LIGHTSUM Makes Japan Debut With 'Re': "We've Learned to Enjoy the Kawaii Concept"

LIGHTSUM made its Japanese debut Sept. 23 with the release of its first Japan album, "Re," marking a new start for the six-member group.

The five-track album is led by "どうして (Doshite)," which captures the emotional ups and downs of having a crush through what the members describe as LIGHTSUM's own take on "kawaii." The album also features "Fallin' World," "Stop and Go," "夜を歩く君へ" and a new "kawaii" arrangement of the group's 2024 digital single "POSE!" LIGHTSUM will give its first Japanese debut performance at "SBI MUSIC CIRCUS HOKKAIDO 2026" at Daiwa House PREMIST DOME in Hokkaido on Sept. 26 before meeting fans in cities including Tokyo and Osaka beginning Oct. 10.

The following is a Q&A with LIGHTSUM regarding its Japanese debut, as provided by Cube Entertainment.

Q. How does it feel to finally make your Japanese debut with "Re"?

Sangah: I'm happy that we can finally share an album we've worked so hard on, and I'm especially excited because this marks our Japanese debut. I think the album is filled with really great songs, so I hope many people listen to and enjoy it.

Juhyeon: I've studied Japanese since I was a trainee and have waited a long time for the opportunity to promote in Japan. I'm looking forward to making lots of new memories and having different experiences there.

Q. Your documentary "Re" showed the process of taking on a "kawaii" concept. How did you initially feel about the concept?

Chowon: I'd never really tried a "kawaii" concept before, so at first I was worried and found it difficult. I asked Hina a lot of questions and watched related videos while working especially hard on my vocal style and gestures. Now, I think I've learned how to really enjoy the concept.

Hina: As the group's only Japanese member and someone who is most familiar with Japanese kawaii culture, I recommended gestures that suited each member and helped them with the details of their Japanese pronunciation. We worked together to make the concept feel more complete.

Q. What do you hope to achieve through your Japanese promotions?

Chowon: I want more people to discover LIGHTSUM and for us to stay busy promoting between Korea and Japan. I hope we can keep meeting SUMIT and show many different sides of ourselves.

Nayoung: I want us to have such a busy year-end that we barely have time to catch our breath. Just being able to spend time with SUMIT, who waited for our comeback and Japanese debut, and perform on the stages we've been waiting for feels like a precious opportunity.

Yujeong: Through our Japanese debut, I hope LIGHTSUM can receive love from even more people. I also want us to have many more opportunities to perform onstage, which is something we truly love.