By Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC| 1st August 2023
If you don’t know STAYC, where have you been?
Ever felt like you just can't get that catchy K-pop song out of your head? There is a good chance it's by STAYC. The K-pop girl group is known for its captivating visuals, catchy beats, and clever choreography, from “ASAP” to “Stereotype”! You've probably endlessly replaying replayed their music videos, captivated by their talent, visuals, and charisma.
STAYC represents a new generation of K-pop girl groups who are talented and bring a unique energy and perspective to their music.
STAYC the hot new girl group is taking the K-pop world by storm. Though they only debuted in late 2020 with their single “SO BAD,” they immediately caught the attention of the K-pop world.
Originally named HIGHUP Girls, the group is under a small South Korean music label called High Up Entertainment. It was formed and they are mentored by the famous duo “Black Eyed Pilseung,” who are well-known hitmakers, having created songs for “Twice,” “Apink,” and many other artists. The girls have already established a devoted fan base due to their catchy songs, addictive hooks, impressive vocal abilities, visually stunning music videos, and endearing personalities that captivate you from beginning to end. STAYC has created a signature sound that blends pop, R&B, and hip-hop resulting in a refreshing and exhilarating listening experience.
Once you discover STAYC, there's no turning back. Their songs will get stuck in your head, and their visuals will captivate you. Get ready to join the fandom and stan these talented girls. STAYC is here to stay.
So, Who Are STAYC?
The K-pop girl group STAYC, which stands for “Star to a Young Culture,” is made up of six talented ladies: Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Sumin, Yoon, and J.
STAYC debuted in November 2020 under High Up Entertainment. They have already earned critical acclaim and have devoted fans called “SWITH.” Their breakthrough hit “ASAP,”' released in April 2021, topped the charts and showcased their youthful energy and vocal skills. The single also entered the Billboard K-pop 100 weekly chart.
Their follow-up single, “So Bad” was another hit, and their first mini-album, “Stereotype,” released in September 2021, showcased a variety of styles. “Stereotype” achieved their first career music show win on SBS MTV’s “The Show.”
To date, STAYC has a total of 17 music show wins, with four of them being first place.
In 2022, they made further comebacks with “RUN2U” and released their third single album in July titled “Beautiful Monster.”
The group made their Japanese debut in November 2022 with “Poppy,” which quickly went viral on TikTok due to its catchy rap and dance (nicknamed “SLAYC” by their fans).
In 2023. they made their comeback on Valentine’s Day with the song “Teddy Bear.”
STAYC releases hit after hit.
The six talented members of STAYC each have their own unique charm and talent. Let's get to know the girls!
SUMIN: Leader, Vocalist, and Rapper.
SIEUN: Main Vocalist.
ISA: Lead Vocalist
SEEUN: Vocalist
YOON: Lead Vocalist
J: Vocalist, Rapper, Maknae
Sumin, the leader and main rapper of the group, is known for her girl crush image and charismatic rap skills. Seeun, the main vocalist, has a sweet voice and a bubbly personality.
Isa is the lead dancer and vocalist and specialises in waacking, a form of dance that incorporates arm movements and hand gestures. Yoon, another lead vocalist, is the mood maker of the group with her 4D personality and meme-worthy facial expressions.
J, the maknae, is the vocalist and visual of the group. She exudes an innocent vibe but possesses powerful vocals. Last but not least, Sieun, a talented vocalist and dancer, completes this ensemble.
With their impressive skills and quirky personalities, each member plays an important role in the group's success. Together they have a promising future ahead of them.
Their Music Style is fun, Fresh, and Fearless
STAYC's music style can be described as fun, fresh, and fearless. Their songs are playful, energetic, and youthful, focusing on themes of girl power, independence, and pursuing your dreams.
STAYC's music is centred around upbeat tempos, synthesised sounds, and repetitive choruses that get stuck in your head. Their producer, Black Eyed Pilseung, known for popular K-pop hits such as Twice’s “Cheer Up” and Apink’s “NoNoNo,” creates bubbly beats and catchy melodies that perfectly complement STAYC’s youthful image. Songs like “So Bad” and “ASAP” are bursting with energy and sass, making you want to get up and dance along.
Powerful Vocals
While STAYC’s music may seem light and playful, one of the most impressive aspects of STAYC is its vocals. Their vocal prowess is powerful and capable of conveying a wide range of emotions. Each member possesses a unique vocal range and style, which they showcase in their singles and live performances. Main vocalists Sieun and Yoon display impressive vocal technique, effortlessly hitting high notes with both precision and emotion. The group is also skilled at harmonising, with multiple members singing different parts to create full and layered sounds.
The group's skilful vocals also enable them to experiment with various genres and styles. Their ability to adapt and excel in various musical styles demonstrates their versatility and potential in the industry.
Empowering Lyrics
STAYC's lyrics are playful and cheeky, adding an extra touch of sass and personality to their music.
STAYC’s fun, fresh, and fearless music style has resonated with fans and has allowed the group to stand out in the K-pop scene. The girls are poised to continue releasing hit after hit.
These qualities soon led them to win awards ranging from the Golden Disc Awards - Digital Song Bongsang with “ASAP,” and Rookie of The Year Award 2022 to the Circle Chart Music Awards - World Rookie of The Year 2023.
