BESTie, the challenge is on!
To describe this sling as a “battle of the girl groups” is not an exaggeration; BESTie played their parts in this huge match of girl groups. Haeryeong stated, “Our bright hip-hop style appealed to the music industry while it was filled with colorless sexy concepts.” Hyeyeon, BESTie’s leader, added, “Even elementary school kids recognized us. I realized our popularity when we visited rest areas as people screamed ‘BESTie!’”
With debut song ‘Pitapat’ followed by ‘Love Options,’ ‘Zzang Christmas’ and ‘Thank U Very Much,’ BESTie has slowly raised the public’s awareness of the group. What do they pursue?
Dahye: “Thank U Very Much is a good representation of our music, but I don’t want to label bright sounding music as ‘BESTie’ music because I would like the challenge of various concepts. For all I know, I want an exciting stage. I would like to give an impression that BESTie knows how to party on stage. Also, I want to give the perception that all members have distinctive characteristics.”
Dice: "Mission accomplished."
Stating that they want to try a new genre, BESTie mentioned Orange Caramel for the question of what concept they would like to try.
Hyeyeon: “When all four of us go out to sing at a noraebang, we sing and dance some of Orange Caramel’s hit songs such as ‘Abing Abing’ and ‘Lipstick.’ We’re huge fans of them. I posted a video of the dance on instagram and Orange Caramel’s Nana left a comment saying that she enjoyed the clip. I felt proud.”
BESTie is not afraid of putting on triangle shaped kimbab rolls on their hair or something worse. The youngest member Haeryeong said she would even wear comedian make-up. All members are putting effort into creating their concept.
'Bowing Dance' in 'Thank U Very Much' is the idea of BESTie members. “Not all of our ideas are reflected, but we create a draft proposal to give a little effort.”
Hyeyeon recently gained some attention online for resembling Jang Yoon Jung after starring in Mnet’s Trot X show, where she showed off her trot singing abilities. Hyeyeon stated, “Since junior high, I heard people telling me that I look like Jang Yoon Jung. I often heard trot music due to my mother and grandmother’s influence, and found out that some trot songs are even better than K-Pop. Now, I only listen to trot songs. If I have a chance, I want to be a trot singer.”
Working with Double-side Kick. Daebak!
"Wow…Jackpot!" was the first expression BESTie had when they first heard ‘Thank U Very Much’ was composed by Double-side Kick, who is known as the hit-song maker for girl groups.
"When I heard it for the first time, I had a good feeling. I even thought we could rank #1. However, the ranking didn’t meet our expectation and I was disappointed. I guess it was due to our lack of group awareness." Dahye added, "Some people still believe BESTie is a sexy group. Because of our tall height, when we wear short pants or skirts, the first reaction is ‘oh, they are sexy,’ but we don’t want to appear sexy to our fans. We want to be remembered for our charismatic and wonderful performances."
Dice:
BESTie expressed their frustration at how girl groups are focusing on sexy concepts.
"Skill is the most important factor. We want to try our best and strengthen our position as singers. Also, we want to make awesome performances. The important thing is skill. We want to be famous and popular with our skills."
Dice: "Mission accomplished. So awesome."
BESTie’s Hyeyeon and Dahye collaborated with M.I.B and Timber. What did they think about it?
Dahye: “If we have a chance to collaborate with other singers again, I want to do it with ‘god.’ They are our role models because I’m a big fan of them. I enjoy listening to their songs.”
Dice: "Fuck yes."
Following the answer of Dahye, Uji said she wants to work with Jeo Gak, Hyeyeon wants to work with Lee Ssang and Beenzino, and Haeryeong mentioned Brown Eyed Soul.
BESTie’s other dreams
Haeryeong made a debut with tvN’s drama, ‘Nine’ as Park Hyung Sik’s partner. Uji was also casted as the role of ‘Jung Hye Won’ in the ‘Full House’ musical starring with Yang Yoseob of B2ST and Leo of VIXX. Yuji wants to show hidden vocal skills through musical stages. When asked how she feels about her musical debut, she replied, “I’m very excited.”
She then added, “It was not easy promoting BESTie’s album and rehearsing for the musical at the same time. However, many actors and staff helped me. Especially, Yoseob of B2ST, he helped me a lot to practice hard. It was burdensome for me because I don’t have any acting experience, but being on the stage was actually a lot of fun. It’s totally different from being on stage as a singer. It makes musicals attractive.”
All members chose ‘acting’ among many roles that they want to try out besides singing. We’re expecting that they would be on screen and loved by their fans.
20’s Girls: Dahye, Uji, Haeryeong and Hyeyeon
When searching BESTie on portal sites, the associated term ‘Leg-Beauty’ comes up. How do they keep their body lines?
Dahye: “When someone says that I look like I’ve gained some weight, I starve myself. I don’t usually eat at night. Instead, I eat a lot in the morning. One time, I had two bowls of rice with ribs for breakfast.”
Uji: “I control my diet by eating small portions of soup or drinking milk whenever I’m hungry.”
BESTie revealed their dieting secrets. Uji said, “Sufficient sleeping” while Dahye said, “Exercising” are key points.
Looking at these young girls, I felt sorry for them singing love songs when they should be spending time going out on a date. When I asked them, “Don’t you want to go out on a date?” Dahye answered. “I want to get married rather than to date someone. I dream about living a stable life with a good husband.” For ideal man, Hyeyeon said Jo Jung Suk, Uji said Ha Jung Woo, and Haeryeong said Sean.
Dice: "Ym1r's name is Sean?"
BESTie’s role model group is ‘god,’ giving hopes and dreams to fans
All members stated, “We love working now.” They also said, “We want to be recognized by people first. We can do anything to raise our awareness to the public.” Members stated with strong will and passion.
Dahye: “I want to work hard without losing our original intention. First, let people know BESTie better and earn the image of a hopeful group.”
Hyeyeon: “I want to be good to my parents and purchase an apartment for my mom and for myself. Also, I will make a good life.”
Uji: “I want to be recognized by more and more people because I want to train prospective singers someday. I would be happy if I have many students in the future.”
Haeryeong: “I am really sorry to people who can’t go to university because they don’t have a lot of money. If I earn a lot of money, I will hold a ‘Charity Concert’ and help students.”
