The group STAYC discussed competition with rookie girl groups.

STAYC (Sumin, Sieun, Aysa, Seen, Yoon, Jaei) will release their fifth single 'S' and the music video for the title track 'BEBE' on various music sites at 6 p.m. on 18th.

STAYC's comeback comes about five months after the digital single '...!' released on Oct. 30, 2024. Having debuted in November 2020, STAYC has garnered much love for their unique lively charm 'teen fresh,' growing into a representative girl group of the fourth generation with hits such as 'SO BAD,' 'ASAP,' 'Colored glass,' 'RUN 2 U,' 'Beautiful Monster,' 'Teddy Bear,' 'Bubble,' 'Cheeky Icy Thang,' and 'GPT.'

The fifth single 'S,' released on this day, is an album that embodies the new direction STAYC aims for, and as the album name suggests, it signals a top-class S-class comeback. Through the title track 'BEBE,' STAYC will present challenges and changes while showcasing a broad musical spectrum, delivering a strong impact to their global fans.

Q. What does the new album title 'S' mean?

Sieun: It represents the new direction STAYC aims for. It indicates a completely renewed STAYC with a more mature musical color and an evolved concept.

Q. What do you think the public's fixed perception of STAYC is?

Sieun: It seems the fixed perception of STAYC is that we provide healing and bright energy. That may be the image the public wants from STAYC, but I want to show that we can break away from that to embrace new challenges, express ourselves, and demonstrate maturity. We wanted to show the true essence of STAYC through our challenging image.

Q. It must have been concerning to face new changes and challenges. Was there any advice given by producer Rado?

Sumin: It varies at different times. Sometimes we get scolded, and sometimes we receive praise, but I remember them saying, ‘You can do more, and you have a lot to offer, so trust yourselves and develop that.’ I feel grateful for those words as they show they believe in us and that it creates a good relationship for us to continue working together.

Sieun: I remember them saying, 'You are doing well.' I often worry and doubt myself, but their words helped me recognize the value of this whole process. They made me aware that what is visible right now is not everything.

Aysa: Producer Rado said, 'I think more about you than you think I do,' and when you meet and talk, you can feel it. They seem to know a lot and clearly want to take us in a certain direction. Therefore, I think we also need to have more faith.

Q. You are overlapping activities with newly debuting girl groups. What is STAYC's unique strength?

Sieun: Watching the stages and performances of recently debuted groups, I think about whether we have already become seniors, and it brings back many memories of when we debuted. What I feel is that even though many idols are emerging, while they may be similar, no team has the same energy. I believe our colors and energies are different from those of the rookies, so we feel influenced and cheer for them.

Aysa: Since we are also changing our concept, I think it is an opportunity to showcase more of STAYC. We learn a lot from the newcomers, and I often think about what to incorporate next. Rather than competition, I feel we receive a lot of positive influence.

Q. The message of this album is to break fixed perceptions and biases. If there is a bias you want to break through your activities, what would it be?

Sumin: I wanted to break the strong bright and cute image with this song. I think I found a new me through style changes and research.

Seen: Rather than bias, it’s a fact, as I naturally have a timid and shy personality. I immersed myself in this album to break that. I feel I am somewhat succeeding.

Q. You are celebrating your fifth anniversary since debut along with your comeback. What is your satisfaction with this album, and what are your future activity directions?

Sumin: I think this is the process of transforming from a caterpillar to a butterfly. I am 100% satisfied with this album. Because we had so much fun doing it, I look forward to the responses from those who listen.

Yoon: As we made changes, I want to say that STAYC’s second act has begun. I am satisfied with it. It was fun and intuitive to express, making it easy.

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