A2O MAY Members Revealed: Behind Their Journey to Stardom

A2O MAY recently made their mark in the music industry as a five-member Chinese girl group with their debut single "Under My Skin (A2O)" on December 20, 2024. Formed under A2O Entertainment, the group consists of five talented members: Kat, Miche, Shijie, Quchang, and Chenyu.

Significantly, A2O MAY holds the distinction of being the first group to debut from the A2O Rookies training program. All members were part of this trainee group before officially launching their careers as a cohesive unit. The group has already established a dedicated fanbase known as "MAYnia," who are considered friends and partners walking alongside A2O MAY in their journey.

The Formation of A2O MAY

Behind the emergence of A2O MAY stands a visionary force in the music industry. The group's journey began under the guidance of Lee Soo-man, the legendary K-pop producer who founded A2O Entertainment after his departure from SM Entertainment in 2023. This strategic move marked the beginning of a new chapter in the global music landscape.

How A2O Entertainment created the group

A2O Entertainment established itself as a participatory educational platform designed to unite global fans and artists. Under the leadership of Producer Lee Soo-man and Producer Yoo Young-jin, known as the 'Master of Hits,' the company launched a groundbreaking initiative called 'Play2Create'. This innovative approach created an environment where artists and fans could collaborate closely.

The formation process for A2O MAY was carefully orchestrated through the A2O Rookies program. As one member described, "The process was a mix of emotions—exciting, exhausting, and at times even frustrating because we pushed ourselves to be the best we could be". Despite these challenges, the group emerged as a cohesive unit ready to make their mark.

A2O Entertainment's vision extended beyond traditional music production. The company focused on creating a dynamic space where emerging talents could actively participate, create, and connect with global celebrities through their platform. This philosophy guided the selection and development of the five members who would eventually form A2O MAY.

The meaning behind the name 'A2O MAY'

The name "A2O MAY" carries multiple layers of meaning. The "A2O" portion—shared with the agency name—stands for "Alpha to Omega," symbolizing the group's promise to be with fans from beginning to end. This reflects their commitment to a lasting relationship with their audience.

The "MAY" element has dual significance. In an interview, members explained: "'Mei' in Chinese means 'beauty.' And 'May' is the fifth month of the year, and there are five of us in the group—pretty fitting, right?". Additionally, the name represents "the radiant beauty and birth of Generation Z and Alpha", aligning with the company's focus on these demographic groups.

During an interview following their debut, the group elaborated: "Our group name is A2O May, and 'May' means beauty in Chinese. So we want to celebrate that May is beautiful. It's not just about appearance—it's about your power, your strength, and your confidence".

The connection to A2O Rookies

A2O MAY emerged directly from the A2O Rookies training program, making them the first official group to debut from this initiative. A2O Rookies was established as a pre-debut team of trainees formed by A2O Entertainment, consisting of trainees who had not yet debuted in an idol group or as solo artists.

The training system implemented by A2O Entertainment divided trainees into four distinct categories based on age and gender:

HTG (High Teen Girls)
LTG (Low Teen Girls)
HTB (High Teen Boys)
LTB (Low Teen Boys)

This structured approach allowed for specialized training tailored to each group's developmental needs. As trainees matured, they would advance between categories—LTG to HTG and LTB to HTB.

On October 25, 2024, A2O Entertainment introduced their trainee team through a video uploaded to the agency's social media accounts. Subsequently, on December 20, 2024, the company announced that five A2O Rookies trainees—Miche, Kat, Shijie, Quchang, and Chenyu—would debut as A2O MAY, launching what would soon become a pioneering force in cross-cultural music.

Debut and Early Days

The quintet stepped into the spotlight with a groundbreaking entrance that immediately established their presence in the global music scene.

Debut date and first single

A2O MAY officially launched their careers on December 20, 2024, with their debut digital single "Under My Skin (A2O)". The strategic release included both English and Mandarin versions of the track, highlighting the group's cross-cultural appeal. This bilingual approach showcased their commitment to reaching audiences beyond geographical boundaries while maintaining strong connections to their Chinese heritage.

The debut single made an immediate impact, garnering over 11 million views on the official music video since its release. As one member reflected in an interview: "It still feels surreal! Seeing 'Under My Skin' reach over 11 million views is something we're so grateful for". The song established their musical identity with "Zalpha Pop," a genre that captures the sophisticated and dynamic energy of Generation Z under the production guidance of Lee Soo-man.

