Story by Editor-at-Large CAROLINA OGLIARO
Meet A2O MAY: The Next Global Sensation Bringing in a New Era of Zalpha Pop
In a world where the music industry is constantly evolving, a new name is set to shake up the scene: A2O MAY. More than just a girl group, they are the embodiment of a fresh musical revolution: Zalpha Pop, a genre crafted specifically for the digital-native Generation Z and Generation Alpha.
With a powerhouse behind them, Lee Soo-man, the mastermind behind K-pop’s global domination, A2O MAY isn’t just another debut. They’re a movement. Their name, symbolizing the bloom of May flowers under the sun, represents a new era of music, culture, and influence.
Who Are A2O MAY?
Meet the Five Stars Destined for Greatness!
Each member brings something unique to the table, making A2O MAY a perfect storm of talent, charisma, and international appeal:
—Miche (陈佳仪) – The dancing queen from Hawaii, born on April 15, 2005. She shares an unbreakable bond with her twin sister, Kat.
—Kat (陈佳辰) – The artistic soul, also born on April 15, 2005, in Hawaii. When she’s not dominating the stage, you’ll find her sketching, playing basketball, or lost in a novel.
—Shijie (李诗洁) – Hailing from Shanghai, this musical prodigy (born June 26, 2007) stuns with her dance moves and piano skills.
—Quchang (曲唱) – The tallest and most commanding presence in the group, this Jiangsu-born powerhouse (born July 28, 2007) shines with her angelic voice and piano mastery.
—Chenyu (朱晨予) – Born on February 22, 2008, in Shanghai, she’s the group’s style icon, blending high fashion with K-pop energy. Before stepping into the spotlight, she was already a rising star in the modeling world.
The Explosive Debut That Has Everyone Talking
A2O MAY officially stormed onto the scene on December 20, 2024, with their debut digital single, “Under My Skin”—a bold, dynamic English hit that can bring global attraction to each of their talents as individuals and as a group. They didn’t stop there; they also dropped a Mandarin version, proving their commitment to domination at home.
Blending a heavy bass-driven rhythm with laid-back vocals, sleek synthesizers, and mesmerizing harmonies, A2O MAY has crafted a sound that feels fresh yet timeless, with an impeccable range to scale those thrilling high notes.
What’s Next?
With Lee Soo-man’s visionary touch, A2O MAY is set to transcend borders, cultures, and languages, bringing Zalpha Pop to the world stage. Their journey is just beginning, and fans are in for an unforgettable ride.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the world of A2O MAY, exclusive insights, untold stories, and what’s next for the rising global icons, in our exclusive interview below!
A2O MAY, congratulations on your debut! How did the concept of “Zalpha Pop” come about, and what does it signify to you?
SHIJIE: Thank you! The concept of ‘Zalpha Pop’ is actually quite simple but meaningful. As A2O members come from both Gen Z and Gen Alpha, our music reflects the blend of these two generations. ‘Zalpha Pop’ isn’t just about the music itself – it’s about capturing the voice and identity of a new generation, pushing boundaries, and creating something fresh and exciting that resonates with people our age.
Your debut single, “Under My Skin (A2O),” is a reinterpretation of Sarah Connor’s “Under My Skin.” What inspired you to choose this song, and how did you infuse it with your unique style?
CHENYU: “Under My Skin” by Sarah Connor is a song we all grew up listening to. It’s been remade by many artists, but as far as we know, this is the first time a female group has done it.
QUCHANG: “Under My Skin (A2O)” offers a fresh take with its laid-back rhythm, blending offbeat vocals with a strong drum groove, and the track keeps things dynamic with catchy top lines over a minimal synth. We reinterpreted the song as A2O MAY’s own Zalpha Pop so we hope you enjoy!
The Official Video for ‘Under My Skin (A2O)’ has garnered over 11 million views since its release. How do you guys feel?
SHIJIE: It still feels surreal! Seeing ‘Under My Skin’ reach over 11 million views is something we’re so grateful for. We put so much effort into this song, and knowing that so many people around the world are listening, watching, and connecting with it means everything to us. It’s also a huge motivation to keep pushing ourselves and bringing even more to our future music. Thank you to everyone who’s supported us—we wouldn’t be here without you!
The group’s name, A2O MAY, carries a poetic symbolism. Could you elaborate on its meaning and how it reflects your identity as artists?
MICHE: ‘Mei’ in Chinese means ‘beauty.’
KAT: And ’May’ is the fifth month of the year, and there are five of us in the group—pretty fitting, right?
Kat and Miche, as twins, how do your individual personalities and talents complement each other within the group dynamic?
KAT: Even though we’re twins, we have really different strengths that balance each other out. Miche is super detail-oriented and always makes sure everything is polished, while I bring a lot of spontaneous energy to the group. It’s like she keeps us grounded, and I keep things exciting.
We’re so much more different than just the direction we part our hair. I’m usually left-parted, and Miche is right-parted, just so you know!
MICHE: Kat’s confidence helps me step out of my comfort zone, while I help her focus when things get overwhelming. Whether it’s in music, performing, or just daily life, we naturally lift each other up. It’s the best kind of teamwork!
Chenyu, your background in child modeling has been noted. How has this experience influenced your approach to performance and stage presence?
CHENYU: Starting out as a child model definitely helped me feel comfortable in front of the camera and on stage from a young age. I learned how to express emotions through my posture and facial expressions, which naturally carried over into performing. But music and dance bring a whole new level of connection—I’m not just posing, I’m telling a story. That experience gave me confidence, but A2O MAY has helped me grow into an artist who’s learning how to connect with people in a deeper way through performance.
Quchang and Shijie, both of you have been roommates since February 2025. How has living together impacted your teamwork and camaraderie?
QUCHANG: Living together has definitely made us closer—not just as teammates, but as friends. We’ve learned each other’s habits, strengths, and even the little quirks that make us who we are. Shijie is super organized, so she keeps me on track, and I bring the fun when things get too serious!
SHIJIE: Yeah, Quchang definitely keeps things interesting! But honestly, sharing a space means we’ve built a rhythm with each other, both in daily life and in performing. We communicate better, we push each other to improve, and at the end of the day, we know we’ve got each other’s backs—on and off the stage.
Your music blends various genres and styles. How do you approach the creative process to ensure each song resonates with your “Zalpha Pop” identity?
SHIJIE: For us, creating music isn’t just about blending genres—it’s about making sure every song feels like A2O MAY. ‘Zalpha Pop’ is a mix of fresh, youthful energy with deeper emotions, and we always aim to balance both. We experiment a lot, pulling influences from different styles, but the key is making sure the sound still reflects who we are. Whether it’sin the lyrics, melodies, or production, we want every track to feel authentic, exciting, and something that our generation can connect with.
A2O Entertainment was founded by Soo Man LEE, a prominent figure in the industry. How has his vision influenced your development as a group?
QUCHANG: Mr. Lee’s vision has been a huge part of our journey as A2O MAY. He’s always emphasized innovation, cultural storytelling, and making music that resonates globally. His approach to artist development has pushed us to not only refine our skills but also to think about the bigger picture—how our music, performances, and message can connect with people everywhere. Under his guidance, we’ve learned to embrace our individuality while working as a team, and that’s shaped us into the group we are today.
Social media plays a significant role in connecting with fans. How do you balance maintaining a personal connection while managing your public personas?
MICHE: Social media is such a powerful way to connect with our fans, and I love sharing moments that feel real and personal. At the same time, I think it’s important to find a balance— being open while also having moments that are just for me to recharge and reflect. I try to be as genuine as possible, whether it’s through fun posts, behind-the-scenes moments, or just checking in with everyone. At the end of the day, I want fans to feel like they really know me, not just the performer they see on stage.
