Nam Gyu-ri: Couldn't debut at SM/YG, achieved No. 1 with SeeYa in 40 days

In a recent appearance on MBC's 'Radio Star,' singer and actress Nam Gyu-ri shared fascinating details about her early career, particularly her debut with the popular group SeeYa.

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I trained with SM and YG but couldn't debut.

Nam revealed that she had trained with major entertainment powerhouses SM and YG Entertainment but ultimately did not debut with either. This led to a period of uncertainty about her future in the music industry. However, a call from Vibe's Ryu Jae-hyun led her to an audition where her vocal performance secured her a spot in SeeYa.

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I thought, 'If I can't be a singer at this age, what will I live on?'

The group's debut song, 'The Scent of a Woman,' quickly became a hit, reaching number one on music shows within just 40 days. Nam also touched upon the group's initial concept as 'face-less singers,' a plan that changed when she joined, making them a group with visible members. She humorously recalled their debut stage, where they performed with no makeup, only a cherry-colored lip balm, a detail that surprised the show's hosts.

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So I debuted as SeeYa and took first place in 40 days. That song was 'The Scent of a Woman'.

This glimpse into Nam Gyu-ri's journey highlights the unpredictable nature of the K-pop industry and the perseverance required to achieve success. Her story, shared on a popular variety show, resonates with fans who appreciate these behind-the-scenes revelations about their favorite artists.

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We were originally supposed to debut as face-less singers. But suddenly, when I joined, we quickly became singers with faces.