[EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW] A Garden of Growth: ablume on Music, Meaning, and Starting Over

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Saena, Sio, and Aran are reintroducing themselves—with honesty, harmony, and heart in this exclusive interview.

With care, intention, and a quiet strength, ablume made their long-awaited debut on May 9, 2025, with their digital single “Echo.” The trio—Saena, Sio, and Aran—have come together under a fresh identity, rooted in a name that beautifully reflects their artistic vision. Inspired by the German word Blume, meaning “flower,” ablume represents growth, transformation, and the unfolding journey of discovering one’s own color. Like petals opening to the sun, the group’s debut signaled not just a new beginning, but a powerful statement: they are here to grow, to evolve, and to create something lasting. “Echo” captured that spirit in sound—airy yet grounded, delicate yet impactful—offering listeners a glimpse into their potential.

Just a few weeks later, ablume broadened their reach with the release of “Echoes of Echo,” an English remix of their debut single. This version not only highlights their musical adaptability but also serves as a bridge to international audiences eager to hear more from this rising group. By reimagining their sound while staying true to the heart of their message, Saena, Sio, and Aran show they are not afraid to experiment, refine, and reintroduce themselves again and again. Their strength lies in their individuality, but it’s their unity, the way their voices, experiences, and ambitions intertwine—that makes Ablume such a promising force.

We had the pleasure of joining ablume for an exclusive interview to dive deeper into their debut era. From the emotions behind their first release to the hopes they’re planting for the future, the trio shared their journey with honesty, heart, and excitement. We’re thrilled to witness this re-bloom and even more excited to see where their path leads next.

Hellokpop: Hi Saena, Sio, and Aran! Congratulations on your debut as ablume. To start, could each of you briefly introduce yourselves and what emotions were running through you as you prepared to introduce ablume to the world?

ARAN: Hi, I’m ARAN of ablume! I’m someone who loves everything about music like singing, rapping, dancing, and so on. I’m always eager to take on new challenges. Right before our debut, I was overwhelmed at times by fear of the unknown and confusion from all that was happening. But more than anything, I felt incredibly grateful just to have the chance to do what I love as a member of ablume.

SAENA: Hi, I’m SAENA, the leader of ablume. I’m really excited to see how far I can push my limits and grow through this journey. Right before debut, I was so nervous. It honestly felt like I was dreaming. At the same time, I was filled with excitement and deep gratitude.

SIO: Hello! I’m SIO, the main vocalist of ablume. It’s truly overwhelming (in the best way) to be able to finally greet you as part of ablume. We can’t wait to keep sharing great music with you from here on out!

ARAN

HKP: The name ablume comes from the German word for flower, symbolizing growth and blooming. How do you see yourselves growing as artists through this journey?

ARAN: To me, being an artist means sharing your story with others through your own abilities. I hope to keep growing into someone who can express my own story more powerfully and honestly through my music.

SAENA: For me, growth isn’t just about improving skills. It’s about understanding and accepting myself on a deeper level. Of course, exploring new genres and expanding my range is important, but I think true growth happens when I can express my own thoughts and emotions with honesty. Through this journey, I want to shape a clearer sense of who I am as an artist.

SIO: As an artist, I’m always longing to connect with fans, and I hope we can do that more often through the stage. My goal this year is to grow into someone who truly shines on stage – an artist who’s loved for their live performances.

HKP: Each of you brings a unique color and charm to the group. How do you balance your individual strengths to create ablume’s signature sound?

ARAN: I’m always thoughtful about how to shape the color of our music. With every song, I ask myself, “How can I add the right accents? What kind of voice should I use to bring out our harmony and my own character?” I try different approaches each time and refine them through practice. I also use my lower vocal range in a soft, controlled way to create a unique blend when our harmonies come together.

SAENA: I see myself as a kind of bridge within the group. ARAN and SIO have completely different tones and charms, so I try to connect them naturally and help our voices blend smoothly. Especially in the chorus sections where all three of us sing together, I pay close attention to the little details, like breath control and the way we end each line, to make sure everything feels cohesive.

SIO: Ironically, I think it’s because we each have such distinct vocal colors that ablume’s unique sound really shines. I hope we’re remembered as a group known for beautiful vocal harmony and our willingness to explore a wide range of genres.

SAENA

HKP: Can you tell us the story behind your debut single “Echo”? What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from it?

ARAN: I hope “Echo” gives people a sense of togetherness. Some might say there was a time when we were separated from our listeners, but to me, we were always connected. Even when we couldn’t communicate directly, I constantly thought about the people who were still waiting for our music, which is what helped me hold on. I felt it was only right to begin this new chapter by acknowledging the ones we’re most grateful for. And if anyone listening happens to feel lonely, I want them to hear this message: “Wherever you go, we’re with you.” That’s how it’s always been, and that’s how it’ll always be.

