The dearALICE members in the “Ariana” Music Video
Images Courtesy of @dearaliceofficial/ Graphics by Hannah Taylor
The last time I attended a K-pop event was seeing girl-group sensation, BLACKPINK at their Hyde Park performance back in the summer of 2023. Of course, we were surrounded in a sea of pretty pink lights. The crowd was filled with love for the four members. So I had high hopes for another similar event like the London meet & greet with Britain’s latest boy group, dearALICE.
BLACKPINK Headlines BST Hyde Park, London, 2023
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Taylor
The Film Industry’s Vivid Interest in K-pop Documentaries & Movies
But undeniably, documentary series and movies for K-pop groups have been on the rise with BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky on Netflix. As well as Disney Plus’ vivid interest in showcasing documentary series and several movies surrounding the members of BTS. However, building the next global female group was documented in the popular, 8-part Netflix docuseries, Pop Star: Academy: KATSEYE who have now become hit sensations. But there is a certain interest in discovering the next generation of talented idols who can bring a global presence whilst building a strong devoted fanbase.
BLACKPINK: Light Up the Sky (2020)
Photo Courtesy of Netflix
However these documentaries aim to reveal the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of K-pop training from the early beginnings of an idol or groups career as they hope to build their way towards success. Although, in the UK we even received our own version, made by the BBC which gave an insight into how a new British boy group would fare under the study of top-tier Korean singing and dancing instructors under SM Entertainment. Many who have been involved in producing some of the finest idols working in the industry today.
Who Are dearALICE?
dearALICE on set of the ‘Ariana’ Music Video
(L-R) Reese, James, Dexter, Olly & Blaise
Photo Courtesy of @dearaliceofficial
Stylised as ‘dearALICE,’ the group’s name means ‘dear’ – a letter to their fans and ‘ALICE’ – A Love I Can’t Explain. But the five-piece British boy group’s name originates from a popular restaurant in Itaewon, Korea. Although they strongly stick to be branded as a British boy group and are managed under British company, Moon&Back Media whilst also being promoted through US label, gamma and South Korean’s SM Entertainment and Kakao Entertainment.
The group were trained for 100 days under K-pop powerhouse management company, SM Entertainment who are labelled as one of ‘K-pop’s Big 4’ agencies. The company have previously helmed popular K-pop groups including 2nd generation veterans, SHINee to the 3rd generations Red Velvet and EXO, and the 4th generations hugely popular, aespa.
BBC Made in Korea: The K-pop Experience
Documentary Series
This new experiment saw five young British boys handle the gruelling process of undertaking K-pop idol training all within 100 days. Of course, the K-pop standards are extremely high as the six-episode series documents their time in Korea. However the group are under immense pressure and must train to be the absolute best in singing, dancing, and performing.
But tough K-pop training that reaches for perfection in every aspect of performance from dancing and singing to intricacies like having great stage presence and providing fan service is often expected from idols. Although K-pop training is infamous for its gruelling dance practices, and all-too real feedback that holds nothing back all within a heavily pressurised environment. However, the main questions posed throughout the miniseries was – can this group handle the pressure and become huge global stars?
BBCs Made in Korea: The K-pop Experience Poster
(L-R) Blaise, Dexter, Reese, James, & Olly
During this documentary series, Reese was my favourite, and my eyes were always drawn to his dancing which seems very natural, especially with how he effortlessly flows between transitions. He also has a rather magnetic stage presence, and infectious personality. Reese undeniably just has that boyband edge – maybe he was born with it?
