In 2016, CJ E&M, Signal Entertainment Group, and Mnet teamed up to create a brand new survival music variety show called "Produce 101." The show became so influential in K-pop that it is responsible for creating numerous K-pop acts to debut within the last couple of years.

From the debut season alone, K-pop fans not only got the extremely talented I.O.I., but numerous other girl groups. Contenders of "Produce 101" and former members of I.O.I. after they disbanded have formed ore helped form DIA, Gugudan, Cosmic Girls, and Pristin.

Right now, all eyes are on Wanna One, the new boy band created from the winners of the second season of "Produce 101," but the first season winners and contestants are still making news.

Ergo, the latest girl group to be formed from them is Weki Meki.

WEME was first announced and hyped by Fantagio Music

Speculation of Fantagio Music, the Korean entertainment agency and label known for Astro and Hello Venus, debuting a new girl group have been circulating the K-pop community for most of the year. It wasn't until July when former I.O.I. members Yoojung and Doyeon confirmed the new group's name would be Weki Meki (stylized WEME).

Throughout the month, Weki Meki would release numerous teasers hyping the lead-up to their official debut. These included a "WTF" dance practice video, opening official social media accounts, and individual teasers of each of the members: Suyeon, Elly, Yoojung, Doyeon, Sei, Lua, Rina, and Lucy.

Elly, Yoojung, Doyeon, and Sei competed in "Produce 101."

"Teen Crush" will be the new type of concept for the debut

To stand out from other girl groups in the K-pop industry, Fantagio Music wanted to stress Weki Meki will be debuting with a new concept known as "Teen Crush." They did not fully detail how the concept would differ from other concepts but it seems they will utilize the more negative emotions often seen in teens.

Jealousy might be one of the details used in the concept as Weki Meki's title track is titled "I Don't Like Your Girlfriend."

Simply going by the teaser, it seems Weki Meki's "Teen Crush" concept is somewhat close to the aggressive "Girl Power" concept 2NE1 and 4Minute are known for before they disbanded. The last girl group to use such an aggressive concept was CLC and it seems they abandoned that concept with their latest K-pop comeback.

Ergo, there is now a void for the "Girl Power" (or similar) concept. Weki Meki can easily take it with their debut. Not only that, they can become the girl group to "own" it in the presently since no other girl groups use it that much.

We will see just how much of an impact Weki Meki can make. They will debut their extended play (EP) or mini-album titled "WEME" featuring "I Don't Like Your Girlfriend released on August 8, 2017 KST digitally on iTunes. Collectors hardcopy albums will be made available through YesAsia.
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