I’ll even travel long distances. It’s fun to look at my schedule and think, "When can I go next?"

Isa: Art workshops. Recently, I went to a studio where you can experience painting figures. It was so much fun that I’m planning to go to a glue gun art workshop next.

Sieun: I’m obsessed with looking up the names of pasta. After going to the US for our world tour, I suddenly developed an interest in pasta. When I looked it up, I was surprised to find that the names differ depending on the shape and that there are so many varieties.

Yoon: I’m rewatching the anime 'Haikyu!! *[ハイキュー!!]'. Before, Yū Nishinoya was my oshi, but during the second round, I started thinking Shoyo Hinata *[日向翔陽] was cute too, so these two are my "Saio-shi" *[Saio-shi (最推し): One's absolute favorite or "number one" bias among all favorites. Not sure Yoon actually said this Japanese] right now!

Interview/Text: Yuki Todoroki  [轟友貴] 🇯🇵

Photography: Yuji Sakai  [堺優史] (MOUSTACHE) 🇯🇵

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