STAR BEAM FOR ROLLING STONE KOREA

Official_STRBM

Star Beam at Lollapalooza Chicago 2024

INTERVIEW

Interviewer: Thank you so much for joining us today! Star Beam has become one of the most successful K-pop groups worldwide, and it’s amazing to have you here ahead of your Lollapalooza Berlin performance. Let’s start from the beginning—can you tell us about your early days with MBF Entertainment from 2012 to 2017?

Ryuna: Of course! MBF Entertainment was where everything started for us. We were just a group of girls with big dreams and a lot of passion. Hyoshin trained the longest—five years—while Saeyoon trained for two years. It was a challenging time, but it was also when we learned the most about ourselves and each other.

Chloe: Yeah, those years really shaped us. We were always pushing each other to be better, and that built the strong bond we have today.

Interviewer: Unlike many groups these days, you didn’t participate in survival shows before your debut. Do you think that decision has impacted your career in any way?

Saeyoon: We’ve always believed that everyone’s journey is different. For us, taking the time to prepare behind the scenes rather than in front of the cameras allowed us to focus on our growth without the added pressure of public judgment. By the time we debuted, we were ready to show the world what we could do.

Jeonah: And we didn’t have to go through the emotional rollercoaster of elimination rounds! (laughs) But seriously, we’re grateful for the path we took. It’s worked out well for us, and we’ve learned that there’s no one right way to debut.

Interviewer: The pandemic was a difficult time for everyone, but it seems like it also brought Star Beam closer together. How did the pandemic impact the group’s dynamics?

Chaehee: The pandemic was a huge challenge. Suddenly, everything changed, and we had to adapt quickly. But in a way, it also brought us closer. We spent so much time together, just us, with no distractions. We were each other’s support system.

Hyoshin: It also pushed us creatively. That’s when "Flaming Heart" came to life. It was our way of staying connected with our fans, even when we couldn’t see them in person. The response to that song was incredible and gave us the strength to keep going.

Interviewer: Speaking of "Flaming Heart," followed by "Mi Sol Amor," those songs were huge hits during the pandemic. What was it like having such a breakthrough during such a difficult time?

Ryuna: It was surreal. We didn’t expect those songs to blow up the way they did. "Flaming Heart" was about resilience, and "Mi Sol Amor" was about love and connection, so maybe those themes resonated with what everyone was going through at the time.

Yujia: And it was a reminder that music can be healing. Knowing that our songs brought comfort to people during such a tough time meant everything to us.

Interviewer: Now that live events have returned, how does performing at an online concert compare to performing in front of an actual audience?

Saeyoon: Nothing beats the energy of a live audience! Online concerts are a great way to stay connected, but feeling the crowd’s energy in person is something else. It’s like an exchange of emotions—we give them our all, and they give it right back.

Hyoshin: Exactly. There’s a special kind of magic that happens during live performances that you just can’t replicate online. We’re so grateful to be back on stage in front of our fans.

Interviewer: Star Beam is the only K-pop group to perform at three consecutive Coachellas, two Glastonburies, and now two Lollapaloozas. That’s an incredible achievement! How does it feel?

Chaehee: It feels amazing! Every festival is different, and we learn something new each time. Performing on such big stages has been a dream come true for all of us. We’ve been able to connect with audiences around the world, and it’s been such an honor to represent K-pop on these stages.

Jeonah: Plus, it’s given us so many unforgettable memories. We’ve met so many incredible artists and fans from all over the world. It’s been a whirlwind, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Interviewer: Do you have any pre-show rituals that you do to get ready for these massive performances?

Chloe: Oh, definitely! We always do a group huddle before going on stage. We hold hands, take a few deep breaths, and say a little mantra to remind ourselves why we’re here and to give our best performance.

Ryuna: And we listen to some music to pump us up. It’s a mix of our own songs and other tracks that get us in the zone. It’s our way of getting into the right headspace before we step on stage.

Interviewer: Yujia, you must be excited to perform at Lollapalooza in Chicago, which is also your partner, Johnny’s hometown. How does it feel to perform there?

Yujia: I’m really excited! Chicago has a special place in my heart, not just because of Johnny, but also because it’s such a vibrant city with amazing fans. Performing there feels like a homecoming of sorts, and I’m looking forward to making some great memories on stage.

