Before each artist’s first step onto the stage was music from other artists that comforted and encouraged them along their journey. Minzy, Oh Hayoung of Apink, Mimi and Yubin of OH MY GIRL, Lee Seoyeon and Lee Nagyung of fromis_9, Soyeon and Minnie of (G)I-dle,LEE SOO JIN and ZOA of Weeekly, ISA and Sieun of STAYC, Yuki and Swan of PURPLE KISS, and KIM CHAEWON and KAZUHA of LE SSERAFIM introduce the music of female artists who have inspired their musical endeavors.
Alicia Keys – “Good Job”
MINZY: The warm and soulful voice of Alicia Keys’ makes me feel understood at the end of a long day when I’m feeling too exhausted to comfort myself. This song particularly resonates with me with its heartwarming lyrics reminiscent of a tender pep talk from a friend.
Lena Park – “Missing Child”
Oh HaYoung (Apink): I’ve always loved Lena Park’s music and sensibility. Having grown up listening to her R&B songs, I’ve learned to appreciate the sadness and melancholy expressed through a delicate yet bright voice. She also taught me that articulating the lyrics can be more impactful to listeners.
Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus – “Doctor (Work It Out)”
MIMI (OH MY GIRL): This song epitomizes Miley Cyrus’ bubbly charm. I get lifted just by listening to it and it has become my go-to song when I need an energy boost!
TAEYEON – “Stress”
YUBIN (OH MY GIRL): I listen to this song often because the powerful vocal and the uplifting and upbeat vibe energizes me. It’s a refreshing song that can blow your stress away, so I would recommend it to anyone looking to start their day off right!
CL – “+PARADOX 171115+”
LEE SEO YEON (fromis_9): For me and many other fellow trainees, CL was an absolute idol and a role model. She’s invariably incredible and I wanted to emulate how she looks happiest when she’s performing. This is one of the songs from the album that I listened to because its introduction caught my eye. Give it a listen when you need to focus or clear your mind!
IU – “Palette (Feat.G-DRAGON)”
LEE NA GYUNG (fromis_9): IU wrote and released this song when she was 25. I can easily relate to the lyrics as I’m currently that age.
IU – “Ending Scene”
SOYEON ((G)I-dle): I can vividly picture the situation and emotions in this song. The track inspires me and makes me think, “This is how you should write lyrics.” You should pay attention to both the lyrics and melody when listening to this song.
Sasha Alex Sloan – “Dancing With Your Ghost”
MINNIE ((G)I-dle): I love the piano chord progression of this song as well as the pink and violet colors of the cover of the album that the track belongs to! It’s a mix of warm but lonely emotions that I can’t put into words. Its chord progression has been a musical inspiration for me. The lyrics are amazing from beginning to end, so pay attention not to miss any.
IU – “Bad Day”
LEE SOO JIN (Weeekly): When I was a trainee and my future looked uncertain, I heard IU sing this song in concert and it made me feel so much better. It was really moving. I always listened to it whenever I was having a hard time after that!
IU – “Knees”
ZOA (Weeekly): This song has an amazing melody and truly beautiful, melancholy lyrics. Listen to this song when you’re in need of consolation and it’ll make you feel better.
thuy – “girls like me don’t cry”
ISA (STAYC): The artist’s tone is lovely and the song is refreshing to listen to. It’s an easy-to-listen piece. I’ve been inspired by thuy’s singing and music style ever since I discovered this track!
Ava Max – “So Am I”
SEEUN (STAYC): This song boosts my self-esteem every time I listen to it. The lyrics capture the song's message very well, so don’t forget to follow the lyrics while listening!
TAEYEON – “Blue”
SWAN (PURPLE KISS): I’m usually moved by the lyrics of a song, but I was struck by the melody with this one. I want to cover it with my own lyrics one day!
BoA – “Every Heart”
YUKI (PURPLE KISS): This song was the soundtrack to my favorite childhood animation series. Now, I often listen to it before bed after a long day. The intuitive lyrics resonate with me.
IU – “My sea”
KIM CHAEWON (LE SSERAFIM): I used to listen to this song simply because I liked the way its lyrics and melody sounded, but now that my career has given me a wider range of emotions, I’ve come to actually empathize with the lyrics. I can also feel IU’s strength in the lyrics, which comforts me in my tough times.
Superfly – “Flare”
KAZUHA (LE SSERAFIM): It’s a song that I often listened to when I was studying abroad. I’ve always loved Superfly’s powerful and energetic music and this song in particular comforted me and cheered me up when I was living alone overseas to pursue my dreams.
Minzy’s Recommendation: Lennon Stella – “Older Than I Am”
Oh Hayoung (Apink)’s Recommendation: Kim Namjoo (Apink) – “BAD”
Mimi (OH MY GIRL)’s Recommendation: Miley Cyrus – “Flowers”
Yubin (OH MY GIRL)’s Recommendation: BOL4 – “Bom”
Lee Seoyeon (fromis_9)’s Recommendation: Yoonmirae – “As Time Goes By”
Lee Nagyung (fromis_9)’s Recommendation: IU – “My sea”
Soyeon ((G)I-dle)’s Recommendation: YOUNHA – “Password 486”
Minnie ((G)I-dle)'s Recommendation: Violette Wautier – “Smoke”
LEE SOO JIN (Weeekly)’s recommendation: Olivia Rodrigo – “deja vu”
ZOA (Weeekly)’s recommendation: LeeHi – “ONLY”
ISA (STAYC)’s Recommendation: Olivia Dean – “Dive (Acoustic)”
Seeun (STAYC)’s Recommendation: SWJA – “Cat” (Feat. IU)
Swan (PURPLE KISS)’ Recommendation: IU – “Love wins all”
Yuki (PURPLE KISS)’ Recommendation: Camila Cabello – “Crying In The Club”
KIM CHAEWON (LE SSERAFIM)’s Recommendation: UMI – “Love Affair”
KAZUHA (LE SSERAFIM)’s Recommendation: Griff – “Miss Me Too”