VVS Debuts with 'TEA': A New Chapter in K-Pop History

"As we unveil the stage we've been preparing for, we aim to create a new chapter in K-Pop history by showcasing VVS's unique charm." (Britney)

The new girl group VVS has made a confident debut in the music industry. VVS, consisting of members Britney, Ailee, Lana, Jiwoo, and Riwon, held a debut media showcase on the 22nd at Ilji Art Hall in Gangnam, Seoul.

VVS is the first artist produced by MZMC. During the event, each member shared their thoughts on debuting. Ailee expressed, "Today marks our starting point. We've been eagerly awaiting our debut and have worked hard to present music and performances that reflect our style," asking for support and interest. The youngest member, Riwon, shared, "I can't believe this is our debut. It feels surreal. We've prepared many amazing stages as we've worked towards the same goal with the members," expressing her excitement.

The only Japanese member, Lana, said, "I came to Korea on a whim, wanting to become a K-Pop artist I always admired, after gaining various stage experiences as a dancer in Japan. Meeting the agency's CEO and debuting as VVS feels like destiny." Jiwoo added, "Thanks to not losing sight of my dreams, this moment feels like a gift. Through VVS's diverse activities, I want to become an artist who gives hope to many music fans."

The members greeted global fans in various languages, including English and Japanese. Britney, fluent in English, spoke in English, while Lana, the only Japanese member, shared her debut thoughts in Japanese. While introducing herself in Japanese, Lana stumbled and apologized in Korean, saying, "I'm sorry, it's been a while since I spoke Japanese," which brought laughter. The members joked, "She's almost Korean," sharing a light-hearted moment.

The group's name, VVS, is inspired by the highest grade of diamonds, meaning Very Very Slightly Included. Britney stated, "We aim to continuously evolve and become a group worthy of our name." Lana added, "Just like how a diamond reflects light from various angles, we aspire to be artists who can spread our unique light through diverse stage music and concepts."

On this day, Paul Brian Thompson, the CEO of MZMC, took the stage. Thompson, a composer and producer known for creating K-Pop hits with artists like Taeyeon, EXO, Red Velvet, NCT, and Kang Daniel, greeted in Korean, "Hello, I'm Paul Brian Thompson, the CEO of MZMC. As you know, I'm not very good at Korean."

Thompson continued in English, sharing, "I've been active in the K-Pop industry as a composer for the past 10 years. The last 5 years have been dedicated to VVS's debut." He added, "This moment is filled with emotion. We anticipate a challenging journey but have much to show. Please support the members with warmth."

He also expressed his affection for the members, saying, "I want to thank the VVS members. I know it's challenging to follow an American CEO who isn't fluent in Korean. I'm grateful to the members for trusting and joining me."

Leader Britney expressed satisfaction with the agency and responded to the CEO's affection, saying, "Having a foreign CEO is a big advantage. Not many members besides me are fluent in English, but my English has improved a lot. We've also learned about foreign cultures, including old-school hip-hop, through cultural lessons." Riwon added, "Even before becoming a trainee, I listened to many of the CEO's songs, so I had high expectations for our debut song. I'm happy that a tailored song was prepared for us, and we'll showcase our unique stage to match the great song."

Their debut single 'TEA' features addictive synth leads, heavy 808 drums, and a whispering chorus. American musicians like MZMC, Amelia Moore, JBACH, Kyle Buckley, and Charles Roberts Nelsen participated in its creation. The key line 'I'm the Tea' carries a triple meaning, referring to drinking tea, gossip, or someone's backstory, and atmosphere. The expression, which changes meaning over time, is playfully interpreted. The choreography includes a gesture representing 'tea' in international sign language.

VVS's debut single 'TEA' will be released at 6 PM today.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia, one@tenasia.co.kr