INTERVIEW: Ladies' Code Talk About Life Beyond ‘The Rain'

Leaving your mark in the music industry is no simple feat - especially in the climate oversaturated K-Pop market. There’s a revolving door of new artists and returning veteran acts who release new albums at any given time. For some, the urgency to stay fresh in the minds of K-Pop consuming audiences has curbed their innovation. Lately, there’s a tendency for some acts to ride the wave of what’s currently trendy in the Western music hemisphere.

And then there’s Ladies’ Code. 

Since their debut in 2013, Ladies’ Code’s mission was simple: to represent women all over the world through their music. The five girl group showed a spectrum of role models for young women through their different personalities and charms. Shortly after the release of their debut single, “Bad Girl,” they established themselves as one of the most promising new girl groups in K-Pop. Funky music videos, sassy choreography and their infectious jazz-pop fusion sound would become their unmistakeable signature. With millions of views on YouTube, hundreds of fan dance covers, and a growing fanbase behind them, Ladies’ Code’s commercial breakthrough was imminent.

But on September 2014, things took a turn for the worst and the K-Pop industry was left shook. 

Upon returning from a festival performance, the members of Ladies’ Code were involved in a serious car accident that claimed the lives of members EunB Go and Rise Kwon. While the surviving members Ashley Choi, Sojung Lee and Zuny Kim were left with non-life-threatening injuries; they understandably took time off from the limelight to heal physically and emotionally. 

Almost two years later, Ladies’ Code mustered the strength to move forward and continue the mission they set out to complete. Their triumphant comeback, Myst3ry, was released in February as the first part of a trilogy of albums. They’ve traded in their bright and brassy signature for an ethereal, R&B dream-pop sound that feels authentic to their reformation. 

They’re back once again with Strang3r, their new EP that picks up where Myst3ry left off. Emotional dance numbers coupled with a taste of 90’s R&B nostalgia, it’s really a new wave for Ladies’ Code. 

We caught up with Ladies’ Code when they talked to iHeartRadio about their new EP Strang3r, moving forward as three members, their hopes for the future and more. Plus they’ve opened the floor to answer questions you've sent them on Twitter!

[Buy 'Strang3r' on iTunes]

iHeartRadio: How long did it take for Ladies' Code to begin preparing for this comeback?
Ashley: We started preparing for this Strang3r album about a month after our Myst3ry album promotions ended, so it took about 7 months. The original plan was to come back earlier but we kept making changes and adjustments because we wanted to make sure we were completely satisfied with the album. 

iHeartRadio: How important is it to perfect those details?
Ashley: It is very important for us! We tend to be perfectionists sometimes, so we re-record until we are completely satisfied. 

iHeartRadio: What has the response been like so far?
Ashley: Many people have said that they love the new sound of Ladies' Code. When we read the reviews for our albums, about 99% of them were positive. We were really surprised because we didn't expect the responses to be this positive. I mean, we loved our songs but we didn't know if the listeners would feel the same. We were really grateful that they appreciated our music and sound.

iHeartRadio: When Ladies' Code began promoting Myst3ry, it was your first album since your hiatus. We can imagine there may have been many emotions when returning to the stage during that time … 
Ashley: We were very nervous and anxious before we came back with Myst3ry because we didn't know what to expect from the our fans and the audience. A year and six months might not seem too long. But in the world of K-Pop, it is considered really long since [other K-Pop artists typically] make comebacks very quickly. We were scared that we might've been forgotten but the responses were so encouraging. We were really relieved and grateful. 

iHeartRadio: How have you been feeling lately while promoting Strang3r?
Ashley: Promoting Strang3r has been really fun and we are enjoying every second of it. We told ourselves that we wouldn't stress this time, but we would empty our minds of worries and just have fun!

iHeartRadio: At recent shows, you’ve been performing some of your old singles. How do you feel about revisiting these songs as 3 members? 
Ashley: It was definitely hard and still is when we perform them on stage. When we first heard that we had to re-record, change some lyrics and perform our old songs on stage, we didn't know how to take it. We didn't think we would sing those songs again. But many people loved our songs and wanted to hear them again. So we had to be strong and mentally prepare ourselves.

iHeartRadio: Do you feel like you’ve made your debut all over again?
Ashley: Yes. Especially because we had a year and a half hiatus. Everything felt brand new.

Zuny: When we made our comeback stage, I was more nervous than I was for our debut stage. 

iHeartRadio: What was it like to shoot the music video for "The Rain"?
Ashley: Because of the title, there was a lot of rain (obviously) and all of us got soaking wet! 

