When Bora and Hyolyn, members of the K-pop girl group SISTAR, debuted as SISTAR19 in 2011, they drew inspiration from the latter half of the unit’s name. The number 19, they felt, encapsulated the transition from girlhood to womanhood and the emotions associated with that time. Their debut single, “Ma Boy,” delved into the theme of young love, while its successor, “Gone Not Around Any Longer,” explored heartbreak. At the time, Bora and Hyolyn, aged 21 and 20, respectively, could relate to these themes.
Almost 11 years since their last release, Bora and Hyolyn are making a comeback with a new installment in the “Ma Boy” series, eager to showcase their evolution. “The name SISTAR19, the 19 remains the same, but the years have gone, and we have matured,” said Bora, now 34. “Our understanding of the songs that we deliver to our audience has grown deeper.”
SISTAR19, a subunit of the larger girl group SISTAR, consists of Bora and Hyolyn, who debuted as a duo in 2011. They experienced great success with their releases, with their second single, “Gone Not Around Any Longer,” dominating Billboard Korea’s K-pop Hot 100 chart at No.1 and peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. The group’s first EP also charted at No. 2 on South Korea’s Circle Album chart.
Following SISTAR’s last official release in 2017, SISTAR19 also went on hiatus, and no new music was released until now. During this period, Hyolyn continued as a solo artist and founded her own label, while Bora pursued her acting career.
SISTAR19 has made a comeback with a single album titled “NO MORE (MA BOY)” released on January 16. The title track pays homage to their debut single, “Ma Boy,” serving as an “extension of the original,” according to Hyolyn. While “Ma Boy” explored the theme of young love, the new track takes a mature perspective on the emotion. Bora emphasized that without “Ma Boy,” there would be no “NO MORE (MA BOY).”
“NO MORE (MA BOY)” continues SISTAR19’s exploration of love, focusing on finding solace in goodbyes. Bora explained that the duo aimed to incorporate a sense of being okay with a breakup, with Hyolyn adding that the track’s lyrics emphasize consoling oneself without grieving. These sentiments reflect the lessons Bora and Hyolyn have learned over the years.
The comeback not only continues SISTAR19’s legacy but also marks a turning point in their artistic journey. “NO MORE (MA BOY)” is both a continuation of their debut and a step into the future, signifying a new chapter in their artistry. Hyolyn expressed her preference for people to perceive it as the opening of a new chapter.
The single album, featuring the title track and “SAUCY,” not only reintroduces listeners to SISTAR19’s signature style of bold, lush vocals and captivating choreography but also highlights the refined skills and charms of each member. For Bora, who has been primarily active as an actress in recent years, this comeback represents a fresh start as a singer.
SISTAR19 is excited to be back on stage and deeply grateful to fans who have been eagerly awaiting their return. After a considerable hiatus, the duo is ready to unveil its evolution, showcasing a more experienced and relaxed version of themselves. Hyolyn and Bora are eager to see how fans perceive their chemistry and look forward to revealing more sides of themselves that haven’t been seen before.
The comeback is a refreshing moment for fans, and SISTAR19 is poised to showcase their growth and evolution, promising a lot more to their dedicated fan base.