Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, stans, and newbies alike. This week, Bora and Hyolyn of SISTAR19 reflect on their new release. As always, if you love reading Fan Chant, you can subscribe to my companion newsletter to get it delivered right to your inbox each week!
While plenty of details can be faked in the world of entertainment, great chemistry is not one of them. Look no further than Bora and Hyolyn, better known together as SISTAR19, for proof of that. As part of K-pop’s formidable “second generation,” or artists who debuted and performed between the years 2005 and 2011, these two carried quite a few torches: long before K-pop had the global recognition it bears today, SISTAR19 were nominated at the World Music Awards all the way back in 2013.
Known for their fiery onstage energy and the balance between Hyolyn’s vocals and Bora’s rapping, SISTAR19’s 2024 reunion embraces so many of the aspects that made them beloved upon debut. K-pop fans have often been caught up in debates about these different “generations” of K-pop as of late, with some observations carrying more truth than others — some fans have pointed out that songs and albums are getting shorter (true), while others complain that there are no more great vocalists in the genre (obviously false).
“When I hear such discussions, it feels like despite a relatively short period, there’s been enough development and change,” Bora tells Consequence. “I find it remarkable and heartening that K-pop is making such leaps and bounds.”
Back with as much passion as ever, the two seem thrilled to be working together again. Their new single, “NO MORE (MA BOY)” references the song that put them on the map in a big way, 2011’s “Ma Boy.” Here, Bora and Hyolyn are making it clear — it’s a fresh, new era for SISTAR19.
Watch the music video for “NO MORE (MA BOY)” below, and read on for the full Q+A with the members.