STAYC Breaks Down STAYDOM and Discusses Pop Culture Influences

There’s an unequivocal connection between the expansion of pop culture and K-Pop, which is progressively gaining the respect of an international audience. Through South Korean artists, we’ve even witnessed a new generation of fandoms that tediously work to spread the word about their favorite artists, especially when the work they put into their music, choreography, and immersive content feels indisputable. 

While the concept of individuality can put an artist in a competitive nature, K-Pop talent itself is geared towards a more respectful level of influence that can seek to build up, without tearing down. These artists (or idols) can be rookies groups or veteran artists, but one thing they have in common is their drive to share art ― and the six-member girl group STAYC openly acknowledges that pursuit, with an added goal of “dominating pop culture.” 

A mission so bold demands putting in the work and seeing as how the group’s debut single “So Bad” managed to crack the top 80 on Billboard’s K-Pop Hot 100, and number 21 on the World Digital Song Sales Chart, they were off to a promising start. The music video for the group’s first single has currently garnered a combined 22 million views on YouTube, and with that achievement comes the anticipation of sharing that next wave of art. 

The group’s new lead track primarily relishes in a lighthearted, bubblegum-esque, pop bliss with attitude (titled “ASAP”) that hits a perfect note for spring ― confidently putting their best foot forward for this sophomore outing. In addition to the new single and music video for “ASAP” the group is now debuting a more elaborate showing of artistry with STAYDOM, which contains an additional two new songs to introduce STAYC’s fans to something a little more laid-back. 

In “So What” the members of the group deliver their first summer-anthem potential, maintaining their trademark STAYC shout in a track that feels like a total dark horse. It contains moments of that glittery, over-the-top charm that pop music is often associated with, but also understands the need to take their foot off the gas and enjoy the drive through a relatively calmer version of STAYC. 

If “So What” was the group dialing back their introductory pop style, “LOVE FOOL” commits to slowing things down, and in doing so, discovers a new kind of greatness for their new journey. The three songs put on a grand display of various levels to STAYC, but in true respect to their established sound ― the “SO BAD (TAK Remix)” track sharpens their unapologetic first hit with a reworked beat that adds an edge to the image they initially created. 

Ahead of the release of STAYDOM, we spoke to STAYC about their new music, and the group also divulged details about inspirations, ideas, and artists that they themselves look up to. 

When it comes to your new single “ASAP,” how would you describe the sound you’ve created this time around? 

Sieun: “ASAP” is a song in the teen fresh genre that combines the catchy lines of synth-bass and woodwind synth with a refreshing rhythm instrument. As an abbreviation of AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, it is a song that expresses the wish that the perfect ideal type in the heart appears as soon as possible.

What would you say are the biggest differences between your first and second releases?

Sieun: I think the biggest difference is the message we want to convey through the album. In the first album, STAR TO A YOUNG CULTURE, that is, who STAYC is and what kind of music we do, and at the same time, we showed a lot of charisma and energy on the stage.  On the other hand, in this album, we want the public to feel freedom through STAYC and you will be able to see our wacky, kitschy, playful and charming appearances on the stage.

When you went into the second album, you had established a strong connection with fans ― did having that connection change anything about the process of your second project?

Sumin: I already hoped that people would be interested and looking forward to a comeback after our debut, so honestly, we felt a lot of pressure, but we had promised ourselves to show a more improved image than our last album. So with STAYDOM, we had a lot of more detailed conversations and discussions than we did for our first album.

What messages/feelings do you hope fans take away from this upcoming comeback era of STAYC?

Yoon: Even though it is difficult and frustrating to go outside and meet people now, I hope you guys to feel free whenever you watch our stage.

Your first single “So Bad” really demanded people’s attention all around! The video, song, the combined talent, there’s a lot to unpack there! What was your reaction to hearing your finalized song play on the radio for the first time? 

ISA: It was exciting that many people listened to our song, and at the same time, I was really eager about the idea that people would be listening to our song!

I appreciate that you’ve shared a goal of impacting pop culture, so I can’t help but wonder what are some of your favorite contributions to pop culture?

Seeun: Personally, I’m inspired by Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon. I think Taeyeon is a very influential artist right now and I also thought that I would like to be a great artist who influences people like Taeyeon.

K-Pop has really gained some well-deserved traction over the years because people around the world are finally recognizing the devotion and artistry that comes with pursuing that path. Before joining STAYC, were any of you fans of other K-Pop groups that helped shape your love for music? 

J: For me, It’s also Girls’ Generation. Since I was a child, I’ve been exposed to Girls’ Generation songs a lot, and I think the strong relationship between Girls’ Generation members has been a major inspiration to me.

As our interview comes to a close, do you have any messages for your SWITHs overseas that might be reading this?

ISA: As soon as good situations come and we wish to meet SWITHs overseas. As you guys are supporting us, we will try our best to show you a better image in the future! Always be with us and stay healthy!

STAYC’s new release STAYDOM is out now, so make sure to stream and check out the music video for “ASAP” included above!