About SAYMYNAME: Member Profiles

SAYMYNAME emerges as a unique force in K-pop, backed by veteran singer Kim Jae Joong and led by former IZ*ONE member Hitomi. The seven-member girl group, set to debut on October 16, 2024, brings together diverse talents under iNKODE entertainment.

While some members like Mei showcased their skills on The Debut: Dream Academy and Seungjoo appeared on My Teenage Girl, the group's formation tells a compelling story of determination. The name "SAY MY NAME" reflects their mission of identity and overcoming life's challenges, resonating with their fandom name LOVvmE.

The Story Behind SAYMYNAME's Formation

iNKODE Entertainment marked a significant milestone with the announcement of their first-ever idol group on August 29, 2024. The company strategically unveiled SAYMYNAME through a carefully orchestrated member reveal process that captured global attention.

Initial Member Selection

The group's formation began with Dohee's introduction on August 30, 2024, followed by a systematic reveal of remaining members. Subsequently, Kanny joined on September 2, Mei on September 4, and Junhwi on September 6. The lineup continued to grow with Soha's reveal on September 9 and Seungjoo on September 11. Furthermore, Hitomi, formerly of IZ*ONE and AKB48, completed the group as the final member on September 13.

Group Name Origin

The name "SAYMYNAME" carries profound significance beyond its surface meaning. Specifically, it represents the unique identity each member brings to the group. Additionally, the name embodies a message of hope, acknowledging life's challenges while emphasizing the importance of maintaining self-identity through difficulties.

Pre-debut Preparations

Kim Jae-joong, serving as iNKODE's Chief Strategy Officer, played a pivotal role in the group's development. Under his guidance, the members underwent intensive training focusing on vocal development and performance skills. The group's multinational composition, featuring members from South Korea, Japan, and Thailand, reflects iNKODE's vision for cultural diversity.

The pre-debut period involved meticulous planning, particularly in crafting their debut EP "SAY MY NAME" and its title track "WaveWay". The members dedicated themselves to perfecting their performances, notably showcasing their skills with "I Will Be the Brightest Star in the Sky Tonight" during their press conference.

Hitomi's Secret Journey from IZ*ONE to SAYMYNAME

At age 22, Hitomi Honda's musical journey spans a remarkable decade across Japan and South Korea. Her path to SAYMYNAME leadership emerged through years of dedicated training and experience across multiple prestigious groups.

Hitomi's Training Period Evolution

Beginning her career in 2014, Hitomi's breakthrough moment came through Produce 48, where she secured 9th place. Her initial C-grade evaluation transformed into an A-grade after re-evaluation, astonishing coaches with her exceptional dance abilities. Throughout the show, she demonstrated remarkable progress in memorizing Korean lyrics and mastering K-pop dance routines.

Behind SAYMYNAME Leadership Style

As SAYMYNAME's leader, Hitomi brings unique qualities that set her apart. Her excellent Korean language proficiency and strong writing abilities have already contributed to the group's creative process. Under Kim Jae-joong's mentorship, she has developed a leadership approach that balances experience with innovation. "This debut represents a significant challenge and an opportunity to expand possibilities," Hitomi expressed about her new role.

Hitomi's Vocal Development

Her vocal journey reflects continuous growth and dedication. From her early days in Produce 48, where vocals were initially considered her weakness, Hitomi showed remarkable improvement. Her key achievements include:

Securing the A-side lead singer position for AKB48's 59th single
Contributing lyrics to SAYMYNAME's EP album
Developing stable vocal techniques while maintaining complex dance routines

The transition from IZONE to SAYMYNAME marks a new chapter in Hitomi's career. After concluding her activities with IZONE in April 2021, she returned to AKB48 before making her final decision to join SAYMYNAME. Her graduation concert at Pacifico Yokohama on January 26, 2024, marked the end of one era and the beginning of another.

Mei's Hidden Dance Training Story

Born in Miyazaki, Japan, Mei Terada brings exceptional dance prowess to SAYMYNAME as the group's main dancer. Her journey through the entertainment industry began with a notable appearance on The Debut: Dream Academy, where she secured the 15th position.

Mei's Pre-debut Dance Journey

Mei's path to becoming SAYMYNAME's main dancer reflects her dedication to perfecting her craft. Her multilingual abilities in Japanese, Korean, and English have indeed enhanced her adaptability in learning diverse dance styles. Known as the "rhythm queen" of the group, Mei's pre-debut period showcased her commitment to mastering complex choreographies.

Mei's Performance Style Evolution

The evolution of Mei's performance style sets her apart through these distinctive characteristics:

Soft vocal tone complementing dance movements
Exceptional expressive abilities in performances
Left-handed coordination adding uniqueness to choreographies
Strong stability in maintaining complex dance routines

Moreover, her role as the main dancer was officially confirmed through the members' self-introduction in iNKODE To Play. Consequently, her position solidified her status as one of the group's strongest performers, particularly noted for her stable and solid stage presence.

Mei's Dance Inspiration Sources

Mei draws inspiration from various K-pop groups, similarly shaping her dance style. Her admiration for groups like STAYC, Twice, and (G)I-dle influences her approach to performance. Nevertheless, her unique charm emerges through her personal interpretation of different dance styles.

