To celebrate HITGS’s official debut, we caught up with each member individually.

Meet Iyoo — the group’s spirited main dancer and maknae, whose cool edge is grounded in grit. A proud Korean of Zainichi heritage, she was first cast after performing as a backup dancer for STAYC at KCON JAPAN. Now, she’s stepping into her own spotlight and owning every second of it.

KPOPWORLD: You carry a layered cultural story: Korean by nationality, Zainichi by heritage, trained in Japan. How do these threads influence how you express yourself on stage?

Iyoo: I grew up naturally feeling and absorbing the emotions and sensibilities of both Korea and Japan. On stage, I want to express the delicate and calm style I learned in Japan, along with the powerful and passionate energy of Korea. I believe this cultural background is what makes me unique, and it naturally shows in my performance.

You got your start as a backup dancer for STAYC. What did that experience teach you about presence, even when the spotlight isn’t on you?

Iyoo: That time was tough for many reasons, but I was always surrounded by my family, supportive teachers, and friends at my studio. Thanks to them, I was able to rediscover the joy of being on stage. Through that experience, I learned that the most important thing is never forgetting how much I love performing.

As the maknae, there’s often a mix of protection and pressure. How do you stay true to yourself while growing into your role within the group?

Iyoo: As the maknae, I get a lot of love and support, but I also feel a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to the team. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m working on making the things I learn from my older members truly my own, and I want to grow steadily into someone they can rely on.

Are there specific styles or choreographers that shaped your approach?

Iyoo: I’ve been deeply inspired by BLACKPINK’s Jennie sunbaenim. Her performances are so powerful yet elegant and detailed—it’s amazing. I want to become an artist like her, and I always practice to better express emotion and atmosphere through my dancing.

You’ve had to move between different spaces — culturally, artistically, and personally. What’s one moment where that in-between identity felt like a strength, not a challenge?

Iyoo: At first, I struggled with the feeling that I didn’t fully belong to either Korea or Japan. But whenever I talked with my mom, she’d always tell me, “Being able to understand both cultures is what makes you special.” Now I truly believe that’s my color—and my strength.

If your dancing had a voice of its own, what would it be saying right now about who you are and where you’re headed?

Iyoo: It would say, “I may seem small and quiet, but on stage, I’ll speak louder than anyone—straight to your heart. So keep dancing. That’s your path.”