Girl Group A2O MAY’s Groundbreaking Arrival Onto The Global Music Scene

“Bigger, Badder, Better” are just a few of many words to describe the record-breaking rookie group A2O MAY. Spearheaded by the visionary producer Soo Man LEE, the quintet debuted on December 20, 2024, as the first official girl group launched under A2O Entertainment. CHENYU, SHIJIE, QUCHANG, MICHE, and KAT each possess a unique artistic identity that reflects in A2O MAY’s dominating presence. A2O MAY features members from Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hawaii — representing a new generation of global idols as a multicultural, bilingual unit.

Within this past year, A2O MAY achieved monumental global accolades. They became the first Chinese idol group to perform at the iconic iHeartRadio Wango Tango, as well as the first Chinese group to enter the U.S. Top 40 Radio Chart with their pre-debut single, “Under My Skin.” A2O MAY’s official debut, “BOSS,” continued this streak of success, as it marked their second U.S. Top 40 entry and the highest charting placement in history by a Chinese girl group.

A2O MAY made their second comeback with the single “B.B.B (Bigger Badder Better) [feat. A2O LTG]” on August 15, 2025. EnVi connected with A2O MAY via email to hear more about this release and what it means to the team, in addition to their musical aspirations and upcoming first EP PAPARAZZI ARRIVE.

Zalpha Pop

A2O MAY are carving out their own unique path in the music industry, pioneering a new genre known as “Zalpha Pop.” The genre’s name is derived from the combination of “Gen Z” and “Gen Alpha” — a musical blend that encompasses the strengths of both generations.

“For us, Zalpha Pop represents an open-ended and creative state,” MICHE said. “It’s not just a mix of styles, but a form of free expression. Its ‘newness’ isn’t only in the sounds and rhythms, but also in how we use the stage and our voices to show the complex yet charming sides of youth.”

A2O MAY’s discography reflects this sentiment, as the quintet have timeless tracks like, “Under My Skin,” in addition to future-forward songs like “BOSS.” When you pair Gen Z’s emotional honesty with Gen Alpha’s creativity, you get a unique sound set to revolutionize the global pop sphere.

QUCHANG shared her goals with the unprecedented genre: “Through our music, we want to share confidence and fearless self expression. We hope to become a bridge that connects people of different generations through music.”

Bigger, Badder, Better

A2O MAY’s most recent release, “B.B.B (Bigger Badder Better) [feat. A2O LTG],” solidified their status as next-generation starlets to keep on your radar. The song is penned by global hitmakers Jonatan Gusmark, Kristian “Boots” Ottestad, Ludvig Evers, and Moa “Cazzi Operia” Carlebecker. You may know Jonatan Gusmark and Ludvig Evers better as the duo “Moonshine,” whose iconic producer tag can be heard at the start of several K-pop hits.

“B.B.B” charms audiences from the start with a hypnotic melody that echoes throughout key points of the song. SHIJIE sets the tone with the confident, introductory line: “I’m cooler than you!” In the music video, SHIJIE proceeds to nonchalantly toss her glasses after the bold exclamation, which ended up being her most memorable moment from the shoot.

“The most memorable moment was shooting the scene at the school entrance […] it was fun, and it also felt a bit surreal, so it really stuck with me,” SHIJIE shared.

“Me too,” KAT added. “Since it was the opening shot, it immediately pulled me into the whole A2O school vibe and the concept of ‘B.B.B.’ We had such a great time filming it, and I’m really thankful to all the amazing actors who helped bring that scene to life.”

In the music video for “B.B.B,” A2O MAY are the queen bees of the school — serving up true, high-teen fashion. A2O MAY’s charisma oozes in every shot, as they strut the school halls as the other students watch and cheer in awe. The video perfectly embodies A2O MAY’s undisputed aura, while sparking empowerment for viewers and listeners alike.

