TEMPEST gave their fanclub an official name soon after their debut.
As early as June 2021, Yuehua Entertainment already trademarked three names for its newest boy group. The request included TEMPEST, TPST, and the group’s name in hangeul, 템페스트.
Originally, the group was set to debut on February 21. However, the members were tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the agency to delay the group’s arrival. Fortunately, they managed to drop their debut project on March 2 after rescheduling it once.
After securing the name, TEMPEST ensured that even their fandom would have a unique name.
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TEMPEST Reveals Fandom Name
On Wednesday, TEMPEST’s official Twitter account confirmed that the boy group’s fanclub would be officially called iE, pronounced like the two letters in English. The name also serves as a pun that calls their fans the eye of the storm.
“The [name] means that TEMPEST’s fan club iE always stands at the center of TEMPEST, like the clear and warm eye of the storm, and it captures the wish that only good things will happen to iE, things that put on a smile on their face,” the notice reads, as translated by Soompi.
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Giving their fanclub its official name allowed the group to connect with them closer, especially since they had to wait for a few weeks before giving them their debut stage.
For what it’s worth, all members of TEMPEST – Hanbin, Hyeongseop, Hyuk, Eunchan, LEW, Hwarang, and Taerae – all tested positive for COVID-19. This prevented them from meeting their fans sooner, which halted their scheduled activities. The K-pop boy group’s members reportedly received their diagnosis over a week after one of their external staff members contracted the virus.
Fortunately, they have completed their vaccine doses and made their debut as expected.
Is TEMPEST the Next BTS?
Amid the short-lived delay, TEMPEST still got the chance to earn the title Next BTS.
Like the HYBE’s supergroup, TEMPEST is also made of seven members from South Korea’s several survival shows. The group also made a strong impression when they released It’s Me, It’s We, and the album’s title track, Bad News.
The song’s music video immediately highlighted the members’ talents and capabilities, signs that they are about to follow BTS’ footsteps, too.
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