On November 21, it was revealed that the girl group ME:I will be singing the Japanese version of the ending song "Beyond ~Koete Yukou~" for Disney Animation Studio's latest film "Moana 2" (released December 6, directed by Dave Derrick Jr. and others). ME:I will be the only group in the world to sing the song. A special video of ME:I singing the ending song was released on the same day.
ME:I was selected by the "national producers" in the first girls' version of "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN THE GIRLS," the third installment of Japan's largest survival audition program "PRODUCE 101 JAPAN," where "JO1" and "INI" debuted, and will debut in 2024. It was announced on the 19th that they will be making their first appearance in this year's New Year's Eve NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
When it was decided that they would sing the ending song for "Moana 2," member MOMONA said, "We were really happy to be entrusted with such an important role, and all of us were so happy we were at a loss for words!", appearing to be stunned by the joy. When asked what she liked about the previous film, "Moana," KOKONA said, "What I like most about Moana is her energetic and lively nature." Three years have passed since the previous film, and Moana is now 19 years old, the same age as the other members. COCORO said, "I was really impressed by her determination to take on challenges without fear of risk, and at the same time, I think she's a character that really makes you think about what it means to live life as yourself. I really admire her boldness in taking on challenges, and I want to be like her." Regarding the recording, RAN said, "I was very nervous before the recording, but I love Moana and have watched the previous movie many times, so I was able to imagine Moana's feelings and scenes, and I was able to sing it comfortably while empathizing with her." She also talked about her thoughts on the lyrics, saying, "In this song, 'Beyond ~Let's go beyond~, the word 'let's go beyond' appears many times, and the song makes you feel Moana's strong will to overcome her doubts and weaknesses and move on to the next step, so I really like that."
"Moana 2" is the sequel to the previous movie "Moana" made in 2016. Moana has been spending time with her family and friends, but when she learns of a legend that "if she reaches an island at the end of the sea, the curse will be lifted," she decides to go on a dangerous voyage to regain her bonds. The movie depicts her embarking on another adventure with Maui, the demigod who adventured with her in the previous movie, and new friends.
