Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones – always focused on sound, stage and substance.
Today we are super excited to introduce our latest interview with the diverse and talented members of up-and-coming Korean Girl Band SUNNYKEY. They sat down with us to discuss their recent releases, the unique story that brought them together, and their goals for the future.
Introduction:
SUNNYKEY are a 5-member girl project band group under AMAJOR Entertainment. The group is comprised of Bada (Leader and Keyboardist), Yena (Bassist), Yulim (Guitarist), Eunsol (Drummer), and Joohyeon (Vocalist).
Initial ideas for the project group first formed back in March of 2023. The idea was to create a group of talented musicians who’s music went ‘beyond playlist’ to create powerful emotions through live music. Through this project the group was carefully selected and prepared for debut.
Their first release was their predebut ‘SUNNYKEY VIBE’ MV and one-take performance on February 5th 2025. This performance perfectly shows each member’s unique charms, introducing them each with their own solo segments building into a fully fleshed out ensemble.
Their debut song was Shadow Dance, a relaxing and warm song that instantly brightens up the listener’s spirits. This is an exceptional first song, truly showing the musical prowess of the ensemble within a low-tempo and relaxed atmosphere. An English version was also released, allowing an even wider audience to enjoy their music.
This was followed up by the single album ‘STARLIGHT’, which contained the songs ‘Starlight’ and ‘Can You See My Heart’. ‘Starlight’ is a sweet, up-tempo track encouraging the listener to shine bright and believe in themselves – a perfect listen for those dark days filled with self-doubt.
‘Can You See My Heart’ is a soothing piece that feels like the expression of one’s true feelings as the sun sets and the night sky forms. Light drum instrumentation, dreamy piano riffs, and rhythmic guitar and drum sections blend seamlessly with airy vocals to create a calming listen.
‘Voice of Wishes’ and ‘Blooming’ were released next as a double single album. ‘Voice of Wishes’ is as hopeful as it’s title suggests, with sustained notes and pitch-perfect vocal runs accompanied by a jazzy band mix. The listener feels instantly healed as if their wishes are carried forward on the wind.
‘Blooming’ is a fantastic showcase of the group, with each member getting a chance to showcase their individual talents. Instrumental runs dominate this track, truly fleshing it out and highlighting SUNNYKEY’s band sound.
Their most recent release was their song ‘Sweet Hello’ on the 26th of June, 2025. This song is energetic and cheeky, with the repeated refrain of ‘your goodbye was my sweet hello’ instantly hooking you into the song. Combine this with the band’s signature charm and you can feel SUNNYKEY growing from stride to stride.
As you can see, SUNNYKEY are a group that are perfectly in sync, treating vocals equal to instrumentation and creating an atmosphere that takes the listener along for the journey.
Please continue reading on to learn more about each of the members, their thoughts on music and the vision of the group!
Interview:
Q1. Please introduce SUNNYKEY and your individual roles within the band.
SUNNYKEY is a five-member band made up of university students majoring in contemporary music. The name combines “sunny,” meaning warm and bright, with “key,” representing a musical key—symbolizing the group’s wish to become a source of light and sound through their music.
Our mission is to deliver heartfelt, sunshine-like energy through live performances, touching people with authenticity and sincerity. Each member brings their unique personality and musicality, creating a team that is both harmonious and well-balanced.
The band consists of five members:
BADA, the leader and keyboardist, is a calm yet strong-minded artist with a deep passion for music.
YENA plays the bass and is known not only for her musical talent but also for her steady effort and strong sense of responsibility.
YULIM, the guitarist, brings sharp musical instincts to the team and often brightens the atmosphere with her upbeat energy.
EUNSOL, the drummer, is full of passion and focus, known for her attention to detail and commitment to her craft.
JOOHYEON is the youngest member and vocalist of the group, with a charming personality and a beautifully expressive voice that captures the essence of each song.
Together, they form SUNNYKEY—a band dedicated to spreading warmth and emotion through the power of live music.
Q2. How would you describe the style and genre of SUNNYKEY’s music?
At SUNNYKEY, we believe that great music transcends genres. All five members actively participate not only in performance but also in songwriting, arrangement, and the overall creative process of every track we release.