Her practice routine encompasses multiple aspects of performance development. Beyond regular dance sessions, Mei dedicates time to drawing and music appreciation, activities that enhance her artistic expression. Her commitment to excellence shows through her frequent mirror practice sessions, which she shares with members Kanny and Soha.

Kanny's Unexpected Path to Main Rapper

From child model to main rapper, Napassanan Keawkong, known professionally as Kanny, brings her distinctive Thai artistry to SAYMYNAME. Born in Lopburi Province on December 26, 2005, her path to becoming the group's main rapper reflects an extraordinary blend of determination and natural talent.

Kanny's Rap Training Journey

First of all, Kanny's foundation in performing arts began at Dandelion dance and vocal/rap studio. Her training period of one year at iNKODE, which began in 2023, focused on developing her soulful timbre and expressive performance style. As a result, she excels in conveying emotions through her rap delivery.

Kanny's Musical Influences

Her musical journey draws inspiration from diverse sources. In fact, her parents' love for various music genres shaped her early exposure to different styles. Her artistic influences include:

BLACKPINK's Lisa as her primary role model
Demon Slayer and other anime soundtracks
Studio Ghibli films, especially Howl's Moving Castle
"New Woman" by Lisa, which significantly impacted her style

Kanny's Songwriting Process

Accordingly, Kanny's approach to songwriting combines her rap skills with emotional storytelling. Her daily routine includes 90 minutes of exercise while listening to the same song repeatedly, a practice that helps refine her rhythm and flow. Therefore, her performance style incorporates powerful movements, reflecting her commitment to delivering impactful stage presence.

Her creative process emphasizes expressiveness in performance, with her INFP personality type contributing to her introspective songwriting approach. She maintains a rigorous practice schedule, often spending extra time perfecting her movements in front of mirrors, a habit she shares with fellow members Mei and Soha.

Soha's Vocal Development Journey

Revealed as the fifth member of SAYMYNAME on September 9, 2024, Soha brings a distinctive blend of maturity and playfulness to her role as the group's visual vocalist. Her journey in music showcases a unique approach to vocal artistry.

Soha's Singing Style Evolution

Undoubtedly, Soha's vocal style draws heavily from R&B and hip-hop influences. Her quick wit and confident presence on broadcasts reflect her mature approach to performance. Essentially, her singing technique combines emotional depth with technical precision, as demonstrated in her interpretations of debut album tracks like Be a Star and 8llowme.

Soha's Musical Background

Above all, Soha's musical journey has been shaped by diverse influences. Her artistic development stems from admiration of notable artists:

SNSD's Taeyeon for vocal technique
BLACKPINK's ROSÉ for performance style
aespa's Karina for stage presence

Coupled with her early exposure to K-pop stages, these influences sparked her passion for performing. Her sister's background as a former Show Queen contestant further enriched her understanding of the industry.

Soha's Practice Routine

Primarily, Soha's practice methodology aligns with professional vocal development principles. Her daily routine incorporates regular vocal exercises, focusing on breath control and pitch accuracy. Between practice sessions, she channels her creativity through drawing, an activity that enhances her artistic expression.

Her training regimen includes:

Bodywork Routine: Starting each session with physical preparation
Vocal Warm-ups: Implementing systematic exercises for voice development
Technical Focus: Dedicating time to specific vocal elements in each practice session

The effectiveness of her practice shows in her stable performances and growing vocal control. Her approach to vocal development emphasizes regular, focused practice sessions rather than extended marathon practices, allowing for proper vocal rest and development.

Dohee's Center Position Journey

Stepping into the spotlight as SAYMYNAME's first revealed member, Kim Do Hee embraces her role as the group's center with distinctive artistry. Her journey through Joy Dance Music Gwangju laid the foundation for her current position, shaping her understanding of performance dynamics.

Dohee's Performance Philosophy

First of all, Dohee's approach to the center position stems from her understanding of stage dynamics. Her performance philosophy emphasizes the importance of maintaining presence while supporting other members' moments to shine. Primarily focusing on creating harmony within the group, she views the center position as a responsibility to enhance the overall group's impact rather than individual spotlight.

Dohee's Stage Presence Development

Stage presence, in Dohee's perspective, comprises several key elements:

Mental presence and awareness
Emotional connection with audiences
Physical command of space
Consistent energy maintenance

Her development journey includes rigorous training in body language and movement patterns. Generally, her practice sessions focus on maintaining eye contact with audiences while executing complex choreographies. Hence, her ability to project confidence while performing has become a hallmark of her style.

Dohee's Center Role Challenges

The center position brings unique responsibilities that Dohee navigates with determination. In addition to maintaining stable vocal delivery, she simultaneously manages formation transitions and group cohesion. Her role requires exceptional awareness of camera angles and audience perspectives, skills she has refined through dedicated practice.

