Contributor Content:

K-pop is now in its fifth generation and full of many new idols. Anyone who has been a fan of the genre for a while will remember the second-generation era, which was known for being full of hugely successful artists. SISTAR was a group that marked their spot as a sexy, sporty girl band during this challenging generation. Now, after 11 years, HYOLYN and BORA have returned with their comeback track “No More (Ma Boy)” as SISTAR19.

 

Congratulations on your comeback as SISTAR19 after 11 years! It’s been a long time. You two have been working on your solo careers, but how does it feel to be back as SISTAR19? 

BORA

“I’m slightly nervous but mostly excited to have fun promoting this single.” 

HYOLYN

“I’ve been working solo for a while, so [it’s been] so much fun to collaborate and work with BORA after such a long time. I’m really looking forward to promoting this track.”

The concept behind your debut single, “Ma Boy,” was a young girl who is excited yet anxious about being in love. This time, SISTAR19 has returned as two confident women. Please tell us how you worked on the theme and concept for this track.

BORA

“‘No More (Ma Boy)’ contains a more mature, confident and relaxed image. Rather than holding on to the sadness, it’s about experiencing the emotions after accepting them.” 

HYOLYN

“Considering our age back then, ‘Ma Boy’ portrayed the concept and what we wanted to express well. Now that we’ve been apart for a long time, we have also matured and improved. So, I thought it would be great to incorporate those elements into SISTAR19’s style while maintaining our original colour. I hope to display a more confident and cool image.” 

This single, “No More (Ma Boy),” and its title are very meaningful. Tell us about this release. 

BORA

“This song is an extension of ‘Ma Boy.’ If ‘Ma Boy’ was about a young girl expressing her emotions, this single is also about expressing emotions but [also about] being more mature and confident.” 

HYOLYN

“‘No More (Ma Boy)’ contains two songs. When we picked the songs, we wanted to make sure the two had different colours. The title ‘No More (Ma Boy)’ is an extension of ‘Ma Boy’ and has a very catchy hook and melody. On the other hand, ‘SAUCY’ has a similar vibe to ‘Ma Boy.’”

On this album, the cowgirl concept is very impressive. The outfits really show off your skin’s vibrance. When we think of SISTAR, the phrases “summer queen,” “health” and “sexy” always follow. If you compare it to 11 years ago, could you tell us what’s different? 

BORA

“Rather than saying it’s different from 11 years ago, I hope to show a more mature and relaxed attitude. Instead of making big resolutions and setting specific goals, being back with an album after a long time, I plan to be happy and have lots of fun promoting it and the performances.”

HYOLYN

“Working solo made me broaden my horizons and what I think about music and being onstage. Eleven years ago, I wasn’t able to take proper care of myself as I was too busy. But now, I try to make time for myself even if things are busy. My biggest resolution is to continue working out and making music so I can sing and dance for a long time while staying healthy. I’m learning a lot during this time, and it feels like I’ve developed the ability to see the bigger picture and I’m able to grow as an artist.” 

As one of the groups representing the second generation of K-pop, SISTAR left such a symbolic legacy. What feeling does SISTAR19 want to share for this comeback, and what new symbolic meanings do you, HYOLYN and BORA, each want to create? 

BORA

“I’m so thankful that we have such symbolic words to describe us. It’s not easy to come up with words to represent us. A lot of time has passed since then, but I hope to still hold on to the original symbolism and add words like ‘unnies’ (the word used between sisters) and ‘noonas’ (the word used between a brother and his older sister).”

HYOLYN

“BORA and I have great synergy together, just being around each other, and we don’t have to try too hard. There are lots of music groups, but I would like the title [of] ‘the best group.’” 

Seeing the colourful-cowgirl concept with SISTAR and SISTAR19, as singers and actors, you’ve shown diverse charm throughout your careers. Among the various colours you’ve worn, which one did you feel was the most “you”?

BORA

“I think I’m still in the phase of thinking about that. Working on this album, there were lots of parts where I thought, ‘This seems like the colour that I’ve always worn.’” 

HYOLYN

“As a colour, it would be red and black. SISTAR’s music was always mainly represented in red, and when other members wore different colours, I always went with red or pinkish tones. Red is pretty strong, which is why I liked it. For a solo artist, black would be ‘Layin’ Low.’ It felt the most ‘me,’ and at the same time, it was the most enjoyable—being able to represent myself in the most natural state.”

You both have continuously filmed content over the years, with different concepts, hair, makeup and clothes. How you can pull off the concepts every time is amazing! Are there any techniques you use to make a shoot your own? 

BORA

“Once you put on the clothes, with matching hair and makeup, I think it just [comes] to you naturally. I love filming videos or taking pictures and enjoy trying new things and taking on challenges, which makes every shoot fun. I can’t say it’s a technique, but once everything is put on, I think, ‘This pose goes well with what I want to express right now.’” 

HYOLYN

“Rather than a technique, it’s really important to know what kind of messages we want to express through our music and photo concepts. Once that’s clear, the outcome will be pretty successful.” 

To catch up with the two of you, HYOLYN acted as a solo artist, releasing OSTs and albums and being onstage, while BORA acted onscreen as an actor under the name Yoon BoRa. When did you miss your group act the most during your solo activities? Did you ever think about being back as SISTAR19?

BORA

“I’ve talked with our members a lot as I really missed being in a group and onstage. I had been eagerly waiting for a chance to be onstage again. Being able to be onstage with this album at such a wonderful time has brought me huge joy and pleasure.” 

HYOLYN

“Seeing other groups fool around with each other on variety shows made me miss our group. I felt sorry for our members who could not see how much international fans love our songs when I sang SISTAR’s songs on tour.”

We’ve met up with SISTAR19’s HYOLYN and BORA for this interview. To anyone who remembers the second-generation era, we can’t not talk about SISTAR. Can we look forward to seeing SISTAR in the future? If there are any special plans, please share. 

BORA

“We don’t have a specific plan for our full group reunion, but if we have the chance, we hope to put on a great performance for the fans who’ve always supported and waited for us.” 

HYOLYN

“There’s no plan for SISTAR, but hopefully we can get all the members together to meet the fans.”

As our conversation with BORA and HYOLYN draws to a close, it’s clear that SISTAR19 remains untarnished by time. Their journey from second-generation K-pop stars to their current reunion is not just the story of them maturing musically but also one of personal growth and resilience. While the future of a full SISTAR reunion remains a hope rather than something concrete, the duo’s enthusiasm and love for their project and fans shine as bright as ever.

Their latest work with “No More (Ma Boy)” is not just a comeback; it’s a renaissance of the spirit that endeared them to millions. As BORA and HYOLYN continue to walk their artistic paths with grace and elegance, we, along with other fans worldwide, look forward to witnessing the continuing saga of SISTAR19. Their story is a testament to the K-pop genre; they’re standing firm and strong while they write a new chapter for fans everywhere.

 

KO Media newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.