However, I find my bias (the K-pop term for your favourite member) often changes and the position has been filled by each member at some point! But the beauty of dearALICE is the fact they all seem like genuine friends not just group members. They often describe their friendship like a brotherhood and have sibling energy. BBCs Made In Korea also showcased a soundtrack from dearALICE which featured six songs – Classic, Solar, Best Days of Our Lives, Time With You, Vibes, and my personal favourite, Life is a Movie.
dearALICE’s ‘ACEZ Fandom’ ♠️
dearALICE’s dedicated fans are officially named ‘ACEZ’. In K-pop it’s popular to have acronyms for both group names and fandom names to connect artists with their fanbase. The official logo for the ACEZ fanbase are the ace of spades. As Blaise pointed out during one of their livestreams (and Olly tried to explain), the fandom name stands for ‘A Clear Explanation From A to Z.’ But when placed together with their group name it means a letter to their fans who are inclusive to everyone. So in full the explanation means, ‘dearALICE’ (A Love I Can’t Explain) to ‘ACEZ’ (A Clear Explanation From A to Z).
dearALICE’s ‘Ariana Era’
On February 21st, 2025, dearALICE debuted with powerful pop single, “Ariana” which has a rather catchy chorus. Although best of all, the music video features heavily with amazing London influences from the iconic red phone box to the group dancing in an empty tube carriage.
dearALICE “Ariana” Signed Single
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Taylor
The dearALICE members certainly brought their best swagger, attitude, and energetic dance moves to give it their all in their first-ever music video outside their Made in Korea days. However, the group is definitely gaining traction from their BBC documentary as well as across various social media channels like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and K-Pop’s community social app, Weverse.
dearALICE’s Random Play Dance
A group of 200 fans attended a Random Play Dance with dearALICE in London. Fans danced to such songs as dearALICE’s debut number, “Ariana.” But for those who have watched the show will see how the members have vastly improved in their dancing skills from their time on Made In Korea.
Although Dexter clearly enjoyed dancing to Stray Kids’ Chk Chk Boom, Reese also had a spotlight moment dancing enthusiastically to aespa’s Supernova. Fans also lavished the group with gifts including black roses, letters, artwork, and plenty of funny TikTok-worthy content. I didn’t attend this event – it’s not something for me but it looked fun!
The music video for dearALICE’s debut single, Ariana:
Meet & Greet Experience with dearALICE
After watching the show during its initial BBC release and seeing SoKollab’s notification about the group’s first-ever meet & greet, then of course I had to attend. dearALICE’s meet & greet was hosted at one of London’s most popular destinations for all things K-pop at SoKollab. The store sells K-pop albums, idol merchandise, and Korean stationery along with hosting special fan events. But in the same week they featured BLACKPINK Jisoo’s new album, Amortage and made special photocards for fans. They even had a message board for fan letters, so I wrote a special message for the global superstar.
Fan-made dearALICE Polaroids
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Taylor
Even the ACEZ fanbase made stickers and polaroids to hand out to other fans. Here they are above. Then waiting some two and a half hours in the queue to see dearALICE, everyone seemed so happy and excited. But the buzzing atmosphere among the fans was a real experience. Although, I was about a quarter of a way through the queue, there may have been around a thousand fans lining up to see dearALICE.
The Long Queue for dearALICE
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Taylor
Reese arrived first to a huge scream of adoring fans. But the biggest surprise happened when Dexter, Blaise, Olly, and James walked down the street waving at the screaming fans lined up for them. Although, this was a really cute moment and a nice touch for the group to do this for their fanbase! Blaise can be seen in my video below saying, ‘there’s so many of you!’
Meeting dearALICE
But when entering the meet & greet, Reese’s loud voice could already be heard from the entrance, and we love it! He just has such a bright and bold personality. However, as the ‘maknae’ of the group (a K-pop term for the youngest member), Blaise came across as one of the mature members and has a natural confident swagger about him. And Dexter’s laugh is undeniably contagious – he’s almost always seen smiling and seems like he’s having the best time.
While Olly seemed calm, collected, and assured, we have to mention James’s iconic smart Avant-garde suit, which he also wore for their Esquire Korea Magazine shoot. James just has that certain spark to his personality. Of course, they all bring something different to the group, whilst also currently remaining affable and humble about their journey.
