Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones – always focused on sound, stage and substance.
Idol life is challenging. Many artists audition for multiple agencies, spending years training before debut. With hundreds of active K-Pop groups and artists at any one time, it is becoming increasingly challenging for idols to secure stages and develop their platform. However, oftentimes these underrated artists have the most fascinating stories and insights, sharing realistic explorations of the good and bad sides of the idol industry.
Today’s artist is YOOMEi, an underground idol with a rich experience within various Asian music scenes. She has auditioned for and trained in many of Asia’s biggest entertainment companies, debuted as member of duo-group Zioletta, and later re-debuted as a soloist. Last year, we interviewed YOOMEi about her re-debut as a city pop idol, exploring her song writing influences and the change in genre.
In today’s piece, we explore a topic not often discussed in the music scene – graduation. What does it mean to move on from a musical project while reflecting on and paying homage to the experiences it has brought?
Read on for YOOMEi’s candid thoughts on the music industry, coverage of her final music project, and a glimpse into what the future holds for her!
Check out our Instagram page @HallyuTones for some additional answers covering some of these topics in more depth!
Interview:
Q1. Hello and welcome back to HallyuTones! Please could you re-introduce yourself to the HallyuTones readers, as well as to anyone discovering you for the first time?
Hi HallyuTones readers! I’m YOOMEi! Last year I introduced myself as “Oo-mei”, but I have decided to embrace the original pronunciation “Yoo-mei” even though it sounds similar to “Famous” in Japanese. I just released my idol graduation project titled ‘iDOL TRiAL 1987∞’, and it was also my first time releasing a vinyl record and an interactive web series. I’m happy to conclude my idol journey with a cinematic project that symbolizes the difficulties of living as an “Underground” idol, so my name sounding similar to “Famous” is ironic and funny to me. And I like it this way!
[Video] Q2. You recently announced your retirement as an idol. Could you share with us a little about your decision to graduate, and what YOOMEi has meant to you on your journey?
[Video] Q3. Alongside your announcement, you released one final project titled ‘<Idol Trial> An Underground Idol’s Confession 1987∞’. What was the concept and inspiration behind this release?
Q4. The album consists of both new and re-released tracks. Could you talk us through each of the tracks and the reason behind their selection?
The re-released tracks are labeled in the series as: 1st TRiAL, 2nd TRiAL, and 3rd TRiAL. I decided to re-package these songs as character songs essential to the plot of ‘iDOL TRiAL 1987∞.‘ Through the lyrics of these TRiALs and the voicemails, the player can learn the truth about my character Emi’s heart. And this might help the player make their final decision that affects whether they end up in Timeline [A] or Timeline [B].
Q5. The album was released alongside a dedicated YouTube playlist. Can you tell us some more about these videos and the inspiration behind making these interactive?
The inspiration to make an interactive series came from my love for choice-based role-playing games like Persona 4 Golden or even an interactive web series like Milgram. I think it’s really cool to give power to the audience!
[Video] Q6. While graduating from your idol career may appear like an ending, what are your future goals in the entertainment industry?
Q7. For those who have known you for a long time, you have auditioned for many groups, debuted in a duet, and later as a soloist. What is your advice to people who may be undergoing career changes, or who are preparing for the next stage of their journey?
Don’t let yourself be stuck in a box. We are capable of many things! It’s okay to re-brand or try a new style. If your heart yearns for it, trust yourself and give it a try so that you won’t regret anything later.
Q8. With the rise in popularity of K-Pop, J-Pop, and anime in the west, we are beginning to see more Asian American artists and actors on our screens. How do you feel Asian American representation has changed in the past few years, and what are your hopes for the future?
With the rise in western live-action adaptations of anime and video games, I believe that we will begin to see more positive Asian American representation on the big screens. That’s why I don’t feel so hesitant to start as an actress now. I even think that animated projects like K-Pop Demon Hunters and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle making waves globally is showing that we are moving in a great direction for positive Asian American representation in the film/TV world.
Q9. You have long spoken about your creative inspirations being rooted in anime and video games. Could you tell us which anime and games have impacted you the most and why?
Although it’s not a traditional anime because it’s a Korean music/web series, I would say that Alien Stage reignited my love for storytelling after I lost my spark. I also was very inspired by Milgram, Persona 4 Golden, and Project Sekai because they are all somewhat interactive, which is something that I love.
[Video] Q10. As previously mentioned, along your journey you have experienced many different auditions and training processes. Do you have any interesting stories to share regarding these experiences?
Q11. Looking back on your career so far, what have been your favourite moments?
I had a lot of fun signing autographs at Anime Expo in 2022 because it was actually the first anime convention I ever attended as a child in 2013, so it felt so surreal to be invited to make an industry appearance there. But I also remember being so bummed out that I didn’t have a chance to meet SG5 (now known as f5ve) while I was there because I loved their Sailor Moon concept, and then years later they became one of my favorite girl groups.
Q12. You recently shared your experience in live character work as part of a promotional event. What was this experience like and what do you feel it taught you?
I ended up learning that, no matter how hard you try, you will never be perfect. I studied my Japanese stage actress reference, but it never felt like enough research. I beat myself up over my physical appearance, too. I eventually became restless due to all the stress and pressure. But during my final nights of the event, I slowly started to find peace within myself. Next time, I know that I will be more confident!
Q13. When we previously spoke, you shared about your creative process and how it was deeply rooted in your personal stories and writings. What does creative freedom and individual expression mean to you?
This might be a hot take, but I think it’s really important to have the freedom to create and express yourself through your artistry because that’s what separates an artist from a performer. In my opinion, the fact that many K-Pop companies won’t allow their artists to have a say in what kind of art gets released under their name is extremely unfair.
Q14. Your knowledge of both anime and video games is very well known – if you had to recommend one anime and one video game hidden gem, which would you choose and why?
For anime, I would recommend Madoka Magica for people who love magical and beautiful tragedies with a great soundtrack. A video game hidden gem, I would choose something from the Tales Of series because it is definitely lesser known these days but it was a big part of my childhood.
Q15. As you begin to explore acting projects, what kind of roles or genres most interest you and why?
I’m most interested in dramas, video games, and animation! Anything fantasy or sci-fi would be ideal. But honestly, I’m open to trying different types of roles. I love bringing characters to life because it allows you to see worlds through someone else’s eyes.
Q16. Lastly, do you have any messages for anyone who has supported you as YOOMEi, and for anyone who is looking forward to your future projects?
Even though I have formally graduated from the idol world, I believe that a part of “YOOMEi” will always be with me everywhere I go. So, I have a strange feeling that some sort of music project might find me again someday. Until then, thank you so much for everything! I can’t wait until we cross paths in the future! ︎
Thank you so much to YOOMEi for these insightful answers. The topic of idol ‘graduation’ is not often covered, and to read these honest and heartfelt responses really gives a fascinating window into the entertainment industry. We wish YOOMEi all the best for her future endeavours and will continue to cover her new projects here on HallyuTones!
Please also let us know your thoughts on this ‘hybrid’ style interview featuring short form videos, we tried something new with this piece and would love to receive your feedback.
To follow and support YOOMEi, please use the links below:
YOOMEi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoom3i/
YOOMEi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YOOMEi
YOOMEi Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/yoomei/1822169827
YOOMEi Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5N3tXNmPNkWpzB6T1MSikY
Youand Entertainment Official Website: https://www.youand-entertainment.com
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