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 most prominent "2026 Catchphrases 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-origin 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 off-script, creating a hilarious scene that garnered positive reactions. Following this, on March 20, a follow-up video titled "I Learned About Gal Posture" was released consecutively.

In this episode, Minami transformed her entire appearance into a Gal style. Won-i exclaimed, "If you go to Geoje looking like that now, the citizens of Geoje will scold you!" However, Minami cheerfully replied without hesitation, "Geoje, Yaho~!" (Hello, Geoje!), sparking laughter and driving word-of-mouth promotion for the content.

Viewers who enjoyed the content naturally turned their attention to RESCENE's members. The agency Gamdasal ("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 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, "Opportunity favors the prepared," and RESCENE's existing songs perfectly aligned with public taste. Their 2024 release "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 major brands like convenience store chain CU began selecting them as models.

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

Recently, RESCENE sat down with StarNews to discuss their surprise reverse-run popularity just two years after debut and shared insights about 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 at rugs and plants.

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

▶Minami: Listening to LP records. Our CEO installed an LP player in our dormitory and gave each member a record suited to their taste; listening to them is my healing time.

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

▶Jena: Mei and I originally 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 our group, BTS is our senior role model.

▶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 pursuing their dreams as singers.

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

▶Won-i: Thanks to our fans, 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.