They’ve already lived a K-pop dream — now, they’re writing their own story.
Meet ablume: a brand-new trio made up of ARAN, SAENA, and SIO — the powerhouse performers who were once core members of the global sensation FIFTY FIFTY. Yes, the very group that took the world by storm with “Cupid,” breaking records and hearts along the way.
But success doesn’t always come easy. After a whirlwind year filled with legal battles, mental burnout, and soul searching, the three artists emerged from the chaos with a new name, a new mission, and an unshakable bond.
“To me, ablume is blooming my music journey — and my life,” ARAN tells Celeb Secrets in an exclusive interview. “From now on, I’ll make my best choices. I’ll try everything I can. It’s going to be really fun and exciting.”
Their name says it all — ablume is a poetic twist on “a bloom,” symbolizing new growth, creative freedom, and the deeply personal rebirth each member has experienced.
“Blooming is a cycle,” SIO shares. “Flowers bloom and fade and bloom again. We wanted to show our fans that we’re still growing — and always will be.”
SAENA adds that ablume is a space where she can be her truest self: “Through everything, I realized my priorities: health, music, and my people. I was able to face myself honestly and gain the courage to get back up again.”
Their journey hasn’t been easy—but it’s what makes this debut all the more powerful.
Released on May 9, “Echo” is ablume’s first official single — and it’s already making noise. The song is as cinematic as it is intimate, blending atmospheric production with lyrics that feel like a warm hug from your best friend.
“The biggest message is: ‘Wherever you go, I go,’” ARAN explains. “We’ll never let you be alone. We’ll be your echo—anywhere, anytime — with our voice and our songs.”
It’s a sonic love letter not only to each other, but to the fans who have stood by them through it all.
To kick off their reintroduction to the world, ablume launched a documentary series chronicling their transformation — a raw, behind-the-scenes look at what it really took to get here.
“We thought a lot about being so vulnerable on camera,” SIO admits. “We’d gone through some really hard times and needed space to take care of our mental health. But we wanted fans to see the real us — how we live, how we think about music. Filming the doc helped us rediscover our passion.”
And that passion comes through loud and clear.
Describing their vibe in just three words? It’s no easy task — but the girls came prepared. ARAN described it as “shining,” while SIO described it as “harmony.” And SAENA? “Cinematic.” And it fits.
Their music is deeply personal yet universally relatable. It’s modern, visual, and emotionally charged — with an emphasis on story.
“I want our music to feel like a film,” SAENA says. “Echo reflects that — it tells a story through both the sound and visuals.”
In an ever-evolving, hyper-saturated industry, ablume isn’t trying to copy trends — they’re forging their own.
“A lot of people praise our harmony,” SAENA explains. “We’re not perfect, but we’re always growing. What matters most is the emotion we put into our songs. No matter the language, if the feeling is real, that’s what connects people. That’s the color of ablume.”
Of course, it’s not all serious. The girls are as playful and charming off-stage as they are poised on it.
When asked to spill a “celeb secret,” SIO reveals: “When we have free time, we always have chitchat sessions. We talk about our wildest daydreams — like skydiving or taking a space trip! One day, I hope we can share those adventures with fans too.”
While “Echo” marks an emotional first step, they’re already planning their next sonic evolution.
“It’ll be different from Echo,” SIO teases. “More dynamic. More powerful.” “We want people to feel more impact and impression,” adds ARAN.
In a world that watched them rise, fall, and rise again, ablume is proof that growth is never linear—but always beautiful.
Their story is a testament to courage, creativity, and sisterhood. And if you’ve ever felt like giving up, let this be your reminder: you can always start again — and maybe even shine brighter than before.
“Every part of our journey — even the pauses — made me who I am today,” SIO says. “And I’m proud of that.”
So are we.
For more on ablume, make sure to watch our full interview with SAENA, ARAN, and SIO below and don’t forget to let us know if you’re loving “Echo” by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
Interview has been translated to English, condensed and edited for clarity.
