UNIS: the superwomen now turned into princesses for their first, speedy comeback with 'CURIOUS.' Through their recent project, membersHYEONJU, NANA, GEHLEE, KOTOKO, YUNHA, ELISIA, YOONA, and SEOWON continue to ignite curiosity among the fans and general public on what they're set to unfold and showcase next.

UNIS debuted on March 27, 2024 with their inaugural mini-album, 'WE UNIS,' after being formed through the survival show 'Universe Ticket.' The latest addition to their discography, 'CURIOUS' perfectly "captures UNIS's charm," something that is "different from their debut album." The album consists of tracks "Only You Don't Know," "Datin' Myself," and "Poppin'." "[It] is about UNIS's confidence and the dynamics that girls go through," said HYEONJU.

Before the album release, allkpop chatted with the members to discuss more of their first comeback, which style they liked the best among the concept photos, goals, and more. Read our exclusive interview with the rising girl group below!

UNIS shout-out to allkpop:

allkpop: Congratulations on your new release! Tell us how you feel about releasing ‘CURIOUS’ as this also marks your group’s first comeback. Has everything sunk in yet, doing all the idol activities? How would you describe your “firsts” with UNIS?

NANA: We just returned after our debut with our first single, “CURIOUS." It seems like just yesterday that we were listening to and sharing "SUPERWOMAN" with everyone, but now we're already back with a new album. Even though we've only released one album before, I think the fact that it's our first comeback makes us feel even better.

YUNHA: The word "first" brings excitement, but I think it also brings tension because you can't expect anything. So, I'm very nervous and curious to see if fans will like "CURIOUS" and how they will react to it. I hope they will like UNIS’s new look and music, which we will show them in our first comeback.

allkpop: Could you introduce to us what the album ‘CURIOUS’ is about? Why is it named that, and what does it convey?

HYEONJU: Our first single, "CURIOUS," is about UNIS's confidence and the dynamics that girls go through. There are a total of three songs on the album, including the title track, "Only You Don't Know." The title track is a little different from the music we've been sharing with you. It has a strong, cheerful beat and various instrumental sounds such as electric guitar, drums, and bass, so I think it will be a lot of fun to listen to.

YOONA: Another point to note is the reversed charm that was not seen in our debut album. While 'WE UNIS' emphasized kitschy and adorable aspects, this time, we tried to show the opposite side of UNIS, which is chic and cool. We hope that many people will be curious about UNIS’s new charm.

allkpop: Since the title is “curious,” is there anything the members are curious about each other, or just about the other things in general? Maybe something, an activity, that you’re curious about and have been wanting to try out?

SEOWON: I'm also curious about the musical concepts that the members want to do! We've shown a chic and strong side of UNIS through 'CURIOUS,’ so I'd like to do a twisted side of the group next time, which is a youthful, innocent concept. I often talk to the members about the music they want to do as UNIS, and I'm very curious to see what they want to do for the next album.

allkpop: I love the concept photos! Which of those is your favorite, something you think is more of your style in real life?

YUNHA: For this album, we transformed ourselves into eight princesses instead of superwomen. Among the concept photos, I think the casual ‘GLOW-Z’ version is closer to real life because the members are from Generation Z. We're all goofy, talkative, and full of youthful charm. I feel that this aspect was shown well in the ‘GLOW-Z’ version.

GEHLEE: I feel that the ‘Z’ version that was released last is close to who I am on a day-to-day basis. I have a bright and energetic appearance, but I also have a chic and charismatic side. Also, in the ‘Z’ version, you can see our confident and confident side. I think it represents my usual self well.

allkpop: Now that this is your second release as UNIS, could you walk us through the album preparation process, including the song recording and music video shooting? How does the process differ from your debut album?

GEHLEE: I was very happy to prepare this album as well. I think it felt really good to make new music for UNIS, especially since we had to achieve a different mood from the debut song, which made it more new and fun to work on.