SAENA: I want people to feel a real sense of freedom and release when they listen to “Echo.” If you’re going through a difficult time, I hope the song gives you a little strength with its message of resilience and hope. And if you’re in a joyful place right now, I hope it helps amplify that happiness and spreads warmth to those around you.

SIO: “Echo” fully captures ablume’s new beginning. It holds all the emotions we felt at the start such as excitement, friendship, and a bright, fresh energy. Just like we found courage by singing it, I hope listeners find the same kind of inspiration to start something new in their own lives.

HKP: Music often connects deeply with emotions. Is there a lyric or melody in “Echo” that holds a special meaning for you personally?

ARAN: I really love the bridge line, “now we’ll be together, I don’t mind.” To me, it’s a simple but powerful way of saying that as long as we’re together, nothing else really matters. That line carries so much warmth and reassurance.

SAENA: For me, the lyric “wherever you go, I go” from the chorus hits the deepest. It’s something my fans said to me during a very difficult time, and those words gave me the strength to stand back up. That’s why every time I hear or sing that line, it resonates on a personal level.

SIO: The entire bridge section feels especially meaningful to me. It reflects our own journey of how we got through tough times together and how we’re now moving forward as a team. There’s a quiet determination in those lines that I think captures the heart of what “Echo” is really about.

SIO

HKP: What was your favorite part about recording “Echo” and “Echoes of Echo”?

ARAN: I really enjoyed recording the intro part! At first, it felt a bit awkward to laugh in such a serious setting like a recording studio, but once we started laughing for real, it became so much fun. We ended up joking around, playfully nudging each other, and the energy just flowed naturally. It was a fun and memorable moment.

SAENA: Recording has always felt like a big challenge for me. I tend to get really nervous, so it often feels like I’m up against a wall. I can’t say I’ve had the most fun recording yet, but I’m slowly climbing over those walls, one step at a time. I hope that one day, I’ll have a moment where I can say, “That was such a fun session!” and when that day comes, I’ll be sure to share the full story with you.

SIO: I genuinely enjoy recording sessions. They always make my heart race in a good way. It’s the moment I feel most serious and most free as a vocalist. Whenever it’s my turn to step into the booth, I get this boost of confidence like, “Okay, this is what I can give today!” That excitement is what makes it so special for me.

HKP: How do you feel your music and style will evolve as you continue to find your unique colors?

ARAN: I think the possibilities are endless. Honestly, even with just our next album, I believe we’ll be able to show a completely new side of ourselves – one that might surprise people who think they already know what ablume is about. We want to keep surprising you every time, like a gift you weren’t expecting!

SAENA: I believe our sound and style will keep evolving and growing in limitless ways. We want to try everything without being confined to a specific genre. But we also want that change to feel intentional – not just shifting randomly, but taking it step by step, growing deeper with each release. I hope fans will notice that progression and say, “Ah, they’ve really grown in this area.”

SIO: It’s hard to say exactly how we’ll evolve, but we’re preparing so many different things right now. I think our short-term goal is to become a group that can truly do it all, no matter the style or concept.

HKP: As a three-member group, what are some of the challenges and advantages you’ve experienced working so closely together?

ARAN: It’s both a challenge and a strength. Each of us has such a distinct personality and vocal color, so every time we receive a new song, the first thing I think is, “How are we going to build harmony this time?” We all analyze the song in our own way, then share ideas and gradually find a direction together. What might seem like a challenge at first turns into something really thrilling once we manage to blend everything into one.

SAENA: There are so many advantages. The biggest one is simply not being alone. There’s a sense of comfort and strength that comes from being together, and the synergy and emotional support we give one another is beyond words. Of course, we each have our own emotions and pace, so there are times when we need a little patience and understanding. But I see those moments as part of what builds our unique team dynamic.

SIO: One of the biggest strengths of being three is how balanced we are. Our personalities are so different that we bring a wide range of perspectives to the table. At the same time, when those perspectives clash, it requires a more delicate kind of communication and compromise. But because we truly trust each other, those moments end up strengthening our teamwork even more.

Your debut focused on the theme of growth and blossoming. How do you personally relate to that theme in your own life?

ARAN: I used to think that growth and blossoming were two separate things, but looking back, they’ve always gone hand in hand in my life. There are moments when I blossom as a result of growth, and other times when blossoming leads me to grow. I believe debuting as ablume marked the beginning of that blossoming. Now it’s time to grow, and I hope many people will join us on that journey.

SAENA: To me, this theme directly reflects my growth as a musician. Growth isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s more like a slow and steady process – one where, without even realizing it, you suddenly find yourself a step higher than before. That kind of gradual but undeniable blooming feels a lot like my own artistic path.

