Weeekly (Korean: 위클리; RR: Wikeulli)[1] is a South Korean girl group under IST Entertainment (formerly Play M Entertainment).[2] The group is IST Entertainment's second girl group in ten years, after Apink.[3] The group consists of six members: Soojin, Monday, Soeun, Jaehee, Jihan and Zoa. The group debuted on June 30, 2020, with their debut EP, We Are.[4] Originally a septet, Jiyoon left the group on June 1, 2022, citing mental health issues.[5]
The group's name, Weeekly, taken from the role of the member in charge of each day of the week as the catchphrase says that "every day brings a new and special week."[6]
Soojin, Jiyoon and Soeun were contestants of YG Entertainment and JTBC's survival show Mix Nine, with Soojin being the "prominent face" among the female contestants during the initial stages of the show's launch.[7] However, on January 8, 2018, Soojin withdrew from the show following injury from a traffic accident and had received emergency surgery.[8]
In October 2018, Fave Entertainment had announced its plans to debut a new girl group, temporarily named Fave Girls (페이브 걸즈, stylised as FAVE GIRLS).[9] The lineup included Soojin, Jiyoon, Monday, Soeun and Jaehee.[10] The group was subsequently named PlayM Girls (플레이엠 걸즈) following the merger of Plan A Entertainment and Fave Entertainment, to form Play M Entertainment, on April 1, 2019.[11]
On May 8, 2020, Play M Entertainment announced that PlayM Girls were confirmed to make their debut in June.[12] On May 11, the group name was revealed to be Weeekly, with all seven members of the group and their profile pictures revealed.[13] On June 12, the group's debut extended playWe Are was announced to be released on June 30, together with a release schedule.[14]
On June 30, the music video for the EP's lead single "Tag Me (@Me)" was released 18 hours before the release of the EP.[15] Subsequently, We Are was released digitally,[4] with Jiyoon involved in writing and composing two songs of the EP.[16] The group had a press showcase on the same day.[17] Originally, the group would also have a live debut showcase through V Live, but a fire that broke out near the venue of the showcase resulted in its cancelation.[18] The music video for "Tag Me (@Me)" went on to achieve 10 million views in its first 7 days, while the EP sold over 10,000 copies within its first 8 days.[19]
The group sang KakaoTV variety show Wannabe Ryan's signal song "Boom Chi Ki" (붐 치키).[20] The single was digitally released on September 25.[21] On September 28, the Korean Consumer Forum awarded Weeekly the "Female Rookie of the Year Award," using data from a poll of over 550,000 Koreans.[22]
The group released their second EP We Can on October 13, featuring the lead single "Zig Zag".[23] On October 15, they had their debut stage for the song on M Countdown.[24] The choreography was distinct for its integration of 10-pound cubes into the dance, which the members pushed around the stage.[25] The song achieved 10 million views on YouTube within 4 days, beating their previous record.[25]
2021: We Play, Play Game: Holiday and Jiyoon's hiatus
On February 22, local news outlet Sport TV News reported that Weeekly was preparing for a comeback in March with a new album.[26] Later that day, the reports were confirmed by Play M Entertainment.[27] A image teaser posted on the group's social media accounts announced their third mini album, We Play, would be released on March 17.[28] On March 17, the mini album, along with its title track "After School", were released.[29]
On May 28,The group released a single "7Days Tension", in collaboration with South Korean eyewear brand Davich.[30]
On July 13, Play M Entertainment confirmed Weeekly was preparing for a comeback, aiming for an early August release.[31] On July 15, an image teaser posted across the group's social medias announced their fourth mini album, titled Play Game: Holiday, would be released on August 4.[32] On August 1, PlayM Entertainment released a statement announcing that Jiyoon would be going on hiatus temporarily from all activities due to reoccurring stress and anxiety. Thus, the group's mini album Play Game : Holiday, will be promoted as six members.[33] On August 4, the mini album, along with its title track "Holiday Party" was released.[34]
On December 14, Play M Entertainment (now going under the name IST Entertainment) announced Jiyoon's return from hiatus starting from December 15 and will continue activities with the group.[35]
On February 28, it was announced that Jiyoon would be taking a hiatus temporarily due to tension and anxiety.[36]
On February 15, it was announced that Weeekly will be releasing their first single album, "Play Game : Awake", on March 7.[37] On February 28, it was announced that Shin Jiyoon will not be participating in the album's promotions due to focusing on treatment and recovery for her anxiety.[38] On March 7, The group released their first single album Play Game: Awake featuring "Ven Para" as the lead single.[39]
