LE SSERAFIM talks about a turbulent year and experiences what it takes to be a global artist

- Member HUH YUNJIN also participated in the production of "Crazier", but what kind of song did you want to make it?

HUH YUNJIN: Before writing the song, the producer gave me the theme, "I want you to express the CRAZY that YUNJIN thinks," and I was worried about how to convey it specifically. Everyone is born with the ability to be CRAZY, but I think it takes courage to use that power. So I wanted to express the feelings of people who are hesitant to become CRAZY, and I tried to make a song that such people would listen to and get courage from. I'm satisfied that the members expressed those feelings very coolly.

Full story: https://rollingstonejapan.com/articles/detail/41632?n=2&e=42040

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LE SSERAFIM talks about a turbulent year and experiences what it takes to be a global artist

After releasing the mini-album "EASY" in 2024, they released their 4th mini-album "CRAZY" in August after a 6-month hiatus, and showed off their powerful performance to the world at MTV VMAs 2024 and MTV EMA. In between, the girl group LE SSERAFIM had a busy year, holding fan meetings in Korea and Japan. The bigger the stage of their activities, the bigger their presence in society became, and I think it was a year in which they were supported by many fans regardless of nationality, age, or gender. The five members who overcame such a spectacular stage with the feeling of "IM FEARLESS" looked back on their activities in 2024.

- I'm sure there were many things that happened this year. What kind of year was it for all the members?

KIM CHAEWON: This year, we have had many experiences as LE SSERAFIM and experienced many different emotions. I think we have grown even more, and I'm looking forward to showing you a more powerful version of ourselves next year.

- Was there anything that left an impression on you?

SAKURA: This year, we performed "CRAZY" for the first time in America at a pre-recording for the MTV VMAs, and the audience was so excited that they memorized all the lyrics and sang so loudly that they couldn't even hear us. We had seen the reaction to "CRAZY" in numbers, especially when it made it onto the Billboard charts, but this time we were able to really feel how much people love us, and it made us so happy that we almost cried.

-When I interviewed you before, you said that you always put the message you want to convey most throughout the album in the intro. I think that the intro song "Chasing Lightning" of "CRAZY", which was also performed at the VMAs, contains the message, "You don't have to deny what you like and conform to others. You should follow what you're passionate about." Why did you want to convey this message?

SAKURA: I personally thought that being a little cooler was cool. But I think it's okay to do what you like, even if it doesn't mean anything, if you like it, and I've seen a lot of people who can't look others in the eye and say "I like it," and we were like that too, so I wanted to convey the message that it's really wonderful to have something you're passionate about, so let's all go crazy together.

-As in the lyrics of "Chasing Lightning," the 4th mini album 'CRAZY' had elements that liken things to thunder and weather. Why did you use such expressions?

HUH YUNJIN: The repeated lyrics in "Chasing Lightning" are "I can't change the weather," which means, "I can't control what happens in the sky, but I can control my heart. So even if the thunder roars and the rain pours down, I'll keep running." I used this metaphor because I thought it expressed the message of this album well and it suited me well.

- Member HUH YUNJIN also participated in the production of "Crazier", but what kind of song did you want to make it?

HUH YUNJIN: Before writing the song, the producer gave me the theme, "I want you to express the CRAZY that YUNJIN thinks," and I was worried about how to convey it specifically. Everyone is born with the ability to be CRAZY, but I think it takes courage to use that power. So I wanted to express the feelings of people who are hesitant to become CRAZY, and I tried to make a song that such people would listen to and get courage from. I'm satisfied that the members expressed those feelings very coolly.

-The other members recorded their songs in front of HUH YUNJIN, what was that experience like?

KIM CHAEWON: It was a little embarrassing because it was our first time, but YUNJIN also gave us good direction even though it was his first time, and he knows us well so his explanations were easy to understand, and he usually tries to have fun while doing things, so I enjoyed it at the time too. It's a good memory.

-HUH YUNJIN, would you like to be involved in songwriting if you have the chance?

HUH YUNJIN: It was my first time, so it was fresh and I was very nervous, but I think I've grown through this experience. If I get another chance like this, I'd like to have fun doing it.

-Has anything changed for you through the stages at VMAs and EMA? I especially saw your performance of "CRAZY" at the VMAs, and I thought you were performing more lively and having fun than before, and that you had more confidence.

KAZUHA: We've been doing more overseas performances little by little, and overseas performances are really free, and other artists are also performing freestyle. There were some difficult parts, but I was able to learn again that it's important to enjoy your performance and show everyone at the venue that you're having fun.

HONG EUNCHAE: Until now, we had a strong desire to show what we had prepared, but by performing in the US this year, we have become able to enjoy the atmosphere on site more. I would like to make use of this year's experience so that I can continue to perform with ease.

-It is certainly important to show what you have prepared perfectly, but the bigger the stage, the more you need to feel the vibe of the place, look around, and improvise your performance. By the way, there were many performers backstage at the VMAs and EMAs, but what kind of artists did you interact with?

HUH YUNJIN: I was able to meet artists that I really like and respect. For example, I was able to meet Tyla on the pack stage, and Benson Boone and Teddy Swims, who performed that day, celebrated EUNCHAE's birthday, which left a strong impression on me.

-That was your birthday! Amazing.

SAKURA: It was right on the day.

-That's wonderful. As you interacted with such internationally active artists and watched their performances up close, what did you feel was important to become a global artist?

SAKURA: I think confidence is important. At the VMAs, I was able to watch various artists perform from the audience, and not one moment seemed anxious. Seeing them just enjoying the stage and delivering their music with confidence made me realize that confidence makes people stronger.

-Confidence. It's certainly essential to a confident performance. Speaking of which, in our last interview, we asked you what kind of music you usually listen to, but what kind of music have you been listening to this year?

SAKURA: For me, it's Sabrina Carpenter. I fell in love with her, or rather, I think that this is what it feels like to have a favorite. I think she's still touring, but I really want to go see her.

HUH YUNJIN: While making the album "CRAZY", I listened to a lot of EDM music. I also started to like the music that DJs make.

HONG EUNCHAE: I only became interested in J-POP this year. When I listen to music, I pay attention to the lyrics, but I thought Japanese songs were difficult because I couldn't understand them in one go. But after recording "Star Signs" (a new song included in the 3rd Japanese single "CRAZY"), I released a Japanese work for the first time in a while, and I fell in love with the atmosphere unique to city pop and the sensibility that fills my heart.

KIM CHAEWON: I've been hooked on Vaundy's "Odoriko" lately. I'm also very interested in city pop.

KAZUHA: I've only recently started to get involved in music, but I think R&B is my favorite style and I listen to it. I especially like Ella Mai.