The Official dearALICE Poster for the Meet & Greet
(Anticlockwise from Top Left) (T-B) Blaise, Reese, Olly, Dexter, & James
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Taylor
As there are five members you cannot possibly talk to them all in the brief time you receive. However, this means that some of the members are sadly and unintentionally ignored. So, I only got a chance to interact with Reese and Dexter. But I guess that’s the nature of a group meet & greet experience? Also, the staff member who took the photographs is now adored by the fans for being so good at taking plenty of amazing photos for each of us. And we hope he’s invited back for future events!
dearALICE Meet & Greet Photo
dearALICE at their Meet & Greet in London
(L-R) James, Olly, Reese, Dexter, Hannah, & Blaise
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Taylor
Although, dearALICE seemed almost surprised and a little shocked by the sheer amount of support and love shared by their fans. They received so much fan mail and gifts too. I also made something for each of the members. During the meet & greet and on their after-party livestream, they seemed very appreciative of the lovingly handmade gifts and letters from their fandom, the ‘ACEZ’.
dearALICE definitely has a genuinely nice aura surrounding them. They all seemed lovely and polite. Even if sometimes they have their frivolous moments, we can excuse the fact they are new to all of these experiences! Although, their whole fandom seemed extremely proud of the band’s first meet & greet and are hoping for more opportunities to soon meet the members again.
Meet the dearALICE Members
Read Below For:
- My thoughts on dearALICE.
- A summary of the dearALICE members, & their personalities.
James: ‘The Quirky One’
FACT FILE:
Birthday & Age: Feb 09, 2001 (24 years old)
Hometown: Huddersfield, UK
MBTI: ENFP-T
dearALICE’s James at SMTown in Seoul/ James in the Ariana Music Video
Photos Courtesy of @dearaliceofficial
James Sharp I would describe as the ‘quirky one’ of dearALICE. The eldest of the group, James originally built up his fanbase with his twin, Lewis helming the name, the SHARPTWINS boasting 5.4 million followers on TikTok. Together they made music and released single tracks including, Bite Back and Shimmy. James is interested in music production and often shares some of his creative tracks with fans. He also showcases his skills in popping, a style of street dance, which he can be seen executing in the Ariana music video and during onstage live performances.
However, James is often seen wearing beanies or caps, cool jumpers, furry jackets, and even has a cute teddy bear backpack called Tibbers. James likes cute things! My mother’s bias is James because he seems so kind. There’s a certain freedom about James where he brings out his own style while connecting the group cohesively together. He is only 53% extroverted so he definitely provides the more calming and slightly introverted energy in most of dearALICE’s Weverse livestreams. But James may just be a teddy bear himself with his cute spirit, intelligent musicality, and adorable fashion sense.
James also has pretty amazing hair too with a long silky hairstyle that really suits his features. His hair colour is absolutely stunning. During interviews, James always provides thought-provoking eloquent answers and gives great music advice. James gives amazing and quality insight into music which just showcases his talent and intelligence. His solo Weverse livestreams often show him making beats, and James is clearly talented and enthusiastic about making music. I also love the way James is always very thankful for each stage in dearALICE’s journey. The official emoji for James is a moon and his representative colour is black.
Dexter: ‘The Smiley One’
FACT FILE:
Birthday & Age: Feb 06, 2002 (23 years old)
Hometown: London, UK
MBTI: ENFP-T
dearALICE’s Dexter at SMTown in Seoul / Dexter in the Ariana Music Video
Photos Courtesy of @dearaliceofficial
Dexter Greenwood I would describe as the ‘smiley one’ of dearALICE. As an Arsenal fan, I’m slightly biased towards Dexter. He’s interested in songwriting and has performed in stage plays before joining the group. From their online content, it seems Dexter has a natural aura full of bright, fun, and cheery energy. He had a rather funny fail moment whilst cooking pancakes on a livestream before and it’s hilariously followed him around ever since. Dexter and Blaise (a.k.a. Blexter) definitely manifest the London banter whenever they’re together and bring that vibrant flair to their beautiful friendship.
He’s almost always laughing and has a mischievous smile. From watching the groups livestreams, Dexter’s bright smile lights up the room and he’s also most likely the fashionista of the group. Particularly with his variations of striped shirts and dark attire aesthetic. Dexter wears different styles well and can easily adapt depending on the “vibe” (pun intended). I would seriously love to take some tips from his style! The genuine friendliness from Dexter’s personality really shines through livestreams. He is the type of person to brighten up any situation.
Dexter’s love for football and passion for Arsenal FC just makes him even more likeable if that’s possible. He also often seems to enjoy presenting and leading the groups livestreams. He’s definitely in his element here and has a certain pizzazz that makes him suited to the energetic and upbeat MC/presenter-type role. Dexter’s smiley, entertaining, and chaotically sweet. The official emoji for Dexter is a puzzle piece and his representative colour is green.
Olly: ‘The Witty One’
FACT FILE:
Birthday & Age: Jan 23, 2004 (21 years old)
Hometown: Sunderland, UK
MBTI: ENFJ-T
dearALICE’s Olly at SMTown in Seoul / Olly in the Ariana Music Video
Photos Courtesy of @dearaliceofficial
Olly Quinn I would describe as the ‘witty one’ of dearALICE. He’s cool, calm, and has a certain charmful resonance about him. Olly has been a model, a Choirboy and acted in stage plays before joining the band and always loved singing. When the members first arrived to the meet & greet, Olly’s name was loudly screamed out by the fans. He’s also my father’s bias of the group. Olly seems courteous, confident, stylish, and gracious. It’s like he has this natural imaginary circle of calmness surrounding him. He’s very smiley too and definitely alludes model “vibes“!
Additionally, Olly’s favourite animal is a monkey which just perfectly encapsulates his infectious personality. He’s also said that he dislikes the ‘90s animation character, Stuart Little after giving the small mouse’s film a rating of just half a star. But Olly’s disapproval of Stuart Little has since been an ongoing funny moment for the ACEZ. Olly is genuine, likeable, friendly, and has a radiant smile.
He’s also a big movie fan and one of his favourite film franchises is The Lord of the Rings. Olly likes the classic British horror film, Hellraiser (1987) which he remembers watching with his mother as one of his early ventures into exploring horror cinema. Along with his love for the American horror-drama series, Dexter (2006-2013) – (pun intended). Olly is naturally funny, has great skin, and is complete model material. The official emoji for Olly is a monkey and his representative colour is yellow.
Reese: ‘The Cheeky One’
FACT FILE:
Birthday: Feb 16, 2004 (21 years old)
Hometown: Wiltshire, UK
MBTI: ENTP
dearALICE’s Reese at SMTown in Seoul / Reese in the Ariana Music Video
Photos Courtesy of @dearaliceofficial
Reese Carter I would describe as the ‘cheeky one’ of dearALICE. Reese may just be the most boyband material member ever. Reese’s streetwear style is reminiscent of Y2K boy groups like NSYNC and their rivals, the Backstreet Boys. Reese is someone who could literally wear anything and it would suit him. Before joining the group, Reese used to perform on cruises and since enjoys learning dearALICE’s dance choreographies. On Instagram there’s even a fan group called ‘The Buttercups’ purely dedicated to Reese. And at the meet & greet they even organised a bald cap for him (to replicate his infamous hairstyle!) which was covered in fan signatures. I signed this too!
He’s also often either heard breaking out into song or dancing on their livestreams. Reese seems genuinely lovely and is always authentically true to himself. He’s actually really a teddy bear! However, it’s also worthy to point out that Reese is a fantastic all-rounder (K-pop term for being great at singing, dancing, and stage presence etc). Reese really excels in onstage performances and serves as a great centre for the group. He is extremely charismatic, fun-loving, and is clearly a great poser with his infamous smoulder look. But the real spark for Reese is that even if he is not your bias, he is pretty eye-catching during dearALICE’s live onstage performances.