Rather than chasing a fixed sound, we focus on finding the emotion, energy, and character that best represents us at any given moment. Our style is constantly evolving—blending our diverse influences into something unmistakably ours. From writing to arranging to performing, every member is deeply involved, and that shared process plays a big part in building the unique identity of SUNNYKEY’s music.
Q3. Your new song ‘Sweet Hello’ just released – could you tell us more about the song and the lyrics?
‘Sweet Hello’ is a funky, rhythm-driven pop track that flips the moment of an unexpected breakup into something empowering — the true beginning of a brighter chapter.
Rather than feeling lost, the song embraces the idea that sometimes, when something ends, it’s finally your time to shine.
The lyrics reflect this bold perspective shift: from heartbreak to self-realization, from fear to fierce independence. It’s a reminder that the end of a relationship isn’t always a loss — it can be the moment you reclaim your story and step fully into your light.
From the very beginning, we wanted the song to feel energetic, liberating, and unapologetically joyful — like dancing your way out of the past and into something entirely your own.
‘Sweet Hello’ is our anthem for anyone who’s ready to turn goodbye into their most powerful hello yet.
Q4. You also released a ‘Reflection Version’ of the song – what makes this version different?
The “Reflection Version” of Sweet Hello is a reinterpretation of the original track through a pure band lens.
It strips the song down to its live instrumental foundation, allowing the raw emotion and dynamics to shine through our playing.
While the original version is upbeat and polished, the Reflection Version embraces the unfiltered texture of a live performance — capturing the energy of how we sound on stage.
It was arranged and performed entirely by the members of SUNNYKEY, giving us a chance to showcase not only the message of the song, but also who we are as a band and as musicians.
Q5. When did each member first pick up singing or their instrument, and when did they realize they wanted to pursue music?
BADA
I started playing piano when I was around seven, thanks to my father who has always been passionate about music. It came naturally to me. I realized that I was happiest when I was making music, and that joy guided me toward choosing it as a career.
YENA
I was drawn to the low frequencies that only a bass guitar could produce while watching performances. The more I learned, the more confident I became in following this path.
YULIM
I began learning electric guitar in my first year of high school. I was captivated by its strong and powerful sound. Since I’ve always enjoyed performing in front of people, pursuing music felt like the right path for me.
EUNSOL
I started playing drums in middle school. As I kept hearing encouraging words from people around me, I felt more and more inspired to take music seriously.
JOOHYEON
I started seriously singing in February of my second year in high school. People had always complimented my singing since I was young, and at every school I went to, I was called “the best singer.” I think those moments kept drawing me closer to music.
Q6. How did SUNNYKEY form as a band?
SUNNYKEY was formed through Amajor Entertainment’s artist-driven live music project, Beyond Playlist. The project was built on a simple but powerful belief: that live music holds a kind of emotional impact that can’t be replicated — and that more artists who truly shine on stage deserve to be seen and heard.
Over the course of a year and a half, producer LEJE personally led the process of scouting each member, not just for talent, but for synergy, authenticity, and long-term potential. Every member was handpicked to form a band that could deliver not only great music, but a genuine message.
Today, SUNNYKEY stands as the flagship band of Amajor Entertainment — a group with the heart of a grassroots act, but the ambition and foundation to grow into a truly global artist.
Q7. Who are your musical inspirations?
BADA
I listen to a wide variety of genres and instruments, so I have many artists I admire. Some I truly respect as musicians are pianists like Brad Mehldau, Keith Jarrett, Anomalie, Robert Glasper, and Cory Henry. I also love Radiohead, John Mayer, Kamasi Washington, and Daniel Caesar. What they all have in common is that they not only excel musically but also convey deeply personal stories through their music, leaving a lasting emotional impact on the listener.
YENA
I studied and practiced bassist Jaco Pastorius’s playing extensively, and it helped me level up my skills. I also really like Esperanza Spalding — her tone and voice are simply beautiful and inspiring.
YULIM
I enjoy listening to foreign pop artists like Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Ariana Grande, and One Direction. Their music has always been exciting and fun for me, and I think it’s influenced my style in subtle ways.
EUNSOL
My favorite artist is Joshua Redman, and the musician who’s influenced my playing the most is Dennis Chambers. Both of them have left a big mark on how I approach music.
