HYBE label multinational girl group TUIDE officially launched into the music industry.
On the afternoon of the 24th at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, a media showcase commemorating the debut of HYBE's new girl group TUIDE (TUIDE) was held.
That day Seah, when asked about her debut feelings, said "I'm excited to make the debut I've dreamed of. I am responsible for healthy energy and versatile charm in TUIDE. With refreshing performances, I want to delight the eyes and ears." American-born Elena said "I liked singing since I was young, so I dreamed of becoming a singer. I usually sang R&B genres often, and I want to show my own groovy timbre," she said.
Then Seoyeon said "I want to play a role like a carbonated drink in TUIDE. People around me often tell me I have good expressiveness. Like a refreshing carbonated drink, I want to fill performances with a sharp, sparkling charm," she said. Jia said "On stage I try to express the song's emotion and atmosphere with intense eye contact, and off stage I am responsible for a bright, puppy-like charm. As a TUIDE member, I want to grow into an artist who can freely digest various genres," she said.
Oldest sister Seohee said "I tremble and feel excited at the thought of showing TUIDE to the world. My strengths are a unique vocal and clean dance lines. As the oldest sister, please watch my reliable older-sister vibe as I do everything diligently," she said. Japanese member Saki said "I dreamed of debuting in Korea since I was young. I'm happy to debut with such wonderful members. People tell me my soft cheeks are charming. But on stage I can show solid dancing. Please look forward to cool performances that reflect my style," she said, and Lee Ha-nee said "My strength is a distinctive timbre. I want to be an artist who, with my individuality and mood, can bring small happiness to fans' days," she added.
TUIDE's first EP "TUNE & PLAY" is an album that condenses the identity and musical direction of TUIDE (Seohee, Seoyeon, Elena, Jia, Saki, Seah, Yi Hani). In their debut album, they aim to draw new touchpoints where generations and cultures meet within music. They tuned different musical languages into one rhythm (TUNE) and filled the tracks with the joy (PLAY) discovered within it.
The title track "SUN KISS" is a song that most vividly shows TUIDE's musical style called "soultronic," which combines soulful melodic sensibility with sleek electronic sound. The lively sound that comes from the contrast between a wild track and a relaxed topline metaphorically expresses TUIDE's bold yet flexible charm. Elena said "The hook is clear and lingers in the ear, making you want to listen again. I was confident this song could be one to add to people's tracklists once it's released," she said.
Regarding the choreography, Lee Ha-nee said "When I first saw the choreography draft, I felt like we received a gift—the performance felt so good and fitting. I was overwhelmed at the thought we could show such a great stage, and I remember we all teared up from the emotional moment," she said. Seoyeon added "We paid attention so the energy would feel vivid. We approached it thinking we wanted the mood of seven people freely running under the sun on stage to come across naturally. Since the song flows with groove moves that highlight each person's individuality, we worked hard even on breathing to get it right," she said.
In particular, the title song drew attention because it was composed by GroovyRoom. When asked about working with GroovyRoom, Seohee said "Like others, we grew up listening to GroovyRoom's music, so it was an honor. The producer helped us freely make sounds. The most memorable compliment I received was that because our members have different and distinctive vocal tones, we shouldn't force something new but express naturally as we are, and that would highlight the team's charm. I thought that might be our team identity," she said.
When asked about the difference from previous producing groups given that master professional Han Sung-soo served as the general producer, Jia explained, "The difference is that we present the musical style called soultronic. Our songs differ in detailed genres, but they are all bright and energetic while also relaxed and languid. Music that coexists with vitality and leisure is soultronic," she said.
Asked about advice received from producer Han Sung-soo, Seohee replied, "He told us to do well and be grateful to everyone who helps us while we prepare, so we approach every process with a grateful heart," she said. Elena said, "He emphasized the importance of finding fun during the practice process, which impressed me greatly. I believe that if we enjoy the stage, our energy will be conveyed to viewers, so I try to do my best every moment," she said.
She also described the process of debuting as a HYBE artist, having trained as a trainee at Pledis Entertainment before debut. Seohee said, "The place where we first began training was Pledis. That was before the establishment of ABD label. During our training process, ABD label was naturally established and the seven of us joined ABD label together and now greet you as TUIDE," she said.
When asked what advice they received from HYBE artists, Seah said, "We met them through challenges with HYBE seniors. They advised us to stay healthy and enjoy many stages," she said. Jia also said, "Many seniors congratulated us and said that since it's the beginning, they hope we stay healthy and enjoy activities," she said. In particular, Seoyeon, who drew attention as the younger sister of TWICE's Jihyo, revealed, "My sister's advice and support was, 'You will see your members more than your family, so trust and rely on them, be each other's support, and promote yourselves beautifully,'" adding warmth to the conversation.
When asked about role models, Seohee said "There are many great seniors, but we haven't set a team role model yet. Our goal is to develop TUIDE's own color," she said. Regarding debut activity goals, Jia said "I hope many people remember and recognize the name TUIDE, and I want to receive a rookie award by being loved and getting good evaluations from many people," she said. Seah also said "Through debut activities, I want to let many people know the name TUIDE. I hope people enjoy our music and performances, and I want to hear reactions like 'music I want to add to my playlist' and 'I'm looking forward to the next music,'" she expressed.
Finally Seohee said "We will become a team that shows better performances and continues to grow," and Seoyeon said "Like our name that tunes flow, we will experience and tune various flows in the world to deliver TUIDE's unique joy. Please watch us," she said.
Meanwhile, TUIDE's first EP "TUNE & PLAY" will be released today (the 24th) at 6 p.m. on various music sites.
[Photo] OSEN reporter Jo Eun-jung
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