Many Firsts

"So, how're you all feeling now with your first music show win, multiple wins actually," the variety show host asked LUXIA with a chuckle, "and your perfect all-kill?"

The five girls sitting on the modern, scoop-seat stools on the mostly white show set looked at one another to see if anyone wanted to speak up first. As the leader, Jiyeon felt compelled to answer this question for her team.

"Thank you," she began politely but sincerely, impressing the hosts with her good manners. "We're really grateful to our fans for all their support and interest in our music. We wanted and worked hard to do well with our debut, but we would've never guessed that we could top the charts with our songs."

Jiyeon laughed softly with a trace of embarrassment, making her words and reaction appear more genuine to the audience. While she was indeed bashful a bit about their great success, and her expression wasn't forced in order to appear humble, Jiyeon truly felt extremely proud and shocked yet wanted to scream in joy from the top of her lungs that they made a perfect all kill on their first album.

"We're so so happy and humbled by the positive response, and also any criticism as it's how we can grow, learn, and improve. But we'll always strive to be who we are with our own musical identity and refine our group's unique color. We believe it's our effort to demonstrate our abilities and full creative process that's allowed us to connect to people."

Jiyeon turned to the camera, away from the host, to give with one last appreciate nod of a bow while remaining seated. "So again, thank you so much everyone for your interest and support in us. Watch out for LUXIA."

"Wow, you're very well spoken, Jiyeon-ah." One of the hosts complimented. "Certainly, it shocked all of us too, but in a good way!" He added with with a quick wave in order gesture that he meant no insult about their abilities.

For the four other LUXIA girls, they too felt that their leader had spoken well and were pleasantly surprised and impressed by Jiyeon's poise. But then again, that's why they all agreed that she should be leader. She was cool as a cucumber, composed but knew what to say in concise words or with enough to get the job done based on the situation.

In this case, LUXIA had immense success to celebrate, but it was also a double edged sword. As they were rookies, the more popular, quickly or sudden they became successful, the more eyes watching, judging, and hating on them.

"You're now one of the few groups that have ever gotten a PAK, and even fewer for a girl group debut. Do you know who else got a PAK with their debut?" The host leaned forward a bit in his chair in anticipation.

Jiyeon gave a small smile. "Yes, who comes to mind in recent times is Black Pink sunbaenims (seniors in their industry)."

The man nodded his head. "Yes, yes, now that they 'finally' come back at the end of 2020–" Here, the LUXIA girls grinned along with the laughter resounding on the set about YG Entertainment finally giving Black Pink a comeback after so long. The host's comical tone when he stressed 'finally' is what made everyone smile and giggle.

"—many people have been comparing you to Black Pink; even though, it's been 5 years now from 2016 to 2021 since they debuted. What do you think about these comparisons?"

Jiyeon thought for a moment and then noticed Iris next to her looking like she wanted to speak. So she considerately passed the microphone to her.

Giving a subtle nod of thanks upon receiving it, Iris then replied. "Comparisons are bound to happen in this industry where everything is scrutinized and picked apart. We are very honored to be compared to one of the biggest girl groups of all time. But we want to demonstrate that we have our own color and musical identity as Jiyeon-ah said. So we hope that everyone can soon see us as just LUXIA."

With a humble nod-bow, Iris laid down the microphone gently in her lap.

"Wuh~~" The host uttered loudly. "You both speak so well. Do all of LUXIA speak so well like this?" He joked.

The girls smiled along, knowing that the host meant well. He was only doing his job, so even if he was a little rude or direct with his somehow insensitive questions, that was part of the show and idol music industry. LUXIA would have to get used to being compared and criticized.

Besides, this was a good chance to express and assert themselves. While it was okay to be related to an existing, successful group, the LUXIA members never wanted to be labeled a copycat.

Although none of the comments actually called their music or concepts copycats, considering what they went for was pretty unusual for a debut, now that Big Hit was in a leading financial and high status position in the k-pop industry, becoming their new girl group secured LUXIA instant success.

Additionally, they came at a good time when popular girl groups like Red Velvet and Mamamoo were in or just passed their seventh year, meaning their contracts expired. Although many groups renewed, it was still a good window of opportunity as re-signed groups often were less active together due to branching out into solos or acting activities.

However, unlike BTS who had started out as underdogs, now Big Hit had made a name for themselves, so LUXIA was actually in a privileged position like others in top entertainment companies.

Thus, their situation of power was similar to Black Pink when they debuted, perhaps, even more. They could even be related to the likes of 2NE1, YG's former girl group before Black Pink. They too were highly successful upon debut having received Song of the Year in 2009 upon debuting.

Now, LUXIA was well on their way to achieving great things with their well received and anticipated album. The fans were also elated by the fact that it was a full album and not a mini-album like many debut ones. This showed that both Big Hit and LUXIA were in it for the long haul and serious about their music.

Additionally, LUXIA had the added benefit of creative power. They played a part in every aspect of their music. So this was impressive and noteworthy to the public which often saw k-pop as being "too produced."

Thankfully, they had Iris to verify these creative acclamations due to her previous achievements in composing and during Produce 48 and IZ*ONE. Otherwise, some might argue that their company was just saying that to make their idols seem talented and unique for marketing and mass appeal.

"Well, I think you'll have great future success like Black Pink, so fighting!" The host ended with a fist cheering them on. And the five girls thanked and cheered after him.

"Now then, let's move onto something more fun and probably more interesting for our viewers." The host shifted to another segment of their show. He gestured toward his host partner to speak.

"Yes, it's time for the dancing portion!" He announced excitedly. "It's~~~ random play dance!"

Except for Iris and Jiyeon, the other three girls had visible looks of apprehension on their faces. Noticing this, the host remarked on it, and Ahreum quickly answered by waving her hands.

"Ah, no! It's just, dancing isn't my strongest suit haha. I'm the slowest learner in my group, so I'm just a tad worried, hehe~"

With her cute giggle and bright demeanor, Ahreum could get away with her words without being bashed in the comment section later online.

"It's okay, Ariel-ah. Your other teammates look not as worried as you, so you'll probably be fine! It's a group effort after all." He laughed heartily. "But Ariel, that's such a strong name compared to your appearance. Is this a hidden charm of Ariel that we haven't seen yet?"

Ahreum grinned sunnily. "Yes, Ariel's namesake is a brave warrior, a knight, but I'm also a little quirky~"

"Like Disney's The Little Mermaid," Cindy quickly added to clarify the connection.

"Ahhh!" Both of the hosts exclaimed in understanding.

"All right. So let's get the music going! Are you all ready?"

The five girls nodded their heads, and Iris in particular shimmed to the edge of her seats in dance preparation and focused on what song would pop up first.