On June 1, IST Entertainment released a statement regarding Jiyoon's departure from the group, which stated that after having discussions with Jiyoon and her family, it was decided it would be best for her to continue receiving treatment in an environment that helps improve her mental health, thus turning Weeekly into a sextet.[5]
2023: Queendom Puzzle participation, Fansong, and ColoRise
On April 24, it was confirmed that some members of Weeekly will be participating in the Mnet's new Queendom competition show series, Queendom Puzzle, which started from June 2023.[40] The four participating members were announced through Mnet's M Countdown on May 18 and 25. Jihan and Soeun appeared as part of the "PICK on the top" team on the 18th, and Soojin and Zoa made their appearance as part of the "DROP The Beat" team on the 25th.[41] Eventually, Jihan finished in 10th place, Zoa in 19th place, Soojin in 21st place and Soeun in 23rd place.[42]
On September 12, the group released a digital single "Good Day (Special Daileee)" as a fansong for their fans, Daileee.[43] On September 25, IST Entertainment revealed that the release of Weeekly's fifth extended play was pushed back to November 1 from the previously-confirmed October date, marking one year and seven months since the release of the group's last physical album.[44]
The group released their fifth EP, ColoRise, as well as the music video for the lead single "Vroom Vroom" on November 1 at 6 pm KST.[45]
Weeekly released the digital single "Stranger" on January 25, 2024. This is a pre-release for their upcoming single album.[46] On June 12, IST Entertainment announced that the group will comeback with their sixth mini album on July 9.[47] On June 19, they released a promotion scheduler for Bliss.[48] On July 9, the group made their comeback with the release of the sixth EP Bliss, along with its lead single "Lights On".[49]
On May 11, 2021, Weeekly was selected as the advertising model for Korean eyewear brand Davich Optical Chain's Tension 7-Day Lens contact lenses.[50] In August, Soojin was selected as the ambassador for the 23rd Bucheon International Animation Festival (BIAF2021) that was held from October 22 to 26.[51]
In August 2022, Weeekly collaborated with AliMoli Studio for an XR Animation Game Astrostation that is planned for release. It is a 3D VR animation game with the theme of "Space Exploration". The project revolves around the theme of collaboration between the Korean Wave Industry and Media Content Companies that allowing them to promote contents with idea and marketing support, and can expect various concepts and genre expansions.[52] They have appeared in the CAST Park Festival at Gwanghwamun, on October 23 to introduce the product to domestic consumers.[53][54]
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^Go Seung-ah (August 17, 2023). "위클리, 데뷔 3주년 팬송 발매…10월 컴백 예고" [Weeekly releases fan song for 3rd anniversary of debut... October comeback notice]. Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved September 10, 2023.
^Seon Mi-kyung (January 10, 2024). "위클리, 25일 'Stranger' 발매 확정.."낯선 자신으로부터 성장통"" [Weeekly, to confirmed to release 'Stranger' on 25th (Jan).. "growing pains from an unfamiliar self"]. OSEN via Naver News (in Korean). Retrieved January 10, 2024.
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^2020년 11월 Album Chart [November 2020 Album Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2020.
^2021년 5월 Album Chart [May 2021 Album Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 10, 2021.
^2021년 9월 Album Chart [September 2021 Album Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). Retrieved October 7, 2021.
^2021년 32주차 Download Chart [Week 32 of 2021 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). August 1–7, 2021. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
^2022년 11주차 Download Chart [Week 11 of 2022 Download Chart]. Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). March 6–12, 2022. Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2022.
^"위클리, 브아걸 'Love' 리메이크…'From 김이나' 두 번째 곡 가창자" [Weeekly, Brown Eyed Girl's 'Love' remake... Singer of the second song of 'From Kim Eana']. Sports Seoul. July 21, 2022. Retrieved July 21, 2022 – via Naver.
^"위클리, '야오키 프로젝트' 첫 주자…9일 캐럴송 '해피 크리스마스' 발매" [Weeekly, the first runner of the 'Yaoki Project'... Released the carol song 'Happy Christmas' on the 9th]. Osen. December 7, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2022 – via Naver.
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^Kim Hyun-sik (July 30, 2022). "위클리 가창 '리슨업' 경연곡 음원 발매…이대휘 프로듀싱" [Weeekly singing 'Listen Up' contest song release... Produced by Daehwi Lee] (in Korean). Retrieved July 31, 2022.
^Park Ha-na (September 12, 2022). "위클리·에이티즈 '2022 아육대' 릴레이 우승…마지막 금메달 주인공(종합)" [Weeekly ATEEZ's '2022 ISAC relay championship... Last Gold Medal Winner (Overall)] (in Korean). Retrieved September 12, 2022.
^Kang Bo-ra (April 25, 2023). "위클리, M2 단독 예능 '위클리 위클리 홀리데이'" [Weeekly, M2's Eczlusive Variety Show 'Weeekle Weeekle Holiday'] (in Korean). Retrieved April 25, 2023.
