MEPC: The Multinational Girl Group Breaking Barriers in K-Pop

Jailee: "I've loved K-pop since I was 13 and always thought it was something I wanted to do, but it felt like a world completely different from mine. I'm thrilled to have debuted, but I know it's just the beginning. I'll keep growing until I stand on bigger stages."

Members of the multinational girl group MEPC, hailing from countries like India, Tunisia, and Nepal, shared their heartfelt experiences about their debut activities.

On October 5th, MEPC met with TenAsia to discuss their feelings after wrapping up their first EP 'First Fragment' and the challenges they faced as a multinational girl group.

Miho expressed, "I'm happy, but it doesn't feel real yet since we haven't met our fans in person. I hope we get the chance to meet them soon. I think it will feel more real then."

Ann added, "I've lived with the members for two years. We've laughed and cried together while practicing. Being on stage felt like it ended too quickly. I realized I need to grow and improve to enjoy it longer through fan meetings or concerts."

Jailee shared, "The first time on stage was overwhelming. But I don't think we've achieved our dreams yet. It's just the beginning. We need to keep growing towards bigger stages and dreams."

Leader Solmi confessed the difficulties of having members from diverse countries like Tunisia, Myanmar, Nepal, and India. Solmi, from Tunisia, said, "Initially, communication was tough due to cultural differences. But by trying to communicate honestly, we slowly overcame those challenges and embraced each other."

She continued, "With only one Korean member among seven, people might doubt our ability to adapt here. Despite our differences, we aim to prove that music can create a common ground. We face the dual challenge of understanding each other and convincing the public."

Members with unique backgrounds shared their stories. Jailee, who worked as an actress and dancer in India, said, "Debuting as an idol in Korea feels like a dream. I've loved K-pop since I was 13 and thought it was something I wanted to do, but it seemed like a different world."

She added, "Working in Bollywood as an actress and backup dancer fueled my passion for K-pop. My parents opposed it, so I secretly met people and found ways to audition."

Another member, Hara, who studied engineering in Nepal, shared, "I was a year away from graduating when I came to Korea. I've always been drawn to music. I was in a hip-hop dance crew as a hobby and auditioned upon encouragement from others. I balanced university studies by day and dance practice by night."

Anika revealed, "I have a reason to succeed as a K-pop star in Korea. I want to sing for my role model." She continued, "I started singing in India at four. My teacher, who taught me singing and guided my life, was an 'angel.' He wrote songs for me, and I promised to sing them on stage if I became famous. Sadly, he passed away a month before I came to Korea. I wanted to show him how loved I am by people. I hope to sing for him on a big stage someday."

Keke, a member from Myanmar, faced challenges due to multiple sclerosis but remained optimistic. "A year after coming to Korea, I developed the illness. I lost strength and sensation on my left side. I couldn't walk, let alone dance. I considered giving up, but this is all I want to do, so I chose to believe 'I can do it.' With self-care and health management, I'm just happy to be able to dance again."

Solmi shared her long-term goals, "I want to perform at 'Coachella Festival.' Our debut album has songs that can be performed in a band version. This is a comeback spoiler, but we have songs tailored for festival stages like Coachella. My dream is to connect with fans."

Hara said, "I want to win an award at the 'MAMA AWARDS' someday, preferably the grand prize. For now, I want to hold a fan meeting. Like the other members, I want to meet those who love us."

Jailee expressed, "I want to visit each of our countries to meet fans and show our families our best selves. I believe we can become 'K-pop Aces' by performing on various stages and growing."

Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr