Born and raised in the United States (Oklahoma, to be exact!), AleXa currently lives in her mother’s native South Korea, where she has made a name for herself as an award-winning K-pop star. This year alone, she was honored as the AAA Focus (Singer) at the 2020 Asia Artist Awards and was selected as the Next New Artist at the 2020 Soribada Awards. Also, AleXa has performed “Wonderland” on NBC’s “American Song Contest” of a total of 56 contestants, AleXa is the only K-pop artist.
She took time off from her busy schedule to chat with KOCOWA about music, K-dramas, and her undying love for her fandom, A.I Trooper.
Q: Before moving to Korea for your career, did you listen to K-pop at home or watch any K-dramas?
AleXa: I was a K-pop fan ever since 2008, so it’s been 12 years for me! I got into K-dramas during my final year of high school. My mom and I would watch them together after we came home from work. Many tears were shed between the two of us. [Laughs.]
Q: To your fans, you are their ultimate bias. Who is yours?
AleXa: Since day one — 12 years ago in 2008 — SHINee’s Taemin has always been my number one, along with Queen HyunA.
Q: Why did you choose to be a solo artist opposed to being part of a group?
AleXa: It was a mutual decision between myself and the label. The concept we had in mind was best suited for a solo, in our opinion, so we chose to pursue that route. However, I would love to try a project unit sometime in the future
Q: I’ve noticed that more K-Dramas are addressing the importance of taking care of your mental health. What’s your take on this?
AleXa: I absolutely loved “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.” I truly recommend this drama to anyone who hasn’t watched it. Dramas that focus on topics such as this have become more [realistic] and less like a work of fiction.
Q: Your mother is a Korean adoptee. How do you feel about the way adoption is dealt with in Korean dramas? For instance, adoption plays a big role in K-dramas like “Coffee Prince,” “I’m Sorry, I Love You,” “Kill Me Heal Me“ and “Healer.”
AleXa: My friends have actually recommended some of those titles! I will say, though, that rather than a K-drama, the K-film “Ode to My Father” presented the topic flawlessly. It was so moving. I never took my eyes off the screen the whole time. It truly is a heart wrenching story that I’m sure many Korean people and adoptees can relate to.
Q: I am a big fan of Korean variety shows. Do you watch them or want to appear on a show like “Running Man”?
AleXa: “Running Man” seems like such a fun and chaotic time. [Laughs] I would love to appear on it someday.
Q: Do you keep track of all the K-pop music being released?
AleXa: As an artist here, it is very important to stay up to date with all the hottest songs and new releases. I’ve been pretty on top of my game with keeping up with new songs and choreos, here and there.
Q: Your fans worry about your health. How are you maintaining your health these days?
AleXa: I’m grateful that they care and I only wish the best for them, in return. I’m quite well! Little injuries here and there, nothing serious or detrimental. Just working out and taking care of my body to the best of my ability.
Q: Finally, what would you like to say to A.I Trooper?
AleXa: Thank you to all of you around the world who continue to show me love and support. Quite literally I would not be here without you. I am grateful for each and every one of you. Everyday I count my blessings and my A.I Troopers are always at the top of my list. Stay positive and healthy and spread love. We need it nowadays.
