The eight members of K-pop girl group NATURE pose for the official poster of their first mini-album, "I'm So Pretty.
The K-pop scene has become more diverse than ever before with an increase of idol group members from several other countries. Girl band NATURE, which celebrates the one-year anniversary this year, is one of the groups with foreign members ― Aurora and Gaga from China and Haru from Japan.
This multinational girl group has been actively participating in shows, although Lu, the leader of the group, unfortunately broke her toes recently. Resting backstage during performances, she participates in multiple television reality shows and radio programs.
"I fractured my toes while practicing choreography. I am currently taking care of it to get well soon and return to the stage," Lu said.
Their first mini-album was released on July 10, with the bold title "I'm So Pretty."
"We tried to become more fit than ever. We also tried to practice our facial expressions to match with the lyrics," Saebom said.
We gave feedback to each other; for example one member can tell the other how to smile," Sunshine said.
They are not only limited to the music scene but also reality shows, music programs and performances in award ceremonies. Recently they joined MGMA, and on Sunday they made an appearance on "Inkigayo," a music program aired on SBS.
They also appeared on the reality TV show that only features the group, called "I will make you happy." They were more ambitious and tried to join "Running Man" or "Battle Trip" because they are very active and sociable and love to travel around.
For this album, singer-songwriters from the older generation participated in production. Yoon Sang and Noh Young-sim composed and produced a few tracks. Although some were concerned about a generation gap, Sunshine said she loved the experience.
"They directed us when we were recording the tracks. I felt no generation gap because they kindly explained things that we found hard," Sunshine said. "They felt like mother and father to us."
They say their role model is YG Entertainment's girl group BLACKPINK, which recently made the hit song "KILL THIS LOVE." "I was their fan and they were my role model since I was preparing for debut. I like how they have fun on stage and still manage to keep composure," they said.
On what makes them different from other K-pop girl groups, Lu replied:" I think we have extraordinary positive and bright energy. I think that is our biggest strength."
Although they have only made it a year, they are yearning for a bigger future. They also hope listeners who hear their songs would feel the same.