EVERGLOW on Slaying Their ALL MY GIRLS Comeback and KCON LA Stage
K-pop is more than just music; it's a tapestry of stories and emotions—and EVERGLOW has consistently woven a captivating tale of self-love, acceptance and healing.
ALL MY GIRLS, the sextet's fourth single album, isn't just a return but a revelation. Beyond the punchy bass lines and groovy guitars, EVERGLOW earnestly explore their personal growth and transformation over a year-and-eight-month hiatus.
In this exclusive interview, Sweety High sits down with the girls to further uncover the insights they've gained during their break, their profound connection to the track's lead single, "SLAY," and the preparation behind their electrifying performance at KCON LA.
Sweety High: ALL MY GIRLS is EVERGLOW's first comeback since 2021. What have you learned about yourselves over the past two years? Were there any lessons that better prepared you for this release?
AISHA: It was a time of significant self-improvement. I want to become flawless, and I want to serve as an inspiration for others. While I've worked very hard to enhance my skills, I also took a lot of time for self-care. While seeing my fans support me, it motivates me to become a better person.
YIREN: During our hiatus, we continued to practice and manage our physical strength. The fact that all of us cherished each other during the preparation of the release is what I love about it.
(Photo Credit: YUE HUA ENTERTAINMENT KOREA)
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SH: Why did "SLAY" feel like the perfect comeback track? How does this connect to the overarching story that EVERGLOW is trying to tell?
E:U: The word "slay" indeed carries a powerful meaning. In this album, it signifies not hiding one's true self and moving forward with confidence. I believe there is a strong connection between the overall meaning of this album and our title song, "SLAY."
SIHYEON: When I first heard "SLAY," I immediately felt that it should be the title song. It had a strong and addictive beat, and I could already imagine the performance in my head! Through this album, I aim to convey a message of hope to all the girls who have lost their confidence and may feel confined by the expectations of society and find themselves to be too small. I want to empower them with a hopeful message and provide them with great strength.
SH: Has your relationship with and taste in music evolved since your last comeback?
MIA: I've loved the band's sound for a while now. I love the harmony between musical instruments and human vocals.
ONDA: My taste hasn't changed much, if at all. I still enjoy R&B, pop and songs that are easy to listen to. And lately, I've developed an appreciation for songs featuring piano melodies as well.
(Photo Credit: YUE HUA ENTERTAINMENT KOREA)
SH: Do you have a track from this project that feels most meaningful?
E:U: I participated in writing the lyrics for "Oh Ma Ma God." This song holds a special meaning for me because it allowed me to express my thoughts in an album released after a long time.
SIHYEON: I would choose "SLAY" because I've grown very fond of it through all the practices and monitoring of facial expressions and dance moves. I even cried because it was very challenging for me. However, I put in a lot of effort to overcome that, so I think this is the most meaningful song in this album.
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SH: What are you most excited to share with the fans who have excitedly been waiting for EVERGLOW's comeback?
MIA: The thing I'm most looking forward to in this comeback is meeting fans I haven't seen in a long time. I really, really missed them a lot.
ONDA: To the fans, first of all, I want to say thank you so much for waiting for us for a long time and I love you. I'm looking forward to having a chance to see as many Forevers as possible starting from this comeback so that I can repay the love I've received!
(Photo Credit: YUE HUA ENTERTAINMENT KOREA)
SH: KCON LA 2023 was your first time performing in front of a live audience at KCON. How are you feeling?
AISHA: I was happy to be able to meet them, and it was fun to spend a good time together. It became a memory to remember for a long time.
YIREN: I was so excited and thrilled. It's been a long time since I've performed in front of fans, and thanks to their support, I knew that I would receive more energy and enjoy the stage. I was pleasantly surprised that they responded even more enthusiastically than I anticipated.
SH: How has your preparation for KCON LA been different from your virtual concert preparation at KCON:TACT?
E:U: There is definitely a significant difference between performing while watching the fans in person and performing in a virtual setting. I prepared really hard for both performances, but right before I went on stage, I was much more nervous about the KCON LA stage than KCON:TACT. But I remember that I worked hard to prepare for both stages, as they both are for our fans to enjoy.
SIHYEON: At KCON LA, the support and reactions from K-pop fans kept us so energized on stage that tiredness was never a concern. It brought immense happiness and satisfaction. However, during virtual concerts like KCON:TACT, with just cameras and us, the absence of our beloved fans was too big, and it made us feel like something was missing. We really missed our fans then.
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SH: Anything else you'd like to add?
MIA: Please lend your support to our upcoming endeavors and shower us with your love!
ONDA: We are back after a one-year-and-eight-month hiatus and we're committed to bringing you even better songs in the future. We hope you'll continue to support and love us. A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Forevers who waited for our return—we love you. Let's create even greater things together in the future!
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