Initial public reception

A2O MAY's arrival on the music scene was met with remarkable success. Notably, "Under My Skin" achieved a historic milestone by remaining on the U.S. Mediabase Top 40 Radio Chart for two consecutive weeks. After debuting at No. 39, the track's sustained presence marked them as the first Chinese idol girl group to break into and maintain a spot on the U.S. Top 40.

Building on this momentum, the group released their second single "BOSS" on April 25, 2025. This follow-up track exploded in popularity, amassing over 60 million views across YouTube and Weibo. Additionally, "BOSS" secured a position in the Top 10 chart on QQ Music, one of China's largest music streaming platforms. The single continued their chart success by cracking Mediabase's U.S. Mainstream Top 40 for three straight weeks—peaking in the mid-30s.

Their television broadcast debut on KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles introduced "Under My Skin" to millions of American viewers. Moreover, on May 10, the rookie quintet made history as the first Chinese idol girl group to perform at iHeartRadio's Wango Tango, a popular American music festival. The group electrified the crowd with their dynamic stage presence, sharp choreography, and strong live vocals.

One member recalled the experience: "Last week, we got the chance to perform at Wango Tango, and it was actually our first stage where we got to interact with our fans. Having our first music festival in America was so amazing. We weren't expecting that fans would enjoy it so much—we could hear them singing and dancing to our songs".

First official greeting and fandom name

As part of establishing their identity, A2O MAY created a distinctive official greeting: "MAY I? Hello, we are A2O MAY!". This signature introduction perfectly encapsulates their playful yet professional demeanor while incorporating their name.

In a significant milestone for their growing community, A2O MAY recently announced their official fandom name: "MAYnia". The name carries special significance, as explained in their official statement: "The fans are the friends & partners of A2O MAY walking side by side with them. The 'MAY' comes from the group's name & 'mania' represents the love, passion, & support the fans gives them. And together will create excitement & energy, and with each other's company, everyone'll become the brightest stars".

Following this announcement, the group began fostering closer communication with global fans. This connection has been further enhanced through Blooming Chatbot's next-generation platform "Blooming Talk," which offers real-time messaging and AI voice calls with artists from the A2O roster.

Meet the Members of A2O MAY

Bringing together an extraordinary blend of talents, A2O MAY features five distinctive personalities who collectively form a dynamic musical powerhouse. The group's name reflects their identity as five members blooming like May flowers, representing the birth of the Zalpha Generation through their radiant beauty.

Overview of the five members

The quintet consists of CHENYU (16), SHIJIE (17), QUCHANG (17), MICHE (19), and KAT (19) — all carefully selected from A2O Rookies' HTG (High Teen Girls) division. Hailing from diverse locations including Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Hawaii, A2O MAY stands out as a multicultural, bilingual group fluent in both Chinese and English. This international composition positions them as true representatives of a new generation of global idols.

Originally revealed as A2O Entertainment trainees in late October 2024, the five members underwent rigorous training before officially debuting as A2O MAY on December 20, 2024. Their journey from trainees to idols showcases their determination and growth as performers.

Each member contributes to the group's artistic identity through various passions including fashion styling, piano, visual art, songwriting, and performance. Consequently, their combined talents create a multifaceted group capable of connecting with diverse audiences worldwide.

What makes each member unique

Kat (陈佳辰), born in Hawaii on April 15, 2005, brings an artistic soul to the group. When not performing, she enjoys drawing, playing basketball, and writing novels. As the older twin (by 20 minutes), Kat describes herself as spontaneous, bringing energy and enthusiasm while encouraging her teammates.

Miche (陈佳仪), Kat's twin sister, complements her sibling with her energetic presence. Also born in Hawaii, Miche particularly excels in attention to detail. According to her own words, "I'm all about the details. I make sure everything is just right and exactly the way it should be".

Shijie (李诗洁), born in Shanghai on June 26, 2007, stands out as the organized member of the group. With a background in contemporary dance and piano playing, she brings musical versatility to A2O MAY. Her name carries special meaning — "Shi" means poetry in Chinese, chosen by her parents to represent elegance and beauty.

Quchang (曲唱), born in Jiangsu on July 28, 2007, commands attention as the tallest member at 178.1 cm (5'10"). Her name literally means "sing songs" in Chinese, reflecting her parents' early recognition of her musical destiny. Previously a child model, Quchang enjoys singing, playing piano, baking, and makeup.

Chenyu (朱晨予), born on February 22, 2008, in Shanghai, holds the position of youngest member. As a former child model, she brings fashion expertise to the group. Her name carries beautiful symbolism — "Chen" means sunrise and "yu" means "give you," representing her parents' feeling that she was a gift to them.

Together with their diverse backgrounds and complementary talents, these five young women are creating a fresh musical identity that transcends cultural boundaries.

Kat: The Artistic Twin

Curiosity and creativity define Kat, whose artistic flair brings a unique dimension to A2O MAY. The Chinese-American performer balances spontaneity with thoughtfulness, creating a compelling presence both on and off stage.

Background and early life

Born as Chén Jiāchén (陈佳辰) on April 15, 2005, in Hawaii, USA, Kat entered the world just 20 minutes before her twin sister Miche. This Aries stands tall at 171 cm (5'7") and embodies the characteristics of her zodiac sign—bold, energetic, and naturally confident.

Although the twins share identical birthdays, they've developed distinct identities. As Kat explains, "Miche parts her hair to the right, while mine sweeps to the left. And if you need another clue, I've got a little beauty mark on my chin". These subtle physical differences mirror their complementary personalities within A2O MAY.

Her journey to stardom began unexpectedly through social media. "Before joining A2O, I loved posting singing videos on social media – that's how the company discovered me," Kat revealed in an interview. After learning more about A2O Entertainment, she decided to pursue training seriously. Her official introduction came on October 25, 2024, when she was revealed as a member of A2O Rookies under the sub-team A2O Rookies HTG.

Hobbies and talents

Behind the performer lies a multifaceted artist with diverse interests. Kat's hobbies include drawing, playing basketball, and writing novels, showcasing her creative mindset beyond music. These artistic pursuits inform her approach to performance, bringing depth to her stage presence.

Her linguistic abilities serve as another valuable asset—Kat speaks both English and Chinese fluently. This bilingual talent enhances communication within the group, as she notes: "We usually speak both Chinese and English with each other. Some words or expressions just feel more natural in one language than the other, so it's nice to have both to choose from. It helps us express ourselves more freely".

Her role in the group

Within A2O MAY, Kat describes herself as "the spontaneous one" who brings "energy and excitement wherever I can". This natural enthusiasm balances perfectly with her twin's more detail-oriented approach. As she explains, "Even though we're twins, we have really different strengths that balance each other out. Miche is super detail-oriented and always makes sure everything is polished, while I bring a lot of spontaneous energy to the group".

Beyond performance, Kat serves as the group's motivator. "I love encouraging my members to trust themselves and be confident in their abilities. Seeing them grow and shine makes everything worthwhile!". This supportive nature helped the group navigate pre-debut challenges.

Her training period tested her resilience. "Training was definitely one of the toughest but most rewarding experiences. There were times when I doubted myself, whether it was struggling to perfect a routine or feeling the pressure to improve faster". Nevertheless, these struggles strengthened her resolve and artistic vision.

Kat's aspirations for A2O MAY reflect her thoughtful nature: "Over the next five years, I hope A2O MAY—and A2O as a whole—keeps growing, both as artists and as a team. We're still shaping our sound and finding new ways to express ourselves". Her commitment to authenticity resonates in her performance philosophy: "What I really hoped for was to give everyone who watched our performance a sense of strength, power, and confidence to just be themselves".

Miche: The Energetic Twin

With an infectious enthusiasm and meticulous attention to detail, Miche stands as the perfect counterbalance to her twin sister Kat in A2O MAY. Born as Chén Jiāyí (陈佳仪) on April 15, 2005, in Hawaii, USA, Miche arrived 20 minutes before her twin sister. Standing tall at 172.5 cm (5'8"), this Aries brings both precision and passion to the group.

How she complements Kat

In essence, the twins form a dynamic duo with complementary strengths that enhance A2O MAY's performances. "Kat's confidence helps me step out of my comfort zone, while I help her focus when things get overwhelming," Miche explains. Their natural synergy extends beyond their appearances—Miche parts her hair to the right, whereas Kat sweeps hers to the left.

Unlike her spontaneous sister, Miche provides structure to the group. "I'm super detail-oriented and always make sure everything is polished, while Kat brings a lot of spontaneous energy to the group," she reveals. This balance creates what Miche describes as "the best kind of teamwork".

Her personal interests

In parallel with her performing career, Miche nurtures several creative pursuits. Her hobbies include drawing, playing basketball, and writing novels, demonstrating her diverse talents beyond music. Undoubtedly, her most distinctive skill lies in makeup artistry, which she developed from an early age.

"I've always enjoyed doing makeup and started really young because I had to do my own makeup for Latin ballroom dance competitions," Miche shares. Her expertise has earned recognition from professionals, as she proudly notes, "Some makeup artists on set have even complimented my skills – which means a lot coming from professionals!"

Her journey as a trainee

Miche's path to stardom began unexpectedly when A2O discovered her twin sister online. "It all started when they found a cover video of my sister, Kat, online – then they realized we were twins!" This fortunate connection led to an audition in Shanghai where they met Mr. Lee for the first time.

Her stage name itself reflects careful consideration of her artistic identity. "My real name is Michelle, but Mr. Lee suggested the name 'MICHE' without the l's and e's so that it would stand out more like a blooming flower," she explains. This thoughtful rebranding highlights the attention to detail in developing A2O MAY's image.

On October 25, 2024, Miche was officially revealed as a member of A2O Rookies under the sub-team A2O Rookies HTG. Following an intensive training period lasting just a year and a half, she made her debut with A2O MAY on December 20, 2024, with their first digital single "Under My Skin".

Today, Miche embraces her role within A2O MAY with characteristic enthusiasm: "I love performing, whether it's rapping, dancing, or singing. Any one of those makes me feel so alive!"

Shijie: The Center of Attention

As the first trainee to join A2O Entertainment, Shijie (李诗洁) witnessed the entire formation of A2O MAY, describing it as "watching a dream come true – seeing it all come to life". Born in Shanghai, China on June 26, 2007, this Cancer stands at 170.5 cm (5'7") and brings both organizational skills and artistic talent to the group.

Her position as center

Within A2O MAY's dynamic, Shijie holds a distinctive presence during performances. Her central role became evident during the group's appearance on Chinese CCTV music broadcast, where she demonstrated "solid performance by showing off live skills without shaking while performing a high-level dance". Essentially, her performance abilities contribute significantly to what critics have called "the essence of Zalpha Pop" that A2O MAY presents through their music.

Shijie herself explains the concept behind their music: "'Zalpha Pop' isn't just about the music itself – it's about capturing the voice and identity of a new generation, pushing boundaries, and creating something fresh and exciting that resonates with people our age". Her vision for the group extends beyond performance to cultural impact.

Musical and dance background

Prior to joining A2O MAY, Shijie cultivated impressive artistic credentials. "I've been learning contemporary dance for many years and would often share my dance videos on social media," she reveals. Alongside dance, her hobbies include playing the piano, creating a well-rounded musical foundation.

Her inspiration comes from varied sources, primarily from A2O Entertainment's visionary producer: "For me, it's Mr. Lee. His vision of creating not just music, but a whole new culture, really inspires me". This mentorship clearly shaped her artistic development.

Personality traits

First and foremost, Shijie identifies as "the organized one in the group!". She takes pride in "keeping track of everything and making sure the girls stay on top of things". This organizational strength balances the group's diverse personalities.

Beyond her structured approach, Shijie values collaboration: "Being in a pop group means everything is collaborative, and I really love that... It's not always about who's the loudest—it's about who brings something that makes the whole group better". This philosophy reflects her perspective on teamwork and creative synergy.

Her journey with A2O MAY represents a culmination of artistic passion and disciplined work ethic, making her a central pillar of the group both on and off stage.

Quchang: The Tall Performer

Standing tall at 178.1 cm (5'10"), Quchang commands attention as the most towering presence in A2O MAY, with a name that perfectly aligns with her destiny. Born in Jiangsu, China on July 28, 2007, her parents named her "Quchang," which literally means "sing songs" in Chinese—a fitting prediction of her future as an idol.

Modeling background

Long before joining A2O Entertainment, Quchang established herself as a child model. This early experience in front of cameras helped develop her natural confidence and stage presence. Upon first meeting her future groupmates, she had a humorous reaction: "I didn't think they were real! They looked like animated characters to me—too cool to exist in real life".

