HONG KONG – Carina Lee, leader of the girl group VIVA, made an unconventional radio appearance on Saturday, arriving at a Hong Kong station in curlers, pajamas, and fluffy slippers to promote her second solo single, Jumping Into Your Story at Midnight.
The 22-year-old singer turned heads at the Commercial Radio Hong Kong studio with her self-styled “landlady” look, a deliberate choice she said was designed to mirror the aesthetic of her new music video.
“I decided to use this look for the radio appearance because I wanted to echo the MV’s styling,” Lee told reporters. “But today is the ‘pretty version.’ In the video, everyone has their hair fully rolled up like a landlady, but I wanted to keep a slightly more polished feel so DJs and listeners would have a clear image of me.”
Asked whether she felt awkward walking the streets in sleepwear, Lee laughed off the concern. “I’m not really someone who cares about what others think. I came here on the bus dressed like this. No embarrassment at all—it’s actually quite comfortable, especially these fluffy slippers. They’re so soft.”
Fans Brave Storms for Glimpse of Idol
Adding drama to the day, the Hong Kong Observatory issued a yellow rainstorm warning during her interview session. Despite the heavy downpour, dozens of devoted fans gathered outside the station, patiently waiting for a chance to see the singer.
Lee expressed deep gratitude for their dedication. “Last time I released my solo Give Way, there was also a yellow rain warning. Now with Jumping Into Your Story at Midnight, it’s happening again. It’s really tough for them,” she said. “When I arrived, it was still sunny. But by the time I finished the interview, it was pouring. I really hope next time the weather will be better so they don’t have to stand in the rain.”
New Song Explores Social Media Romance
The track’s theme centers on the subtle, flirtatious dynamics of social media interactions—a subject Lee said she finds deeply relatable.
“I’m an Instagram enthusiast,” she admitted. “I often notice friends’ stories. I think using this medium to express feelings is very subtle. You notice it, but it’s not too direct. There’s a kind of playfulness to it—a unique romance for this generation. In the old days, people were more straightforward.”
Lee said she hopes the song evokes nostalgia for young love. “I want listeners to remember that innocent, slightly awkward feeling of liking someone when we were very young. The music should take them back to those heart-fluttering moments.”
The radio appearance marked another milestone for the rising star, who has been balancing group activities with her burgeoning solo career. Her first single, Give Way, also garnered significant attention earlier this year.
Broader Implications
Lee’s unorthodox promotional strategy reflects a growing trend among Hong Kong artists who are blurring the lines between public persona and private identity to connect more authentically with fans. By embracing a casual, unpolished look and candidly discussing social media culture, she positions herself as a relatable figure in an industry often defined by glossy perfection.
As the yellow rain warning subsides, Lee’s fans can expect to see more of her candid side—and perhaps, in better weather.
