Photo = Screenshot from 1theK, RESCENE YouTube

 

[Hanteo News = Reporter KIM YEWON] The unique past history of ZENA, a member of group RESCENE, is drawing attention. ZENA has been loved by many after earning the nickname “Shilla Princess” when it became known that she is from Gyeongju through RESCENE member WONI’s YouTube channel, 'HelloHelloThisIsWoniNiceToMeetYou.'

 

Recently, the fact that ZENA was once a member of a virtual idol group in the past has spread rapidly across communities and SNS. A post on X (formerly Twitter), which included a stage video of MAVE:’s 'PANDORA,' recorded high views with the caption, “Does anyone know that GAYOUNG was a visual model for a virtual idol when she was in her second year of middle school? Her current stage name also comes from here.” Netizens who saw it responded, “That is amazing, so fascinating,” “I was surprised after reading the comments. I thought MAVE’s face looked so real and fascinating, and it turns out she was the face model,” and “I listened to 'PANDORA' a lot because I liked it, but I had no idea.”

 

At RESCENE’s debut showcase in March 2024, ZENA said, “While auditioning for several agencies, I became a visual model through an introduction from someone at one agency. I was in my second year of middle school,” adding, “At the time, I only filmed and could not speak, so it did not feel real, but now that it is coming out as my own image, I feel nervous.”

 

MAVE: is a virtual idol group created through a collaboration between KAKAO ENTERTAINMENT and Netmarble, and when it debuted in January 2023, it drew major attention for its graphics that were so detailed they were difficult to distinguish from real people. As it became known belatedly that ZENA participated as a visual model for the group when she was a middle school student, interest in her past activities has grown. In particular, the fact that ZENA’s stage name came from MAVE: member 'ZENA' has also been shared, bringing renewed attention to the connection that has continued since before her debut.

 

This recent buzz has also gone beyond simply revealing a past history and has become a catalyst for raising public interest in RESCENE and ZENA. Her journey from serving as the face model of a virtual idol to standing on stage as a real idol is giving many people a different kind of emotional resonance, and ZENA’s story is being actively shared both inside and outside the fandom.

 

RESCENE is rapidly emerging as a trending group through member WONI’s personal YouTube channel 'HelloHelloThisIsWoniNiceToMeetYou,' which has repeatedly recorded 1 million views. This buzz has even led to a reverse run on music charts, with the title track 'LOVE ATTACK' from RESCENE’s 1st mini album 'SCENEDROME' settling at No. 8 on Hanteo’s digital music chart and No. 7 on the Melon chart as of the afternoon of the 9th. RESCENE, which is securing solid public recognition through consecutive appearances on music shows, is set to release a remake single in July that reinterprets a nostalgic classic and begin full-fledged activities. Attention is focused on what new records the group will set with its comeback following its reverse-run success.