Weeekly (Korean: 위클리;RR: Wikeulli)[1] is a South Korean girl group formed byIST Entertainment (formerly Play M Entertainment).[2] The group was IST Entertainment's second girl group in ten years, afterApink.[3] The group consists of six members: Soojin, Monday, Soeun, Jaehee, Jihan and Zoa. The group debuted on June 30, 2020, with their debut EP,We Are.[4] Originally a septet, Jiyoon left the group on June 1, 2022, citingmental health issues.[5]
The group's name, Weeekly, taken from the role of the member in charge of each day of the week as the catchphrase says that "every day brings a new and special week."[6]
Soojin, Jiyoon and Soeun were contestants ofYG Entertainment andJTBC's survival showMix Nine, with Soojin being the "prominent face" among the female contestants during the initial stages of the show's launch.[7] However, on January 8, 2018, Soojin withdrew from the show following injury from a traffic accident and had received emergency surgery.[8]
In October 2018, Fave Entertainment had announced its plans to debut a new girl group, temporarily named Fave Girls (페이브 걸즈, stylized as FAVE GIRLS).[9] The lineup included Soojin, Jiyoon, Monday, Soeun and Jaehee.[10] The group was subsequently named PlayM Girls (플레이엠 걸즈) following the merger of Plan A Entertainment and Fave Entertainment, to form Play M Entertainment, on April 1, 2019.[11]
On May 8, 2020, Play M Entertainment announced that PlayM Girls were confirmed to make their debut in June.[12] On May 11, the group name was revealed to be Weeekly, with all seven members of the group and their profile pictures revealed.[13] On June 12, the group's debutextended playWe Are was announced to be released on June 30, together with a release schedule.[14]
Logo of Weeekly
On June 30, the music video for the EP's lead single "Tag Me (@Me)" was released 18 hours before the release of the EP.[15] Subsequently,We Are was released digitally,[4] with Jiyoon involved in writing and composing two songs of the EP.[16] The group had a press showcase on the same day.[17] Originally, the group would also have a live debut showcase throughV Live, but a fire that broke out near the venue of the showcase resulted in its cancelation.[18] The music video for "Tag Me (@Me)" went on to achieve 10 million views in its first 7 days, while the EP sold over 10,000 copies within its first 8 days.[19]
The group sangKakaoTV variety showWannabe Ryan's signal song "Boom Chi Ki" (붐 치키).[20] The single was digitally released on September 25.[21] On September 28, the Korean Consumer Forum awarded Weeekly the "Female Rookie of the Year Award," using data from a poll of over 550,000 Koreans.[22]
The group released their second EPWe Can on October 13, featuring the lead single "Zig Zag".[23] On October 15, they had their debut stage for the song onM Countdown.[24] The choreography was distinct for its integration of 10-pound cubes into the dance, which the members pushed around the stage.[25] The song achieved 10 million views on YouTube within 4 days, beating their previous record.[25]
2021:We Play,Play Game: Holiday and Jiyoon's hiatus
On February 22, local news outlet Sport TV News reported that Weeekly was preparing for a comeback in March with a new album.[26] Later that day, the reports were confirmed by Play M Entertainment.[27] A image teaser posted on the group's social media accounts announced their third mini album,We Play, would be released on March 17.[28] On March 17, the mini album, along with its title track "After School", were released.[29]
On May 28,The group released a single "7Days Tension", in collaboration with South Korean eyewear brand Davich.[30]
On July 13, Play M Entertainment confirmed Weeekly was preparing for a comeback, aiming for an early August release.[31] On July 15, an image teaser posted across the group's social medias announced their fourth mini album, titledPlay Game: Holiday, would be released on August 4.[32] On August 1, PlayM Entertainment released a statement announcing that Jiyoon would be going on hiatus temporarily from all activities due to reoccurring stress and anxiety. Thus, the group's mini album Play Game : Holiday, will be promoted as six members.[33] On August 4, the mini album, along with its title track "Holiday Party" was released.[34]