^Kim Na-yeon (October 20, 2020). "위클리, 드라마 타이즈 콘텐츠 '위클리 공감' 깜짝 공개…1020 세대 공감 스토리" [Weeekly, surprise release of drama tights content 'Weeekly Empathy'... 1020 generation empathy story] (in Korean). slist kr. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
^Lee Deok-haeng (May 12, 2020). "플레이엠 걸그룹, 팀명 '위클리(Weeekly)'로 확정… 6월 첫 선" [PlayM girl group confirmed with team name 'Weeekly'... first line in june] (in Korean). Xport News. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
^Jeong Ji-won (May 25, 2020). "신예 위클리, 첫 리얼리티 '플레이엠 신인개발팀' 론칭…27일 공개" [Rookie Weeekly launches the first reality show 'PlayM Rookie Development Team'... released on the 27th] (in Korean). inews24. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
^Kyeong Ji-min (August 13, 2021). "위클리, 새 리얼리티 '위클리어' 19일 첫 공개..폭소만발 리얼 일상 예고" [Weeekly, new reality show 'We Clear' first released on the 19th.. Real daily life full of laughter] (in Korean). chosun. Retrieved May 1, 2022 – via OSEN.
^Jeong Hee-yeon (March 29, 2021). > "위클리, 리얼리티 예능 '이번 생은 처음' 첫 화 공개" [Weeekly reveals first episode of reality show 'This is my first life'] (in Korean). nate. Retrieved May 1, 2022 – via Sports Donga.
^Go Seon-ho (August 6, 2021). "다비치안경, 아이돌그룹 위클리와 함께 웹예능 '펜캉스' 첫 공개" [Davichi Glasses, web entertainment 'Pencance' first released with idol group Weeekly] (in Korean). enews. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
^Yoo Byung-cheol (December 3, 2021). "'위클리의 클났어요' 위클리, 김장 도전+몸빼 패션쇼 비하인드 포토 공개 '시선 압도'" [‘Weeekly’s Big’ Weeekly, Kimchi Challenge + Behind-the-scenes fashion show photos released ‘Overwhelming your eyes’] (in Korean). IST Entertainment. Retrieved May 1, 2022.
^Hong Seong-hoon (October 18, 2021). "위클리 이재희, GBUSTV 첫 단독 콘텐츠 '위클리타임' 런칭 - 내외뉴스통신" [Weekly Jaehee Lee, GBUTV's first solo content 'Weekly Time' launched]. kpop fandom. nbnnews. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved April 18, 2022 – via Chosun.
^Kim Soo-jin (February 23, 2023). "위클리, 자체 예능 '위캔두잇' 내일(24일) 첫 공개..'엉뚱美'" [Weeekly, its own entertainment show 'We Can Do It', first released tomorrow (24th)..'Wrong Beauty'] (in Korean). Naver News. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
^Jeong Hee-yeon (December 14, 2023). "위클리, 2024년 1월 데뷔 첫 단독 팬미팅 개최…20일 선예매 오픈" [Weekly holds its first solo fan meeting since debut in January 2024... Pre-sale opens on the 20th] (in Korean). Donga. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
^Jeong Hee-yeon (December 14, 2023). "위클리, 2024년 1월 데뷔 첫 단독 팬미팅 개최…20일 선예매 오픈" [Weekly holds its first solo fan meeting since debut in January 2024... Pre-sale opens on the 20th] (in Korean). Donga. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
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^Park Dong-seon (January 14, 2019). "페이브걸즈, 새해맞이 3차 프리쇼 성료…'칼군무부터 가창력까지' 팔색조 매력 입증" [Fave Girls, the 3rd pre-show for the new year has been completed... Proof of the charm of 'from the sword choreography to the singing ability'] (in Korean). etnews. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
^Hong Seong-hoon (June 21, 2021). "위클리, 데뷔 첫 'KCON:TACT 4 U' 성료" [Weeekly, first debut 'KCON:TACT 4 U' successfully completed] (in Korean). nbnnews. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
^Park Han-ok (August 28, 2021). "KCON:TACT HI 5, 출연진 22팀의 데일리 라인업 공개" [KCON:TACT HI 5, daily lineup of 22 cast members revealed] (in Korean). star in news. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
^Kim Yoon-kyo (October 29, 2021). "위클리, 2021 아시아송페스티벌 무대 현장 사진 공개(11컷)" [Weeekly releases photos from the stage of the 2021 Asia Song Festival (11 cuts)] (in Korean). topstarnews. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
^Hong Hye-min (May 16, 2022). "[단독]레드벨벳·오마이걸→NCT드림, '2022 드림콘서트' 출격…최정상 그룹 뜬다!" [[Exclusive] Red Velvet Oh My Girl → NCT Dream, '2022 Dream Concert' scramble... The top group is up!] (in Korean). nate news. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
^Shin Hee-won (July 8, 2022). "'한류 팝 페스트 런던 2022' 개최... 케이팝이 부활했다" ['Hallyu Pop Fest London 2022' held... K-pop is revived] (in Korean). star in news. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
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^Yoo, Yong-Joo (December 15, 2021). "위클리, 산뜻하게 찾은 '대한민국 문화연예대상' [포토엔HD]". Newsen via Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
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