Interviewer: There’s been a lot of debate lately about idols’ live vocal capabilities. What are your thoughts on this?

Ryuna: It’s a tricky topic because everyone has different opinions. We always strive to give our best in every performance, and that includes singing live whenever possible. But we also respect that every artist has their own approach. At the end of the day, we believe it’s about delivering a great performance that fans will enjoy and remember.

Chloe: It’s important to stay focused on our own journey and not get too caught up in the debates. We work hard to maintain our vocal skills, and we hope that effort shines through in our performances.

Interviewer: With everything going on, how important is it to have a strong support system?

Jeonah: It’s crucial. We’re so lucky to have each other, our families, and our fans. They keep us grounded and motivated. Having people you can lean on during tough times makes all the difference.

Hyoshin: Especially in this industry, where things can get overwhelming, having a strong support system is everything. We’re also very supportive of each other’s individual projects and personal lives, which helps keep our bond strong.

Interviewer: Speaking of support, your boyfriends have been busy with their own projects lately. How do you support them during their recent endeavors?

Saeyoon: We’re always cheering each other on, even from a distance. NCT 127’s comeback with "Walk" is amazing, and we’re so proud of Jaehyun and Doyoung for their solo debuts. WayV’s "Give Me That" comeback and their ongoing "On The Way" Asia Tour and NCT Dream’s "Smoothie" & "The Dream Show 3" are both huge, and we try to be there for them as much as possible, whether it’s sending encouragement before a show or celebrating together afterwards.

Yujia: We understand each other’s schedules and pressures, so we make sure to check in and offer support whenever we can. It’s a two-way street, and we’re all about lifting each other up.

Interviewer: As we approach the end of 2024, what are your wishes for the rest of the year?

Hyoshin: My wish is that people stop betraying us and taking our bond for granted. We’ve worked so hard to get to where we are, and we just want to continue growing together without any more setbacks.

Ryuna: I think we all just want to keep moving forward, both as a group and individually. We hope to end the year on a high note with our performances and to continue making music that our fans love.

Chaehee: And of course, we wish for good health, happiness, and peace for everyone—for our families, our fans, and the world.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for sharing with us today. We can’t wait to see you perform at Lollapalooza Berlin!

Star Beam: Thank you! We can’t wait to see everyone there!

Star Beam at Lollapalooza Berlin 2024

CHICAGO SETLIST

ACT I

I Am [IB: "I Am" by Produce 48]
Love Is Over [IB: "Love Is Over" by Rocket Punch]
G.N.O [IB: "Secret Time" by SPICA]
-MENT-
Mermaid Princess [IB: "Mermaid Princess" by Mystic White]
Bad Wolf [IB: "Big Bad Wolf" by Fifth Harmony]

ACT II - Setlist Roulette

That Night - STRBM U.N.I [IB: "That Night" by SPICA]
-STRBM U.N.I MENT-
Like That - STRBM Adrenaline [IB: "Like That" by CLC]
-STRBM ADRENALINE MENT-
From Us To Us [IB: "To.Us" by APink] - Acoustic Ver
I Love You I Remember You [IB: "I Love You I Remember You" by IOI] - Acoustic Ver
-MENT-
Stay [IB: "Stay" by BLACKPINK] - Acoustic Ver

ACT III

Flaming Heart [IB: "Fire Alarm" by SNSD]
Mi Sol Amor [IB: "O Sole Mio" by IZ*ONE]
-MENT-
My World [IB: "In My World" by Rocket Punch]
Lovedumb [IB: "Stupid Love" by Weki Meki]
Love Spell [IB: "Magic Spell" by AOA]

ENCORE - Setlist Roulette

Dance With A Stranger [IB: "Strangers in the Night]" by Ericka Jane]
A Person Like You [IB: "Pretty Boy" by Weki Meki]
-MENT-
Nothing’s Over [IB: "Nothing's Over" by Infinite]
Hush Kiss Thrill [IB: "Secret" by 9Muses]
-FINAL MENT-
Lipstick [IB: "Lipstick" by Orange Caramel]

BERLIN SETLIST

[ACT I - Same as Chicago]