Interview: EVERGLOW Returns to the K-Pop Scene with a new Single, Album, and Tour!

Your first time hearing the fanchant, “Everglow Forever Let’s Go” is both empowering and unique. Having an audience unite with such enthusiasm in their voices chanting the phrase so loudly is an experience that can only be felt at a concert belonging to the popular K-Pop girl group, Everglow. Debuting in March of 2019, this 6 member girl group under Yuehua Entertainment has established themselves as part of the pop, dance, and EDM movement within the K-Pop genre. Having a distinct style and sound is something that Everglow exceeds in successfully setting them apart from the plethora of fellow girl groups in the field. With their hit songs such as  “Dun Dun” and “La Di Da,”  listeners are always fast to distinguish a song by the group amongst others. 

Everglow is composed of members, E:U, Sihyeon, Mia, Onda, Aisha, and Yiren. Hailing from Korean reality shows including Produce 101, Idol School, and Produce 48 during their pre-debut era, the members of the group were known before officially debuting, gaining traction for the group before they stepped into the spotlight. The group’s 1st single album entitled, “Arrival of Everglow,” experienced commercial success upon release. It featured the hit single, “Bon Bon Chocolat” written by Melanie Fontana, which was a highly addictive song containing a very recognizable catchy chorus. The group very quickly developed a fanbase that was granted the name the FOREVERs. Breaking the name into two parts, the “For” and “Ever” can also be interpreted as “For Everglow,” representing the devotion fans make to the members forever. FOREVERs become one with Everglow to be together forever. 

Photo Credit: Yue Hua Entertainment Korea

Some of the group’s most prominent comebacks include the release of their 1st EP “Reminiscence” in February of 2020 and their 2nd EP entitled, “-77.82X–78.29” released in September of that same year. “Reminiscence” featured Everglow’s iconic song, “Dun Dun” and “-77.82X–78.29” featured the lead single, “La Di Da.” Both songs were highly successful with the music video for “Dun Dun” reaching 20 million views in less than a day and a half and “La Di Da” being named the best K-Pop song of the year by Billboard in 2020. The fusion of infectious beats, pulsating rhythms, and powerful vocals blending both pop and EDM makes these songs so iconic and representative of Everglow’s style. The energy that exudes from these two songs power both the group and the audiences listening. 

In August, the group returned after a 2 year hiatus with a song that maintained that same Everglow music identity adding to the energy of their predominantly upbeat lead singles. The electronic hip-hop/pop song, “SLAY,” was released on August 18 as the title track of their 4th single album, “ALL MY GIRLS.” Encompassing the overall message of female empowerment during times where societal boundaries are high and self-confidence is low is the theme of the album. The emphasis for women to pave their own way, growing their voice louder during times of disparity is a message rooted in the “ALL MY GIRLS" album. “SLAY” is a song that showcases Everglow’s ambition, delivering a stimulating repetitive melody complemented with strong vocals and meaningful lyrics. The other two songs in the album, “Oh Ma Ma God” and “Make Me Feel” convey messages of internal conflict and overwhelming emotions in a relationship all within the concept of love. 

Photo Credit: Yue Hua Entertainment Korea

Everglow’s most recent lead single, “SLAY” was performed for the first time at KCON LA in August. Seeing the song performed live for the first time was an incredible experience for myself. The crowd was ecstatic and the energy coming from both the girls and the audience was an experience like no other. Last month, Everglow concluded their concert tour, “All My Girls” in the US and Mexico. The tour started in early November and visited 10 cities in the US including 1 stop in Mexico City at the end of the month. On behalf of BroadwayWorld, I had the pleasure of speaking with Everglow about their comeback, tour, evolution as a group and more! This interview took place before the ALL MY GIRLS US and Mexico tour concluded in November. Read the full interview below! 

“ALL MY GIRLS” is your 4th single album and latest comeback since your last release in December of 2021. How does it feel to return to the stage and promote your new song, “SLAY”? 

SIHYEON: It's been a while since our last comeback and it was incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling to return to the stage with such a great song.

E:U: During our last comeback, there were very few opportunities to meet fans in person. However, during this promotion, I was genuinely happy to share the stage with our fans. Despite feeling nervous because of our long hiatus, the overwhelming support from many FOREVERs made it a very enjoyable experience.

What were your first impressions of “SLAY” when you heard the song and learned the choreography for it? 

ONDA: The moment I heard it, I knew that this was definitely an EVERGLOW song. Learning the choreography, I felt that it was very addictive, which perfectly complemented the overall vibe of the song.

MIA: My initial impression of the song was that it had a very powerful and intense nature and I  had concerns about executing both the song and choreography effectively. As this marks our first comeback after a long hiatus, I sincerely hope our fans enjoy it!

Mia of Everglow. Photo Credit: Yue Hua Entertainment Korea 

Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or memories from preparing for this comeback? 

AISHA: Upon receiving the song, we worked on comprehending and conveying its essence to the best of our abilities. I recall turning off the lights, practicing our facial expressions and gestures, and monitoring them.

YIREN: When we first received the song without the choreography, I remember recording each other during our practice time to improve our facial expressions and get adjusted to the overall concept. We created our individual dance moves as well.

In August, you performed and participated in a panel at KCON LA and most recently performed at KCON in Saudi Arabia. What was your experience like performing and meeting so many of your fans at KCON in both of these places? 

E:U: Both performances were incredibly exciting and enjoyable. The enthusiastic cheers and support from the fans heightened our excitement on stage. If given the opportunity, I would love to participate again and create more wonderful memories.

SIHYEON: Looking at the excited faces of each fan in the audience fueled our energy on stage. Those moments were truly precious to us. 

