K-Pop Sensation SECRET NUMBER Discusses Their Massive Debut, B-sides, and More

The international K-Pop act Secret Number is an unforgettable super rookie group that debuted in mid-2020, with two official singles, four songs in total, a massive fanbase (recently named LOCKEY), and a promising career ahead of them. 

For any group to make their debut in 2020 was a challenge on its own considering the changes to live music, and all forms of contact — but Secret Number managed to reach out to people through their confident, addictive, colorful tracks that demand your attention. Their debut music video has amassed nearly 35 million views, with their recent follow-up single “Got That Boom” earning another impressive 15 million views so far.

In between releases, Secret Number has really demonstrated their versatile musicality — with their art showing a steady evolution in just a few months’ time, exceeding all of the traditional “rookie” expectations. Their love for artistry and dedication as performers is a large part of their admirable level of success, and when looking at any of their content (songs, choreography, rehearsal videos, etc.) it’s clear that Secret Number is experiencing a metamorphosis. 

The group’s five members (Soodam, Jinny, Dita, Denise, and Léa) all come from backgrounds of meticulous training, and they instantaneously found their own path with the talent and originality that long-lasting groups require. Secret Number has earned the unwavering love of fans all over the world, often referred to as an international group because of its members born in South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and the US — a logical step for K-Pop that embraces the next wave of artists willing to genuinely immerse themselves in respect to the culture itself. That hybrid of talent and shared passion has proven Secret Number is beyond prepared to deliver fantastic music, and their growing support of fans makes their continued success a certainty.

From the first moments you’re introduced to Secret Number, it’s impossible not to acknowledge their immediate star power. With powerhouse vocal ranges, to smooth-pop paired with choreography, the group has an accomplished track record for bringing something completely unique to music. These exemplary songs and copious amounts of award nominations have helped Secret Number become a standout artist to watch in 2021, and we’re beyond excited to see what comes next. 

We recently had the pure privilege of speaking to mega-rookies Secret Number, and the group opened up about their massive debut, impeccable B-sides, passion as performers, and creating one of the best songs of 2020. 

You debuted just under a year ago, and it feels like you’ve really achieved a lot already! What are some of your favorite memories together during your first year as a group?

Soodam – I would like to say the most memorable moments were the debut showcase and AAA. After debut, we were happy every day as if we were dreaming, but the day we debuted and won the ROTY at AAA were something that all five of us had wanted before our debut, so these are more meaningful and memorable happy moments.

“Who Dis” was received extremely well and has reached over 30 million views so far, which I’d imagine is such an exciting feeling! Was there a moment when you were making the song or filming the video when you felt like you had created a hit? 

Jinny –  It was very unexpected for me how “Who Dis” received so much attention. However, while I was recording the hook (the 뭘 원해 stranger part), I had a feeling that a lot of people will find the song catchy because it’s very easy to sing along. Also, throughout the song, “Who Dis” is constantly repeated, which I thought that it would make it easier for people to remember the title of the song. 

“Holiday” is an addictive track, and between the first two songs you debuted with, really showed that you were serious performers early on. When you started out, what were some of the messages or feelings you wanted to convey through your music? 

Denise – In terms of our music, we wanted to create a world that people could enter when they listened. For “Holiday”, we wanted to convey the feeling of an escape that I think everyone needs at some point. The lyrics in the song talk about self love and breaking free of a routine that we can sometimes chain ourselves to, reminding people that it’s okay to take time to refresh. 

So just when I thought I couldn’t love a Secret Number song more, you released “Got That Boom” and in my opinion, it was one of the best songs of 2020. What was it like getting back into the studio as well as working on your second music video? 

Dita – First of all thank you for supporting us and loving our debut album. Being back to the studio, recording, as well as making the music video was actually really exciting and thrilling! We always look forward to sharing new things with our fans, LOCKEYs, as well as so many more people in the world! 

We also have to talk about “Privacy” because it continues to show how incredible your b-side tracks are! Since you have songs that each have their own vibe, what song would you each say represents your own personal style?

