SISTAR19 is back: Members reflect on first new music in a decade, creating 'NO MORE (MA BOY)'

When Bora and Hyolyn, who are a part of K-pop girl group SISTAR, debuted as SISTAR19 in 2011, they took inspiration from the latter half of the unit's name.

They felt the number 19 encompassed the age's transition from girlhood to womanhood and the emotions associated with that time. The pair's debut single "Ma Boy" detailed young love, while its successor "Gone Not Around Any Longer" explored heartbreak. Bora and Hyolyn could relate to these topics, being 21 and 20, respectively, at the time.

Nearly 11 years since their last release, Bora and Hyolyn are back with a new installment to the "Ma Boy" arch, eager to showcase how they've evolved.

"The name SISTAR19, the 19 remains the same, but the years have gone and we have matured," said Bora, 34. "Our understanding of the songs that we deliver to our audience has grown deeper."

Reintroducing SISTAR19

SISTAR19 is comprised of two members of girl group SISTAR, which debuted in 2010. Bora and Hyolyn debuted as a duo the following year and saw great success with their releases.

SISTAR19's second single "Gone Not Around Any Longer" in 2013 dominated Billboard Korea's K-pop Hot 100 chart at No.1 and peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart. Their first EP charted No. 2 on South Korea's Circle Album chart.

SISTAR had its last official release in 2017, and SISTAR19 followed suit, going on hiatus and releasing no new music until recent.

During that time, Hyolyn remained active as a solo artist and founded her own label, while Bora continued her work as an actress with credits including "Dr. Romantic" and "A Korean Odyssey".

But now, one of K-pop's most iconic duos has made its return with a single album, underscoring SISTAR19's prowess as dynamic performers and commanding forces in an ever-changing industry.

"I think we've matured both in personality and skill," said Hyolyn, 33.

'NO MORE (MA BOY)' extends SISTAR19's legacy

SISTAR19 made its first comeback in over a decade with the single album "NO MORE (MA BOY)" on Jan. 16.

The title song pays homage to the pair's debut single. It serves an "extension of the original," said Hyolyn.

While "Ma Boy" embodies the young love a girl feels, the new track has moved past this and brings forward a mature perspective on the emotion, said Bora.

"If we did not have the song 'Ma Boy', there would not be 'NO MORE (MA BOY)'," she said.

'NO MORE (MA BOY)' continues SISTAR19's exploration of love in a manner that finds solace in goodbyes. Bora explained how the duo sought to incorporate a sense of being OK with a breakup, with Hyolyn adding the track's lyrics emphasize consoling oneself without having to grieve.

These are lessons Bora and Hyolyn have learned throughout the years.

"We ourselves have experienced a lot of things that matured us as people and that's why we were able to express that in the song," said Bora.

SISTAR19's comeback is 'opening a new chapter'

SISTAR19's latest offerings holds a dual purpose. "NO MORE (MA BOY)" itself is a continuation of the group's debut, but it also serves as a turning point for their artistry.

"It's a little bit of both, but I think I do prefer it if people were to perceive it as the opening of a new chapter for the future," said Hyolyn.

The title track and "SAUCY" do more than just reacquaint listeners to SISTAR19 and their signature style of bold, lush vocals and captivating choreographies. Both songs underscore how each member has refined their individual skills and charms over the years.

For Bora, who has been primarily active as an actress in recent years, this comeback is a fresh start.

"This kind of feels like a new beginning for me to have made a comeback as a singer," she said. "From this point on, I'm looking forward to showing more sides of me that I haven't shown before."

Ultimately, Bora and Hyolyn are excited to be back on stage. They expressed deep gratitude to their fans who have been waiting for their return.

The pair is looking forward to seeing how fans perceive their chemistry. It's been quite some time, but SISTAR19 is ready to unveil its evolution.

"Our comeback in itself should be refreshing for our fans. We definitely have a lot more experience. We're a lot more relaxed, and there's a lot more for us to show our fans," said Hyolyn.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SISTAR19 talks long-awaited comeback, artistic maturation and future