Not K-pop, not C-pop – meet WayV, the Chinese boy group and NCT sub-unit topping iTunes charts but doing it their own way
WayV only debuted in January 2019, but the boy group already boasts a long list of achievements. A Chinese-language sub-unit of K-pop institution NCT, the mini album “Take Off” propelled WayV to the top of the QQ Music chart, China’s biggest music site, while follow-up “Take Over the Moon” reached top three in South Korea.
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WayV won best new Asian artist
The group won the best new Asian artist title at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) in December, in recognition of recent accomplishments.
In January 2019, they released their debut EP “The Vision”, paving the way for the fast turnaround if follow-ups “Take Off” in May 2019 and “Take Over The Moon” in October of the same year.
To get in touch with fans, they even toured in China, South Korea and Thailand. Plus, members Ten and Lucas joined supergroup SuperM, also known as “The Avengers of K-pop”.
They have a reality show
WayV aired its 12-episode reality show Dream Plan last August 2019. The episodes feature the band members’ daily adventures as they work hard to achieve their dreams.
In the first episode, the group began their life in a farm by harvesting berries, planting crops and placing fertiliser. Their hardships gave fans a newfound appreciation for agricultural workers. It garnered 1.9 million views which is a testament to their strong fan base.
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Hitting No 1 on iTunes
WayV smashed records with their first EP, “Take Off”, which topped albums iTunes charts in 30 different countries – a first for a Chinese boy group.
They want to forge their own path to success
Unlike most groups eager to join the growing global buzz, WayV don't label themselves as K-pop or C-pop.
Instead, they want to forge their own road to victory and bring something new to the global music stage. Ten said in an interview with Billboard, “We want to identify just as Asian pop or really just as WayV pop. I hope that will become a thing in the future”.
Lucas adds that linking artistry to nationality seems outdated in the modern era. Since the group has a multicultural background (Ten is born in Thailand and Yang Yang spent his childhood in Germany), he believes that members should not limit themselves to their nationality. After all, music has no borders.
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The boys show fans their true selves
WayV’s members aren’t afraid to unabashedly show their true selves.
The boys frequently stream and show fans their adventures – such as getting stuck in an elevator or bickering on Instagram Live. In the elevator debacle, the group joked that they were monster hunters while waiting for help.
Lucas told Vogue he streams frequently to connect with fans. “I started my Instagram because I want to see our fans from all over the world,” he added. “I think there should be more interaction between us; I want to be friends with them.”
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Crowned best new Asian artist at Mnet’s MAMA awards, and with breakout EP Take Off topping iTunes streaming charts across the world, the multicultural Chinese-language boy band represent a new border-less ethos for Asian pop supremacy