Reese is amicable, talkative, and vibrant. He is also undeniably funny and I’m often laughing at Reese’s antics whenever they film group activities together. The official emoji for Reese is a burger and his representative colour is orange. Although as he’s pointed out multiple times before, it’s important to note that Reese is a fussy eater and only likes plain burgers! 😊
Blaise: ‘The Friendly One’
FACT FILE:
Birthday: Jan 04, 2005 (20 years old)
Hometown: London, UK
MBTI: ENTJ-T
dearALICE’s Blaise at SMTown in Seoul / Blaise in the Ariana Music Video
Photos Courtesy of @dearaliceofficial
Blaise Noon I would describe as the ‘friendly one’ of dearALICE. The ‘maknae’ (youngest), Blaise to me comes across as being very intuitive, intelligent, and thoughtful. Born and raised in Belgium, Blaise came to the UK aged 14 and attended London’s prestigious The BRIT School. He’s a talented dancer and is always seen excelling at dance moves, particularly back flips. Blaise seems to have a great awareness of technical dance skills which means he is very detailed-oriented when it comes to accentuating the intricacies in each movement. However, it’s quite obvious that he’s great at teaching dance steps too and needs to be appointed as the group’s official ambassador for dance tutorials.
Additionally, Blaise has a cool fashion sense that looks inspired by the hip-hop genre. Blaise is well mannered and even as the maknae he often tries to bring the group back to a level of calmness whenever their livestreams together become a little too chaotic. He’s a great listener too and this skill really comes across in their livestreams and interviews. This maknae has developed the nickname ‘Begb’ after an X (Twitter) post wrongly labelled his name. But Blaise has fully owned it and since decided to stick with the funny nickname as he should.
However, Blaise is also passionate about baking and can always be seen ‘whisking’ something up in the kitchen during his solo Weverse livestreams. Especially when he infamously broke a whisk whilst baking a carrot cake during a live. He used enough carrots to make Bugs Bunny go hungry! Blaise is also passionate about baking banana bread too. His kitchen skills may get him a role on The Great Celebrity Bake Off one day!
But Blaise arguably has the best solo livestreams because of his sweet intuitive nature, his great listening skills, and the gentle presence he showcases onscreen when talking to fans. Especially with his little wise words of wisdom he sometimes shares. He also has a wicked sense of humour and is pretty laidback. The official emoji for Blaise is a dinosaur and his representative colour is blue.
What’s Next For dearALICE?
If I had to choose my bias (favourite) in dearALICE it would be Reese during onstage performances, and between Blaise and Dexter for their relatable personalities, British humour, and London backgrounds.
But what’s next for dearALICE? An official lightstick, merchandise, and more exciting performances? Additionally, dearALICE’s current merchandise includes a limited-edition CD of Ariana which was signed by all five members, and limited-edition balloons stamped with the ‘Ariana‘ logo to promote their debut single. As well as an exclusive poster for fans who attended their first meet & greet in London.
However, their most recent appearance was on BBCs Comic Relief 2025 show. Then Olly announced an album is set to be released soon. The band also recently announced their upcoming attendance at SMTown London in June which will feature other SM artists including NCT 127, Red Velvet, aespa, and many more.
Overall
Overall, I think dearALICE brings a fresh new vibe to the British music scene. Their fans resonate with them because they always seem like they’re having an amazing time and ACEZ gets to be a part of their journey. And so often dearALICE remind us to smile in such tough times. They’re talented, entertaining, and extremely likeable. I see this group as our new precious national treasures for the UK. I challenge you to watch a livestream featuring dearALICE and not smile.
dearALICE at their Meet & Greet in London
(L-R) James, Olly, Reese, Dexter, Hannah, & Blaise
Photo Courtesy of Hannah Taylor
Even Filmotomy founder, Robin thinks I look like I’m their manager here. 😆
What do you think of Britain’s new boyband, dearALICE?
Will you be watching their documentary series, joining their ‘ACEZ’ fanbase, and become an avid fan like me? Also, who is your bias? Let me know in the comments below!
You can follow dearALICE Here:
dearALICE’s debut song, Ariana can be streamed now from Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Apple Music.
You can follow dearALICE on their official Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X, and Weverse accounts.
Made In Korea: The K-pop Experience six-part Documentary is available to stream on BBC iPlayer here.