K-pop rookie RESCENE returns for another 'Glow Up'

Billboard, Grammy.com mentions fuel girl band to aim high in global market

By Pyo Kyung-min

Having gained global attention in just less than a year since its debut, K-pop rookie RESCENE is aiming for even greater heights with the release of its new album "Glow Up."

For K-pop fans, RESCENE — comprising of members Woni, Liv, Minami, May and Zena — is a familiar name, with the group already making waves in the global music market.

The group's first mini-album, "SCENEDROME," was named one of "The 25 Best K-Pop Albums of 2024" by Billboard, while its title track, "LOVE ATTACK," earned a spot on Grammy.com's "10 K-Pop Songs That Electrified 2024." The group also achieved a rare milestone as the first K-pop group to perform at the iconic Tokyo Tower Sky Stadium in Japan.

Staying true to its rookie ambition, RESCENE returned for another "Glow Up." Upon the release of its second mini-album, Wednesday, the five RESCENE members held a press event at Ilchi Art Hall in southern Seoul to share their "Glow Up" journey.

"'LOVE ATTACK' from our previous album brought us a lot of attention, especially from international fans. That made this album even more important, so we worked even harder on it," Woni, RESCENE's leader, said.

"With the theme of 'glow up,' indicating growth, we wanted to deliver a hopeful message through our new work. This is a representation of our journey, so we hope people welcome our new release," she added.

The mini-album features a total of five tracks: the eponymous title song "Glow Up," along with "CRASH," "Going on," "In My Lotion" and "Cotton Candy."

The title track, according to the members, stands out with its "dreamy, uplifting chorus and catchy hook." Woni mentioned that she was instantly drawn to it after the first listen.

"We first heard the song while riding back to our dorm together after our schedules. The moment the chorus played, I immediately knew it was a great track," she recalled.

With the group's first debut anniversary approaching in March, RESCENE reflected on their own glowing journey over the past year, particularly regarding teamwork.

"Our teamwork has improved so much since our debut. Whether it's dance practice or filming promotional content, we support each other well and that's why I believe this album shines even more," the group's Japanese member Minami said, adding in a lighthearted note that her Korean skills also "glowed up."

May also chimed in, "We've been running nonstop for the past year. I hope people will look forward to seeing how much we've grown in this album."

Given their strong overseas fanbase, the members hope to further establish their name in the global K-pop scene.

"After performing at Tokyo Tower, we realized that more and more people in Japan and around the world recognize and support us," Minami said. "We want to reach even more K-pop fans and perform on more international stages."