JOOHYEON
I really admire IU and Sunwoo Jung-a. They both express their unique artistic colors through songwriting and composing, and they’re also involved in the overall production — from stage direction to sound design. They embody the kind of well-rounded artist I aspire to become.
Q8. What does music mean to you?
For SUNNYKEY, music is more than just sound — it’s a real source of strength.
Each member chose music not by accident, but because it brought them joy, purpose, and energy from an early age.
It’s what lifts them when they’re down, connects people across language, and expresses emotions that words can’t.
Creating and playing music together is when they feel most alive.
They believe music holds the power to brighten the world — to offer warmth, courage, and joy to those who listen.
Through that shared energy, SUNNYKEY hopes to make a positive impact, one heartfelt note at a time.
Q9. SUNNYKEY does a lot of studio live recordings — what is your favorite part of this process?
BADA
The best moments for me are always when we’re playing together. There’s a thrill when our tight rehearsals pay off and everything clicks — even within a fixed arrangement, we find new ways to express ourselves every time we perform. I love exchanging glances and listening closely to build the music together. And more than anything, sharing that joy and sense of accomplishment with the other members is incredibly fulfilling.
YENA
I love the moments when we’re in sync — supporting each other, playing together, and locking eyes as we create the music. It’s when I feel most connected to the team.
YULIM
Every rehearsal with the band is a joy. Even when I’m tired, the moment we start playing, I feel energized and focused. I especially love when the melodies start to feel natural in my hands, and singing harmonies together is always so fun — even when we mess up and exchange knowing glances!
EUNSOL
There’s a lot of preparation behind every studio live shoot, so the moment everything wraps up successfully is when I feel most relieved and happy.
JOOHYEON
I feel the happiest when I hear a take that truly captured what I wanted to express — there’s nothing more satisfying. I also love seeing myself completely immersed in music. Especially when I’m singing an emotional song, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the emotion. After the song ends, I want to hold on to that lingering feeling. It reminds me of the scene in Pixar’s Soul, where the main character is so absorbed in playing the piano that everything else fades away — it feels like I’m in that moment too.
Q10. Could each of the members share a fun fact about themselves?
BADA:
I can’t start a recording session without a cold coffee and something sweet — usually chocolate. It’s part of my routine now, almost like a little ritual. That’s why I always keep extra chocolate in the studio drawer!
YENA:
I love anything thrilling or scary — roller coasters, scary movies, spooky stories, you name it. The more suspense, the better.
YULIM:
I recently discovered that I’m really bad at dancing! But I love singing harmonies with the band, even if we sometimes mess up and exchange awkward glances.
EUNSOL:
I actually enjoy cleaning my room. It helps me clear my head and feel more relaxed.
JOOHYEON:
I go through new obsessions every month! Last month it was Pyongyang-style cold noodles. This month? Milk tea! I also write down little thoughts or phrases in my notes app — hoping one day they’ll find their way into my lyrics.
Q11. What are your goals for SUNNYKEY?
Our goal is to grow into a global artist that shares the power of music through heartfelt live performances. We want to connect with listeners all around the world, not only with our sound, but with the positive energy and meaningful messages in our songs. Ultimately, we hope SUNNYKEY can become a group that brings light, comfort, and inspiration to people — wherever they are.
Q12. Do you have a message for your fans or any new listeners?
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us or discovered our music. Your encouragement means the world to us — even the smallest messages lift our spirits and keep us going. We still have so much more to show you, and we’re just getting started!
We hope our music can bring warmth, courage, and joy to your everyday life. Please continue to walk with us on this journey, and let’s make beautiful memories together.
With all our hearts — thank you!
Thank you so much to the wonderful SUNNYKEY and the amazing staff at AMAJOR Entertainment for the thoughtful responses – SUNNYKEY are truly a band with so much musical talent, and exactly the type of artist that HallyuTones strives to promote!
If you’d like to follow SUNNYKEY and stream their music, please follow the links below!
Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunnykey_official/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/SUNNYKEY_home
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sunnykey_official/videos
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sunnykey/1801369469
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/38twyPwqbqcbrHKV98enW8
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