On December 14, Play M Entertainment (now going under the name IST Entertainment) announced Jiyoon's return from hiatus starting from December 15 and will continue activities with the group.[35]
On February 28, it was announced that Jiyoon would be taking a hiatus temporarily due to tension and anxiety.[36]
On February 15, it was announced that Weeekly will be releasing their first single album, "Play Game : Awake", on March 7.[37] On February 28, it was announced that Shin Jiyoon will not be participating in the album's promotions due to focusing on treatment and recovery for her anxiety.[38] On March 7, The group released their first single albumPlay Game: Awake featuring "Ven Para" as the lead single.[39]
On June 1, IST Entertainment released a statement regarding Jiyoon's departure from the group, which stated that after having discussions with Jiyoon and her family, it was decided it would be best for her to continue receiving treatment in an environment that helps improve her mental health, thus turning Weeekly into a sextet.[5]
On April 24, it was confirmed that some members of Weeekly will be participating in the Mnet's newQueendom competition show series,Queendom Puzzle, which started from June 2023.[40] The four participating members were announced through Mnet'sM Countdown on May 18 and 25. Jihan and Soeun appeared as part of the "PICK on the top" team on the 18th, and Soojin and Zoa made their appearance as part of the "DROP The Beat" team on the 25th.[41] Eventually, Jihan finished in 10th place, Zoa in 19th place, Soojin in 21st place and Soeun in 23rd place.[42]
On September 12, the group released a digital single "Good Day (Special Daileee)" as a fansong for their fans, Daileee.[43] On September 25, IST Entertainment revealed that the release of Weeekly's fifth extended play was pushed back to November 1 from the previously confirmed October date, marking one year and seven months since the release of the group's last physical album.[44]
The group released their fifth EP,ColoRise, as well as the music video for the lead single "Vroom Vroom" on November 1 at 6 pm KST.[45]
Weeekly released the digital single "Stranger" on January 25, 2024, which was a pre-release for their single album, which would release in July.[46] On June 12, IST Entertainment announced that the group would come back with their sixth mini album on July 9.[47] On June 19, they released a promotion scheduler for Bliss.[48] On July 9, the group made their comeback with the release of the sixth EPBliss, along with its lead single "Lights On".[49]
On February 26, 2025, it was reported that all Weeekly members terminated their contract with IST Entertainment; it is unknown if the group will disband or join a new agency.[50][51]
On May 11, 2021, Weeekly was selected as the advertising model for Korean eyewear brand Davich Optical Chain's Tension 7-Day Lens contact lenses.[52] In August, Soojin was selected as the ambassador for the 23rd Bucheon International Animation Festival (BIAF2021) that was held from October 22 to 26.[53]
In August 2022, Weeekly collaborated with AliMoli Studio for an XR Animation GameAstrostation that is planned for release. It is a 3D VR animation game with the theme of "Space Exploration". The project revolves around the theme of collaboration between the Korean Wave Industry and Media Content Companies that allowing them to promote contents with idea and marketing support, and can expect various concepts and genre expansions.[54] They have appeared in the CAST Park Festival at Gwanghwamun, on October 23 to introduce the product to domestic consumers.[55][56]
^abKim, Na-young (June 1, 2022)."신지윤, 건강상 이유로 위클리 탈퇴 "6인으로 팀 재정비"(전문)[공식]" [Jiyoon Shin leaves Weekly due to health reasons, “Team reorganization with 6 members” (Full text)[Official]] (in Korean). MK Sports. RetrievedJune 1, 2022 – via Naver.
^Go Seung-ah (August 17, 2023)."위클리, 데뷔 3주년 팬송 발매…10월 컴백 예고" [Weeekly releases fan song for 3rd anniversary of debut... October comeback notice].Naver News (in Korean). RetrievedSeptember 10, 2023.
^Seon Mi-kyung (January 10, 2024)."위클리, 25일 'Stranger' 발매 확정.."낯선 자신으로부터 성장통"" [Weeekly, to confirmed to release 'Stranger' on 25th (Jan).. "growing pains from an unfamiliar self"].OSEN via Naver News (in Korean). RetrievedJanuary 10, 2024.
