STAYC On Evolving As Artists And Breaking Free From Expectations

The ever-changing landscape of K-pop has never been one that is easy to navigate. Beyond the glamour and flashing lights, it continues to be a growing musical sphere full of challenges that can bring even the best of artists to their knees. Yet, despite being an intense space where one can’t flourish without consistent perseverance, STAYC have always put striving for artistic excellence at the forefront of their endeavors.

From the get go, the rising girl group — consisting of Sumin, Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon, and J — have been no strangers to the struggles and challenges that come with being a K-pop act, especially as they debuted in the middle of the pandemic in 2020. Despite this, they have maintained their resolve as one, achieving multiple awards and career-changing milestones on top of maintaining a consistent and stellar discography, chock full of such hits as “ASAP,” “Stereotype,” “RUN 2 U,” and more.

Now, as they enter their fifth year together, STAYC are undergoing a transformation with the release of their new single album S. Consisting of the three songs “DIAMOND,” “PIPE DOWN,” and the lead track “BEBE,” this new release from the “Bubble” hitmakers sees them redefine their very musical identity, as they break free both expectations and stereotypes that the public have used to try and chain them down. With this, STAYC are doing more than just making another comeback. They’re making a fearless statement.

As STAYC welcome this brand-new era of their music, Billboard Philippines sat down with them to look back on their 5 years together so far, discuss their second world tour ‘STAY TUNED,’ and talk about how they feel sharing their true selves with the songs on S, and more.

Billboard Philippines: This 2025, it will be five years since the official debut of STAYC. Congratulations! When you look back, how would you describe STAYC’s journey so far?

Seeun: When I think about the past five years, it feels like we’ve filmed a drama. 

During those five years together, what would you say are you most thankful for?

J: I think SWITH (STAYC’s fans) gave us so many good memories so I am very very grateful. I hope we can make many more good memories in the future!

This March, you released your new single album S, which is composed of three new songs: “BEBE,” “DIAMOND,” and “PIPE DOWN.” For each member of STAYC, which one of these songs is your personal favorite and why? 

Seeun: Mine was originally “DIAMOND” but now it’s “PIPE DOWN” because the choreography is so fun!

Isa: As for me, I like our title song ‘BEBE’ the most I don’t think there is any song as grand and thrilling as this one so that’s why I choose ‘BEBE.’

Yoon: If I had to pick one from this album, I think it would be “BEBE” too. I just loved it from the first time I heard it and I think I have more affection for it since it’s the title song.

Sumin: Then it’s “PIPE DOWN” for me. As Seeun said, the choreography is so fun and the vocal part was also fun so I chose “PIPE DOWN” instead of “BEBE.”

Sieun: I also love “BEBE” as well. I loved it from the first time I heard it and it’s so thrilling.

J: I think my favorite is “BEBE,” too. I remember it being so catchy. Nothing can’t beat “BEBE.”

The songs on S see you explore a “more mature musical identity.” In addition, these songs are all about you breaking free from the expectations that people have about STAYC and bravely showing them who you truly are.

How does it feel to be sharing your true selves with your music? Does it scare or worry you how other people will react to STAYC embracing this kind of change?

Yoon: What a curveball question.

Sieun: To say that, it feels like we’re releasing music that contains our transformation. I personally enjoy taking on challenges, so the hairstyles, vocals and performances we’ve never tried before. The process of preparing these were so informative and exciting.

I think it was so thrilling and exciting while we were preparing for the album because of the fact that we were going to show you our new sides. So, rather than being scared it felt even more thrilling and stimulating. Also, since we were going to show you an improved version of ourselves it felt more refreshing than terrifying.

You’re about to go on your second world tour this year. After your first one, what were the lessons you learned that you believe have greatly helped in you preparing for your ‘STAY TUNED’ world tour?

Isa: What I learned a lot from the last tour was stage manners — that stage manners were very helpful and I think I will be able to use it more and more in future concerts. I think that would be most helpful.

Yoon: Since it was STAYC’s first solo concert and first time meeting our overseas fans, I was so worried about how much profit it’ll make so I wasn’t able to just be excited about going on tour.

However, since we had so many profits from the first tour, for the second tour, I get to think, “This will be fun, I can’t wait to go.” I feel way more at ease. I had a lot of worries but now, I think it’ll be a tour full of excitement!

Lastly, what message do you have for your Philippine fans?

Sumin: We always appreciate and love Philippine SWITH so much! Please send lots of love for S as well. We miss you so much!

Listen to STAYC’s new single album S below: