RESCENE's Kang Hyeju: 'I almost gave up on debuting as a trainee'

RESCENE member Kang Hyeju revealed the emotional struggles she faced during her trainee days, admitting she almost gave up on her dream of debuting. It was fellow member Woni who ultimately encouraged her to persevere when Kang Hyeju's lack of self-confidence led her to consider abandoning her ambitions.

During the July 8 broadcast of MBC's 'The Manager,' the members of RESCENE were seen enjoying a team dinner at a regular restaurant after wrapping up promotions for 'Pretty Girl.' Reflecting at the restaurant they have frequented since their trainee days, the members reminisced, "We laughed the most during these recent promotions."

Woni's determination saves Kang Hyeju from low self-esteem

Kang Hyeju confessed the psychological pressure she endured as a trainee. "There were definitely many friends who were clearly talented, and my self-esteem kept dropping, but there was no way to fill that void. Even looking at myself, I wasn't satisfied," she said, expressing the helplessness she felt at the time. Her desire to debut was so low that even the agency director had to intervene, but it was Woni's determination that ultimately turned her around.

Woni personally visited Kang Hyeju's parents to persuade them to trust the agency. "I thought Kang Hyeju was such a precious talent because she has a cute and refreshing image," Woni said. She added that she felt a heavy sense of responsibility when she told the parents, "Please just trust us," noting she felt scared because she felt she was helping shape a young person's life.

Kang Hyeju also expressed her deep affection for her fellow RESCENE members. "If another member had joined RESCENE, I think my stomach would have been in knots, and my young heart would have been hurt. If that had happened, it wouldn't have been my place," she said.

ZENA's 14-year-old 'grandmother' video and playful teasing

The members' tight bond was further displayed through a playful session of exposing each other's "dark pasts." Woni heated up the atmosphere by bringing up a recently unearthed video of ZENA. In July 2021, when ZENA was 14 years old, a video surfaced of her dressed as a grandmother dancing to the song 'Stepped in Poop,' leaving the cast in stitches.

ZENA revealed that she had personally prepared a wig and even hunched her back to capture the details of the grandmother role for the 'Stepped in Poop' video, which was popular at her dance academy at the time. While admitting, "I didn't know it would become such a hot topic," ZENA expressed her embarrassment, saying, "I wish they wouldn't keep playing it," due to the constant teasing from her older members. Woni playfully added that she wanted to tease ZENA even more because she was acting like she was fine.

Upcoming comeback teased following 'Pretty Girl' music show wins

Following their successful promotions, RESCENE has already teased their next moves. On July 8, the group released 'Pretty Girl,' a remake of a song by Kara. With this track, they achieved their first win since debut on SBS Life's 'The Show,' and followed it up by securing their first terrestrial music show trophy on MBC's 'Show! Music Core' on July 25.

Additionally, they climbed to first place on SBS's 'Inkigayo' on July 26 with the chart-climbing song 'LOVE ATTACK.' Member Minami expressed confidence regarding their next release, stating, "The quality will be truly great." In response to a question from agency director Gim Hye-su, she added, "Perhaps you will be able to see it within this year. We are also preparing this album with all our heart." RESCENE has also recently received invitations to perform on prestigious year-end stages.