"Didn't Think We'd Return," CLASS:y Announces 'Reboot' After 1 Year and 7 Months of Silence [★FULL Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

Girl group CLASS:y has ended a long 1 year and 7 months of silence and stepped onto a new starting line. The group aims to redefine its identity and strive for another leap forward.

CLASS:y (Won Jimin, Kim Seon-yu, Myung Hyung-seo, Hong Hye-ju, Kim Ri-won, Park Bo-eun, Yoon Chae-won) recently held a commemorative interview for the release of their fourth mini-album 'Reboot (RE:BOOT) "After Tears"' at the K Tigers Entertainment headquarters in Mapo-gu, Seoul. During the interview, they openly shared their feelings about the comeback, their thoughts during the period of silence, and the meaning behind the new album.

Returning approximately 1 year and 7 months after their third mini-album 'LOVE XX' in November 2024, CLASS:y described this comeback not merely as a return but as a 'restart.' Hong Hye-ju said, "I still can't believe we're back. It feels more like showing ourselves anew than a comeback. We prepared hard as if we were debuting."

During the long period of silence, there was no lack of anxiety. Myung Hyung-seo stated, "Actually, I was worried that we might have been forgotten. With trends changing quickly and many new groups emerging, I had many doubts about whether we would still be competitive. However, there is still so much we haven't shown yet. Rather than being compared, we want to enjoy ourselves and show our sincerity."

Hong Hye-ju also reflected, "We were very anxious, but that anxiety actually became our motivation. It became an opportunity to learn more and work harder, and looking back now, it was a necessary time."

Yoon Chae-won said, "I was anxious not knowing when we could comeback, but I felt relieved when the news was confirmed. Just as we grew during the period of silence, I want to show an even more wonderful side."

Especially, the change of agency was a major turning point for CLASS:y. Kim Ri-won shared, "We prepared with the mindset of a new opportunity. The best part was the fact that we could show our stage again to the fans who waited for us."

'Reboot "After Tears"' is an album that signals the redefinition of the musical identity of the seven members, now more mature. It includes a total of nine tracks, including the title track "Walking While Crying Is Who I Am" (hereinafter "Walking While Crying"), "Wet Diary," and solo songs by the members.

Myung Hyung-seo said, "The word 'Reboot' itself best explains this album. Since we are starting activities anew, we have put in our new beginning as CLASS:y, our new mindset, and even the feeling of debuting again. Through the period of silence, we truly realized the preciousness of the stage. Every activity feels more sincere, and our passion for our dreams has grown even larger."

The title track "Walking While Crying" is a pop rock song that accepts even the moment of shedding tears as being true to oneself and conveys the heart to move forward despite being shaken.

Myung Hyung-seo said, "This song best captures the message of empathy and comfort that CLASS:y wants to convey. I hope not only fans but many people will enjoy it." Hong Hye-ju added, "Even though the members have different tastes, everyone thought we had to do it as soon as we heard it for the first time. It is a song that best expresses the current CLASS:y."

This album also highlights the members' participation. Yoon Chae-won participated in writing the lyrics for the title track, and Park Bo-eun included an original composition. Myung Hyung-seo and Won Jimin also had their names listed for lyric writing, and Hong Hye-ju participated in choreography for the group song, adding to the team's color.

The members cited 'sincerity' as the core keyword of this album. Myung Hyung-seo said, "Rather than hiding difficult times, we expressed them through music, and I thought we could gain even more empathy. It is a song only CLASS:y can sing. There were gazes looking at CLASS:y with regret, but I hope this album becomes a starting point that makes people look forward to the future."

There was also a change in the group name. They announced a new beginning by changing from the previous 'CLASS:y' to 'CLASSY,' excluding the colon (:). Hong Hye-ju explained, "In the past, it meant a team that could wear any color, but now I feel that we ourselves are the color. We want to show our true selves rather than a made-up appearance."

Having returned to the stage after a long wait, their goals were clear. Kim Ri-won said, "I hope our songs become something people can think of when they are having a hard time. I also want to definitely stand on encore stages on music shows someday."

Park Bo-eun said, "I hope not only the title track but also the solo songs are loved. I want to communicate more actively with overseas fans and stand on various stages." Myung Hyung-seo laughed, "I really want to do well. CLASS:y is a team made up of talented friends, but I think many people don't know us yet. I want to become a team that comes to mind as soon as you see us, a team that makes people look forward to the future. It's a loss if you don't know us."

Finally, the members conveyed their determination not to miss the opportunity gained after a long wait. Won Jimin said, "I want to show that CLASS:y has returned," and Hong Hye-ju stated, "I believe sincerity eventually prevails. We will work with all our hearts."

Kim Ri-won pledged, "Since the frustrating time was long, I feel like everything we have accumulated will burst out at once. We will break it all down."

Myung Hyung-seo said, "There were moments when it seemed we wouldn't return, but we eventually did. Through us, I hope many people gain strength and receive comfort to live a little happier."

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*This content was translated by AI.