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EXCLUSIVE
[INTERVIEW] 'It is a new start for all of us,' ODD EYE CIRCLE on long-awaited comeback with 'Version Up' and their ultimate goal to go on a world tour

AKP STAFF
Posted by Sofia-Sayson Friday, August 18, 2023

ODD EYE CIRCLE is LOONA's second sub-unit formed in September of 2017, which debuted with the mini-album 'Mix & Match.' Comprising Kim Lip, JinSoul, and Choerry, the trio has finally returned after a long wait of 6 years. Back with 'Version Up,' ODD EYE CIRCLE is eager to showcase its growth and evolution as a trio.

Their debut album left a lasting impression with its unique combination of energetic tracks and enchanting ballads. Now, with the mini-album 'Version Up,' the girls embark on an exciting, mysterious journey. "If fate exists, would you tell me about it? Which orbit are we heading towards? If it's unfathomable, would you follow along the path we create?"

'Version Up' features five new captivating songs in all, excluding the opening instrumental track "Did You Wait?". The title track, "Air Force One," is a song in the Jersey Club genre, showcasing the trio's fresh musical style while reflecting on their positive progress. The mini-album also includes B-side tracks titled "Je Ne Sais Quoi," "Lucid," "Love Me Like," and "My Secret Playlist."

Shout-out from ODD EYE CIRCLE to allkpop:

To commemorate ODD EYE CIRCLE's long-awaited return, allkpop had the opportunity to interview the trio about 'Version Up' and their 'Volume Up' tour. Read on below to learn more about Kim Lip, JinSoul, and Choerry!

allkpop: Hi, ODD EYE CIRCLE! First of all, we want to congratulate you on your anticipated album 'Version Up'! It's been 6 years since your last release as a unit. How does it feel to greet everyone, especially with all the new changes?


Choerry: Now that we can spend so many days with our fans again, I’m so happy every day! I’ve been longing to meet the fans as soon as possible.

allkpop: Could you please tell us more about 'Version Up'? How special do you think this release is for each of you?


Kim Lip: This album has had a significant meaning from the moment of release. It is a new start for all of us which also means so much to the fans.

allkpop: The process didn't take too much time since the songs were already written a long time ago, and you recorded the songs after joining MODHAUS. Are there any memorable or interesting stories from the recording process and the shooting of the music you would like to share with us?


JinSoul: Actually, we got to do more corrections than we thought when we recorded the title song "Air Force One." At first, when we reunited with our songwriter after a long time, it felt like meeting each other for the first time. But after spending time together more often, we hit it off in no time.

allkpop: What was the hardest thing about this comeback, and what did you enjoy the most preparing for this album? 


Choerry: If I have to pick the hardest thing… I had this pressure of showing my improvement. The moment I enjoyed the most was whenever we had good chemistry during practice. All the members click with each other amazingly.

allkpop: What made you choose "Air Force One" as the title track? Also, could you share with us your personal favorite song among the 6 tracks on the album, and why? 


Kim Lip: We have chosen "Air Force One" as the title track because we thought it best expresses the theme of this album. We illustrate it by switching from Converse, our previous symbol, to Nike Air Force 1. My personal favorite is "My Secret Playlist" since it’s a song that you can listen to comfortably.

allkpop: Since it's been around 6 years since you released music as a unit, which member do you think has improved and changed the most since then?


JinSoul: I don’t think I can choose one. Everyone has improved significantly! It’s great to see that all the members have advanced in a positive way.

allkpop: You're set to embark on your tour! What does it feel like to meet your fans again, but this time as ODD EYE CIRCLE? Could you tell us how you prepared for this one?


Choerry: It’s our first time going on a tour as ODD EYE CIRCLE! We’ve prepared songs that can maximize ODD EYE CIRCLE’s charms for our international fans. We are happily looking forward to the tour!

allkpop: Speaking of the tour and your album, are there any songs you are so excited to perform live?


Kim Lip: I’m excited about "Je Ne Sais Quoi." Many fans love that song from our latest album.

allkpop: Is there anything your fans can expect or look forward to from you in the future?


JinSoul: I think we’ll try to meet more fans. We want to hold events that we couldn’t do in the past as a unit, such as concerts or fan meetings. 

allkpop: Feel free to tell us your short- and long-term goals, be they music-related or personal ones!


Choerry: The goal of ODD EYE CIRCLE is to go on many international tours or do events and meet more international fans offline!

allkpop: This is my question for Kim Lip: I read in an interview back then that you guys do feel pressure when releasing new music, which is totally normal. You said that it's that kind of pressure that makes you stronger and better every time. What are the things you do to improve yourself and your performance, to be better in these areas?


Kim Lip: I just prepare and practice harder and harder. I gain confidence and overcome the pressure when I look at how prepared I am.

allkpop: My question for JinSoul: In an interview, you said that, in the beginning, you were so shy and had low self-esteem. I wanted to ask what development from yourself over the past years you feel or notice the most.


JinSoul: I think I didn’t change at all but I’m trying my best to have no regrets over past events. I’m also working to love every single part of me!

allkpop: This is my question for Choerry: You confessed in an interview that you feel the most difference in emotions during concerts. How special do you think performing on stage is for you? You know, you might be in a variety of settings, but performing in front of your fans is a different feeling. As a singer, it definitely is a dream come true to hold concerts all around the world. How's your experience so far? And now that you're in that situation, is there anything you'd like to say to your members and, of course, to yourself for taking it this far?


Choerry: I am actually super happy that I have made my dream come true as my dream has been to be a singer since I was young! And working with JinSoul and Kim Lip boosts up happiness! More than anything, the reason we can be on stage is because of our fans. Thank you guys, your support has been instrumental in us being in the spotlight!

allkpop: Before we end this interview, do you want to say anything to your fans who have been following you since the beginning, to those who have just followed you recently, and to your soon-to-be fans?


JinSoul: Thank you so much guys for waiting for us and sending your love and support. Since it took a long time to meet you, we’ll work hard to show you the best of us. Let’s spend happy times only together!

Socials:
Website: ARTMS
Twitter: official_artms
YouTube: ARTMS OFFICIAL
Instagram: official_artms
TikTok: official_artms

  1. ODD EYE CIRCLE
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yoongithesnowman
yoongithesnowman5,939 pts Friday, August 18, 2023 0
Friday, August 18, 2023

Nicely done @ Sofia-Sayson. You did research into the girls and asked solid questions.

.

Wishing all the best for the girls and much success!

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L00NA
L00NA3,626 pts Friday, August 18, 2023 0
Friday, August 18, 2023

Version Up was an amazing redebut/comeback album for this group, it definitely exceeded expectations! Can't wait to see what the future brings for OEC, ARTMS, and all the LOONA members! ❤️ Happy 5th LOONAversary girls 🥳

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