From YouTube to K-pop to Make It Pop, it’s been quite a wild ride for 20-year-old Megan Lee, who has been in the industry since the tender age of 10 and boasts a triple-threat resume that includes national commercials, TV cameos and singing credentials. Currently the star of popular Nickelodeon K-pop inspired series Make It Pop, Megan plays Sun Hi, a social media-obsessed wannabe who aspires to become a worldwide pop star. We popped by for a chat with the talented actress during her short stay in Singapore, where she opened up about her life back in Korea, her on-screen persona, and her empowering new album. 

Read part one of our interview with Megan Lee on the May 2016 issue! 

In an interview with Billboard, you mentioned that you “came back as a new person”. How have you matured as a person/musician since returning to America?
Living in Korea has helped me to humble myself even more and appreciate all the little things, be it good or bad. Like any Asian household, I was a very disciplined child growing up – but of course, as an American going to Korea, there was a lot more discipline than I’m used to. Customs like bowing at a 90-degree angle, respecting your elders, and formal speeches were some of the things I had to adapt to. I was also able to improve my vocal abilities as a singer – I picked up guitar, was taught how to write songs, and was given opportunities to collaborate with other artistes. I learned a lot from my former CEO Kim Tae Woo, and I’d love to go back to Korea to make music again.

If given the chance to choose, would you rather be solo or be part of a girl group like Sun Hi?
I’ve done both, so I can definitely list the pros and cons for that. I love the girls and we’re like a family, but artistically speaking, I have more creative freedom to do the kind of music I want as a solo singer. Whereas in a group, we do more pop and EDM – which I do enjoy, but aren’t really me. So I guess I’d be more of a solo (laughs).

What are some of the similarities between Sun Hi and the real-life Megan Lee?
Sun Hi’s like a heightened version of me; if you take 10,000 Megan Lees and put her into one body, that’d make us Sun Hi. She might come across as self-absorbed and selfish sometimes, but what people don’t know is that she’s very dear to her friends. She’s also very passionate about music and I feel that I can relate to her in that way.

Sun Hi is known to be extremely active on social media, but how is it like for yourself?
Social media is a big part of my life, same goes for Sun Hi. I’d always feel a little heartbroken whenever I see fans – or just people in general – commenting stuff like ‘you never like my posts’, ‘you didn’t’ retweet me’, or ‘please follow me’. Which is why I try to acknowledge as many of my followers as possible and I want all of them to know that I appreciate their love. I wouldn’t be here without them.

What’s the most memorable message you’ve received?
The most touching letter I’ve gotten was from this kid who was going through depression and feeling suicidal, but after hearing one of my songs on YouTube, he said that he felt motivated to stand up and be cheerful again. I was literally bawling when I read that message. It inspired me to work harder as a musician and become a positive role model in the industry.

We heard you’ve got a new album in the works, tell us more about it!
My new record I AM will be coming out sometime in the spring. It’s an album that represents who I am as a person, and I hope to show the different sides of me that nobody has ever seen before. The title track is an uplifting anthem that was inspired by past events – hence the name ‘Stronger’. It carries the motivational message of getting up your feet and not letting any negativity bring you down. Just believe that you can do it, because anything is possible.

Fill in the blank after I AM with three words/phrases that best describe you.
I Am Stronger. I Am Who I Am. I Am Happy.

While waiting for the full album to drop, don’t forget to catch Megan Lee on Make It Pop every weekday at 6pm on Nickelodeon (StarHub TV Ch 314 and Singtel TV Ch 240)!

Image Credits: Steve Wilke, Nickelodeon