Jinny – I would say both our b-side tracks represent my own personal style more, because I personally like listening to calm and slower songs that you can vibe along to. 

Denise – Thank you so much! Our b-side tracks allow us to portray a different side of us that contrasts with our title tracks, so we’re so glad that they’re being well received. Personally “Privacy” was the song that I would say I vibed with the most. When we first received the song, the arrangement, range of the melody, and distinction of each section made me really excited to perform it. I also feel that it’s a song that well displays each member’s personal charms, which makes listening to it more enjoyable. 

Dita – I personally think it’s ‘Got That Boom’. The flow and beat drops, the dance break, everything about it is just my style! I remember when I first heard it I was able to imagine dancing and having fun to it right away.

Léa  – We tried to make our own vibes in every tracks. I think “Got That Boom” was the track where I was able to reveal myself.

Soodam – I think “PRIVACY” is another song that expresses our charming point. Since the concept is girl-crush and unique, I had to make a stronger sound than my voice when recording the title song. In “PRIVACY”, the voices of five of us in other vibes are recorded in the song. It’s a song where I can sing a different kind of girl crush song and show my different mood.

You were acknowledged in so many major award categories this year and have proven yourselves to be true performers. What would you like to see for Secret Number going into your second year? 

Léa – We will come back with a bang this year with the energy we got last year. I want to make stages which can show our own vibes individually, also.

Soodam, you’re a trained performer who has really had the opportunity to showcase various talents already — what has been the best part about getting to finally share your passion for music with the world?

Soodam – First of all, thank you for acknowledging my passion for music. It’s really huge. I have a mind that I have to do my best in my life, and although I may make mistakes, I always want to remember and correct and learn in a humble manner. The good thing is that as a K-POP idol, seriously thinking and trying helps me move further toward my dream and I am able to become more mature.

Dita, you’ve really inspired so many as Indonesia’s first K-Pop star, and I’m sure you had quite the learning process being trilingual too! What would you tell others who look up to you and have similar aspirations?

Dita – I’m very humbled to be an inspiration to a lot of people! And I will continue to work harder for them. I want to let them know that I was in their shoes not too long ago, so don’t be afraid to try and fail, and follow your dream because it really gets you somewhere!

Jinny, your raps are always something to look forward to, and I loved that you wrote on “Got That Boom!” What has been your favorite aspect of getting a chance to showcase your songwriting talents? 

Jinny – I always would enjoy sharing my own music with people. Therefore, I felt very honored to finally get credited for my own work for our group’s album. The fact that I was able to contribute to Secret Number’s album, was the favorite aspect of getting the chance to showcase my songwriting skills. Hopefully I can continue to work our own group’s songs in the future.

Léa, the group debuted in a time where contact was in the early stages of being limited, but you were able to put on a fun mini-concert online that I was excited to see! What was it like getting to perform on your own stage for LOCKEY?

Léa –  Sadly, I was so disappointed about performing without seeing our fans in person. Even during the Mini Concert, I imagined it would be great if there were LOCKEYs in front of me. I’m looking forward to seeing you in person soon. Please keep supporting and loving us until the day comes.

Denise, I love that you all come from different backgrounds, and have proven to be this international K-Pop group that came to really put in the work! How would you describe the relationship you each have considering the extra challenges that went into understanding one another? 

Denise – Since debut, I feel our teamwork has only improved because we’ve grown together as a group. We always work to understand and accept one another, because each member plays a vital part in Secret Number. Our members are all very distinct, so the contrast is what I would say makes us so dynamic, both on and off stage. There’s such a stark contrast between each individual, which is why I think it’s fun for fans to see us interact. Because we’re so strong in our own color and style, it makes working together that much more interesting, because we all have something we bring to the table. In the midst of our differences though, we’re brought closer because there’s so much to learn from one another, so we’re always grateful to have each other.

Stream Secret Number here, and make sure to check their official YouTube channel for more music, covers, and content!

_{Coordinated by Hannah Lee / MAXPERIENCE (MPE)}