RESCENE: "The entire nation is behind us... We want to become BTS's role model and 'Daughter of the Nation'" [Interview ③]

*This content was translated by AI.

You never know when, where, or how a hit will explode!

In the first half of this year, a casual remark by Japanese member Minami in RESCENE's (Won-i, Live, Minami, Mei, Jena) original content—"Geoje, Yaho~!"—sparked an unexpected viral sensation that shook South Korea. The phrase has become one of the top contenders for "2026 Word of the Year," reflecting the explosive surge in public interest in the group RESCENE.

How did "Geoje" and "Yaho" suddenly merge? The turning point came on March 6, when a video titled "Learning Japanese from a Gal-originated Japanese Member" was uploaded to Won-i's personal YouTube channel, "Hello, This is Won-i, Nice to Meet You," which is not even the official RESCENE channel. In this video, Minami, acting in her "gal mode," taught Won-i Japanese but went overboard, creating a comedic scene that garnered positive reactions. Consequently, on March 20, a follow-up video titled "I Learned About Gal Posture" was released consecutively.

In this episode, after Minami fully transformed into a gal look, Won-i exclaimed, "If you go to Geoje like this now, the citizens of Geoje will scold you," expressing surprise. However, Minami cheerfully replied without hesitation, "Geoje, Yaho~!" (Hello, Geoje!), eliciting laughter and sparking word-of-mouth buzz for the content.

Viewers who enjoyed the content naturally turned their attention to RESCENE's members. The agency Gamdasal (meaning "full of life") seized the opportunity to showcase each member's charm through sequential content. Videos featuring Won-i from Geoje and Jena from Gyeongju speaking in dialects at Seongsu-dong, as well as Live and Mei acting as a duo reminiscent of "Pat and Mat" while envying Won-i and Minami, all achieved massive view counts. As of the 2nd, the YouTube channel "Hello, This is Won-i, Nice to Meet You" surpassed 1.2 million subscribers, with their videos averaging 4–5 million views and reaching up to 8 million views at their peak.

Interest in RESCENE extended beyond content to their core profession: music. As the saying goes, opportunities come to those who are prepared; coincidentally, RESCENE's existing songs perfectly aligned with public tastes. Their 2024 release "Love Attack" (LOVE ATTACK) achieved a remarkable chart reverse run, climbing to third place on Melon's daily chart as of the 2nd. Cities representing the members' hometowns—Geoje (Won-i), Suwon (Live), Gyeongju (Jena), and Goyang (Mei)—appointed RESCENE as promotional ambassadors, while popular brands like convenience store chain CU began selecting them as models.

Capitalizing on this momentum, RESCENE is scheduled to release a single titled "Pretty Girl" (프리티 걸) at 6 p.m. on the 8th, a remake of KARA's hit song "Pretty Girl." This marks their first album release since becoming popular idols after debuting with the digital single "Runaway" in April.

Recently, RESCENE sat down with StarNews to discuss their unexpected surge in popularity just two years after debut and shared insights on their new song "Pretty Girl."

-Following Interview ②

-If RESCENE could have a desired descriptor or nickname for 2026, what would it be?

▶Won-i: We want to become an idol raised by the entire nation!

▶Jena: A comment saying "The whole nation is behind RESCENE" resonated deeply with us. We aspire to become the 'Daughter of the Nation.'

-What new interests or hobbies have emerged among the members recently?

▶Won-i: I've been exploring interior design lately, looking into rugs and plants.

▶Live: I've been researching basic skincare products.

▶Minami: Listening to LP records. Our manager installed an LP player in our dormitory, and each member received an LP suited to their taste, which is my source of healing.

▶Mei: Jena and I are roommates; I enjoy spending time on the bed with mood lighting on.

▶Jena: Originally, Mei and I shared a bunk bed, but recently we switched to placing beds side by side.

-What are RESCENE's activity plans for the second half of 2026?

▶Won-i: I can't reveal everything yet, but various stages are in preparation.

-What kind of singer do you aspire to grow into?

▶Minami: For the group, BTS is our senior.

▶Won-i: Since our debut, we've kept hope and dreams alive while looking up to our seniors.

▶Live: They are also role models in terms of their humanity.

▶Mei: BTS truly are the seniors we admire. We hope to become such role models for friends nurturing their dreams as singers.

-What message do you have for your fans, 'Remain', at this moment?

▶Won-i: Thanks to our fans, we believe we've been able to introduce RESCENE to so many people.

▶Mei: Whether in the past or present, RESCENE exists because of Remain. You praised and loved us in every form, allowing us to grow beautifully. Thank you always.

-End

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*This content was translated by AI.