Zuny: I actually had to submerge myself into a bathtub full of water, fully clothed. It felt weird but it was an experience I'll never forget.

iHeartRadio: A few fans have pointed out that the music video for “The Rain” has some interesting references. For example: it begins with a shot of a piano, sort of like “Bad Girl.” Later, there’s a scene with Sojung wrapped in plastic like in “So Wonderful” … Is it important for you to reference the past?
Ashley: We don't know if those references were intentionally linked to our past music videos but we can see the similarities. It's not necessary to always bring up the past but I think it's important to never forget it.

iHeartRadio: Fans have also been saying that the aesthetics of the new video reminds them of the Japanese girl group, Perfume. Are they a group you look up to?
Ashley: We've heard of Perfume, but never their songs! We just watched about 10 of their music videos right now, and wow, we really enjoyed them. They are so unique and aesthetically pleasing! We hope to go on world tours like them one day.

iHeartRadio: "The Rain" has a very mysterious and ethereal sound compared to some of your last singles. Is there any other styles or genres of music you want to try?
Sojung: I want to try a jazzy hip-hop song. I love both jazz and hip-hop and I think my voice suits both genres very well.

Zuny: I want to try a more cute and lively style of K-Pop, like I.O.I or Twice.

Ashley: I want to do more of a hip-hop and R&B style as well— like the style of Tinashe. I really admire her and am a huge fan!

iHeartRadio: It’s funny you should mention Tinashe! She recently worked on a song with Far East Movement and Chanyeol from EXO. Would you ever want to collaborate with her? 
Ashley: Yes! I love Tinashe and always watch her live performances. I would be so honored to collaborate with her. 

iHeartRadio: With K-Pop becoming more of a global phenomenon, what do you think about American artists embracing K-Pop? 
Sojung: We are so grateful and happy that more people outside of Korea are loving K-Pop and even more glad that foreign artists are embracing K-Pop as well. These days, there are more collaborations with American and Korean artists and I think that will open up even more opportunities to more K-Pop artists.

iHeartRadio: Speaking of global.. Ashley, you often switch between languages when you chat with your fans online. That’s very impressive! How many languages do you know? 
Ashley: I've always had an interest and a passion for languages. When I first immigrated to America, I picked up on English pretty fast and I started learning Spanish in junior high school in second language class. I fell in love with Spanish and took it for the next 6 years and even wanted to be a Spanish teacher at one point. Because of my love for Sailor Moon and anime, I’ve always wanted to learn Japanese as well. Back in the states, I just memorized a few phrases and copied whatever Sailor Moon said but after I came to Korea and started training at Cube Entertainment, I had the opportunity to take Japanese classes and I enjoyed it so much. 

iHeartRadio: How fluent are you in Spanish and Japanese? 
Ashley: I can carry on basic conversations in Spanish and Japanese but I always get confused between the two, and I end up mixing them together... I should start studying again. 

iHeartRadio: Would you ever want to record songs in different languages for international Ladies’ Code fans?
Ashley: Yes, we would love to! We would see fellow idols recording their songs in different languages and promoting in different countries. We always pictured ourselves doing the same too. It'd be nice to record in Japanese and English but I don't think anyone has ever recorded their song in Spanish... So maybe we'd be the first ones to do so?! That would be so amazing!

iHeartRadio: Have you started preparing for the final album in the "3" trilogy? Is there anything you can tell us?
Ashley: Not yet! But I'm sure we will begin preparing as soon as our promotions for Strang3r end. And you guys will have to wait to find out any details, but I can tell you that we are going to continue with this mysterious and dreamy style.

iHeartRadio: Would you ever want return to retro or funky concepts in the future?
Ashley: Yes, if we just get the opportunity! We would still like to do retro or funky concepts in the future. But as long as they have that "Ladies' Code-vibe" (laughs) We wouldn't want to completely ditch the music style we're doing now. 

iHeartRadio: You were recently up against BTS and I.O.I. at a music competition show. Did you have any interactions with the members of those groups?
Zuny: I’m actually close friends with J-Hope from BTS because we went to the same academy in my hometown. 

Ashley: I got pretty close to Chung Ha from I.O.I while we were both promoting because we found out that we have a few mutual friends. I was secretly a big fan of hers when she was on Produce 101 because of her amazing dancing. I hope we get to dance together on stage one day!

iHeartRadio: We received hundreds of questions from Ladies’ Code fans all over the world on Twitter. Here’s what they really want to know … 

"How did you become friends with Jackson from GOT7?” - @sebnemsayan
Ashley: I met him through Peniel and Lena when I was a trainee at Cube. Peniel and Lena used to train at JYP with Jackson and Mark [of GOT7], and I didn't have a lot of friends in Korea so they introduced me to them!

"What's something about you no one would believe?" - @hyoyeons_
Ashley: When we get days off, I usually love to wander around but on my really lazy days, I love to just stay home and play The Sims all day.

Zuny: I have three younger siblings and the youngest one is 7 years old. I basically raised him and when I would go out into town with him, many people would mistake me for his mom.

Sojung: I'm actually girlier than I look. I enjoy drawing, cooking, writing in my diary, sewing and cross-stitching.

