K-Pop Group Candy Shop Dives Into Second Mini-Album Girls Don’t Cry
by Tayah Fox
In March, the world was introduced to new K-pop girl group Candy Shop with their mini-album Hashtag#, featuring the mellow R&B-influenced title track "Good Girl." The quartet, consisting of members SORAM, SUI, SARANG and JULIA, has swiftly amassed a remarkable 3.4 million views on their debut music video in just three months. With their charming appeal, Candy Shop is rapidly ascending towards global K-pop stardom.
Returning with their second mini-album, Girls Don't Cry, the group brings two summer title tracks, "Don't Cry" and "Tumbler (Hot & Cold)," to accompany fans through their summer adventures.""Don't Cry" offers the perfect soundtrack for cruising with the top down, hands waving through the wind, and letting go of all your worries. The second title track "Tumbler (Hot & Cold)," features a slower tempo, narrating a lost love story. Candy Shop utilizes the metaphor of a tumbler to illustrate the temperature changes in love—what was once hot is now cold. We were delighted to interview the group to talk about their new EP and future as K-pop idols below.
Sweety High: Can you tell us the inspiration behind your new mini-album?
SORAM: We often talked about how much we wanted to play at the beach in the summer, and this time, we filmed the music video at the beach. Although we went there for filming, it was the first time we all went to the beach together, so it felt like we were on a trip, and it was memorable and enjoyable.
SUI: We filmed the music video at the beach this time. While dancing on the beach, we got sand in our shoes, and there was even a funny incident where our hats flew off because of the wind! It was a shoot where we could truly feel the essence of summer, so it was delightful.
SARANG: It was my first time going to the beach with the members for the music video shoot! It felt like we made good memories as if on a trip, and I was happy.
JULIA: It was my first music video shoot, so I was very nervous, but the staff and members helped me relax, for which I was grateful. We played looking for seashells at the beach, and though it was for filming, it felt like a trip with the members, and we got closer, which was nice.
(Photo credit: Brave Entertainment)
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SH: What should fans expect from Girls Don't Cry?
SORAM: There is a key point in our choreography in the title track, "Don't Cry," which we call"tear-dropping." I hope fans look forward to those parts and participate in the dance challenge!
SUI: We hope fans look forward to our improved facial expressions and gestures compared to our debut stage. Furthermore, please look forward to our summer song, which will make us the new "Gen Z summer queens."
SARANG: Although I am a rapper, this time, I have more vocal parts! So, please look forward to my vocal skills and facial expressions!
JULIA: I researched gestures a lot so they wouldn't look awkward, so I hope fans look forward to those aspects. I also hope you look forward to our cool performances since it is a "summer song" that goes well with the summer atmosphere.
SH: How has Candy Shop evolved since your well-received debut? Does this new mini-album mark a new era for you girls?
SORAM: During our debut album, everything was a first-time experience, so many parts felt difficult. However, while we were preparing for this album, we had a bit more ease compared to the debut. And we had time to give each other feedback, which helped us to get closer to each other and also helped us grow.
SH: If you could switch roles with a member for a day, who would it be and why?
SORAM: I'd like to switch roles with JULIA and live the life of the youngest member of the group.
SUI: I would also like to switch roles with JULIA and become the maknae!
SARANG: It seems like everyone wants to become the youngest?! I want to switch roles with SORAM. She is always working hard as a leader, so I would like to take on the role of the leader for a day to help relieve her burden.
JULIA: I would like to switch roles with SUI, the dancer in our group! I want to dance well and show a refreshing stage like her.
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SH: As a group that wants to capture the hearts of Gen Z, how do you think your music resonates with the newer generation?
SARANG: I believe our relatable lyrics and easy-listening music allow us to approach Gen Zs as if we are friends and this is the way that we are going to resonate with this generation.
SH: Where do you hope to see yourself this time next year?
SORAM: I hope we'll be promoting a new album around this time next year. Our goal is to have a song that ranks in the top 10 on the music charts!
SUI: I hope we will promote our new album like SORAM mentioned. I would also like us to have a concert, with the setlist full of our songs.
SARANG: I would like us to perform across the world and showcase Candy Shop to international fans.
JULIA: I hope we can hold a concert and the setlist will be made up of our songs.
SH: What would you say is CandyShop's signature sound and style of music?
Candy Shop: We believe our music's charm lies in its easy-listening and comforting style, appealing to a wide audience with addictive choruses and the fresh, captivating sound unique to Candy Shop
(Photo credit: Brave Entertainment)
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SH: What led each of you to pursue a career as a K-pop idol?
SORAM: I grabbed a microphone during my first birthday party, and I felt very happy when I got to perform on talent shows when I was a kid. This made me dream of becoming an idol.
SUI: I enjoyed watching TV music shows since I was a kid, and I wanted to give joy and happiness to many people through my stage like my seniors, which made me dream of becoming an idol.
SARANG: I originally wanted to join the national team as a taekwondo athlete, but I got the chance to perform on stage while in school and was touched by the cheers from the audience. From that moment on, I started dreaming of becoming an idol.
JULIA: I loved watching TV music shows since I was young, and I wanted to be someone who could give positive energy to many people by performing on stage.
SH: Is there anything else you would like to add?
SORAM: Candy Shop is a group of members with colorful and diverse charms. We will release songs that resonate with Gen Zs. So please give us a lot of love!
SUI: Candy Shop has diverse and lively charms and great team spirit! Please give us a lot of love!
SARANG: We have a lot of colorful charms just like our name, Candy Shop, so there's more to look forward to in our future!
JULIA: All our members are full of charisma and charm! Please give us a lot of love!
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