As a group representing the generation after MZ, what messages or themes do you aim to convey through your music and image?
CHENYU: As a group representing Generation Z and Alpha, we want our music and image to reflect who we truly are—bold, expressive, and unafraid to be different. Our generation is constantly redefining boundaries, and we want to create songs that inspire confidence, self-discovery, and connection. Whether it’s about chasing dreams, embracing emotions, or just having fun, we want our music to feel real and relatable. More than anything, we hope to be a voice for our generation, making music that speaks to the way we see the world.
Can you share any challenges you’ve faced during your trainee period and how they’ve shaped you as artists?
KAT: Training was definitely one of the toughest but most rewarding experiences. There were times when I doubted myself, whether it was struggling to perfect a routine or feeling the pressure to improve faster. But every challenge pushed me to grow—not just in skills, but in mindset. I learned discipline, resilience, and how to support my team through hard days. Looking back, those challenges shaped me into the artist I am today, and they make every moment on stage even more meaningful.
Your performances exude confidence and energy. How do you prepare mentally and physically for your stage appearances?
SHIJIE: Even though we haven’t performed in front of a public audience yet, we’ve had the chance to showcase our performances internally, which has been a huge learning experience. Every rehearsal and internal stage helps us build confidence and refine how we express ourselves. Physically, we train hard to maintain our stamina and make sure every move feels natural. Mentally, we focus on fully immersing ourselves in the performance—imagining the energy exchange we’ll have with a real audience. We’re always preparing for that moment when we finally get to share our stage with the fans!
Speaking of live performances, it was just announced that you’ll be taking the stage at Wango Tango! It’s been only about three months since your debut, and you’re already reaching major career milestones. How does it feel to perform on such a big stage so soon, and what are you most excited about?
QUCHANG: It still feels unreal! Performing at Wango Tango is such a huge opportunity, and we’re beyond excited. We’ve been working so hard in rehearsals, and now we finally get to share our energy with a live audience. I think what I’m most looking forward to is feeling that real-time connection with the crowd—seeing their reactions, hearing them cheer, and just experiencing the moment together. It’s going to be a performance we’ll never forget!
Collaboration is key in the music industry. Are there any artists or groups you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
CHENYU: There are so many talented artists out there, and the idea of collaborating is really exciting. But right now, we’re most focused on growing together—not just as A2O MAY, but as part of A2O as a whole. With so many Rookies and trainees working hard alongside us, we’re looking forward to the moments when we can all perform together and showcase what makes A2O special. Of course, in the future, we’d love to explore collaborations that feel natural and inspiring!
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for A2O MAY in the next five years?
KAT: Over the next five years, I hope A2O MAY—and A2O as a whole—keeps growing, both as artists and as a team. We’re still shaping our sound and finding new ways to express ourselves, and I’m excited to see how Zalpha Pop evolves with us. More than anything, I want us to keep improving, learning, and sharing our journey with fans, so that more people can connect with our music and what we stand for.
Lastly, what message would you like to share with your fans who have supported you since your debut?
MICHE: We’re so grateful to everyone who has supported us since our debut—it truly means the world to us. Every message, every stream, and every bit of love you’ve sent our way keeps us motivated to work even harder. We have plans to promote in the U.S. starting in May, and we’re working hard to prepare for it. So stay tuned! We ‘may’ take your hearts.
———————
As A2O MAY takes its first bold steps onto the global stage, they are not just redefining pop music, they are shaping the future of an entire generation. With a fusion of cultural influences, cutting-edge style, and an unstoppable drive, this powerhouse group is set to leave an indelible mark on the international music scene.
From the glamorous streets of Shanghai to the neon-lit stages of Seoul and beyond, A2O MAY is a symbol of evolution, creativity, and limitless potential. Their journey is only beginning, but one thing is certain: the world is watching, and the future of music has never looked more exciting. Stay tuned, because A2O MAY is just getting started.
The countdown has begun, are you ready to witness the rise of the next global music phenomenon?
