Hitomi, after her first #1, regains attention with Seoga University photos

Hitomi Honda has once again drawn attention with behind-the-scenes photos in a white dress taken at the Seoul Music Awards. While a single photo might look like a simple update on her current status, the Hitomi of today is the leader of SAY MY NAME and a member who shared the team's first music show win. Therefore, this photo is more than just a shot in a dress; it is a scene that shows how the time spanning AKB48, IZ*ONE, and SAY MY NAME is being utilized on the stage of a rookie girl group.

What is seen before the Seoul Music Awards photos is Leader Hitomi

In the recently released behind-the-scenes photos from the Seoul Music Awards, Hitomi revealed a calm atmosphere wearing a white dress. While stage outfits or award ceremony photos often focus solely on style, in Hitomi's case, her role within the team is also visible. Hitomi is introduced as the team leader of SAY MY NAME, and her Korean communication skills and songwriting participation are also confirmed in the team's profile. In the process of a rookie group making a name for themselves, a member like this holds the team together in a different way than a center who stands out visually.

After joining SAY MY NAME, Hitomi's task was not merely standing in the front row of the stage. The official video list includes Hitomi's individual trailer released before debut and videos related to the debut song 'WaveWay.' The flow of showing her individual narrative first before revealing the team's first music demonstrates that SAY MY NAME did not rely solely on Hitomi's past recognition but sought to connect it to the starting point of the entire team.

The weight created by the first leadership and first win

Hitomi said she felt changed after taking on the role of leader during the showcase for the second EP 'My Name Is...'. She expressed gratitude to the members and company staff, saying, "Since it's my first time being a leader, there are many areas where I am lacking." Mei mentioned that Hitomi is good at spotting mistakes during the monitoring process after practice. Soha also cited the fact that the team gives each other feedback as a strength. These comments reveal that Hitomi's leadership is not a vague image but rather a process of repeated verification and coordination in the practice room.

That experience became even clearer when SAY MY NAME achieved their first music show win on KBS2 'Music Bank' with 'UFO (ATTENT!ON)' in January this year. After debuting in October 2024, SAY MY NAME embraced their first music show trophy, and Hitomi shared her feelings, saying, "I can't believe it because it's a moment I've always dreamed of." The scene of a member who has been active between Japan and Korea delivering her first win speech as the leader of a Korean girl group adds meaning not only to the team's growth but also to Hitomi's personal second challenge.

How SAY MY NAME utilizes Hitomi

SAY MY NAME is not a team that moves solely on the name value of Hitomi alone. It is a group where Dohee, Kani, Mei, Junhui, Soha, Seungju, and Shui must each build their own colors, and the leader's job is not to overshadow members but to ensure each person's strengths are well-displayed on stage. The fact that Hitomi is a long-time veteran member is not an answer in itself. However, during a time when a rookie team can easily be shaken, having someone in the team who has already experienced the flow of practice, broadcasting, and fan communication is a clear strength.

This is also why the Seoul Music Awards behind-the-scenes photos are drawing attention again. More important than the splendor of the white dress is the time accumulated behind that photo. As SAY MY NAME continues with new albums and stages, the next scene Hitomi must show is not through grand words, but through stability on stage and the movements of a leader who brings out the best in her members.