STAYC On Empowering Their Listeners With 'I WANT IT'

Undeniably, one of the greatest gifts that artists with major platforms have is their ability to positively influence their audience in one form or another. This is something that STAYC not only recognize but, all the more, actively strive to achieve in everything they do.

The K-pop hitmakers’ name alone, which stands for “Star To A Young Culture,” has always been meant to be a shining beacon of hope, showcasing their inherent intent on instilling fun, friendship, and inspiration to their fans and listeners, especially among the youth. With their latest single album I WANT IT, the six-piece girl group — composed of SUMIN, SIEUN, ISA, SEEUN, YOON, and J — continue live up to their name, with the album’s title track serving as a reminder of self-love in the midst of a fast-paced and anxious world.

With that, Billboard Philippines caught up with STAYC in the middle of their ‘STAY TUNED’ world tour to talk about I WANT IT, how the tour has been so far, and more.

You’ll be releasing your special single album I WANT IT this July. As artists who have been very consistent with your music releases, what exactly makes you especially excited for this comeback in particular?

SUMIN: I’m most excited about showing our bright energy after a while.

stayc i want it stay tuned world tour billboard philippines interview 2025 — SUMIN: Courtesy of HIGH UP ENTERTAINMENT

The title track “I WANT IT” sees you expressing the mindset of “staying true to oneself and moving forward with unwavering confidence, even in the uncertainty of everyday life.” This continues your themes of self-empowerment and embracing your true selves that you previously explored with your single album S.

As artists who have always been bold with your music, what do you believe is the importance of promoting this kind of positive and empowering message to your listeners?

SIEUN: I think it’s easy for the busy modern day people to feel anxious or rushed because all kinds of stereotypes such as comparison with others, fierce competition exist. It’s also easy to forget how to love yourself, so I think it’s important for us as artists to convey positive messages about trusting yourself and moving forward with confidence.

Last time we talked, we discussed you getting ready for your second world tour ‘STAY TUNED.’ Now that the tour is officially underway, we want to know how the experience has been. What would you say is your number one favorite moment from the tour so far?

ISA: I tend to get very nervous on stage and hold back from challenging new things because I’m worried about making mistakes. However, the tour allowed me to be brave and try different things so it helped me a lot. I was so touched when the fans sang along to the song playing before the concert began during our tour.

Compared to your previous world tour, in what ways have you noticed that you’ve improved when it comes to being a performer on stage during your ‘STAY TUNED’ world tour so far, both individually and as a group?

SEEUN: I think I’m good at managing my energy as a team and for myself. I might burn out on the stage if I use up all my stamina at once but pacing myself allowed me to do well through the concert.

Since I WANT IT will be released in the middle of your ‘STAY TUNED’ world tour, your fans are looking forward to watching you possibly perform the three new songs live.

For those who will be attending the upcoming shows on the world tour, what are you most excited for them to see when you perform the songs from I WANT IT?

YOON: Our energy! The performance is even more energetic when you see it in person, so I think it’ll be perfect to enjoy together!

As a group, what is one specific goal you have yet to accomplish but want to achieve by the end of your ‘STAY TUNED’ world tour?

J: Nothing in particular but I just hope no one gets hurt or sick and finishes the rest of the tour successfully!

Listen to STAYC’s I WANT IT below:

STAYC On Their ‘STAY TUNED’ World Tour And Empowering Listeners With ‘I WANT IT’