Category: KPOP NEWS

The K-pop survival show A2K (America2Korea) has ended, revealing its six finalists: Camila, Kaylee, KG, Kendall, Lexi, and Savanna. This venture saw teenage girls from North America auditioning for a chance to train in Seoul and debut in a global girl group called VCHA. A collaboration between JYP Entertainment and Republic Records, it marks the first American group trained under the rigorous K-pop system.

VCHA: What’s in a name?

The excitement was palpable during their first official group interview with Teen Vogue. Savanna expressed her eagerness to connect with fans, while Camila reflected on their incredible journey over the past year. Lexi said she can’t wait for people to listen to the music they’ve been working on. To mark their formation, VCHA announced the release of a pre-debut single, “SeVit (NEW LIGHT),” featuring the title track “Y.O.Universe” and other songs from the show.

After the show, the six finalists underwent intensive training at JYP Entertainment’s headquarters in Seoul. Eventually, their group received the name VCHA (pronounced vit-chaa). When asked about their reactions to the name, leader Lexi said, “We were really shocked at first. It was unexpected because we were so used to A2K that it just wasn’t something that we thought was going to be our name. But it’s really cool, and the meaning matches us really well.” 

Kaylee elaborated on the name’s significance, saying, “VCHA comes from the Korean word ‘비춰’ or ‘bichwo,’ which means ‘to shine the light.’ And the textbook meaning is basically that we’re supposed to inspire. We all have role models or people we want to be like, so we want to inspire and lead the way for people who also see us as role models.”

When asked what they did after the finale, Savanna revealed, “Honestly, we didn’t have that much time [to celebrate] after the members were announced. We went straight into training. But we have been spending a lot of time together, and we’re also next-door neighbors at the hotel. We’ve been bonding. We eat meals together and go on walks.”

Their ‘A2K’ journey

KG’s love affair with K-pop began after she went to KCON LA, where watching ITZY live inspired her. Meanwhile, Kendall and Lexi got into K-pop because of its distinctiveness. They emphasized its choreography, fan interactions, fashion, and rich culture. “I feel like one of the biggest things in K-pop is the interaction with fans is so much different than in Western music. I feel like in K-pop, there are more personal interactions and more content put out there for fans,” Kendall said.

Reflecting on their A2K journey, Camila said, “I think we can all agree that we learned how capable we are of overcoming hardships because the show was very challenging. There were a lot of intense moments, and at times, it got really hard, but it was really comforting to see that you can do it and that you have your members and your friends to help you throughout the whole process.” 

The show emphasized the importance of teamwork. When asked about the challenges of singing and rapping in Korean, the girls revealed that one member was particularly helpful. KG said, “It was fun to be on a team with Kaylee, who is fluent in Korean. I had to try and sing in Korean. She definitely laughed at me sometimes for my pronunciation, but she taught us well.”

In conclusion, Savanna expressed her gratitude for the experience. “Five months ago, I could never have imagined this moment, us sitting down. I never thought I would get here with all of them. We learned so much, and we all just grew so much. I’m happy to say that after all this training and hard work, I guess we can be considered somewhat professional now. At the same time, it was a lot of fun. I would maybe do it again.” – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The girls are looking to follow in the successful footsteps of JYP Entertainment’s other groups. Source: Teen Vogue.

On September 19, the world watched ENHYPEN leave Korea to attend Prada’s Spring/Summer 2024 show in Milan. After checking into their hotel, the members teased the event on social media, heightening fans’ anticipation.

Carefully chosen clothes

Before the show, they spent some time exploring the city, turning the streets of Milan into their own runway. Heeseung, Jake, Jay, Jungwon, Ni-ki, Sunghoon, and Sunoo looked like models as they headed to Milan’s Prada store. They remained calm, cool, and collected even as the crowd behind them grew larger. A video that captured them greeting ENGENEs went viral on social media.

Two days later, the fashion show was in full swing. ENHYPEN, dressed in Prada’s Fall/Winter collection, drew plenty of attention. Their entrance was grand, with the cheers of fans heralding their arrival. Their star power was palpable, and they looked regal in their carefully chosen clothes as they took their front-row seats. While Heeseung chose a cream coat with a green color-blocking border detail, the others opted for more comfortable looks. Sunoo, for instance, donned a brown sweater featuring a stylish peekaboo sharp lapel collar. 

For footwear, the boys sported Prada’s Diapason brushed leather lace-up shoes in an all-black or black and burnt sienna colorway.

ENHYPEN stole the show

The show was as much about connections as it was about fashion. ENHYPEN mingled with other Prada brand ambassadors, such as  Benedict Cumberbatch, Emma Watson, Hunter Schafer, and Scarlett Johansson. They also chatted with Miuccia Prada, the fashion house’s head designer and founder of its subsidiary, Miu Miu.

There were many important people there, but ENHYPEN stole the show. That they did so isn’t very surprising. Earlier this year, during the Prada Fall/Winter 2023 Menswear show, they set a record in terms of MIV® (Media Impact Value). They generated an astounding 11.2 million USD, previously unheard of at Prada events.

Beyond Milan, ENHYPEN‘s influence in the fashion scene is growing. They were named ambassadors for Prada during the Spring/Summer 2024 edition of Seoul Fashion Week. In the worlds of K-pop and fashion, ENHYPEN‘s rise is meteoric, and their presence at these events is a testament to their global appeal and unmatched charisma. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The boys could easily be on the catwalk. Source: Twitter/@enhypenupdates.