Meet the legendary Apink

The group, in conversation with Panorama, talks about their last mini-album, “Self,” and the secret of being together for twelve years

If we have to name legendary K-pop groups, we can’t leave out Apink. Born in 2011 as a seven-members group under Plan A Entertainment, Apink is now formed by five members - Chorong, Bomi, Eunji, Namjoo, and Hayoung.

The girls, since their debut, have shown their versatile side as artists ranging their discography from bright pop sounds to bold and even experimental ones.

Their last work, SELF, marks their 10th mini album release, the first as a quintet, and their come back to the bright and feel-good vibes. SELF also set a new personal record for the girls with 56.116 album sales in its first week.

Featuring the title track D N D, a short form for “Do Not Disturb," the song contains a message of healing and support to imagine your own world without anyone's interference. SELF has five songs in total, including “Withcha,” “Me, Myself & I,” “Candy,” and “I want you to be happy.”

Panorama.it spoke with the girls in an exclusive interview for the Italian Pink Pandas.


Nice to meet you, girls. Can you please introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello Panorama readers, we are Apink! We are so happy to greet you with our 10th mini-album [SELF], and thank you for always supporting us!

Your 10th mini album... Congratulations! How does it feel to reach this milestone together?

Cho Rong: I feel so grateful. When I look back, it was a really tough road that we overcame. It was even harder to overcome it at such a young age. But I am so thankful that we sacrificed and compromised a lot for our fans, who love our team and brought us here.

HaYoung: Time has passed so fast that it feels like we just met when we see each other. It's hard to realize that this is our 10th album.

SELF, it’s the album's name. Can you tell us more about the meaning behind it and how did you come up with this name?

Bo Mi: As [SELF] means one's true self, we wanted to show Apink's true colors as much as possible

Nam Joo: We tried to include Apink's unique bright, and cheerful image, and each member tried to show their individuality.

Can you tell us more about your title track?

Eun Ji: The title track 'D N D', which embodies the meaning of 'Do Not Disturb,' is an impressive pop dance genre that fits Apink's bright mood and shows Apink's vocal ability. It contains a message that tells people who have lost hope without finding their own color to imagine their own world where no one can disturb them and gives them courage.

If you had to choose one song from this album, which would it be and why?

Eun Ji: 'Candy'! The choreography and lyrics were fun; also, it was so much fun performing it on stage during the 'Pink drive' Fan Concert.

Ha Young: My favorite is the 2nd track, 'Withcha'! Listening to it makes me feel like I'm on vacation, and it highlights Apink'ssoulful feeling and singing ability.

You debuted in 2011; you are a veteran group. How has K-pop changed in these years from your point of view?

Bo Mi: There is more diverse music these days, and listening to music has become more enjoyable. We are grateful for the opportunities to promote Korea globally as we receive more love from overseas. We want to work harder!

Nam Joo: We can definitely sense that the world is becoming more interconnected, leading to heightened expectations for K-pop music and easier access to discovering new and exciting songs. Regardless of the years of experience accumulated, we want to continue to present good music to the audience. I believe that both the performers and the audience will develop a deeper understanding of each other, allowing us to savor and enjoy every moment together fully.

The chemistry between you girls looks fantastic. What’s your secret?

Eun Ji: I think it really is all about time. Lately, I've been thinking about how we can continue to be together like this. It seems like as time passes and we accumulate more experiences together, our understanding of each other deepens. Of course, it's not always easy to keep having fun together, but I think we've been able to find moments of compromise and understanding in those times.

Nam Joo: It seems like we understand each other well. It's difficult for everything to fit perfectly because we've all lived different lives. However, all of our members have broad understanding, kind, and pure hearts, so even if we feel sad emotions, we solve it through conversation or joke around and move on. Over the years, those things accumulate, and our relationship becomes even closer.

You are part of the history of K-pop. Which is the legacy you want to build for your fans?

Cho Rong: I just want to be on stage for a long time and communicate with fans. I don't want to disappear just because I've been in the industry for a long time. I want to work harder to consistently meet fans on stage and continue to work regardless of my seniority.

Ha Young: Instead of constantly displaying different aspects of ourselves, I prefer to convey the idea that we will always be on each other’s side. I want to ensure that they don't experience any anxious or unpredictable emotions.

I have one last question for you: if you could describe in one word who were Apink at their debut and who are Apink now, which one would you choose?

Cho Rong: Unpolished diamond – diamond.

Bo Mi: Pastel Pink - Hot Pink!

Eun Ji: During our debut, it was about adoption, whereas now it’s about trust.

Nam Joo: during our debut, it was like a flower bud, but now it's like a full-bloomed flower.

Ha Young: During our debut, Apink was like unripe dongchimi (동치미, watery radish kimchi), but now we're like sour kimchi that's ripened and matured. Initially, we were refreshing and clear like the broth, but now we bring a depth of flavor and enhance any dish we're a part of!

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Marianna Baroli

Giornalista, autore

(Milano, 1986) La prima volta che ha detto «farò la giornalista» aveva solo 7 anni. Cresciuta tra i libri di Giurisprudenza, ha collaborato con il quotidiano Libero. Iperconnessa e ipersocial, è estremamente appassionata delle sfaccettature della cultura asiatica, di Giappone, dell'universo K-pop e di Hallyu wave. Dal 2020 è Honorary Reporter per il Ministero della Cultura Coreana. Si rilassa programmando viaggi, scoprendo hotel e ristoranti in giro per il mondo. Appena può salta da un parco Disney all'altro. Ha scritto un libro «La Corea dalla A alla Z», edito da Edizioni Nuova Cultura, e in collaborazione con il KOCIS (Ministero della Cultura Coreana) e l'Istituto Culturale Coreano in Italia.

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