Lee Siyeon‘s musical journey is a testament to the power of dreams and determination. While many Japanese artists go to South Korea to chase stardom, Siyeon did the opposite. She first made her mark in Japan as a member of the renowned idol group NMB48, based in Osaka’s Namba district. With millions of CDs sold, NMB48‘s influence in the J-pop scene is undeniable.
Siyeon’s introduction to NMB48‘s fans was memorable. At a 2021 concert in Osaka, she delivered a solo performance of “Yume wa Nigenai,” a song originally by NMB48 trainees from 2018. Despite being a trainee (or “kenkyuusei” as they’re called in Japan), Siyeon showcased her talent on stage, a privilege she might not have had if she pursued her dreams in South Korea.
#NMB48 Lee Siyeon “Yume wa Nigenai” di NMB48 Live 2021
However, her journey wasn’t without challenges. Initially auditioning for NMB48 the previous year, the COVID-19 pandemic hindered her plans. Undeterred, Siyeon auditioned again, and this time, she made it. Her love for the 48 Groups was evident from a young age, and she aspired to reach the top of NMB48 and perform in the prestigious Kouhaku Uta Gassen, a yearly New Year’s Eve TV special in Japan.
But now she has her sights set on making it big in the Korean music industry. Siyeon joined the girl band QWER, a project started by YouTuber Kim Gyeran. As its main vocalist, Siyeon completed the band’s lineup, marking a new chapter in her musical journey. Here’s proof of her undeniable talent: a soul-stirring rendition of BoA’s “Meri Kuri.”
メリクリ (Meri Kuri)/ BoA – Covered by NMB48 Lee Siyeon
About the group Lee Siyeon joined
QWER has already created a significant buzz in the K-pop world, even before their official debut. The members’ unique stage names, particularly that of Nyangnyongnyeongnyang, the guitarist and keyboardist, caught the attention of many. Also referred to as Hina in the group’s YouTube videos, she has been a significant talking point because she has four million TikTok followers. Known for her cosplaying, her real identity was a mystery until the QWER project began.
Under Kim Gyeran’s guidance, the members currently live and practice together in preparation for their official debut. With such dedication and talent, QWER promises to bring a fresh, unique wave of music and performances to the global K-pop stage.
NMB48 Lee Siyeon’s First Swimsuit Gravure released on 2023.05.08
Lee Siyeon’s transition from NMB48 to QWER highlights the fluidity of the music industry across borders. Her story serves as an inspiration for many, proving that with passion, perseverance, and talent, dreams can become reality. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: Siyeon graduated from NMB48 after receiving backlash for a photoshoot. Source: Twitter/@48RequestHour.
