K-Pop has become a sensation across the globe due to a variety of reasons. When thinking of the infectious genre, acts like BLACKPINK or BTS come to mind – but what about groups who are bringing pure rock to the forefront?
Meet Rolling Quartz, an alternative K-Rock band that has risen to the top thanks to their wondrous vocals, ultra charming appeal and aesthetic, as well as their invigorating sound. The five-member female rock group, consisting of members Arem, Iree, Yeong Eun, Ja Young, and Choi Hyun Jung, debuted in December of 2020 with “Blaze” under Rolling Star Entertainment.
Since then, the girls have released hit after hit with singles such as “Victory,” “Fearless” and even covers of global hits like BTS’ “Dynamite.” Now, the members picked up their guitars and polished their drums once more as they prepare to promote their recent comeback “Red Wine” as part of their current European tour and US tour for the first half of 2025.
The girls sat with ZAPZEE to revel over time gone by since debut, which songs are their favorite to perform and even which K-Dramas are keeping their interest. Before falling in love with this captivating girl group even more, check out their exclusive video interview and sweet message for their fans, diadem.
Please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about your powerful debut with
“Blaze.”
Ja Young: Sure, we are Rolling Quartz, a five-member Korean rock band with colorful hair and energetic music. “Blaze” is a song with an attractive twin solo by our two guitarists. It is an ambitious title track that shows off our bold, hopeful ambitions and energetic personalities as rookies at that time.
Tell us about your new song and last release “Fearless” – how has the group evolved since debut?
Yeong Eun: Fearless is one of our representative songs that our fans love very much because it is a song that has a very distinct style that is representative of Rolling Quartz’s current one-of-a-kind color. After debut, we released our mini-albums Fighting and Victory, and it contains many different sounds and diverse songs compared to “Blaze.” Fans can feel a different charm from “Fearless” the most.
Is there a song you’d recommend new fans to listen to and why?
Iree: Of course, I recommend “Fearless” – it represents us!
Yeong Eun: Any other reason?
Iree: Because it is just plain good!
Ja Young: Haha!
Yeong Eun: I also chose “Fearless” because during our promotion period we gained so many fans. So I have a lot of affection towards this song and hold it dear to my heart.
Ja Young: There are too many reasons to love “Fearless” right?
Yeong Eun: Yeah, I adore it and it’s a good song as Iree said.
Ja Young: I recommend “Victory” because I think it is the most powerful song among Rolling Quartz accolades. I strongly recommend that fans, new and old, listen to it.
Arem: I recommend our song “Holler.” If you look at our live performances, “Holler” is such a strong song with an impactful chorus! The orchestration and arrangement of the song is really outstanding in the middle so I recommend fans listen and enjoy that point a lot.
As a rock band, is there a different way you prepare music, performances, and concepts? Have there been any unexpected difficulties?
Arem: Since all five members participate in composing and arranging, we come up with a lot of really grand ideas. But now and again, it’s hard to put all the ideas into one song, so there’s a bit of friction or tension when it comes to coordinating opinions collectively. There have been a few instances like that. But somehow we’re coordinating well and making songs that successfully reflect Rolling Quartz’s own unique style. The ideas that were excluded… we usually plan to use them in the next release and so on.
Rolling Quartz are currently on tour in Europe. Are there any unique stages prepared for European fans or for the 2025 American tour?
Iree: We always work hard and prepare for every stage because we believe that every stage we go on is special. There is a lot to expect, so please look forward to our tour.
Has the group had any wonderful experiences while touring? Which countries or cities do you wish to visit most?
Iree: If I had to pick a highlight, I think it would be meeting fans in person that I only saw through SNS. It feels like meeting old friends for the first time in a long while.
Ja Young: Each country and city has a different culture and character. I think I always anticipate every day about what the city I was going to perform in would be like.
Choi Hyun Jung: The cities I’ve been to so far were all short visits. I want to visit them all again. Also, the countries we are touring in feature cities I’ve never been to before, so I think I’ll be excited and happy wherever I go. I’m curious about all countries and cities and I welcome the chance to meet fans wherever they are!
As a rock band, are there some veteran artists or other K-pop groups you admire or draw inspiration from?
Yeong Eun: Yes, actually. I really like the Korean girl group Dreamcatcher and the foreign rock band Bring Me the Horizon, so I listen to and watch a lot of their music.
Ja Young: In my case, I was greatly influenced by Jessie Jay and Ailee in terms of vocal style.
Arem: Yes, I really like the legendary band Seo Taiji and even Nova Sonic.
Is there a K-drama the members enjoy watching lately?
Choi Hyun Jung: Among Korean programs, there is a program called “I’m SOLO.” It’s a program where ordinary people come out and say they want to date, but it’s not just about dating. There are a lot of different people. You learn about life stories and more/ There are a lot of different people out there so viewers also learn about respect. I think it’s a really fun program.
Arem: Haha, Do you want to appear on that show?
Choi Hyun Jung: Hey haha There are so many episodes. It’s up to season 24 now! I’m watching it all the way through because it’s so much fun.
Arem: So, Choi Hyun Jung may appear around season 30, haha!
Ja Young: Hah, Do you really want to appear on it?
After all the laughs and unique conversations, the charming and vivacious ladies of Rolling Quartz didn’t spare a moment to relish in the love they receive from their charming fans, Diabem. Before signing off, Rolling Quartz prepared a final message for their fandom.
Ja Young: Our Diadem, thank you so much for always loving us and supporting us no matter where we are or how far apart we are. We will definitely go meet diadem around the world, so please stay healthy and have a good time with us until then. Please enjoy our current songs and also look forward to the release of our new song coming out on December 9th. This has been Rolling Quartz. Thank you! Bye.
What a refreshing bunch? Just like their music, the powerful personalities of Rolling Quartz are hard to contain in one room let alone one interview! If you’re already addicted to their radical music, check out the rest of their adventures on Instagram and Twitter. Don’t forget to follow ZAPZEE on social media like Twitter for more exclusive K-Pop interviews and enjoy the rest of Rolling Quartz exclusive photos below.
Thank you from Brazil 🇧🇷 in in love with the girls and Hope more people in this side of the world Join the diadema!!!!
Well, if it is true that Rolling Quartz is coming back to the States and hopefully Seattle. If not. Seattle but close. I will have to plan on a road trip. I must see this band live. Been a long time since I have been this stoked up over a band. You ladies ROCK!
I discovered Rolling Quartz late January 2024, just a few days before they performed in Paris, France. I was hooked to their music in 1 week-end and could make it to get a last minute ticket and attend the show. I am a real fan since, waiting to meet them again in Paris and Lyon (France) next January. Ja Young is such a tremendous singer and great stage frontlady! I have been a fan of japanese all-ladies metal bands since 2019, Rolling Quartz music has something different: just as uplifting, but easier to listen to. And their art of making great covers is amazing.
I follow them since their debut. I love them for their skill, their 80s sound, their determination to bring back rock into mainstream in Korea. I had the opportunity to see them live in Sydney, they are pure fire. Their personalities are as different as their hair colour, but when they start playing their instruments, they come together as a band in perfect harmony. I wish them all success for the future, they deserve it.
They are great!