K-pop artists are constantly growing by building their own stories, but they are in the dilemma of showing clear concepts and various charms. The exploitation of the idol market has led to criticism from people who constantly criticize idols for changing their concepts.

Recently, many idols who grow with the public’s attention have appeared. Among them, Limesoda is representative of a growing idol group recognized for its uniqueness and charm, with each album making a dramatic turnaround.

In this interview, we will review growing idol groups through an interview with girl group Limesoda.

Infinite growth of groups and music

Limesoda along with the slogan »Light Me So Dazzly», is a girl group that debuted in July 2017. Based on the growing group concept, they started out as a duo consisting of K-pop star Season 6 runner-up Hyerim and Seungji, and became a three-member group with the addition of the dancer-turned-idol Jangmi earlier this year, showing their unique recruitment of additional members.

This can be interpreted as a driving force behind Limesoda’s dramatic display of each member’s charm and at the same time, the change in their musical tendencies and the ability to satisfy popular tastes at the same time.

«Hyerim has always been a proud, bright, and energetic member since I first met her,» said Seungji. In addition, »Jangmi is coming up with a variety of ideas that we had never thought of before. The current members are making Limesoda more attractive,» she said.

Hyerim said, «With the addition of Jangmi, the choreography seems to have been upgraded along with the music. «When I have a hard time on my own, I can talk to her without hesitation and get some advice. I think it will be an opportunity for the members’ union to show a variety of charms.»

«With Hyerim, who has a bright charm and Seungji who has a warm personality, we can say we are a group with a variety of charms. We want to be widely loved as we add one more member in the future,» member Jangmi said.

Transformative Music Concept

Limesoda’s image as a growing group is also well illustrated in their new single album. Following their debut single «ZZZ», which was close to the concept of a vibrant duet, Limesoda is clearly shifting its appeal. From «All Eyez On Me,» which features a more tropical sound, to «WAVE,» a new album that appropriately harmonizes »soft» and girl crush.

In particular, the new song «WAVE», is a Mumbaiton-based dance hall song and naturally incorporates a refreshing feel like the group’s name suggests and adds a dynamic performance that moves between smoothness and the cheerfulness of EDM sounds.

«The new song, «WAVE,» is based on the theme of growing emotions between lovers, and is composed of both music and performance. «Like the performance and sound composition that continues without a break, Limesoda’s music growth continues, and we intend to reach out to many people.» Hyerim said.

«The new song, »WAVE,» is a compilation of everything from music to clothing. We tried to discuss this with the choreographer to make this dance possess an unordinary charm,» Seungji said.

Jangmi added »Fans and the general public are also saying that »WAVE» is fresh and that it is like a song made by Limesoda. We’d like to come up with an album that makes you wonder about our concept in the future,» he said.

We want to have a strong appeal like Mamamoo

Limesoda is strengthening their image as a group that actually shows what artists, including idol groups, say about the «denial of mediocrity.» In particular, unlike the recent trend of girl group growth, which seeks to grow stably while solidifying on a basic frame, there is a big difference in its emphasis on generating uniqueness as it has a stronger base than existing girl groups.

They also seem to admire Mamamoo, group loved for its cheerfulness and solid fundamentals. During the interview, the Limesoda members expressed their willingness to, like their role models Mamamoo, have their own color.

«As we also have the concept of showing a colorful side, I admire Mamamoo’s diverse and varied performance instead of just insisting on a formal stage.»

«Personally, my role model has been ‘Ariana Grande’ since my debut,» Hyerim said. »Rather than the music concept, I feel a lot of pleasure on being on stage itself, and I feel very attracted to the way I empathize with many people. When you focus on me only, you’ll see I lack a lot in eveything, including my vocals, but I want to work hard and empathize with the public through various concepts» Hyerim explained.

Seungji said, «I think Hwasa’s senior is really charming. Of course, I want to be an artist who has my own style and color. I still think I’m a little short when it comes to that physical strength, but I’m trying to make up for it.» Seungji said.

Jangmi said «All artists are role models for me. They all believe that they should work hard to find their place and charm, and they think it is most important that they display their charm with clarity. I’m still not good at singing because my focus have been on performing (dancing) for many years. We will continue to work hard to stand on our own feet.»

Lastly, the members said, «In the future, we want to be a group that can perform on any stage with a changing concept. I hope we can communicate with fans in Korea and abroad (Hyerim, Seungji).»We are a group called Limesoda, who will make you curious and will satisfy your taste in the future,» Jangmi said.

© Dmaker and Park Dong-sun, Electronic Newspaper Entertainment’s reporter