SIO: Everyone experiences growing pains in their own way. For me, expressing my thoughts and emotions through music has been a way to slowly grow. “Blossoming” is something you do for yourself, through your own efforts, and that makes it all the more meaningful.

ARAN

HKP: What inspires the lyrics and musical style of ablume? Are there any particular artists or genres that influence you?

ARAN: Honestly, I believe ablume started with a sound that’s uniquely our own. It almost feels like our voices themselves created our genre. So naturally, each of our personal colors plays a big role. In my case, I’m drawn to emotionally stirring melodies. Those moments when grand yet soft sounds swell up really move me. When I hear something like that, I often feel the urge to sing over it and head straight to the practice room. That’s probably why you’ll see elements like that pop up in our music because I’m constantly asking to try them.

SAENA: Our music is our voice and our story, so it naturally leans toward a clear, honest sound with sincere lyrics. Personally, I draw a lot of inspiration from older music, especially from the ’60s and ’70s. There’s something about the deep emotion in that era and the way it’s expressed with simple, unembellished words that really resonates with me. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Lou Reed and finding myself immersed in that vibe.

SIO: For “Echo,” the biggest inspiration was our honest emotions around starting fresh. Genre-wise, we wanted to maintain the kind of easy-listening sound we naturally gravitate toward. This time, the focus was on telling our own story, but moving forward, I think our sources of inspiration will keep expanding.

HKP: How do you support and motivate each other during times of challenge or pressure?

ARAN: We talk a lot and really open up with one another. We share what’s been tough lately, what’s been going well, and just listen to each other. Music often comes up in those conversations too. Those are the moments that help us build the synergy that defines us.

SAENA: Sometimes we give each other space, and other times we reach out first. One thing we always say is, “Let’s be honest with each other – at the very least, within this team.” It’s for ourselves, and it’s for each other. We make sure to celebrate our wins with genuine praise and speak up about areas we can improve, and I think that’s what helps make us stronger.

SIO: Often, just being there is more comforting than saying anything. We all have different ways of expressing care, but we try to notice when someone’s struggling and reach out first. We also make an effort to not hide things and speak up when something’s on our mind.

SAENA

HKP: What’s one thing you’ve learned about teamwork that you think is important for any group or friendship?

ARAN: There’s something I’ve learned that really applies to friendships – patience. When someone’s going through a hard time, or deeply focused, or just needs space, being able to trust them and give them that time is so important. Just by waiting, you’re letting them know you’re there. And when that moment passes, you’ll both naturally want to reconnect and embrace each other again.

SAENA: I think it all starts with being honest with yourself, or really facing yourself. You need to understand who you are, accept it, and express it. That self-awareness helps you connect more naturally with others and brings you closer emotionally.

SIO: The most important thing is recognizing and respecting differences. If even one person only thinks about their own interests, teamwork can’t last. I believe true teamwork comes from mutual consideration and respect. And that definitely applies to friendships too.

HKP: Are there any upcoming projects or concepts that you’re especially excited to share soon?

ARAN: Hmm… It might sound like a cliché, but it’s truly something new. I’m confident it’s going to surprise everyone… in the best way!

SAENA: We’re excited to show you the different sides of our music and concepts. I hope you’ll enjoy watching us grow and evolve, and through that process, we’ll be able to express our unique color even more clearly.

SIO: We can’t share too many details yet, but it’s definitely a challenge for us too. It might be something totally unexpected, which makes it even more exciting for both us and our fans. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but we’re preparing it in a way that stays true to ablume while still bringing something completely new.

SIO

HKP: If you could write a letter to your future selves five years from now, what would you want to remind yourselves about?

ARAN: “Dear Aran, no matter what you’re doing, where you are, or what goals you’ve set, I want to remind you: I don’t blame you. I support you, always.”

SAENA: “You’re still young, and you’re still growing. I hope the me from back then hasn’t lost her sincerity, still loves music, and above all, cherishes herself. There were tough times, I’m sure, but I hope you remember that those moments made you stronger.”

SIO: “I hope you still love music, even then. You don’t have to be perfect. It’s okay to move at your own pace. And I hope you continue to feel grateful for the people who are by your side right now.”

HKP: Lastly, please leave a message for fans reading this.

ARAN: Thank you to everyone who’s been with us from the very beginning. We’ll do our absolute best to create a one-of-a-kind journey together with you. Please keep watching over us!

SAENA: Thank you so much for reading all the way through. I know many of you have waited a long time, and we’ll make sure that wait was more than worth it. I truly mean it when I say how much you all mean to me, and I’ll continue to approach you with sincerity and warmth. Let’s stay together for a long time.

SIO: Thank you for always staying by our side, believing in us, and waiting for us. Even your support for the smallest changes gives us so much strength. Please continue walking this journey with us. There’s so much more ahead!