STAYC, a South Korean girl group, was formed in 2020 under High Up Entertainment. The six-member group, which includes Sumin, Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon, and J, was formerly known as "High Up Girls." Their group name, STAYC, stands for "Star to a Young Culture," and reflects their aim to dominate pop culture.
Prior to their debut, STAYC, along with unsuccessful trainees Chang Chien-chien ("Lydia") and Kim Min-jung, were featured in the YouTube Originals docuseries K-Pop Evolution. This series provided a glimpse into the final months of their training before debuting as STAYC.
Sieun, who is a member of STAYC, was already known to the public before her debut. She is the daughter of veteran singer Park Nam-jung and has acted in several dramas, including The Good Wife, Queen for Seven Days, and The Crowned Clown. In 2018, Sieun won the Youth Acting Award at the SBS Drama Awards for her performance in Still 17. Another member of STAYC, Seeun, was also known for her acting career before her debut. She had appeared in shows like The Guardians and Circle.
STAYC made their official debut with the single "So Bad" in November 2020. The song gained popularity for its catchy melody, upbeat rhythm, and the group's impressive vocals and dance moves. Since then, STAYC has continued to gain attention and popularity, releasing hit songs like "ASAP" and "STEREOTYPE." Their unique style, impressive performances, and charming personalities have made them popular not only in South Korea but also among international audiences.
As a new and upcoming girl group, STAYC has already gained a dedicated fanbase, known as "SWITH" (STAYC with you). The group has also received recognition for their talent, winning the "Rookie of the Year" award at the 2020 Asia Artist Awards and the 2021 Gaon Chart Music Awards. With their talent, charm, and hard work, STAYC is sure to continue dominating the K-pop industry and achieving their goal of becoming stars to a young culture.