EXCLUSIVE
[INTERVIEW] Queenz Eye on 2nd single album 'UNI-Q': 'We will repay you with good music'

AKP STAFF

Queenz Eye is a five-member girl group managed by Big Mountain Entertainment, composed of WONCHAE, HANNAH, NARIN, AHYOON, and DAMIN. The quintet embarked on their musical journey on October 24, 2022, with the single album 'Queenz Table,' featuring "Yummy Yummy" as its lead single.

Nearly 9 months since the group's debut, Queenz Eye made its return with another single album, titled 'UNI-Q,' which includes the tracks "UN-NORMAL" and "Domino." The title song, "UN-NORMAL," is about an unusual way of love, and 'UNI-Q' is meant to contain the bold and courageous story of Queenz Eye.

To celebrate Queenz Eye's comeback, the girls chatted with allkpop about 'UNI-Q,' taking part in choreographing their song, interacting with other artists, and more. Read on to learn more about the quintet.

Shout-out video to allkpop:

allkpop: Hi, Queenz Eye! First and foremost, I want to congratulate you on your first comeback with ‘UNI-Q’! Before anything else, could you please introduce yourselves first? Maybe you can share a fun fact about yourself or today’s TMI!

AHYOON: Hello! I’m AHYOON, the rapper of Queenz Eye who took vitamins today as well!

NARIN: Hello, this is NARIN, an unexpected charmer who came back with red hair.

DAMIN: Hello, I’m DAMIN, an energizer with a clean voice at Queenz Eye. People who see me for the first time often get surprised by my height. I’ve even grown taller since our debut, so now I’m like a giant baby.

HANNAH: Hello, I’m HANNAH, the sunshine of Queenz Eye! Fans told me I resemble Tinkerbell after our last M COUNTDOWN stage!

WONCHAE: Hello, I’m WONCHAE, all-rounder leader of Queenz Eye. I’m not the oldest, but the third oldest! Hehe.

allkpop: K-Pop is a worldwide phenomenon right now. What does it feel like to be in the K-Pop industry? You know, being and performing on the music show stages, and sometimes being able to interact with other idols?

DAMIN: Currently, while engaging in our comeback, we gained energy from other artists and learned a lot from them. We also received many positive influences, which influenced us to contribute to our growth and eventually fill us with happiness.

HANNAH: We’ve always nurtured our dreams while watching senior artists’ performances, so being able to share the stage with them is an honor. We hope to leave a significant mark on K-pop!

allkpop: What story does ‘UNI-Q’ tell? This is another single album, following your debut with ‘Queenz Table.’ What's the difference between these two releases?

Queenz Eye: While the debut album announced the beginning of Queenz Eye and emphasized the unified image of a gathered group, this ‘UNI-Q’ album contains much more of our free-spirited and enjoyable side. Our debut showcased intense alternative pop music. However, in this album with easy-listening songs, you’ll be able to see another charm of ours.

allkpop: Did you have any difficulties choosing songs since a single album will only include two tracks? What do you think makes “UN-NORMAL” and “DOMINO” perfect to be together in one album?

Queenz Eye: Both songs effectively portray a refreshing summer vibe, and when performed together, they create a synergistic effect. While you might feel that “UN-NORMAL” and “DOMINO” have different atmospheres, when you look at the lyrics of each song, you’ll find that they share similar messages of love toward fans and express the essence of Queenz Eye. Having two songs that can convey the intended messages with their unique charms allowed us to complete the unique album.

allkpop: What were your reactions when you first heard the demo or final version of the two songs?

DAMIN: When I heard the final version of “UN-NORMAL,” I was worried that it might not be as groovy as during the recording, but it turned out better than expected, and I felt relieved. Also, when I listened to the final version of “DOMINO,” I got excited about meeting our I-Q again.

WONCHAE: I remember hearing the drumbeat sound at the beginning and thinking, “Ah, this is the song!” I felt delighted and prepared with excitement.

allkpop: “UN-NORMAL” has Korean and English versions. Could you share with us your experience recording the songs? Were there any challenges?

DAMIN: When recording the English version of “UN-NORMAL,” I kept mixing Korean pronunciation, so I had to pay extra attention to my pronunciation, which was a bit challenging.

allkpop: How was the experience filming the music video? Do you have any favorite scenes or memorable moments?

AHYOON: I remember the outdoor scene we shot during the day. It started raining in the middle of the shoot, so we had to hurry to take cover, but the rain stopped right away, which was quite funny. I’m just glad the MV turned out well.

DAMIN: During my solo scene, I had to climb on top of a car roof for the shoot. It was fascinating and thrilling to gesture and film in the car for the first time, and it became a great experience for me.

allkpop: You took part in choreographing your debut song! What was it like for you guys to work on this together in the dance practice room? How many days did it take for you to complete and master the choreography?

Queenz Eye: We had more than 20 candidates for our point choreography. We continued to think about it with our choreographer and came up with the choreography that we have now. We learned and grew a lot during the process.

DAMIN: I remember one thing in particular. When we first learned the chorus choreography, we picked it up in just 30 minutes.

allkpop: Who do you look up to the most in the music industry? Do you have any dream collaborations?

AHYOON: I’m a big fan of pH-1 sunbaenim. I had the opportunity to attend his performance and was impressed by his stage presence and manners. I really love his music and enjoy listening to it. So, if given the chance to collaborate, I would put all my heart and effort into it.

NARIN: I’d love to collaborate with Ariana Grande sunbaenim!

DAMIN: Personally, I admire and respect IU sunbaenim’s. Also, I really appreciate (G)I-DLE sunbaenim’s free and enjoyable music style, so if given the chance, I’d love to share the stage with them too.

HANNAH: I have great respect for BLACKPINK sunbaenim. I would be extremely happy to share the stage with them!

WONCHAE: I really love BTS’s RM and j-hope sunbaenim’s music and dancing. If I get the chance to collaborate on music or stage with them someday, I would be incredibly happy.

allkpop: Queenz Eye has two single albums so far. Do you have any plans on releasing an EP or full album, perhaps for your next comeback? Any activities for your fans to look forward to from you?

WONCHAE: There are still many activities ahead for “UN-NORMAL,” so please look forward to them. We also have plans to actively meet you even after our promotions, so please anticipate that as well!

allkpop: Lastly, do you have anything else to say to everyone who's reading this interview, to your fans and soon-to-be fans?

AHYOON: Thank you for reading this interview until the end. We will try to be a more fantastic and passionate group, Queenz Eye. Thank you.

NARIN: I’m so glad and grateful that we could share our thoughts! Please continue to support and keep an eye on Queenz Eye. Thank you!

HANNAH: We will always be hardworking Queenz Eye, so please show us lots of love!

DAMIN: It was enjoyable to meet you again after our debut and comeback! While answering the interview questions, I felt I’ve grown even more. I want to express my gratitude to I-Q and everyone who has been waiting for our comeback. We will become a group that can repay the support. Thank you!

WONCHAE: Let’s continue our journey together, and I promise that Queenz Eye will repay you with good music and great performances! Please look forward to growing Queenz Eye!