Brave Girls calls ‘Rollin”s viral success miracle, appreciates fans for support

Brave Girls said Wednesday its latest album, “Thank You,” is an ode to its devoted fans, who made it possible for the K-pop group to achieve viral success with “Rollin’” last year after more than 10 years of obscurity.

“We received so much love last year but had no proper chance to express appreciation for this. That’s why we named the album and its title track ‘Thank You,’” the group said during an online media showcase in Seoul for its sixth EP, “Thank You.” “Fans say they thank us for holding out, but we wanted to say we were able to be there because of you and that we thank you.”

In March 2021, the quartet, which was on the verge of disbanding as they remained outside of the spotlight throughout its 10-year-long career, suddenly shot to fame with its 2017 single “Rollin’” after a fan-made video of the band performing the song live at various events along with witty comments from its fans, mostly conscripted soldiers, went viral on YouTube.

The song then dominated various music charts four years after it came out, and the band began to appear on numerous TV and radio shows. With the newfound success of the group, other songs, like “We Ride” (2020), also climbed the charts as well.

K-pop group Brave Girls poses for the camera during an online media showcase in Seoul for its sixth EP, “Thank You,” on March 23, 2022. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

“Thank You” consists of a total of five tracks, including the title track, “You and I,” “Love is Gone” and “Can I Love You.”

The lead single is a funky, retro-pop genre song with lyrics expressing thanks to those who have been with the quartet for a long time without giving up.

“I wanna thank y’all, I’m telling you / Saying it a hundred times isn’t enough / I wanna thank y’all, I’m feeling your love, babe / Always stay by my side, just like now, stay with me,” the members sing on the song.

“Last year, we were loved so much and experienced something miraculous,” Yujeong said. “We expressed our gratitude for this in this song.”

Yuna said, “There were people who said they gained hope from our sudden success, but on the contrary to this, we were encouraged. I’d like to say thank you to those who said they were encouraged to take a challenge by watching us and those who will face miracles in the future.”

The group originally planned to hold the showcase on March 14, the day when the album dropped.

But the event was rescheduled, as its three members, Minyoung, Yujeong and Eunji, tested positive for COVID-19.

Brave Girls also announced it will compete on the second season of local cable channel Mnet’s popular girl group competition show “Queendom.” Other contestants include K-pop groups such as LOONA, Kep1er and VIVIZ.

“Our goal is to show how we grow through the competition show,” Eunji said. “We decided to appear in the show, taking it as a chance to show ourselves more to global K-pop fans. It’s a bit difficult to simultaneously prepare for the appearance and our comeback, coupled with COVID-19. We’re working hard.”