SEOUL - Emerging as South Korea's latest contribution to the global K-pop phenomenon, the new girl group Unis made its entrance onto the music scene with its inaugural EP, "We Unis," on Wednesday. The group, composed of eight members, was created through the reality TV audition program "Universe Ticket," which aired on SBS TV from November to January.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the agency behind Unis and a newcomer in the K-pop industry established by FandF Co., a local outdoor clothing retailer, the group's launch marks a significant milestone. During a media showcase in eastern Seoul, Hyeonju, the group's leader, expressed the collective emotions and aspirations of the members, highlighting the journey from dreaming of becoming singers to the reality of debuting.
Unis features a diverse lineup, including members from Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, showcasing the international appeal and inclusivity of K-pop. Filipino member Elisia shared her surprise and gratitude for being selected, while Gehlee, another member from the Philippines, discussed the language challenges and the support she received from her Korean bandmates in overcoming them.
The group's name, "UandI Story," represents their ambition to craft a unique narrative in the music industry, beginning with their participation in the "Universe Ticket" show. Their debut track, "Superwoman," is described as a high-energy dance number that merges Afrobeat, Moombahton, and House music, encouraging listeners to discover and celebrate their inner strength.
Despite their rookie status, Unis demonstrated formidable skills during their debut performance, attributed to the rigorous preparation and experience gained through their time on the survival show. Seowon, the youngest member at 13, drew attention for her poised stage presence, which she developed during her participation in "Miss Trot," a trot music competition show.
Elisia cited TWICE, a globally renowned girl group, as Unis' role model, highlighting the aspiration to earn global acclaim. As the press event concluded, Seowon and Yunha expressed their hopes for Unis to become a leading name among fifth-generation K-pop groups and to secure rookie awards at year-end music ceremonies, underscoring the unique opportunity these accolades represent in an idol group's career.