QWER: The Female Band Made of K-Influencers

In October 2023, female band QWER debuted with its four-member lineup consisting of Twitch streamers, a Tiktoker, and a former idol of an AKB48 sister group in Japan. Chodan, Magenta, Hina, and Siyeon’s unique story has turned to success, with their latest title track “T.B.H” staying in the Melon Top 100 list since its release in April. The story of these four ladies is an unbelievable journey of its own. 

Forming QWER

The idea of QWER came from South Korean fitness YouTuber Egg Kim. After watching the anime Oshi no Ko, which revolves around preparing to be an idol, he wanted to create a Korean-Japanese band. He took on the role as the band’s manager under Tamago Production. He named the band after Q,W, E, and R, hotkeys in League of Legends. QWER is jointly managed by Tamago Production and production company 3Y CORPORATION, a subsidiary of Kakao Entertainment. 

In May 2023, Kim first recruited Twitch streamer Chodan, who has been playing the drums since she was nine years old. She plays dual positions as drummer and as sub-vocalist. Twitch streamer and cosplayer Magenta started learning to play bass guitar in early 2023, and considers herself a fan of J-Pop and J-Rock. Twitch streamer and Tiktoker Hina (who also uses the handle 냥뇽녕냥) joined the band as their keyboardist, and expressed always wanting to learn the guitar. She learned to play classical music as a child, studied practical music in high school, and wanted to attend a music university. 

Kim traveled to Japan to find the last member of the band. Lee Siyeon, a former member of Japanese idol group NMB48, joined QWER as its main vocalist and rhythm guitarist. She once practiced as a K-Pop trainee, but went to Japan as she felt like she would not make it in her domestic market. Though she enjoyed her two years in NMB48, she left due to the lack of a living wage and her renewed desire to promote in Korea. She graduated from the group in August 2023, a few months before QWER’s debut. 

QWER’s Current Discography

QWER made their debut on October 23 with their single album Harmony from Discord. Its title track “Discord” showcased their J-Rock-influenced sound and optimistic image. Siyeon was among the song’s seven composers. The music video also included a social media theme, an expected nod to the group members’ other ventures. 

The group made its first comeback on April 1, 2024. Their first EP MANITO included the title track “T.B.H” and six B-sides. “T.B.H” expressed the nerves of a confession with a high school-themed music video. It also includes some manga cut-ins and a parody of TV broadcast reactions. With PRISMFILTER MUSIC GROUP (led by Pledis producer BUMZU) producing, QWER’s sound is in good hands. 

QWER’s Video Game Collaborations 

QWER has collaborated with a couple video game series already, having released “Embracing Me” for Dungeon & Fighter Mobile in November and “Shine All Night” for STARSEED: ASNIA TRIGGER in March. Their latest and largest collaboration comes from “ANIMA POWER” for League of Legends in July.

“ANIMA POWER” comes in Japanese and Korean versions, and this collaboration was bound to happen as the group’s name derives from League of Legends. QWER’s fandom name, Bawige, even comes from the Korean name for Rift Scuttler, a creature from the game.

QWER’s Popularity and Future

Though QWER never promoted on any major Korean music shows, they were nominated on Show! Music Core in May. QWER scored 4,983 points in digital streaming, which accounts for 50 percent of the scoring criteria. At the 2024 K WORLD DREAM AWARDS last week, QWER won “best band” and the main award, alongside groups like aespa, NCT 127, and ITZY. “T.B.H” still sits at No.9 on the Melon Top 100 chart as of August 25.

Some factors for this success include the members’ previously established internet popularity, but also the rising interest in rock music within South Korea. In an interview with Korea JoongAng Daily, music critic Lim Heeyun said that this “subculture image” mixed with their pop rock sound can help them become a “one-of-a-kind artist in the long run.” QWER plans to come back with new music in September.

Edited by Clark Royandoyan