“Ailet has made history with their K-pop debut song. The most surprising thing is that this group has just begun.” (American music media Consequence of Sound)
Ailet, who has been breaking various records with remarkable achievements since their debut, celebrated their 1st anniversary on the 25th. Their debut song 'Magnetic' became the first and fastest K-pop debut song to enter the US Billboard 'Hot 100' and the UK Official 'Singles Top 100', sweeping various global charts. Thanks to this, Ailet achieved 13 awards, including 7 rookie awards at major music awards both domestically and internationally. The whole world was in a 'super attraction' for Ailet.
The reason why Ailet's future is even more anticipated is that they are drawing their own path with their quirky teenage sensibility and bold charm. They shared their thoughts through their agency Belift Lab as they continue to grow and expand their influence to bigger stages.
Q. Thoughts on the 1st anniversary of debut
Yuna: It’s already been a year since our debut, and thinking about the prosperous days ahead makes me feel like it’s just 'only' a year, but I don’t want to downplay it. There have been many great things, and I feel it was a truly valuable year being able to be with Glit.
Minju: I am really grateful for many things over the past year and learned a lot, making it a year of growth.
Moka: It was a year that felt very intense. I was happy to become a singer I had dreamed of for a long time and stand on stage. Also, I became closer and stronger with the members through many experiences together.
Wonhee: It feels like just yesterday that I was excited and nervous preparing for our debut album, and it’s amazing that time has already passed like this. It was a meaningful year where I felt a great sense of responsibility as a member of Ailet, receiving more love than I had expected.
Iroha: A year has passed faster than I thought. It was a year where I experienced and learned a lot after debuting. It was the year I took the most flights in my life and was able to stand on many stages. Above all, it was a happy year because I could meet our Glit.
Q. Most memorable moment after debut
Yuna: I remember when 'Magnetic' topped the Melon chart. At that time, it was all new to us, and it happened so suddenly that I didn’t have time to be truly happy. As I gradually gained experience and grew, I realized how great the love and support we received was.
Minju: The fan showcase is memorable. It was a more enjoyable time because it was just us and Glit. Seeing Glit cheer for us in unison was truly enchanting.
Moka: I also remember the debut showcase the most. It was the day I had dreamed of while preparing the debut album with the members. It was the first moment to introduce Ailet to the world, and I was really nervous.
Wonhee: The first music show stage is also the most memorable. It was amazing to be on a stage I had watched on TV since I was young. I was nervous because there were many first experiences, but I was able to do well because I was with the members.
Iroha: I remember every moment, but I think of the comeback showcase. During our debut, everything was new and overwhelming, but during the comeback, I was able to share a new song and see Glit again after a long time, which warmed my heart the most.
Q. A year filled with unforgettable moments, breaking various records and sweeping rookie awards. What do the members think is the reason Ailet is loved?
Yuna: The charm that the members possess. I think we were able to be loved because our good songs and concepts felt fresh.
Minju: Thankfully, I think it’s because our songs and performances are good. Especially, I think the lyrics that resonate with our peers received a lot of love. The finger-point choreography was also easy to follow, so it was widely used on short-form platforms.
Moka: From our debut song 'Magnetic', fans from various countries, not just Korea, have shown us great love, and I think good songs resonate anywhere. I was surprised to see Ailet's songs on various charts throughout the year.
Wonhee: The songs, performances, and styling that exude Ailet's unique atmosphere. And thanks to the people who love and support Ailet, we were able to shine and be loved even more.
Iroha: I think it’s thanks to our members, the staff around us, and Glit who have worked hard and supported Ailet.
Q. What do you personally focus on and work hard on to grow?
Yuna: Whenever I prepare an album, I tend to pay attention to tone and pronunciation by referring to demo tracks. I also frequently monitor performances, and I try to fix any shortcomings through personal practice. For difficult parts, I ask for help from the performance director to upgrade.
Minju: I am practicing the parts that are not going well repeatedly. I utilize filming and monitoring methods the most.
Moka: I am trying to show 100% without getting nervous on stage. When I get nervous, I tend to make mistakes I wouldn’t normally make, so I try to memorize everything perfectly so my body remembers. I am increasing my practice time day by day.
Wonhee: I am constantly practicing to show a good performance. We discuss a lot about the performance to match the synergy of the five members. Also, since Ailet has many detailed choreographies, I pay attention to each movement.
Iroha: I want to do well in both vocals and performances. I want to do well on live stages and express my emotions naturally, so I catch any shortcomings and practice until I am satisfied.
Q. Goals and dreams for this year
Yuna: I hope to stay healthy and active this year without getting sick, and to meet Glit's expectations as much as I have worked hard.
Minju: I want to be loved by Glit and the public once again with Ailet's songs.
Moka: My goal is to hold a solo concert. I want to show Glit the stages of the songs we have released so far and create happy memories.
Wonhee: This year, I want to meet more Glit.
Iroha: I want to hold a solo concert at a dome venue and see it filled with Glit and Ailet's light sticks.
Q. If you have something to say to the members who have been together for a year
Yuna: Everyone has worked so hard for a year. There have been many rewarding moments. Let’s continue to work hard and show ourselves to many people. Let’s stay healthy this year too. I love you!
Minju: You all worked so hard, and I was happy because of you. There were many things I couldn’t have done alone, but I was able to do it all because of the members. More days are waiting for us, so let’s rely on each other and keep working!
Moka: Thank you for all your hard work over the past year. This is just the beginning, so let’s work harder and show good sides.
Wonhee: Our members have worked so hard. You are always doing well. Let’s keep fighting!
Iroha: There have been many fun and tough times, but I think I was able to endure it all because I was with the members. Thank you. Let’s stay healthy and keep fighting!
Q. A message to GLLIT who will be with us in the future
Yuna: Glit is a shining and precious existence more than anyone else. I am always grateful and sorry to Glit for enduring and supporting us more than we do. Please don’t get sick and make sure to eat well. I love you!
Minju: I feel a lot of gratitude and guilt towards Glit. Just as Glit has given us love, we will deliver good energy and repay that love, so let’s be happy together for a lifetime. I cherish and love you more than anyone.
Moka: I will show you more in the future, so please look forward to it!
Wonhee: Glit is a grateful existence. I never forget the love and support you give us. Let’s be together in the future!
Iroha: I am really happy to celebrate the 1st anniversary of our debut with Glit. Thanks to Glit always thinking of us and loving us, I was able to work happily. I will work hard to give you love greater than what you give us.
[Ji Seung-hoon, Star Today Reporter]
