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Girl group Weki Meki debuts with two I.O.I alumni

  • Published : Aug 9, 2017 - 11:04
  • Updated : Aug 9, 2017 - 11:04

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The members of girl group Weki Meki pose for the camera at a media showcase for the debut EP album on Tuesday, at Jangchung Arena in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
I.O.I, a mega project idol band formed by the survivors of audition show "Produce 101," seemed indestructible during its short-lived run -- they smashed music charts and snatched multiple rookie of the year awards while each individual member amassed her own fandom. But how will the 11 ladies fare now that they're out in the wild?

Testing the waters, Kim Do-yeon and Choi Yoo-jung, two of the group's alumni, on Tuesday launched their post I.O.I careers together with six fellow trainees under a new idol group named Weki Meki (pronounced "wiki mickey") by releasing their debut EP album "WEME."

"Many people asked me whether I liked going back to being a trainee, but I wanted to return to becoming a trainee during my time with I.O.I," Kim Do-yeon said during a media showcase at the Jangchung Arena in central Seoul.

Kim explained, "I realized a lot of my shortcomings, so I wanted to improve my skills. With that mindset and focus, it didn't feel like time had passed much since."

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Kim Do-yeon (left) and Choi Yoo-jung of girl group Weki Meki perform on stage during a media showcase for the group's debut EP album on Tuesday, at Jangchung Arena in central Seoul. (Yonhap)
The title song "I Don't Like Your Girlfriend" is a feisty future hip-hop song filled with attitude and energetic choreography. Five other songs in the album include "Stay With Me," "Neverland" and "My World" which are your garden variety dance ballads.

Choi was grateful for the overflowing love during I.O.I, but stressed her new group is now her priority. "We are starting fresh with our members. We've prepared slowly but steadily to be loved much," she said.

Member Lua, who said she practiced for four years for her debut, expressed bewilderment at the mere notion of debuting.

"It's amazing releasing my work after four years of practice. It's very exciting because it feels like I'm beginning the second act of my life."

Leader Ji Su-yeon agreed by saying, "I wish fans would love us much. I'm grateful for being able to debut."

In a rare case for a fresh new band, Weki Meki's debut album will be released simultaneously in Taiwan and later throughout Asia, including Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. (Yonhap)
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Rookie girl group Weki Meki perform on stage during a media showcase for its debut EP album on Tuesday, at Jangchung Arena in central Seoul. (Yonhap)


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