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A career-best showing in Japan
K-pop girl group LIGHTSUM is returning to the spotlight after a two-year hiatus, finding fresh momentum through a Japan-focused relaunch and a markedly different image.
The group, which debuted in 2021, introduced its new direction through the ABEMA documentary “Re:Idol,” which followed preparations for its Japanese debut. LIGHTSUM released a mini-album of the same name last month.
Its Japanese debut track, “Doshite,” meaning “Why,” captures the excitement of an unrequited crush. The release pairs J-pop-inspired lyrics and choreography with a cute, colorful concept, including costumes designed to evoke manga characters.
The approach has delivered the group’s strongest chart performance to date. “Re:idol” reached No. 4 on Japan’s Oricon albums chart on the 12th, while the “Doshite” video climbed to No. 3 on YouTube Japan’s daily trending music video ranking on the 15th. A dance practice video featuring costumes inspired by characters from the manga and anime franchise “Sailor Moon” has surpassed 1.36 million views.
Returning to Korean television
LIGHTSUM released “Eotteokhae,” a Korean-language version of “Doshite,” on the 22nd and performed on Mnet’s “M Countdown,” a weekly televised K-pop performance program. It marked the group’s first appearance on a Korean music show in two years.
Member Sangah said the group did not initially expect its Japanese relaunch project to lead to promotions in South Korea. She said the members prepared with a determination to demonstrate how much they had grown during their time away from regular activities.
Sangah described the current period as the busiest since the group’s debut, with members traveling continuously between South Korea and Japan. “I don’t even have time to unpack my suitcase,” she said, adding that she felt happy rather than exhausted. Yujeong said she had become so accustomed to working in Japan that she now dreams in Japanese.
Adjusting to an unexpected concept
The members acknowledged that it took time to embrace the group’s new, cuter image. Sangah said it was not the type of promotion she had anticipated, but the opportunity to perform for a broader audience persuaded her to accept the relaunch. Seeing the response in Japan, she said, made her glad the group had taken the chance.
Yujeong also said she initially felt pressure over the concept but has gained confidence as audiences have responded positively.
For Hina, LIGHTSUM’s only Japanese member, the launch carried personal significance. She moved to South Korea to become a K-pop idol but has now also debuted in her home country. Family members and friends attended the group’s Japanese performance, an experience she described as both unusual and meaningful.
Hina said there were many moments during the hiatus when she considered giving up. She also worried about relaunching with a Japanese-style concept after training and debuting as a K-pop performer, but said the members encouraged one another to seize the opportunity.
Chowon said she used the group’s downtime to practice at its management company and take vocal lessons. Eager to remain onstage, she said she attended nearly every event available to the group.
LIGHTSUM is scheduled to hold a showcase Dec. 28 at Spotify O-EAST in Tokyo.
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