^Ji Min-kyung (May 11, 2021)."위클리, 데뷔 첫 광고 콘택트렌즈 모델 발탁..'신흥 대세' 입증" [Weeekly, first debut advertising contact lens model selection... Proof of 'emerging trend'] (in Korean). RetrievedApril 18, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee Kyung-ha (October 19, 2022)."한류스타가 생산에 참여한 중소기업 제품 광화문 광장서 첫 소개" [First introduced at Gwanghwamun Plaza, a product of small and medium-sized companies that Hallyu stars participated in production] (in Korean). RetrievedOctober 19, 2022.
^2020년 8월 Album Chart [August 2020 Album Chart].Gaon Music Chart (in Korean).Archived from the original on February 3, 2015. RetrievedSeptember 12, 2020.
^2020년 11월 Album Chart [November 2020 Album Chart].Gaon Music Chart (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. RetrievedDecember 9, 2020.
^2021년 5월 Album Chart [May 2021 Album Chart].Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). RetrievedJune 10, 2021.
^2021년 9월 Album Chart [September 2021 Album Chart].Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). RetrievedOctober 7, 2021.
^2021년 32주차 Download Chart [Week 32 of 2021 Download Chart].Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). August 1–7, 2021.Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. RetrievedAugust 12, 2021.
^2022년 11주차 Download Chart [Week 11 of 2022 Download Chart].Gaon Music Chart (in Korean). March 6–12, 2022.Archived from the original on March 17, 2022. RetrievedMarch 17, 2022.
^"위클리, 브아걸 'Love' 리메이크…'From 김이나' 두 번째 곡 가창자" [Weeekly, Brown Eyed Girl's 'Love' remake... Singer of the second song of 'From Kim Eana'].Sports Seoul. July 21, 2022. RetrievedJuly 21, 2022 – via Naver.
^"위클리, '야오키 프로젝트' 첫 주자…9일 캐럴송 '해피 크리스마스' 발매" [Weeekly, the first runner of the 'Yaoki Project'... Released the carol song 'Happy Christmas' on the 9th].Osen. December 7, 2022. RetrievedDecember 7, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Na-yeon (October 20, 2020)."위클리, 드라마 타이즈 콘텐츠 '위클리 공감' 깜짝 공개…1020 세대 공감 스토리" [Weeekly, surprise release of drama tights content 'Weeekly Empathy'... 1020 generation empathy story] (in Korean). slist kr. RetrievedMay 1, 2022.
^Lee Deok-haeng (May 12, 2020)."플레이엠 걸그룹, 팀명 '위클리(Weeekly)'로 확정… 6월 첫 선" [PlayM girl group confirmed with team name 'Weeekly'... first line in june] (in Korean). Xport News. RetrievedMay 1, 2022.
^Jeong Ji-won (May 25, 2020)."신예 위클리, 첫 리얼리티 '플레이엠 신인개발팀' 론칭…27일 공개" [Rookie Weeekly launches the first reality show 'PlayM Rookie Development Team'... released on the 27th] (in Korean). inews24. RetrievedMay 1, 2022.
^Kyeong Ji-min (August 13, 2021)."위클리, 새 리얼리티 '위클리어' 19일 첫 공개..폭소만발 리얼 일상 예고" [Weeekly, new reality show 'We Clear' first released on the 19th.. Real daily life full of laughter] (in Korean). chosun. RetrievedMay 1, 2022 – via OSEN.
^Jeong Hee-yeon (March 29, 2021).> "위클리, 리얼리티 예능 '이번 생은 처음' 첫 화 공개" [Weeekly reveals first episode of reality show 'This is my first life'] (in Korean). nate. RetrievedMay 1, 2022 – via Sports Donga.
^Go Seon-ho (August 6, 2021)."다비치안경, 아이돌그룹 위클리와 함께 웹예능 '펜캉스' 첫 공개" [Davichi Glasses, web entertainment 'Pencance' first released with idol group Weeekly].이뉴스투데이 (in Korean). enews. RetrievedMay 1, 2022.