Sihyeon of Everglow. Photo Credit: Yue Hua Entertainment Korea 

Many of your fans (FOREVERs) have said that Everglow was their first introduction to K-Pop. With your songs such as “LA DI DA” and “DUN DUN,” you have made quite the lasting impact on the K-Pop scene with your music and style. From your debut in 2019 leading up until now, how do you think Everglow has grown and evolved over time? 

MIA: Since our debut, we have been working on solidifying and expressing Everglow's unique color and style. I want to establish a genre that is specific to Everglow for our fans that appreciate our distinctive style. 

ONDA: We have experienced significant growth both mentally and as artists! Specifically, as an artist, my ability to interpret and internalize songs has improved. When presented with songs that embody the unique sound of Everglow, I naturally feel more confident during the recording process. Mentally, our group chemistry has strengthened with the time we spent together and we have developed a better understanding of how to navigate various situations, allowing us to approach our work with increased confidence.

There are many artists and groups that promote in the K-Pop industry these days. What do you think sets Everglow apart from others? 

YIREN: Our music is characterized by its addictiveness and our powerful performances associated with each song. Additionally, our music has a concept that focuses on gaining more confidence and believing in oneself, which is empowering to our fans that listen to us. 

AISHA: When people listen to our songs, I believe they feel a unique combination of majesty and excitement, coupled with a strong sense of confidence. I think this distinct blend sets us apart from other groups.

Aisha of Everglow. Photo Credit: Yue Hua Entertainment Korea

What is something about the members of EVERGLOW that fans would be surprised to know or don’t know about you yet? 

E:U: The members have many witty and cheerful aspects that haven't been fully showcased on TV or camera yet. I believe it will be enjoyable for fans to gradually discover these sides of the members in the future! 

Fun question: if you had the opportunity to switch bodies and live a day in the life as another member, who would you want to switch with and why? 

MIA: I choose E:U because she has the healthiest and most solid physique amongst our members!

ONDA: If I could switch bodies for a day, I would  choose AISHA because I have always admired her long legs and body proportions. 

Onda of Everglow. Photo Credit: Yue Hua Entertainment Korea

This month, you will embark on the “ALL MY GIRLS” US tour. You will visit 10 cities in the US and will play one show in Mexico City at the end of November. What are you most excited about this tour? 

YIREN: I’m looking forward to spending time with FOREVERs the most. It's been a while since we toured the U.S., so I'm looking forward to creating new memories and having a great time together at the concerts! 

AISHA: We're thrilled to be performing in the United States again after three years!  We are really looking forward to connecting with our fans face-to-face. This marks our first visit to Mexico and we're excited to meet the Mexican FOREVERs that we've been eager to see. I also hope that the performances in the U.S. as well as Mexico become a new and unforgettable memory for our fans.

You have performed in many countries around the world. Being the first K-Pop girl group in history to perform in Saudi Arabia and hold a solo concert in Kazakhstan must have been really special for you all. Apart from the places you have already visited, where else in the world would you love to perform and why? 

SIHYEON: If there are any Everglow fans in Canada, I personally would like to go there and perform as well. I visited Canada for a short time when I was young, but it's been so long that I think it would be a different experience if I went back now. 

E:U: I want to go wherever our fans are around the world. I especially want to perform in South America, a continent on the other side of the world from Korea. Despite the distance, I want to go there for our dear fans who always show their love for Everglow.

E:U of Everglow. Photo Credit: Yue Hua Entertainment Korea

On the “ALL MY GIRLS” tour, you will be visiting 10 different cities in the US. Is there anything you are looking forward to doing while you are on tour? Any particular places you would like to explore or food you look forward to trying? 

ONDA: I'm looking forward to Atlanta and Chicago! During our time there three years ago, the fans in Atlanta and Chicago were so passionate and we had so much fun. I really want to feel that excitement again. Also, the last time I was in Chicago, I didn't get to try the famous Chicago pizza, but this time I want to give it a try.

MIA: I'm excited  to meet our American fans who have always been showing support for us. Additionally, I'm eager to experience the environment of a new city and the lives of the people living there, even if it's for a brief moment. I always find such things interesting and intriguing. Since there are so many different countries in the world, it's not easy to get a chance to try the life of someone from a different country! Also, I want to visit Disneyland or Universal Studios as I've never been there before, and I love the characters. If there's time, I'd love to visit!

What can your fans look forward to when they come and see you on tour this month? 

AISHA: We have a company stage that we're revealing for the first time and there are various stages performed by different units as well as solo performances, waiting for you. This is going to be the first time we're performing “SLAY” on tour, so I hope you'll look forward to it.

YIREN: There are special stages prepared only for FOREVERs, so we hope you enjoy everything comfortably.

Yiren of Everglow. Photo Credit: Yue Hua Entertainment Korea

EVERGLOW concluded their US and Mexico tour: All My Girls last month and will embark on a European leg of the tour and a fan meeting in Hong Kong in 2024. The fan meeting will take place on January 13th, 2024 at Rotunda 2, 3F, Kitec in Hong Kong. The European tour will begin on January 23, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain and will end on February 4th, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. For more information about EVERGLOW’s upcoming Hong Kong fan meeting and All My Girls European Tour visit the links below! European Concert tour dates are as followed: 

January 23, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain 

January 25, 2024 in Paris, France 

January 27, 2024 in Amsterdam, Netherlands 

January 30, 2024 in London, UK

February 2, 2024 in Warsaw, Poland 

February 4, 2024 in Berlin, Germany

Information about EVERGLOW's FAN MEETING : FOREVER 

Click the link below for information about EVERGLOW's ALL MY GIRLS European Concert tour! 

This interview was conducted with the assistance of a Korean translator. 

Photo Credit: Yue Hua Entertainment Korea 

To post a comment, you must register and login.