Lovelyz’s queen of “extra” says the group has got so much more

(Woollim Entertainment)

In person, Lovelyz members seem like the personification of the group’s songs: sweet, textbook “girly,” and ever so graceful.

If Black Pink is the glamorous superstar group that must have belonged to the cool kids’ clique at school, Lovelyz is composed of the down-to-earth, sweet girls next door.

The eight-piece act’s leader Baby Soul says Lovelyz’s charm is its unique quality of staying “unaffected” and “genuine.”

During a press conference for the group’s new album “Sanctuary” released Monday, Lee Mi-joo discussed her ambitions to explore uncharted realms.

In a group of seemingly reserved and soft-spoken people, Lee stands out as the sassy and out-there type.

She is a natural at striking up a pose wherever there is camera. She also has the ability to turn the most mundane background into a red carpet, and she isn’t afraid to make a fool of herself.

Lee Mi-joo of Lovelyz (Yonhap)

On being “extra” whenever the occasion merits it, Lee said that she isn’t “seeking attention.” “I love making people laugh. I’m a people person and it makes me happy,” she said.

One of the questions posed to Lee was if she wanted to try something different from Lovelyz’s usual music, to which Lee replied with a firm yet cautious affirmative.

Expressing ambitions for the group to explore new areas, Lee said she believes “Lovelyz is capable of trying out and experimenting with different styles.”

“We do have our distinct style or theme, if you will, but I don’t think we are sticking to one particular style or genre,” she said.

“In fact, we did try a bolder, funkier performance at this year’s concert. I believe we have potential there,” she said, adding that she would love to be able to pull off different types of music.

Lovelyz performs new lead song off "Sanctuary" Monday. (Yonhap)

Lovelyz’s new winter-themed album marked a return to its signature style after a brief deviation with “A Piece of Summer” in July. It is something that loyal listeners are likely to love but at the same time, predictable and expected of the octet.

Will Lovelyz surprise fans in the future? Lee says yes.

Related article: ‘Sanctuary’ promises classic Lovelyz

By Kim Arin (arin@heraldcorp.com)