Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones — always focused on sound, stage and substance.
The world of ‘K-pop’ is such an interesting place. The K in K-pop stands for Korean: this could be referring to the location of the group’s activities and the idol trainee system, the nationality of the members, or even the language that is used when creating art and communicating with each other. The Pop part in K-pop, is what’s often harder to explain, or understand. For us here at HallyuTones, it speaks to the global nature of Korean popular media. It refers, also, to the diversity that can be found within the entertainment industry in Korea.
Today’s HallyuTalks guest is someone whose journey to becoming a performer speaks to all of these points. With a gaze that strikes both burning hot on stage, and a voice that adds depth to any song she sings, Yue is exactly the type of star that most K-pop companies hope to produce.
As a shy young girl in California, Yue was drawn to the process of singing and dancing less as a career option, but more as a way to build her confidence. Fast forward to the height of the HallyuWave in 2019, she’s auditioning to be part of the world that helped shape her. Reassured by watching the stages from artists at K-Con, Yue’s hard work and determination, along with the support of her loved ones, finally landed her a successful audition.
In May of 2022, MLD Entertainment introduced the lineup for their new girl group named Lapillus. A group of six girls who were brought together to completely change the face of the industry. At a time where boy groups were becoming more daring in their musical experimentation, Yue, Seowon, Bessie, Shana, Chanty and Haeun debuted with the iconic single, ‘HIT YA!’.
This debut marked a significant positive change for the way that female artists were both perceived, and received when approaching musical genres that were seen as “unconventional”. Not only did the group play around with sound, but their most recent release was a Spanish version of their track ‘Ulala’ from the EP Who’s Next.
Throughout their years of activity, Lapillus like many of their colleagues has faced their fair share of challenges but the end results of their hard work has kept fans rooting for them through it all.
As usual, here at HallyuTones we have made it our mission to allow artists to introduce themselves on their own terms.
Without further ado, meet Yue:
Interview
- Hello and welcome to HallyuTones. Please introduce yourself to the readers.
Hello HallyuTones readers! I’m Yue from the K-pop girl group Lapillus. I’m in charge of singing and dancing in Lapillus. Nice to meet you guys!
- Who are some of your favourite vocalists to listen to? Does this list look different when you are preparing for a performance?
Some of my favorite vocalists to listen to are Ariana Grande and Whitney Houston. When I’m preparing for a performance, I like to listen to the song I’m performing, or K-pop songs in general, to help me relax and get excited.
- We saw you recently reunited with your fans (Lapis) at Sacramento State K-Pop Night in your first solo performance. How did that moment feel different from your initial idol debut?
The performance at Sacramento State K-Pop Night was my first time performing one of our group’s songs by myself. I was really nervous since it was my first time singing and dancing the entire song alone, but at the same time, I was also really excited. The stage felt a lot emptier, and it felt strange not having anyone dancing beside me. However, all my worries were washed away by the cheers from the audience. It felt very different from my initial idol debut because it suddenly felt like all eyes were only on me. When performing with a group, I always felt like I could rely on my members, but when I was by myself, I felt a lot more pressure.
- As someone who went from being a fan of K-Pop to being on stage, what is something you appreciate about these fan interactions?
I really appreciate all the love and support our fandom, Lapis, gives me. I’m especially grateful to the fans who take time out of their day just to come say hello or take a photo with me. It motivates me to work harder and create better music. Seeing their happy faces makes me really happy and reassures me that what I’m doing is right.
- What three songs would you use to introduce Yue – the musician, to your fans and anybody meeting you for the first time today?
I would introduce them to ‘Marionette’, ‘Queendom’, and ‘HITYA’ by Lapillus.
- Lapillus debuted near what’s generally considered the end of the 4th generation of K-Pop which introduced fans to some of the greatest releases from the genre. What are some things that you think makes the group unique amongst your peers?
I think what made Lapillus unique was our energy when performing and the type of music we released. Honestly, when we first listened to ‘HITYA’, we were all unsure if people would like it. The song was loud and repetitive, so I worried that Lapis might find it annoying. I felt like ‘HITYA’ was more of a performance-focused song rather than one people would listen to on repeat.
Fortunately, our fans really liked it, which helped make us stand out among other 4th-generation groups. Personally, I also think our performances were very unique — especially our choreography and formations. We didn’t really have a typical K-pop sound, and that helped differentiate us from other groups.
- Many people who are new to the structure of the K-Pop industry may not be familiar with what it means to be a trainee. Can you share some of what your trainee experience looked like?
Being a trainee isn’t just about doing your best at singing and dancing like many people think. There were many physically and, more importantly, mentally challenging moments. Trainees are constantly under pressure to improve, or else you could be fired. It’s definitely not an easy path, but there were still many fun and happy moments during training.
- One of the things that draws fans in the most about Lapillus is the members’ chemistry. What was your first impression of the members before you debuted?