When A2O Entertainment announced her as a member, she recalled the moment with surprise: "It felt surreal. I don't think it really sank in at first. I just kind of sat there like, 'Wait… really?' My family and friends were really surprised too. No one expected it".

Musical skills and hobbies

Quchang possesses an impressive linguistic repertoire, speaking Mandarin, English, Spanish, and a little French, as well as currently learning Korean. These language skills prove invaluable for a group targeting international markets.

Her musical talents extend beyond vocals—playing piano ranks among her favorite activities alongside baking. These varied interests contribute to her multifaceted artistry within A2O MA.

"Recording in both English and Chinese was such a fun experience," she shares. "It was really interesting to see how each language brought out different feelings and textures in the song".

Her presence on stage

Within the group dynamic, Quchang identifies herself as "the fun one—whenever things get too serious, I'm there to lighten the mood!". This balance proves crucial, as fellow member Shijie relies on Quchang to "bring the fun when things get too serious".

Her excitement about performing showcases her passion: "It still feels unreal! Performing at Wango Tango is such a huge opportunity... I think what I'm most looking forward to is feeling that real-time connection with the crowd—seeing their reactions, hearing them cheer, and just experiencing the moment together".

Through A2O MAY, Quchang aims to "bridge the gap between East and West" and "bridge generational gaps—connecting Gen Z, Gen Alpha… all generations through music that speaks to everyone".

Chenyu: The Youngest Star

Born on February 22, 2008, in Shanghai, Chenyu brings youthful energy to A2O MAY as the youngest member at just 17 years old. Standing tall at 173 cm (5'8"), this Pisces embodies both maturity and playfulness in her role within the group.

Her early modeling career

Initially, Chenyu built her foundation in the entertainment industry as a child model. Her natural talent caught the attention of industry professionals who noticed her distinctive presence. "I used to be a model, and during that time, I would share my photos and videos on social media. Several talent agencies reached out to me, but I chose A2O because it just felt meant to be". This early exposure to cameras and audiences developed her comfort with performance that would later benefit A2O MAY.

Fashion and beauty interests

In addition to her musical talents, Chenyu maintains a passionate connection to the fashion world. Her hobbies revolve around makeup, fashion styling, and modeling. Regarding her personal habits, she confesses, "I'm the kind of person who can't go anywhere without perfume. I always keep a few sample-sized bottles in my bag. I also carry cat treats with me, so if I ever run into a cute stray cat on the street, I'm ready to share a little snack".

How she fits into the group dynamic

Within A2O MAY, Chenyu embraces her position as the "little sister," bringing cute and playful energy to the team. Her distinctive deep voice serves as her standout strength, making her vocals immediately recognizable. The meaning behind her name perfectly reflects her role—"Chen" means sunrise and "yu" means "give you," representing how her parents viewed her as a gift. Presently, she hopes to extend this sentiment to fans: "My parents named me that because they thought I was a present to them, but now I hope to be the present to our fans".

Fittingly, when asked to describe A2O MAY in one word, Chenyu chose "FIRE!" explaining, "A2O MAY feels like fire to me – full of energy, passion, and drive. We're always moving forward, always burning with the desire to grow and connect".

FAQS

Fans worldwide have raised numerous questions about A2O MAY's journey and creative process. These answers provide insight into the group's unique approach to music and performance.

When asked about their first impressions of pop groups growing up, CHENYU recalled feeling "a huge rush of excitement. Pop groups looked like they were from another world—perfect hair, perfect moves, perfect everything". SHIJIE remembered being amazed by their synchronicity: "It wasn't just about performing—it felt like they were a family, moving and breathing together on stage".

Regarding their unique identity in the global music scene, MICHE explained: "A2O MAY stands out because we're doing something new—we're the first group to represent Zalpha Pop, which blends the emotions and stories of Gen Z and Gen Alpha".

On maintaining personal artistic identity during training, KAT shared: "The training gave me a solid foundation—the technical side, the discipline, the structure—so that I could express myself more freely".

As for recording in multiple languages, QUCHANG noted: "Recording in both English and Chinese was such a fun experience. It was really interesting to see how each language brought out different feelings and textures in the song".

Ultimately, A2O MAY aims to "create songs that bring people together, no matter where they're from or how old they are".