[Yulgok-ro] A comeback for the first time in 13 years that made ordinary people cry

BESTie, like a cicada, miracles for the first time reaching the top of domestic and international charts... Until reunion after 8 years

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Senior Reporter Seungwoo Lee = There was an idol girl group whose wish was to have at least one hit song. This group, which debuted in 2013 during the transition period from the second generation to the third generation idols, failed to show its presence and virtually ceased activities two years later and disbanded in 2018. Even though they were a team that always did their best sincerely and possessed the triple potential of singing, dancing, and visuals, they quietly disappeared like that. It is said that the income through settlement was '0 won', and when it was disbanded, each person had a debt of 100 million won left.

The precious dreams of these young people who burned their youth to become stars did not blossom. The name of this four-member girl group that took down the sign is ‘Bestie’. The members dispersed and entered the workforce. Leader Hyeyeon transformed into a trot singer and a reporter for a public broadcast local news program. Main vocalist Yoo Ji established himself as a musical actor, and Hae-ryeong, a former child actor, returned to acting. Main dancer Dahye continued her career as a solo singer and musical actress. However, as time passed, the lingering feeling in their hearts about their unfulfilled dream did not fade away.

But a miracle that no one could have imagined happened. The song 'Terms of Love', released 13 years ago, has made a rapid comeback and recently reached the top of domestic and international charts. BESTie's song, which was not even in the top 50 on the domestic charts, entered the 'Top 10' 13 years after its debut. Moreover, the craze is so strong that it is competing for first or second place on the charts in Greater China and Southeast Asia. This is an unprecedented phenomenon in the rapidly changing K-pop world.

Previously, the icon of the idol comeback was Brave Girls (now Brave Girls), who wrote a success story when their song 'Rollin' suddenly took off four years ago while they were preparing for disbandment. The comeback after 4 years was also a hot topic, and it would be an understatement to say that it was amazing that the song gained popularity 13 years after its release. Even though Brave Girls were active at the time, BESTie was an old singer who disbanded a long time ago. What's also unique is that the 'Conditions of Dating' turnaround began as a 'short form' of adding this song to another girl group's video garnered a positive response, spreading to other singers' challenges.

It was also surprising that members who were working in different agencies and doing different things announced their reunion very quickly. Although it was not easy to reunite in reality, the schedule was carefully coordinated and the announcement of the reunion for the first time in 8 years, release of a new choreography video, and appearance on a terrestrial music ranking broadcast were carried out smoothly. Some people wondered how happy and happy they would have been so quickly to announce their reunion after 8 years and focus on practicing and performing. This was possible because the trust and loyalty among the members remained strong despite the long and difficult times, and the will to achieve the dream buried deep in their hearts was strong.

In fact, what is important is that BESTie's revival is not simply consumed by people as an idol's comeback or success story. Nowadays, as competition becomes fiercer and job market barriers become higher, and it becomes increasingly difficult for young people to achieve their dreams, Bestie's dramatic reincarnation is being accepted as a story of 'human victory'. This applies not only to the group as a whole but also to the narratives of each member. These young people silently overcame the despair they felt when their group disbanded, the frustration of having their dreams shattered, and the sense of despair and anxiety that felt like walking through a dark tunnel. And I came back with a hit song that I couldn't have even though I desperately wanted it.

BESTie, who seemed like a young girl when they debuted, has now become a so-called 'adult idol' in their early to mid-30s, but their lives are giving inspiration, comfort, and courage to young people their age and ordinary people. It gave us hope that if we have the patience to not break down even when things get difficult, the wisdom to tackle the tasks that are immediately possible one by one, the sincerity to do our best in everything, and the perseverance to not give up on our dreams, we too can one day reach where we want to be. Bestie's story, which started blowing after 13 years of obscurity, is receiving more attention and affection because it feels like the story of ordinary people like us. I also think of cicadas that see the light after being trapped underground as slug larvae for over 7 years. We support their dreams again.