EXID was in Singapore for their Asia Tour with the exception of the group’s leader and main vocalist, Solji, who has been on a break after being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism last year. The show went on with the remaining members, LE, Hani, Hyelin and Junghwa, who collectively filled the hearts of all LEGGOs present at Kallang Theatre with each of their own charms and talents, making it a memorable night.
It is also heartwarming to know that EXID had just celebrated their 5th anniversary. Unlike most girl groups we may be familiar with today – many whom success followed since debut – EXID had a two year hiatus after releasing 'Every Night'. A two year hiatus would often spell disbandment for other girl groups. However, the girls gave the industry one more shot with 'Up and Down' in 2014. The now-popular track saw initial dismal in performance as it peaked only at number 94 on domestic charts. It was only after a fan-taken video of Hani went viral that the song climbed back steadily on the charts – giving the girls a breakthrough with their very first number-one song since debut.
Having tried several concepts with different degrees of sexiness throughout the years, EXID presented an array of their best hits during the fan meeting. They started the fanmeeting on a high note with L.I.E., followed by Ah Yeah which showed a stronger and fiercer side of the girls. Co-written (and co-produced) by LE, and produced by Shinsadong Tiger, the song sings of the harassment and double standards women face.
When asked about the possibility of sub-units in future, LE named Hani as her desired partner, mentioning that she wanted to showcase a strong, girl crush concept. Maknae Junghwa shared that she really wanted to do a cute, upbeat song while wearing a pink tennis skirt. Hyerin also mentioned that she would like to try out a ballad duet with Solji when she recovers. The funniest reply came from Hani, who said she “wanted to stand between Hyerin and Junghwa, and perform their song, 'Are You Hungry' (냠냠쩝쩝)”!
After performing Hot Pink, a hip-hop track that marked the group’s departure from the style of ‘Up and Down’ and ‘Ah Yeah’, the girls moved on to the games segment where lucky LEGGOs had the opportunity to win signed albums. The EXID girls had to wear headphones and hum to tunes of songs they have never heard before while the fans had to guess and name the songs correctly. The songs ranged from popular Chinese songs to local hits such as ‘Take Heart’ from The Sam Willows, and even the theme song of popular local drama, The Little Nonya.
The girls also personally designed a t-shirt each for four lucky winners – reflecting their personalities in their drawings. Hani got teased by LE for mistakenly drawing a lobster instead of a crab, even creating a story entirely in spoken English to cover up for her mistake.
Unfortunately, the girls could not try our famed chili crabs due to their tight schedule in Singapore. Instead, they settled for laksa (in their hotel), which they enjoyed as well. Amongst the girls, Hyerin was picked as the best cook, despite Hani being a cast of Paik Jong Wons Food Truck (cooking variety program) previously.
Hyelin exclaimed that “Hani can give you all the tips, (but) she really can’t cook”, to which LE added on that the only thing that Hani could possibly cook best are cup noodles. Junghwa on the other hand prides herself for being “a notch up” – best at cooking instant noodles because she gets the amount of water needed right.
With the recent comeback of their third mini-album, Eclipse, Junghwa thinks the colour of the album is different from the rest due to the more laidback, R&B vibes of the title track, 'Night Rather than Day'. She also thanked fans for loving the album, as it peaked at 4th place on Billboard’s World Album chart. Performing all three tracks from the album besides the solo tracks, the second part of the fan meeting started off with a jazzy version of Boy, followed by the title track, Night Rather Than Day.
In relation to their title track, Hani and LE shared that they are more of a day person, as they “enjoy exposing themselves to the sun to get some Vitamin D”. Hyerin and Junghwa consider themselves more as a night person as they prefer occupying themselves with their hobbies and meeting up with friends.
The night was filled with anticipation as the girls teased about a performing a track that was yet to be performed. Performing Of Course – from their first full-length album, Street – for the first time ever, Singapore LEGGOs instinctively recognised the song right from the first key. As if to return the favour, LEGGOs also prepared a video montage, documenting their journey thus far and heartfelt messages from Singaporean fans. This brought the girls to tears, as fans raised banners reading “We will always be beside you, summer, fall, winter or spring” – a line from the song 'Summer, Fall Winter, Spring'.
Despite being considered a senior in the industry, EXID have yet to hold their own full concert yet. This was named as their next goal; also hoping to be a girl group that inspires and give strength to those listening to their music in the meantime.
Ending the night was no doubt their most popular hit so far, Up and Down, eliciting the loudest fanchants as fans finally got to witness the group’s legendary performance for themselves. With no goodbyes said, it appeared slightly abrupt but the girls surprised fans one last time as they walked through the aisles to make their way on stage while performing How Why. Having the opportunity to interact closely with even fans sitting at the back, they stopped for selfies and shook hands, giving all a glimpse of the girls up close and personal.
It was night filled with lots of love that was evident between the girls and their fans. Perhaps as a group whose success did not come easily, their no-airs, no-distance approach to meeting fans was highly commendable as it was sure to have left great memories for all to remember. We look forward to their next visit to Singapore, hopefully with their very own full-length concert in future.