YUNHA: I think the recording of the title track "Only You Don't Know" was the most memorable for me. I really thought a lot about how I could better express the hook. It had to have a chic vocal to go along with the repetitive lyrics and beat. I researched and worked hard to make sure that the listener could hear my unique voice and the confidence that goes along with the bold lyrics.

allkpop: I also want to tap into ‘Universe Ticket’ as you were formed through that. What have been your favorite moments or memories from the show that you still vividly remember or takeaways you heard that you still bring with you today? What are you thankful for from that experience that helped you?

HYEONJU: I still vividly remember the ‘Universe Ticket’ final live broadcast. There were so many prominent and talented performers at the time of ‘Universe Ticket.’ I was surprised to see so many young and talented friends. Every time I went on stage, I felt like I wasn't able to show myself properly. Still, I went into the finals determined to do my best until the end and create a stage that showed off all my skills and charms. The fans appreciated my passion for not giving up and working hard, so I was able to join in 8th place. I once again realized that what is important is an unbreakable heart. It was a time when I learned firsthand that if you don't give up on anything and do your best, you can achieve what you want.

SEOWON: I learned courage through ‘Universe Ticket.’ Since I was young, I was a trot singer, so I was far from K-Pop. I only had one dream, to be an idol, so I applied for the ‘Universe Ticket.’ And when I debuted as UNIS, I was able to fulfill my dreams and goals. It made me realize that even though it can be unfamiliar, scary, and frightening, you need to have the courage to take on new challenges, to start something new, to do whatever you want. If you have a dream you want to achieve, I hope you don’t hesitate and have the courage to take on the challenge!

allkpop: Last May, you held a fan sign tour in the Philippines. How does it feel to be receiving much love from your fans? Do you have any memorable moments from that tour in particular since that was also your first one?

ELISIA: The malls where we do our fan sign tours are usually very crowded, so I thought it was going to be really crowded because there were a lot of people in the parking lot. But as soon as I got out of the car, I heard this huge cheer, and it turned out to be from our fans, EVERAFTER. I really can't forget the sight of fans surrounding the concert hall, singing our songs together, and even the warm cheers.

YOONA: When we went to the Philippines, we were really surprised by how many people liked us. From the airport to the venue and everywhere we went, they were supporting us and paying attention to us. When I think about the fan signing moment, there was one fan that comes to mind, and she came to meet me wearing the same stage costume as me, and I was so grateful. Thank you so much!

allkpop: What goals do you have for yourself and your group? What do you want people to know about UNIS in the long term?

NANA: First of all, our closest goal is to win the 'Rookie of the Year' award. In particular, I think I am even more greedy for the Rookie Award because I can only receive it once. Also, as soon as UNIS debuted, we have been working hard not only in Korea but also in various countries such as Japan and the Philippines. I really hope that our whole year comes to fruition by winning the ‘Rookie of the Year’ award.

ELISIA: I think the bigger goal is to become a globally loved artist. Even though we're still a rookie, we've gotten interest from Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and so many other countries. Ultimately, we want to spread the word about UNIS around the world and meet and interact with our fans. With the love of our fans as our driving force, we will work hard to achieve our goal.

allkpop: Lastly, could you please share with us one song that you’ve been playing on repeat these days? Please leave a final message for allkpop readers and your fans as well!

KOTOKO: I recommend our new song “Only You Don’t Know”! I've been listening to it every single day. The more you listen to the sounds of different instruments, the better they become. You can also feel UNIS’s chic vocals. I hope you beat the heat this summer with UNIS’s “Only You Don’t Know”!

HYEONJU: I'd also like to introduce the song “Poppin’” by UNIS, which is also on our latest release, ‘CURIOUS.’ It's a song that goes really well with a midsummer night, so I'm enjoying it as well. Have a party-like summer night while listening to “Poppin’”!

NANA: Hello, allkpop readers! UNIS is back with our first single album ‘CURIOUS.’ We hope you'll be interested and listen to this album because it's an album that captures UNIS’s charm, which is different from our debut release. We plan to work really hard for this activity, regardless of whether it is domestic or overseas. Please look forward to UNIS’s performance with ‘CURIOUS’!

Socials:

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Weverse: @UNIS
YouTube: UNIS