Exclusive Interview: NATURE Discuss Their Comeback, “RICA RICA”, and More

International supergroup NATURE is back and they’re better than ever. Amassing millions of fans around the world, the band rose to notoriety with their energetic sound and breathtaking choreography.

When the world shut down due to the global pandemic, the girls came together to take their craft to the next level, which can be heard on their latest release “RICA RICA”.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with NATURE about their comeback, “RICA RICA”, and more!

PC: How did you all discover your passion for music?
Sohee: When I was young, I wanted to be a singer because I was a fan of TVXQ. I went out for an audition for a program called Superstar K. I thought I should learn more and practice harder. That’s how I started properly.

Aurora: Listening to music when I am having a hard time makes me feel better.

Saebom: When I was in middle school, I listened to Younha’s “Delete,” and after that, I started to like music. When I heard Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi,” I was completely fascinated and dreamed of becoming a singer.

Chaebin: Since I was young, I really liked music programs. I loved singing and listening, so I started vocal lessons. I wanted to be a popular singer.

Haru: When I was young, I listened to Michael Jackson’s songs and liked them.

Loha: When I was young, I naturally encountered music from my parents and learned a lot of things, so I naturally fell in love with music.

Uchae: I watched a lot of music shows when I was young, and I started dreaming of becoming a singer.

Lu: I liked my singing voice.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influences on your career?
Sohee: As a singer, I was most influenced by IU because IU is my muse!

Aurora: LeaF.

Saebom: Avril Lavigne and Younha! More recently, Madison Beer, 업설, and Bib.

Chaebin: When I was a trainee, I liked Beyoncé so much that I copied a lot of her songs. Even though she’s a solo artist, I want to learn from her.

Haru: When I saw Twice’s Momo, I saw her dancing in Korea.

Loha: Personally, I think I was influenced by 2EN1 and BLACKPINK.

Uchae: I like Seolhyun and Suzy. Both of them are so pretty and not only singers but also great actors, so I think I want to be like them.

Lu: IU, Crush, and musical movies.

PC: You’ve all had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Sohee: Looking back, the most memorable moment was also the most difficult moment for me. It’s not negative because I try to stay positive. Without those difficult moments, I wouldn’t be here today. Those are the moments that made me grow in many areas and that were indispensable.

Aurora: I think our debut performance was the most memorable.

Saebom: When we won the Rookie of the Year award at Soribada Awards.

Chaebin: I remember when we debuted. I dreamed of becoming a trainee, and I was able to achieve my dream of debuting.

Haru: We haven’t fully succeeded yet, but when I heard “thank you” from fans around the world for being an idol, I thought I should do more activities and succeed for those fans.

Loha: Honestly, I can’t specify one moment, but every moment with the members and the fans seems to remain in my memory. It’s like a movie to me.

Uchae: I remember receiving an award at Soribada Awards.

Lu: It’s the day we had a fan meeting face-to-face with our fans.

PC: Tell us about your new single “RICA RICA”. What inspired it?
Sohee: This song is a genre that NATURE has not done before. It is a combination of exciting beats and EDM sounds and consists of fun choreography and addictive lyrics.

Chaebin: It’s an exciting song that can cheer you up a bit during the pandemic.

Haru: I think it’s the most addictive and exciting song that I’ve ever sung.

Loha: “RICA RICA” expresses the game of being caught…but also not being caught. It’s a game of tag in the lyrics. It’s a dance song that can make listeners feel better by combining the beats and excitement of the chorus, the repeated melodies, and the lyrics that overflow with NATURE’s energy.

PC: You all have been releasing music steadily throughout the years. If you had to pick one song that best encompasses who this band is, which would it be and why?
Sohee: I think “Bing Bing” is a song that brings out NATURE’s charm. The reason is that I think it’s a song that brings out the pure and sentimental side of NATURE.

Saebom: I agree. NATURE is a group with bright energy, and “Bing Bing” shows that feeling well.

Chaebin: Yeah, we’re always bright and energetic. I think that’s why we’re like that song.

Haru: I would say “I’m So Pretty.” It’s a song where confident and pretty people gather and show our energy!

Loha: I think it’s “OOPSIE.” I think our group members are so talented and each member is so charming.

Uchae: It’s “Bing Bing.” It’s bubbly, and it’s fun just listening to the song.

Lu: It’s “Allegro Cantabile.” I think it goes well with the word “NATURE.”

PC: What’s one fun fact about yourself that fans would be surprised to learn?
Sohee: My cooking skills have improved. I don’t think the fans will believe it.

Aurora: I was bitten by a monkey before.

Saebom: I have different feet sizes. 235 on the left and 240 on the right.

Chaebin: My earlobes aren’t attached to my face. They’re separated.

Haru: I tend to like being alone.

Loha: I’m always bright, positive, and active, but when I’m serious, I’m serious and professional!

Uchae: It’s more fun when there’s no camera.

Lu: My Chinese zodiac sign is different from Saebom.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2022, what can fans expect from you all?
Chaebin: We couldn’t be on stage for a long while. So I think they’ll look forward to our comeback because we’ll be able to see our fans a lot.

Haru: For as long as the fans waited, we are planning to show you a lot of us this year.

Loha: Due to the pandemic, we didn’t have a chance to meet many fans or the public. I can’t guarantee what’ll happen this year, but I hope you look forward to seeing and experiencing NATURE through various activities.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Aurora: FANTASTIC BABY.

Saebom: Golden Child’s “Spring Again (그러다 봄).”

Chaebin: I like PRETTYMUCH’s song.

Haru: I listen to Michael Jackson’s songs a lot, so I can tell what song it is even from the intro.

Loha: Our fans think that I always listen to bright, upbeat songs, but I listen to a lot of calm songs.

PC: First album you bought?
Sohee: TVXQ’s debut album.

Aurora: Big Bang’s album.

Haru: Michael Jackson’s King of Pop album.

Loha: Our debut album!

Lu: TVXQ’s album.

PC: First concert you attended?
Sohee: Zico’s concert.

Aurora: Big Bang’s concert.

Saebom: Younha’s concert.

Haru: It’s a concert that EXO did in Tokyo!

Loha: I haven’t been to one yet, but I would like to experience one!

Lu: Girls’ Generation.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Sohee: It’s IU’s Modern Times album. It’s not that it changed my life, but all the songs in the album were so good that I listened to them every day, practiced them all, and sang them at auditions to become a singer!

Aurora: RICA RICA. I was able to show you this side of me.

Saebom: RICA RICA. I learned a lot from this album.

Chaebin: NATURE’s Girls. I can’t say that it changed my life, but it was a new concept.

Haru: It’s the first album I bought. I fell in love with music after hearing that!

Loha: 2EN1’s I Am the Best because whenever I listen to this song, I feel like I’m full of energy, self-esteem, and confidence.

Uchae: It’s RICA RICA. Since we’re making a comeback after a long time, we worked even harder and filmed the mockuseries.

Lu: IU’s Real. I always admired her.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Sohee: NATURE always dreams of performing on stage. We want to have our own concert.

Loha: Personally, I love going overseas and doing tour concerts!

Uchae: I want to tour abroad.

Lu: I want to be on the US stage! It’s a dream of mine!

PC: A must-have on the road?
Sohee: Artificial tears and hair roller.

Aurora: Money.

Saebom: Vitamins and supplements.

Chaebin: My cell phone.

Haru: My cell phone.

Loha: It’s my charger, wallet, and cell phone!

Uchae: You need money to buy gifts for your friends and family, right?

Lu: My cell phone and makeup pouch.

To keep up with NATURE, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.