^Yoo Byung-cheol (December 3, 2021)."'위클리의 클났어요' 위클리, 김장 도전+몸빼 패션쇼 비하인드 포토 공개 '시선 압도'" [‘Weeekly’s Big’ Weeekly, Kimchi Challenge + Behind-the-scenes fashion show photos released ‘Overwhelming your eyes’] (in Korean). IST Entertainment. RetrievedMay 1, 2022.
^Hong Seong-hoon (October 18, 2021)."위클리 이재희, GBUSTV 첫 단독 콘텐츠 '위클리타임' 런칭 - 내외뉴스통신" [Weekly Jaehee Lee, GBUTV's first solo content 'Weekly Time' launched].kpop fandom. nbnnews. Archived fromthe original on April 8, 2023. RetrievedApril 18, 2022 – via Chosun.
^Kim Soo-jin (February 23, 2023)."위클리, 자체 예능 '위캔두잇' 내일(24일) 첫 공개..'엉뚱美'" [Weeekly, its own entertainment show 'We Can Do It', first released tomorrow (24th)..'Wrong Beauty'] (in Korean). Naver News. RetrievedFebruary 23, 2023.
^abcJeong Hee-yeon (December 14, 2023)."위클리, 2024년 1월 데뷔 첫 단독 팬미팅 개최…20일 선예매 오픈" [Weekly holds its first solo fan meeting since debut in January 2024... Pre-sale opens on the 20th] (in Korean). Donga. RetrievedDecember 15, 2023.
^Kim Eun-goo (November 22, 2018)."'하이틴 아이돌' 페이브걸즈, 데뷔 전 '연속 매진' 기염" ['Teen Idol' Fave Girls, 'consecutively sold out' before debut] (in Korean). edaily. RetrievedApril 30, 2022.
^Park Dong-seon (January 14, 2019)."페이브걸즈, 새해맞이 3차 프리쇼 성료…'칼군무부터 가창력까지' 팔색조 매력 입증" [Fave Girls, the 3rd pre-show for the new year has been completed... Proof of the charm of 'from the sword choreography to the singing ability'] (in Korean). etnews. RetrievedApril 30, 2022.
^Hong Seong-hoon (June 21, 2021)."위클리, 데뷔 첫 'KCON:TACT 4 U' 성료" [Weeekly, first debut 'KCON:TACT 4 U' successfully completed] (in Korean). nbnnews. RetrievedJune 8, 2022.
^Park Han-ok (August 28, 2021)."KCON:TACT HI 5, 출연진 22팀의 데일리 라인업 공개" [KCON:TACT HI 5, daily lineup of 22 cast members revealed] (in Korean). star in news. RetrievedJune 8, 2022.
^Kim Yoon-kyo (October 29, 2021)."위클리, 2021 아시아송페스티벌 무대 현장 사진 공개(11컷)" [Weeekly releases photos from the stage of the 2021 Asia Song Festival (11 cuts)] (in Korean). topstarnews. RetrievedJune 8, 2022.
^Hong Hye-min (May 16, 2022)."[단독]레드벨벳·오마이걸→NCT드림, '2022 드림콘서트' 출격…최정상 그룹 뜬다!" [[Exclusive] Red Velvet Oh My Girl → NCT Dream, '2022 Dream Concert' scramble... The top group is up!] (in Korean). nate news. RetrievedJune 8, 2022.
^Shin Hee-won (July 8, 2022)."'한류 팝 페스트 런던 2022' 개최... 케이팝이 부활했다" ['Hallyu Pop Fest London 2022' held... K-pop is revived] (in Korean). star in news. RetrievedJuly 27, 2022.
^"AAA 인기상 후보100 사전투표 - 가수" [AAA Popularity Award Candidate 100 Advance Voting - Singer].Star News (in Korean). September 5, 2023.Archived from the original on September 11, 2023. RetrievedSeptember 11, 2023.
^Lee Do-yeon (January 1, 2021)."52주간의 빌보드 케이팝 100 기록" [Billboard K-Pop 100 Records for 52 Weeks].Billboard Korea (in Korean).Archived from the original on December 28, 2020. RetrievedApril 13, 2021.
