[FLNK MAGAZINE] ILY:1 INTERVIEW
ILY:1 gives off vitamin-like energy with a natural charm. Just like the meaning of their name, which signifies blending each member’s diverse charm into a harmonious whole, FLNK Magazine has captured the story of these individuals supporting and growing together in a universe painted with six colors.
Q. How was the photo shoot with FLNK Magazine today?
[NAYU] When we filmed MVs of <Love in Bloom> and <Que Sera Sera> during our debut days, we used natural items like this. It reminded me of that time, and felt like I returned to my initial days. I liked it.
Q. How was the process of working on your latest song, <To My Boyfriend>?
[ELVA] I already liked the original version of this song by Fin.K.L sunbaenim(the senior group), even before I knew about K-POP. I especially love the part, "CALL ME CALL ME CALL CALL GIVE A CALL" which sounds addictive. Remaking this song is such a tremendous honor. The choreography has bold and energetic movements, which made it different from our usual routines, and that made practice enjoyable.
[RIRIKA] In fact, we recorded <To My Boyfriend> and practiced the choreography during our <MY COLOR> activities. We worked hard excitedly because we could reunite with our fans through this new song right after the previous activities.
Q. You had the opportunity to perform on big-scale stages like Dream Concert.
[HANA] We performed on big stages like Dream Concert and KCON in Japan. It, especially, was meaningful for me because it was my hometown. I felt I did good for my parents. We also performed on the stage at K-Force Special Show, where we could introduce ILY:1 to people who didn't know us. The cheering from the audience was so loud, and it was touching.
Q. What does 'pure and innocent' mean to ILY:1?
[ARA] I think it's a natural and unadorned appearance.
[NAYU] As ARA mentioned, I believe that the charm of innocence is showing our natural beauty without pretense and giving off a vitamin-like energy with it.
Q. When watching your dance cover of (G)I-DLE's <HANN>, it feels like ILY:1's spectrum is very broad. Do you have any concepts you'd like to try?
[ELVA] Trying a concept like <Hann> where we tempt someone was a new experience for us. I'd like to explore such a concept again.
[RONA] In the future, I hope to take on a chic and cool concept and have people say, "ILY:1 has grown and matured".
Q: I'm curious about your music preferences. Could you recommend a song to your fans?
[ARA] <아니 근데 진짜(Unbelievable)> by LUCY. Just listening to it makes me feel better.
[RIRIKA] I like Fujii Kaze's songs. They have great lyrical expression and melodies.
[NAYU] I enjoy songs by Kwon Jin Ah and Choi Yu Ree. I want to become a healing voice vocalist like them.
[RONA] <그때 그 아이들은(Will Last Forever)> by AKMU. It has a nice melody and beautiful lyrics. I always listen to it before going to sleep these days.
[HANA] I mainly listen to pop songs and J-pop. Among K-pop, I often listen to songs by Yerin Baek and Kwon Jin Ah.
[ELVA] <What Was I Made For> by Billie Eilish. I like songs that are calm and meaningful like this.
Q. How does ILY:1 refresh?
[RONA] For me, alone time is crucial. I like going out by myself, eating, shopping, and exploring various places. These days, I enjoy riding a kick scooter on my way home. Well, our manager used to give me a ride, but I feel like I need to be alone, and I love the breeze on my face riding a kick scooter.
[NAYU] Last time, ELVA and I were going home, and from behind, I heard, "Hey, cuties!" so when I looked, RONA was riding a kick scooter. (Laughs)
[HANA] Alone time is also essential for me, so I take solitary walks, preferably in places without many people. If I stumble upon a charming café, I like to go in and have a cup of coffee. For the rest, I just lie on my bed.
[ELVA] I have several go-to places. The movie theater, the swimming pool, my bed, and the living room, period. Oh, let me add next to my computer with a bottle of soda and popcorn. Lately, I've been going to the swimming pool quite often, especially with RIRI unnie(the elder sister), and it's been a great source of healing for me.
Q. When do you think you have grown in your 2nd year of debut?
[RIRIKA] When I first debuted, my self-confidence was quite low, but with the help and support from the members, my self-confidence has greatly improved. Now, I even tell the members, "Self-confidence is important". I've grown a lot thanks to the members!
[NAYU] I used to feel awkward about stepping forward or getting attention from people. I got into being an idol because I just liked singing and dancing. But now, I don't know how to put it, but I've become more audacious, I guess. I've gained a lot of self-confidence, and I'm no longer afraid to stand on stage.
[RIRIKA] I think it's because I kept saying it all the time. "Self-confidence is important". (Everyone laughs)
[ARA] Not just me, but as a team, our teamwork has improved. When we practice, our synchronization is better than before, and we can efficiently finish what needs to be done in a shorter time. I think we've grown at that point.
Q. FLNK combines FAN and LINK, and it’s a platform that connects fans and artists. How would ILY:1 like to connect with fans in the future?
[RIRIKA] Until now, we've met fans mainly in Korea and Japan, but we'd like to get closer to fans in other regions. Also, we want to meet fans in person who we've only been able to see through video calls.
[NAYU] We want to be connected as best friends rather than in a fan-artist relationship, so we'd like to have a close and lasting bond with our fans.
Do you want to communicate with ILY:1? 💙
Visit the ILY:1 official Community at ily1.bstage.in now!
ILY:1 X FLNK MAGAZINE SIGNED POLAROID EVENT! 🌸
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Credit.
Artist : ILY:1(아일리원)
Editor : Seungmin Lee
Art & Content Director, Photographer : Jihye Kim
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