Likewise, her position demands mastery of various performance aspects:

Maintaining consistent energy levels throughout performances
Leading formation changes without breaking character
Adapting expressions to match song concepts
Coordinating with other members for seamless transitions

Overall, Dohee's journey as SAYMYNAME's center reflects her commitment to growth and artistic excellence. Her background in various auditions, including attempts with P-NATION, WM, HighUp, and Jellyfish, has contributed to her versatile performance style and adaptability on stage.

Junhwi's Multi-talented Evolution

Discovered through DIP Dance Studio, Junhwi brings versatility to SAYMYNAME through her roles as Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist, and Sub Rapper. Standing at 167 cm, this Gimje native began her artistic journey in 2022.

Junhwi's Dance Background

Primarily focusing on dance, Junhwi's training at DIP Dance Studio laid the foundation for her performance style. Her dedication to dance started just two years before debut, yet she quickly mastered complex choreographies. Subsequently, her natural talent earned her the position of Main Dancer, where she presently showcases her skills alongside fellow performers Mei and Seungjoo.

Junhwi's Vocal Journey

As Lead Vocalist, Junhwi demonstrates remarkable vocal abilities that complement her dance expertise. Her musical journey reflects these key achievements:

Mastering vocal techniques while maintaining complex dance routines
Developing a unique tone that stands out in group performances
Contributing to the group's diverse vocal color spectrum

Junhwi's Rap Development

Ultimately, Junhwi's evolution as Sub Rapper adds another dimension to her artistic repertoire. Her ISFP personality type occasionally influences her performance style, bringing sensitivity and creativity to her rap delivery. Born on June 11, 2007, she balances these multiple roles while pursuing her passion for music and dance.

Beyond her official positions, Junhwi maintains a personal routine that enhances her artistry. She finds solace in writing diary entries and listening to music with headphones, activities that fuel her creative expression. Her admiration for BTS's Jungkook shapes her approach to performance, inspiring her to continuously refine her skills across all domains.

Seungjoo's Maknae Leadership Role

First and foremost, Yoon Seungjoo stands out as SAYMYNAME's youngest member, born on September 24, 2010. As the group's main vocalist and dancer, her journey reflects remarkable maturity despite being the only member born in the 2010s.

Seungjoo's Group Dynamic Impact

Throughout SAYMYNAME's formation, Seungjoo's presence brings unique energy to the group dynamics. Despite a notable 9-year age gap with leader Hitomi, her experience from My Teenage Girl, where she participated as the youngest contestant, equipped her with valuable industry insights. Her introverted personality masks a natural talent for bringing laughter to the group, primarily through her interactions with Mei and Kanny.

Seungjoo's Performance Growth

As such, Seungjoo's artistic development traces back to age eight, when TWICE's performances inspired her dream of becoming a singer. Her achievements include:

Main vocalist and main dancer positions
Multiple awards from children's song competitions (2019-2021)
Experience as a child MC on MBC's 'Ppoppo Ppoppo, Everyone Let's Play'

Seungjoo's Team Relationships

Evidently, Seungjoo's role extends beyond her maknae status. Her connections within the industry include close friendships with CLASS:y members Bo-eun and Seon-yu. Within SAYMYNAME, she embodies the group's all-rounder spirit, contributing significantly to both vocal and dance performances.

Her INFP personality type shapes her approach to team dynamics, bringing sensitivity and depth to group interactions. Certainly, her motto reflects her dedication: "If it doesn't work, keep going until it does. Once it works, strive to do well. And once you do well, aim for perfection". Standing at 163 cm, she maintains strong stage presence while complementing her fellow members' performances.

Members' Special Talents Revealed

Beyond their primary roles, SAYMYNAME members possess an array of hidden talents that showcase their versatility as artists. Their diverse abilities range from athletic prowess to artistic expression, setting them apart in the K-pop landscape.

Hidden Skills Overview

Primarily, the group demonstrates exceptional linguistic abilities, with Kanny mastering four languages: Thai, English, Korean, and Japanese. Meanwhile, Hitomi excels in basketball, demonstrating athletic versatility beyond her leadership role. Although less known, Soha's gymnastic background enables her to perform handstands and side lunges with precision.

Unique Member Abilities

The members' distinctive capabilities include:

Mei's artistic talent for drawing and visual arts
Junhwi's skill in diary writing and musical interpretation
Soha's expertise in facial massage and skincare techniques
Kanny's potential as a former kabaddi player

Unexpected Talents

Markedly, several members possess surprising abilities that enhance their artistic expression. Soha, besides her vocal prowess, creates detailed landscape paintings. Nonetheless, her artistic talents extend beyond visual arts, as she maintains exceptional dance stability due to her long limbs and superior physical strength.

Chiefly, Kanny's husky and soulful tone sets her apart, making her particularly adept at covering foreign pop songs. Lastly, Seungjoo's experience as a child MC on MBC's 'Ppoppo Ppoppo, Everyone Let's Play' demonstrates her early development of public speaking skills.

Their collective talents create a dynamic group identity, with each member contributing unique abilities that complement their official positions. Undeniably, these hidden skills strengthen their performances and add depth to their artistic presentations. Through continuous practice and development, these talents evolve alongside their primary roles, enriching SAYMYNAME's overall appeal.