The Future of A2O

What makes “B.B.B” all the more special is the collaboration between A2O MAY and their label juniors, A2O LTG (Low Teen Girls). XILI, BAOWEI, and MAXITONG of A2O LTG join in on the addictive chorus where they chant, “I’m bigger, badder, better than the cool kids.” A2O LTG star alongside A2O MAY in the music video, where their admiration as juniors is conveyed in a school setting. When A2O LTG join in on the chorus for some dynamic dance shots, the trio display their synergy in synchronicity with A2O MAY. A2O LTG give a fresh glimpse of what A2O’s future has to offer, while A2O MAY demonstrate expertise and guidance as their seniors.

“Working with A2O LTG on the MV was such a refreshing experience,” KAT said. “They brought so much energy and joy, which added layers of spontaneity and playfulness to the project. Our teamwork created a fun dynamic that came across naturally on screen.”

“B.B.B” is true Zalpha Pop — with genre-bending sonic elements and a message of confidence that transcends generations. For A2O MAY, “Bigger, Badder, Better” is an oath of authenticity they hope to uphold as artists, in addition to a boost of self-reassurance they wish to inspire within audiences.

“For us, being ‘Bigger, Badder, Better’ means being brave, honest, and holding onto a spark of playful mischief — the childlike, undefinable energy we all carry inside,” MICHE said. “It’s a journey of self-discovery, and real style comes from embracing your own way of expressing yourself.”

“Being ‘Bigger, Badder, Better’ means we’re more focused, determined to stay true to who we are, and committed to walking the unique path that belongs to A2O MAY,” CHENYU stated.

PAPARAZZI ARRIVE

After wrapping up their promotions for “B.B.B,” A2O MAY are gearing up for a monumental moment in their budding career. A2O MAY’s first EP, PAPARAZZI ARRIVE, is set to release on October 24. 

The physical album is available for pre-order until October 23 and comes in three different versions: Un-Chained, Un-Fazed, and Un-Stoppable. Each version is vastly different in concept, highlighting A2O MAY’s versatility and building hype for what the EP has to offer. The three album versions are emblematic of the different sides A2O MAY aim to show through PAPARRAZI ARRIVE.

“With PAPARAZZI ARRIVE, fans will see a new side to A2O MAY,” SHIJIE teased. “This EP is unfazed, unstoppable, and unchained. We also tried new outfits and concepts, so please keep your eyes on us!”

The EP has fourteen tracks, including both the English and Chinese versions of “B.B.B,” “BOSS,” and “Under My Skin.” PAPARAZZI ARRIVE also includes “MELODY” by members CHENYU, SHIJIE, and QUCHANG — first unveiled during the members’ period as A2O HTG. In terms of what the rest of the EP will sound like, KAT said: “Listeners can expect bold, edgy music that shows we won’t be defined by any categories or limitations.”

Only The Beginning

As young, fresh-faced idols onto the scene, A2O MAY’s thoughtful responses radiated a sense of maturity that felt far beyond their rookie status. The quintet were vocal in expressing their gratitude toward those who assisted in their journey thus far, especially their beloved fanbase, MAYnias. 

MICHE prepared a heartfelt message to MAYnias. “MAYnias — Get excited for our new comeback! We’ll do our best to spread our love and energy to MAYnias all over the world.” 

QUCHANG continued, “We’ve been preparing so much lately, so please continue giving ‘B.B.B’ love and stay tuned for our first EP, coming very soon,” 

To close off the interview, A2O MAY took the opportunity to warmly thank EnVi. 

“Hi EnVi~ thank you for today’s interview,” CHENYU said. “This is just the beginning for A2O MAY — we love you guys!”

Just like the “MAY” in their name representing the season of full bloom and the Chinese character 美 (Mei), meaning “beauty,” A2O MAY’s beauty shines not only on the outside, but also from within. With their sincerity, dedication, and artistry, A2O MAY are blooming into global powerhouses!

Pre-order and pre-save A2O MAY’s first EP, PAPARAZZI ARRIVE, here. Follow A2O MAY’s journey on Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube.

Interested in more exclusive interviews with the hottest artists? Read EnVi’s interview with JUNHEE, who is tapping into a new chapter of his long-running career with his solo debut.