A2O MAY, is a dynamic global pop group founded by K-pop legend and SM Entertainment founder Soo Man LEE—the mastermind behind many of K-Pop’s greatest acts, such as H.O.T (for the OG’s reading this), BoA, Girls’ Generation, SHINee, EXO, NCT, aespa, and many… many more.
Having turned his attention towards China, he’s curated a group of creatives who are redefining the global music scene with their innovative “Zalpha Pop” sound. Comprising CHENYU, SHIJIE, QUCHANG, MICHE, and KAT, the group blends Gen Z and Alpha-era sensibilities, crafting music that cuts across cultures and generations. Their debut tracks—like the reimagined “Under My Skin” and the bold “BOSS”—showcase powerful vocals, razor-sharp choreography, and a fearless confidence that hooks fans worldwide.
K-pop has long ruled global entertainment with its hyper-produced performances and polished idols, but A2O MAY marks a shift in momentum toward Chinese pop’s growing influence. By fusing diverse backgrounds and bilingual lyrics in Chinese and English, they—much like RADII’s own mission—bridge East and West, channeling emotions like love, ambition, and self-empowerment. Their collaborative creative process, which is rooted in trust and a shared vision, gives them a distinct identity that cuts through the noise of a very overcrowded industry.
Pulling inspiration from fashion, digital culture, and their own personal obsessions, A2O MAY is fronting a new era of pan-Asian pop. With recognizing that this is only the beginning for A20 MAY, RADII was thrilled at the opportunity to tap all five members for an in-depth, exclusive interview that asked them about their experiences entering into the limelight, their creative process within the world of pop, what they get up to outside of music, and more. Their impactful entrance onto the pop landscape is a clear indicator to keep your eye on China’s music scene, as it’s only going up from here!
RADII: What’s the first impression each of you had when you first saw pop groups growing up?
CHENYU: I was just a kid, but I remember feeling this huge rush of excitement. Pop groups looked like they were from another world—perfect hair, perfect moves, perfect everything. It felt larger than life, and I immediately wanted to be part of it, even if I didn’t know how.
SHIJIE: I thought, “How are they all so in sync?” It blew my mind. It wasn’t just about performing—it felt like they were a family, moving and breathing together on stage. That idea of unity and chemistry really inspired me.
QUCHANG: My first impression was actually kind of funny. I didn’t think they were real! They looked like animated characters to me—too cool to exist in real life. But the more I watched, the more I started respecting how much work it must take to look that effortless.
MICHE: I just remember thinking, “They make it look so fun.” It wasn’t even about being famous—it was the energy, the creativity, the way they made the stage feel like their own world. It made me want to learn how to express myself like that, too.
KAT: It was powerful. I didn’t understand all the lyrics or choreography, but I felt something. There was emotion in every move, every note. That left a huge impression on me—that you can move people without even saying a word.
Bring us back to the moment when you first found out you were going to be a part of A2O MAY. What did that feel like?
QUCHANG: It felt surreal. I don’t think it really sank in at first. I just kind of sat there like, “Wait… really?” My family and friends were really surprised too. No one expected it, honestly. But now they’re my biggest supporters, and that means a lot to me.
What is the creative process like being in a pop group? How do you balance the creative input in the music and choreography among the members?
SHIJIE: Being in a pop group means everything is collaborative, and I really love that. We all come in with different ideas—whether it’s for styling or a dance move. Sometimes one of us will suggest something small, and it ends up changing the whole vibe of the song or performance. We listen to each other a lot. It’s not always about who’s the loudest—it’s about who brings something that makes the whole group better. That balance comes from trust.
Was it ever difficult to maintain a personal artistic identity while undergoing such intense training?
KAT: Honestly, it wasn’t that hard for me. If anything, the training gave me a solid foundation—the technical side, the discipline, the structure—so that I could express myself more freely. It didn’t take away my identity; it helped shape how I bring it out. I learned how to channel my own style within the group, and that’s been really empowering.
With there being many pop groups across the world, how does A2O MAY stand out? In your own words, what makes you guys unique?
MICHE: I think A2O MAY stands out because we’re doing something new—we’re the first group to represent Zalpha Pop, which blends the emotions and stories of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. And we’re not just from one place. We’re a global group, and we want to connect different worlds and generations through our music. That mix of cultures and energy is what makes us different.
Your music reaches both Chinese and international audiences. How do you approach resonating with your fans across cultures and countries?
CHENYU: We just try to be real with our music and our message. No matter where someone’s from, emotions like love, excitement, or hope are universal. We focus on being honest in what we create, and I think that’s what connects us to fans across different cultures.
What inspired you to remake Sarah Connor’s “Under My Skin”? How did you reinterpret the song to reflect A2O MAY’s unique style and identity?
SHIJIE: We listened to “Under My Skin” while growing up. It’s a classic. Even back then, it had this timeless feeling to it. When we tried doing our own rendition, it just clicked. It felt like the perfect song to showcase A2O MAY’s power, energy, and emotional depth. We reinterpreted it in a way that feels true to us—from the sound to the performance—and it became something really special.
With tracks like “Under My Skin” and “BOSS” available in Chinese and English, how does your creative expression shift when performing in different languages?
QUCHANG: Recording in both English and Chinese was such a fun experience. It was really interesting to see how each language brought out different feelings and textures in the song. Even though the vibe can shift slightly with the language, the essence and message of the songs stay the same. That’s what we loved—being able to connect with more people while staying true to the heart of our music.
As part of the Zalpha Pop family, what opportunities or values set you apart from other rising idol acts?
QUCHANG: With our diverse backgrounds and being part of a global team, we naturally want to bridge the gap between East and West. But beyond that, through Zalpha Pop, we also aim to bridge generational gaps—connecting Gen Z, Gen Alpha… all generations through music that speaks to everyone.
KAT: Our goal is to create songs that bring people together, no matter where they’re from or how old they are. In a global world like ours, music is one of the most powerful ways to connect to the heart, and we hope to be a part of that.
Your vocals are always very powerful and clean, especially in “BOSS.” Both the choreography and stage outfits exude confidence. What message did you hope to convey through this new track?
MICHE: “BOSS” is about confidence and not being afraid to show the world who you are. The song, the choreography, the styling—they all work together to express that bold, fearless energy. When we perform it, we want people to feel empowered, like they can take on anything.
Looking back on your trainee era, can you share a behind-the-scenes moment that shaped you guys into who you are today?
SHIJIE: Looking back, there was this one night during training that really stuck with me. We were all exhausted, mentally and physically, but instead of going home after practice, we stayed behind and just talked. We shared our fears, our goals, and what this dream meant to each of us. I think that was the moment we truly became a team. It reminded me that we’re not doing this alone—we’re growing together.
What other influences outside of pop—and even music in general—do you all pay attention to?
CHENYU: Outside of music, we’re all really interested in fashion, styling, and makeup. It’s another way we express ourselves and tell stories, just like we do through our songs and performances.
A few of the members enjoy hobbies like drawing, baking, and makeup. How do these other artistic outlets influence your approach to music?
KAT: We all have different creative hobbies, and they help us slow down and reconnect with ourselves. Those moments of creativity outside of music keep us inspired and remind us to stay true to our style and emotions when we perform or create.
What can we look forward to from A2O MAY in the near future?
SHIJIE: In the near future, we’re really focused on connecting more with our fans and creating moments that they’ll remember. Whether it’s through performances, content, or just interacting more, we want to make sure our journey is something we all share together.
Cover image via Instagram/@a20.may.
