The group IPI completed its first comeback showcase.
On the afternoon of 16th, a showcase was held at the Blue Square SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, to celebrate the release of the group's second mini album Wave 'Nang' Pt.2 'sweet tang'. If the debut album 'ERLU BLUE' captured the excitement of girls facing their first ripples, this mini 2nd album Wave 'Nang' Pt.2 'sweet tang' signifies the girls' genuine growth narrative amid those rippling waves.
On this day, leader Kasia conveyed her nervous feelings ahead of the first showcase. She said, "I usually don't get nervous, but maybe because it's my first showcase, I couldn't sleep well due to excitement. I'm still nervous, but I will do my best for this occasion." The maknae Shasha also added, "Actually, it's my first showcase too, so I couldn't sleep due to excitement and nerves. I will do my best and work hard."
Ludi took on the role of chief producer for this album. Won Hwa-yeon said, "Yesterday during rehearsal, the chief came to visit and advised us to convey it more sincerely. I think we managed to do well."
Regarding this album, Lahee explained, "This album deals with the genuine growth narrative of girls placed amid the rippling waves. You will be able to see a more diverse aspect of us." In fact, Lahee's hand sign idea was adopted in the performance. Lahee added, "As soon as I suggested the idea, they said it was great and asked, 'Shall we try it right away?' So, please look forward to my future ideas."
The title track 'r u ok?' is a song that embodies the unique style of IPI, resembling a powerful dance track while also incorporating delicate instrument arrangements and a intricately designed groove that is expected to captivate listeners. In particular, the powerful choreography that enhances the song's charm is anticipated to provide an emotional experience akin to watching a performance.
Tailyn noted, "When I first heard the title track, I found the unique melody and the lyrics that start in Spanish to be interesting. It felt fresh because the song has a clear color, and as we practiced, I thought it suited us well, so I was satisfied with it." This title track is said to have a blend of chic, witty, and kitschy charms. Additionally, Kasia stated, "I recommend listening to our album according to the tracklist. If you listen in order, the flow of the story is clear, and it will be fun to listen to it that way."
Today (16th), as they conduct their first showcase since debut, it is also the 100th day anniversary of IPI's debut. IPI, who marked their 100th day since debut, expressed, "Since we debuted in the past 100 days, it feels like this is just the beginning. We seemed to have agreed to prepare for our comeback with much more effort and interest."
Following that, Tailyn expressed, "It's hard to believe that it's been 100 days, but I'm really happy to have successfully debuted and to be preparing for our second album. I owe a lot to the fans and the company for us being here safely. I'm just really grateful and happy." Won Hwa-yeon added, "I'm glad we're able to make a comeback right on our 100th day. I wanted to convey my happiness that we can do the showcase we couldn't do at our debut during our first comeback."
When asked about their goals and role models, Mi-yoo stated, "Our role model is IPI in 10 years. While it's good to have someone to look up to and walk the path, we want to focus on walking our own path without setting limits." Lahee added, "Our closest goal is to win a rookie award. Furthermore, in the future, I hope we can become known worldwide and create songs that bring happiness and comfort to people."
Ahead of their first summer comeback, Lahee stated, "Our performance is truly a powerful weapon. We returned with cool and striking choreography for the summer, so we hope you look forward to it."
The members opened up about the scenes in the 'r u ok?' music video that they focused on. Kasia said, "There is a scene in the music video where we dance inside a huge trailer. I was really looking forward to it because it's a choreography scene that isn't in the music shows, and I think it turned out well." That choreography will not be revealed on music shows. Kasia, expressing her hopes for showcasing the music video choreography in a future encore stage after achieving 1st place, said, "I would be so happy if we could achieve 1st place and reveal it then."
When asked about the parts of the performance that IPI pays the most attention to, main dancer Tailyn mentioned, "When we practice our performance, we discuss the points and the areas where we need to loosen up. There are parts that need to be more fluid and flowing." Leader Kasia added, "Each of our tones is unique, so we provide feedback during recording. We tried to make each person's tone stand out."
As the time to conclude the showcase approached, Mi-yoo expressed, "Since this is our first showcase, I was worried we wouldn't be able to show everything we prepared because I was nervous, but I'm relieved we could finish well." Won Hwa-yeon also commented, "I was looking forward to showing our stage quickly, and it feels great that we finished it well with a sense of pride."
Meanwhile, IPI will release their mini album Wave 'Nang' Pt.2 'sweet tang' at 6 p.m. on 16th and make their comeback.
[Photo] Choi Kyu-han, reporter
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