"If you could make a song from another group yours, which one do you pick?" - @codeunb
Ashley: 2NE1's “I Am The Best.” I always sing this song at karaoke with my friends and I think I could have a lot of fun with the song performing it on stage. 

Zuny: BolBBalgan4's “Grumpy (심술).” I know their recent title song was a huge hit but I personally like this song and if we Ladies' Code sing it, I think it would have another unique sound.

Sojung: I can't think of a K-Pop group's song, but I would want Beyonce's Single Ladies. It's a bright and upbeat song. But rather than a cutesy vibe, there's this strong, independent woman vibe that I love so much. 

"Is there any language/languages you'd like to speak?" - @phxblssm
Ashley: Ooh! I just wish I could speak all the languages in the world. Hmm, I think I would like to learn Chinese or Russian. My best friend in high school was from Uzbekistan and whenever she spoke Russian, I was always amazed. 

Zuny: I want to be able to speak Japanese and English fluently, and then learn French.

Sojung: Spanish and Chinese. We have a lot of fans in South America, so I want to learn so we can communicate. I learned Chinese in high school for a little bit and I enjoyed it a lot. Korean and Chinese grammar have a lot in common so I liked it.

"What songs you've been listening the most these days?" - @velvetothered
Ashley: I've been listening to a lot of Izzy Bizu, Jojo, dvsn and Honne.

Zuny: July’s “In Love" and Ben’s “Misty Road (안갯길)” 

Sojung: When I'm into an artist, or a song, I would only listen to that forever but I'm trying now to be experimental with the music I listen to. But I always enjoy jazz.

"If you could collab with a boy group, which one you would choose?" - @codeunb
Ashley: I would want to collaborate with Block B because I love how free and playful they are on stage and with their music. I want to jump around on stage with them.

Zuny: BTS because they have so much charisma on stage. I'm just a fangirl.

Sojung: Psy because I just want to let my inner crazy side out on stage with him.

RELATED VIDEO: BTS Interview & Sing Live @ KCON NY 2016

“Having debuted in 2013, Ladies Code are the sunbaes ["the seniors"] of many newcomers. How does that feel?" - @CodeLavely
Ashley: I feel like we're still rookies... I still don't feel like we're sunbaes, because we haven't promoted for very long. 

Zuny: It still feels a little awkward when we hear people calling us "sunbae." We still have a lot more to learn.

Sojung: It's a little embarrassing, but I would like to be a sunbae that newcomers can look up to. I want to work hard so we can inspire others.

"What is your inspiration to keep working hard as you do?” - @lavelys
Ashley: I think our biggest inspiration is our fans, "Lavelys." Their encouragement, smiles, fan chants, letters, love, and so much more, is what keeps us going.

"Ladies' Code is an all vocal group, but if you had to have a rapper who would it be?” - @dont_mind_this_ 
Ashley: I think I would be the rapper! Just because I'm from New York and think I got a little more swag than the the other girls (laughs)

Zuny: I think Ashley-unnie would be the rapper because she has rhythmic sense and her tone of voice would fit rapping really well. 

Sojung: I think all of us would do pretty well. I think skill-wise, Ashley has the most possibility to be the rapper. But I think I can also do a manly rap since my voice is low? Like "girl-crush." Since Zuny has a good voice, she can do like a narration-style rap.

"What hair colors are you willing to try next?” - @sunshinehoteI
Ashley: I never tried anything besides black or brown, so anything besides those two would be nice, actually. There's this new trend color "rose gold." I kind of want to try that.

Zuny: Pastel-toned pink or grey.

Sojung: I have done a lot of colors since I debuted, but I want to try grey or purple.

"What do you think you'll be doing 10 years from now? Any goals you want to reach?" - @ladiescodefan
Ashley: Hopefully, I will have made my acting debut in Hollywood, and start a family! I want 4 kids so I can't start too late.

Zuny: I think I'll open up my own store, get married and live a happy life. 

Sojung: I will most likely still be singing. Hopefully I will have released full albums, with more than 15 songs. And I will have achieved my dream of wanting to be a singer-songwriter. 

"What are your goals for the new year” - @redsveIvet
Ashley: To make our name, Ladies' Code, be more known not just in the K-Pop scene, but all over the world.

Zuny: We want to go to a lot of different countries to meet international fans and go out on a lot of variety shows. I also want to start acting. 

Sojung: For us to be more loved for our music. I also want people to be more familiar with the name "Ladies' Code." I also want to have a lot of concerts abroad.

iHeartRadio: Do you have a message you’d like to share with Ladies Code fans? 
“We just want to say thank you so much for all the love and support that you guys have been showing us, and for being by our sides through all the ups and downs. When we felt like giving up and giving in, it was because of you guys that we were able to get back up on our feet. We wish we had superpowers so we can teleport each and every one of you here and spend time together. But we will have to work harder so we can just go to you guys! We love you so much! All the love and encouragement NEVER goes unnoticed. We appreciate every single one of you guys.”

Photos: Polaris Entertainment