UNCHILD Debuts with Bold Aspirations and Unique Identity

The new K-pop group UNCHILD has made a striking debut, showcasing their ambitions at their first showcase event.

UNCHILD, consisting of members Park Ye-eun, Hiki, Tina, Ako, Yvonne, and Na Ha-eun, held a media showcase on the 21st at the Blue Square WooriWON Banking Hall in Yongsan, Seoul, to celebrate the release of their debut single 'We Are UNCHILD'.

Member Na Ha-eun gained fame in 2013 as 'Baby HyunA' on SBS's 'Star King' for her exceptional dance skills and later became a 'dance prodigy' with over 5 million subscribers on her YouTube channel 'Awesome Haeun'. Park Ye-eun has a background in the Mnet audition program 'I-LAND 2'.

During the event, the members expressed their excitement about their debut. Hiki shared, "All six of us have been looking forward to this day, and it still feels unreal." Na Ha-eun added, "We've been running towards this day, and it feels like a dream come true."

Their debut single 'We Are UNCHILD' marks a meaningful beginning for the group, embodying their determination to break free from conventional norms with the prefix 'UN-' and channel their unique individuality into a special energy.

The music video shoot was filled with warm support from their agency family. Tina mentioned, "Senior Yoon from STAYC sent us a coffee truck and a handwritten letter," and added, "CEO Rado also sent a long letter of encouragement, which was very touching." Park Ye-eun shared, "Senior Yoon mentioned how difficult it was without a mentor during her trainee days and offered to be someone we can rely on, which was very encouraging."

The behind-the-scenes of the title track's choreography was also revealed. Na Ha-eun and Hiki participated in creating the choreography. Na Ha-eun said, "I was given the opportunity because of the positive feedback on the choreography I created with Hiki before. Although it was daunting, I prepared overnight with the mindset of giving it a try regardless of the outcome." She added, "I was thrilled that my favorite part was selected." Hiki commented, "The short preparation time for the choreography sample was challenging, but I'm happy that the dance break part was chosen."

Due to Na Ha-eun's established recognition from a young age, the group is often referred to as 'Na Ha-eun's group'. However, the members expressed concern for her. Yvonne said, "We were worried that Ha-eun might feel burdened," and added, "Our team's strength lies in the distinct individuality of all six members. We want to break societal prejudices by highlighting each of our colors." Na Ha-eun also shared, "Debuting as a team rather than alone was reassuring, and although there was pressure from the 'dance prodigy' title, I embraced it as positive energy and prepared even harder."

The group also shared their future aspirations. Hiki said, "We want to be known as a team that makes a mark in the world," while Park Ye-eun expressed, "We want to be remembered as a team that is unfamiliar yet intriguing." Park Ye-eun also reflected on her past, saying, "After being eliminated from 'I-LAND 2', I went through a tough time and cried a lot, but I found healing through UNCHILD. Now, I can overcome my fears more easily." The members also expressed their desire to win a rookie award.

The debut track 'UNCHILD' is an electronic pop song with a garage sound, conveying a bold message of overcoming fears and embarking on new adventures. The track features a gritty electric guitar riff and psychedelic electronic sounds, with the repeated phrase "We Are UNCHILD" reinforcing the group's identity.

UNCHILD's debut single "We Are UNCHILD" will be available on various online music platforms at 6 PM today.

Cristy Youn, TenAsia Reporter cristyyoun@tenasia.co.kr