We all joined the company at different times, so I knew some members longer than others. When I first met Shana, I was really shocked by how small she was. She was super outgoing and immediately started talking to me even though we didn’t speak the same language. We used Google Translate and body language to communicate. When I first met Chanty, I was really happy to finally meet another trainee who spoke English. I felt like I finally had someone I could freely chat with. When I first met Bessie, I thought she was really cute. She joined during winter and wore a big puffy checkered jacket that made her look adorable. I was also really happy that I finally had someone my age. When I first met Seowon, I was shocked by how young she was. She was very quiet and shy at first and barely spoke until she felt more comfortable. Lastly, when I met Haeun, she reminded me of my childhood friend. She was very talkative, curious, and energetic, always asking lots of questions.
(Via offclLapillus on X: Seowon, Yue, Haeun, Bessie, Shana Chanty)
- Another common misconception about K-Pop is that all idols are South Korean. In your case, even your stage name honours your Chinese ethnicity even though you currently live in the United States. What does it mean to you to be involved in so many culturally rich, and significant spaces?
I used to feel confused about my identity because I was born in America, but I didn’t look “American”. My ethnicity is Chinese, yet I’ve never lived in China. Because of that, I often felt unsure about where I belonged. After debuting and being involved in many culturally rich and significant spaces, I realized those labels didn’t really matter. Instead of trying to choose which identity fit[s] me best, I learned to embrace the complexity of who I am. Performing in different countries and meeting fans from diverse cultures helped me experience different traditions and ways of thinking. I learned to listen more closely, respect differences, and accept different languages, traditions, and expectations. Being constantly surrounded by these differences made me appreciate the opportunity to experience cultural exchange even more.
- What were some of your biggest culture shocks when you moved to South Korea?
One of my biggest culture shocks was the level of formality. In Korea, there are different levels of language used depending on age, relationship, and respect. I had a really hard time memorizing all the differences and using them correctly. I also struggled with bowing instead of waving when greeting or saying goodbye. One of my biggest culture shocks happened on the first day of dance class. I was listening to the teacher with my hands in my pockets because they were cold, but I didn’t know that was considered disrespectful. I was scolded and immediately apologized afterward. I explained that I didn’t know, and fortunately, we talked it out. I never did that again.
- Out of all of the songs you’ve recorded and released, is there one that stands out to you as a song that represents you?
One song that represents me well is Paper. I worked really hard on my vocals for that song, and I think it showcases my vocal range well.
- You’ve mentioned on your YouTube channel that you would be interested in pursuing acting as a career both in Chinese and Korean Dramas. Is there a particular role or character you would love to start with?
I’ve always dreamed of acting in an action film. Honestly, I’d love any role. As long as there’s an opportunity, I’d be happy to take it.
- Fans have noticed that you also enjoy gaming in your off-time. If you had the chance to do a gaming event with them, what games would you play with Lapis?
We often play Mobile Legends and Minecraft together. There was also a time when we played Dress To Impress almost daily. If I could host another gaming event, I’d love to play Minecraft because it’s a really chill and relaxing game to enjoy with fans.
- If you could only bring one Lapillus member, and one tool with you on a deserted island, who and what would you bring?
I would bring Chanty because she’s always so positive and funny, and I think we’d have a lot of fun together on a deserted island. As for a tool, I’d probably bring an axe since it could help keep us safe and cut trees.
- You recently had a fanmeet in Japan and performed for some Lapis in Shana’s home country. What was your favourite part about this experience?
My favorite part was being able to meet our fans and perform again after such a long rest period. I was really nervous but also extremely excited. I also really enjoyed properly exploring Japan. In the past, whenever we visited Japan, we didn’t have much time to go outside. Even when we did, we were always accompanied by our managers and staff.
- If you could give your younger self a compliment and piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t doubt yourself and be confident. You are beautiful just the way you are, and you don’t need to change yourself to fit other people’s standards.
- Lapis are so proud of how far you’ve come and the work you’ve done until now. Are there any projects in the works that they should keep their eyes open for?
I have a few music projects that I hope will be released in 2026, so I hope Lapis can look forward to them. I’ll also be doing performances around Sacramento, and I hope I’ll be able to meet Lapis there as well.
- What do you hope that people learn about you through this interview?
I hope people get to know me better as both an artist and a person. I also hope some of my answers can help or inspire someone to achieve their dreams and goals.
Lapillus is a group that had members from various countries, of different ethnicities, who were brought together by their love for music and performance. With every member bringing skills and a personality from a different background, fans were delighted to see their chemistry on stage just as much as they enjoy getting to know the members as the humans behind the art they enjoy.
While the members may currently be on different paths, Lapis are always in their corner, ready to cheer their them on in the pursuit of their dreams. Fans keep the hope to one day see one of the pioneers of a unique sound and the authors of such an authentic chapter of K-pop reunite on stage again.
As for Yue’s star, from her time in the group, to her work ethic and commitment to staying connected with fans, all of these things will ensure that she will continue to shine on her chosen path.
Keep up to date with Yue and her latest activities here:
Instagram: @Yuenoi.a
Youtube: @Yuenoi.a
Lapillus:
Tiktok: @official_lapillus
Youtube: Lapillus
Apple Music: Lapillus
Spotify: Lapillus
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