After an explosive debut in March 2024 with the EP ‘We UNIS’, the eight-member girl group UNIS — comprising Hyeonju, Nana, Gehlee, Kotoko, Yunha, Elisia, Yoona, and Seowon — is back with their highly anticipated comeback. Their second mini-album ‘SWICY’ blends “sweet” and “spicy” into a concept that’s as flavorful as it is fierce. Released on April 15, ‘SWICY’ is a colorful and playful album that highlights the unique charms of each member.
The album features five tracks, with ‘SWICY’ as the title track — a song that brings the group’s sweet-and-spicy concept to life through playful vibes and an unexpected bold twist. Other tracks like ‘From a seed called “Hey, what’s up?”’, ‘DDANG!’, ‘Good Feeling’, and ‘Spring rain’ showcase UNIS’ diversity and musical range.
The title track, produced by the renowned team Vendors, has already captured attention with its bold and flavorful sound. Additionally, BrotherSu’s contribution to both the lyrics and composition adds depth and reinforces UNIS’ distinct musical identity.
In an exclusive interview with Namaste Hallyu, the members of UNIS dive into the making of ‘SWICY’, describe themselves as iconic dishes, reveal their hidden gems, and reflect on their growth as artists. From laughter to self-reflection, here’s everything they had to say.
Namaste Hallyu (NH): ‘SWICY’ is such a fun and unique concept! Can you tell us how the idea of mixing “Sweet” and “Spicy” came about?
HYEONJU: I know that it is a new word in America, and ‘SWICY’ perfectly describes many K-foods, so we have tried to cutely mention some of them in our lyrics.
NH: Since ‘SWICY’ is inspired by Korean food, if each track were an ingredient, what would be the ‘secret ingredient’ that ties the whole album together?
YUNHA: The secret ingredient would be EverAfter. All the tracks in ‘SWICY’ are for EverAfter; they are the ones who tie the whole album together.
NH: The title track ‘SWICY’ compares your charms to food. If each of you had to describe your personality using a dish, what would it be?
HYEONJU: French fries! It is good by itself and with other sauces. I think I am a person who can do every genre.
NANA: I think I am sticky rice cake!
GEHLEE: I think I’m kind of like a crème brûlée. On the surface, people perceive me as someone confident, bright, and golden, but on a deeper level, I’m way softer than how I can come off to some people at first.
KOTOKO: Takoyaki for sure!
YUNHA: Me, kind of crunchy ice cream!
ELISIA: I want to describe myself as garaetteok (Long rice cake)! because it’s a snack you can enjoy with anything! It’s like me!
YOONA: Me, kimbap. Kimbap has lots of ingredients, and I think I have different personalities like a kimbap.
SEOWON: I am pizza. Various tastes, toppings, and shapes are interesting, just like me!
NH: This marks your comeback after nearly eight months. How would you describe your artistic growth during this time while preparing for the album?
HYEONJU: Everyone has grown up. Our experiences over the last year have helped us, and I can say we are now pros, and I am proud of UNIS.
NH: If you could recommend one song from your upcoming album as the “hidden gem,” which would it be and why?
HYEONJU: I want to recommend ‘From a seed called ‘Hey, what’s up?’. You can feel UNIS’ pure feelings.
NANA: I like ‘DDANG!’. The lyrics and choreography are cute.
GEHLEE: ‘Good Feeling’. It caught my attention. It is a sidetrack but deserves just as much love.
KOTOKO: ‘Good Feeling’
YUNHA: I recommend ‘Spring rain.’ This song gives you the excitement of feeling like you are the protagonist of the song when you listen to it.
ELISIA: I think the song ‘From a seed called ‘Hey, what’s up?’ is going to be the hidden gem of the album because if you take a deeper look into the lyrics, you’d be able to feel a little love story unfold, and I think it’s so interesting.
YOONA: ‘From a seed called ‘Hey, what’s up?’. It is calm, but the melody explodes in the chorus!
SEOWON: ‘Spring rain’! It is like an OST.
NH: Are there any pre-performance rituals or habits that the group follows to boost morale or ease nerves?
NANA: It’s asking the person next to you to pat you on the back.
KOTOKO: I talk a lot with my members
NH: Looking back at your debut era, is there anything you would tell your past selves based on who you are today?
ELISIA: To love others means to love yourself first.
YOONA: If you work hard and put in the effort, one day you will be able to see a more grown-up version of yourself!
NH: If each of you could have a theme song that plays whenever you walk into a room, what would it be?
HYEONJU: I want ‘SUPERWOMAN’. It is our debut song, so it is perfect.
NANA: I think ‘SWICY’ is good.
GEHLEE: ‘SUPERWOMAN’ because the instrumental is so good, and the lyrics express my self-confidence, and I want to share this feeling with everyone.
KOTOKO: I want an energetic and bright song, so ‘SWICY’.
YUNHA: I would say ‘DDANG!’ because when I walk into a room, I feel nervous, but with this song, I feel cool.
ELISIA: ‘From a seed called ‘Hey, what’s up?’ because it has a very bright melody and beat.
YOONA: ‘DDANG!’ It is a bouncy and upbeat song that EverAfter will also like!
SEOWON: Of course, ‘SWICY’. It’s a really cute song.
NH: What’s something about UNIS that you think fans don’t know but should?
GEHLEE: Something that fans might not know but should is just how much we think about them in our everyday lives; they aren’t just our fanbase, they’re part of our journey, and their love and support mean more than words can say.
YOONA: I actually like shopping, so you can find packages outside my front door every day.
From “kimbap” personalities to emotional hidden gems, the members of UNIS showcase just how thoughtful, fun, and creative they are, both individually and as a group. As they continue to grow and connect with fans around the world, especially Indian EverAfters, their passion and positivity shine brighter than ever. With ‘SWICY’, they’re serving flavor, flair, and feelings — all in one powerful package.
Photo Credits: F&F Entertainment
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