Fun Visuals and Impressive Choreography
One of the many things that set STAYC apart in the K-pop industry is its impressive choreography and captivating visuals. As a group that is constantly experimenting with new concepts, they always deliver stunning performances that entertain and captivate their fans.
Their music videos are a testament to their creativity, with each video showcasing unique visuals and concepts that are visually stunning and perfectly aligned with the theme of the song. Their performances are a blend of precision and energy, creating a captivating atmosphere that is difficult to resist.
STAYC's choreography is always dynamic and polished. They have a knack for making every movement seem deliberate and effortless simultaneously.
It's no wonder that their dance practices and performances on various music shows have garnered millions of views, demonstrating their popularity and talent in the industry.
From the iconic hand gestures in their debut song "So Bad" to the bike-riding choreography in "ASAP," STAYC's choreography is always a highlight in their performances, showcasing their skills and abilities as performers. They have a way of incorporating multiple elements into their dance routines, which adds an extra layer of excitement to their performances.
STAYC's visuals and impressive choreography are key factors that contribute to their immense popularity and adoration among K-pop fans. Their talent and creativity continue to shine through with each new release, keeping fans excited and eager to see what they have in store next.
Behind the Scenes: Hard Work, Strong Friendships, and Team Spirit
Behind the scenes, the STAYC girls work hard to achieve their dreams. As trainees, the members spent years honing their skills in singing, dancing, and performing before making their debut in 2020. Their company, High Up Entertainment, focuses on training talented teenagers to become K-pop stars.
The girls have a strong bond as a group. Though still in their late teens and early twenties, they live together in a dorm and spend the majority of their time rehearsing, recording songs, filming music videos, and reality shows, and promoting their work. “We’re like a family,” Sieun has said in the past. “We support each other.”
Teamwork and chemistry are essential for K-pop groups. Fans are drawn to groups with fun, quirky dynamics, and genuine friendships. STAYC girls fulfill this role well, showcasing their playful relationships on social media and variety shows. “We have this energy when we’re together,” said Yoon. “It is easy to show our authentic selves.”
Behind the catchy songs and stylish fashion, STAYC’s success comes down to their dedication and team spirit. The members have devoted their teenage years to intense training, long days, and shared living spaces. Their strong bond gives the group a natural charisma that shines through during their performances.
“We went through a lot together to get here,” Isa said. “This shared experience created a connection between us. We all share the same goal and provide unconditional support for one another.”
After years of preparation, STAYC's hard work is paying off.
STAYC knows how to entertain its fans, and their infectious energy is always present. From the moment they step onto the stage, they captivate the audience with their charm and enthusiasm. Watching STAYC perform is a thrilling experience that leaves you with a smile on your face and a desire to see more.
The future is bright for these young ladies as they continue their journey together.
What's Next for STAYC?
With two successful EPs under their belt, the future looks bright for STAYC. They seem poised to continue gaining popularity and success in 2023 and beyond.
More Music
The group has confirmed that they are working on new music to be released later this month. STAYC and its producers have found a winning formula. Fans can expect more of the same upbeat and energetic songs they have come to love from this talented girl group.
Variety Show Appearances
As their fame grows, the members will likely start appearing as guests on popular South Korean variety and reality TV shows. These entertaining, lighthearted shows provide K-pop groups with an excellent platform to showcase their charming personalities, share intriguing behind-the-scenes stories, and engage with their fans. Viewers get to witness the girls’ playful behaviour, genuine chemistry, and strong friendship bond.
World Tour
STAYC’s popularity continues to surge both in South Korea and internationally. Just days after performing at the K-Pop LUX SBS Super Concert in Madrid at the Estadio Civitas Metropolitano in Madrid, STAYC announced a world tour to support their upcoming mini album “Teenfresh.” The world tour kicks off in Seoul on September 23, 2023. It will then head over to the USA and make one stop in South America before the tour returns to Asia.
It is hoped that, due to STAYC’s huge popularity, the group will announce European tour dates shortly.
STAYC's performances are a sight to behold. Each member brings her unique flair to the stage, making their performances a visual treat. Their synchronised choreography is always on point and adds to the overall allure of their performances.
The Evolution of Sound and Style
As STAYC continues to grow, its sound and style are evolving, captivating fans with every new release. The group’s upcoming new mini-album, “Teenfresh,” promises to showcase their artistic growth and experimentation. Fans can anticipate a fusion of catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and introspective lyrics that mirror the personal journeys and emotions of the members.
STAYC’s fashion choices are also garnering attention as the group embraces a bold and unique aesthetic. Their outfits fuse contemporary and vintage styles, resulting in a visually striking aesthetic impact that complements their music. With each performance, STAYC proves that they are not only talented musicians but also trendsetters in the fashion world.
So there you have it, everything you need to know about the talented queens of K-pop, STAYC. These girls have taken the music scene by storm with their impressive live vocals, and charismatic visuals. Their fresh sound and style are attracting new fans worldwide. If you haven't checked them out yet, what are you waiting for? Go stream their latest hits and join the STAYC revolution. You'll be hooked in no time. The future is bright for these rising stars, so keep your eyes on them. For now, sit back and enjoy the ride as STAYC continues its meteoric ascent to the top. The best is yet to come! If you get a chance to see them live, honestly, do so. They are amazing.
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