UNIS Is Billboard’s K-Pop Rookie of the Month for February: Exclusive Photos

With their first anniversary just a month away, UNIS looks back on a year of unforgettable moments and exciting changes. In an exclusive interview, the members share what they have learned, how they’ve evolved, and the new challenges they’re ready to embrace.

In about a month, you’ll celebrate your one-year anniversary since debut. What has been the most memorable moment of the past year and why?

HYEONJU: My debut is the moment I remember most. It was UNIS’s very first step, and it remains vividly imprinted in my memory.

NANA: I feel the same way.

GEHLEE: I loved the experience of our very first fan signing at a shopping mall in the Philippines. It was my first time witnessing firsthand how deeply my hometown fans adore UNIS. It was truly an honor.

KOTOKO: For me, the day I first met our fans is unforgettable. Meeting those I had longed to see filled me with immense joy.

YUNHA: I believe our debut moment is the most memorable. Revealing UNIS to our eagerly waiting fans was incredibly nerve-racking!

ELISIA: It was during the KBS Music Festival, sharing the stage with our seniors in our first collaborative performance on such a grand scale. UNIS’s “Curious” featured a fresh, fun intro and an energetic dance break that made it especially enjoyable.

YOONA: I clearly remember when we received our first rookie award. It was a prize we had dreamed of, and it felt like a true recognition of all our hard work.

SEOWON: my birthday in 2025 stands out. It was the day I truly realized how much EverAfter supports me and why I started this journey.

Comparing your early days to now, what has been the biggest change?

HYEONJU: It’s the sense of responsibility. Initially, I felt an overwhelming pressure to “do well,” but now I trust my members and simply think, “We’ll be great.”

NANA: I’d say the biggest change is that I’ve grown 1cm taller since debuting!

GEHLEE: I feel much more relaxed and confident. The training after the debut has helped tremendously, and improving my Korean has made adaptation so much easier. I really feel like I’m on the right track now.

KOTOKO: It seems that everything has changed, especially my ability to express myself through a variety of facial expressions.

Over the past year, is there a particular skill or quality you’d like to pass on to your fellow members?

NANA: I want to learn English from ELISIA and GEHLEE!

KOTOKO: HYEONJU’s charisma is incredibly captivating.

ELISIA: I used to move gently and fluidly, but since coming to Korea, I’ve learned to execute sharper, move quickly.

YOONA: I admire ELISIA’s wide range of expressions on music shows and stage performances. I’d love to learn that from her.

SEOWON: I’d love to learn knitting from the talented YUNHA!

As a multinational group representing Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, how do you integrate this strength into your stage, performances, and music?

HYEONJU: Our multinational makeup naturally enhances our expressiveness.

NANA: Knowing the tastes of each country gives us a unique advantage to incorporate diverse elements into our performances.

KOTOKO: Our ability to cover Japanese, Filipino, and various other songs is a major strength.

YUNHA: Being multinational means we can cover songs from our respective countries and showcase new facets of ourselves in different languages.

YOONA: At fan signings, for instance, many international fans attend. We communicate in three languages and even perform cover dances to foreign songs.

With the fandom name “EverAfter” in mind, what special memories do you hope to create with your fans in the future?

GEHLEE: I dream of holding a concert just for EverAfter. Seeing fans holding light sticks and sparkling like stars on stage would be an unforgettable moment, Everafter our fandom name.

KOTOKO: I want to embark on a world tour and meet EverAfter fans around the globe.

SEOWON: I envision opening a café exclusively for EverAfter fans, staffed entirely by UNIS!

Which cities would you like to visit on a world tour?

HYEONJU: I want to visit countries on the other side of the globe. I’ve been to nearby countries, but I’ve yet to meet EverAfter fans from the farthest corners of the world.

NANA: Japan, since it’s my hometown. It would be a dream to visit on tour someday.

KOTOKO: Me too!

GEHLEE: Personally, I’d love to visit New York or Paris. Their fashion scenes fascinate me and meeting fans there would be incredibly exciting.

YUNHA: I’d go anywhere EverAfter is present. I visited Taiwan briefly for a performance and, although it was short, I loved the city’s vibe and would love to return.

ELISIA: I aim to perform at Japan’s Kyocera Dome. I want to become a world-star artist and take the stage there!

YOONA: I’d like to visit Singapore. It’s a country I’ve always wanted to see, with beautiful scenery and a wonderful atmosphere.

SEOWON: For me, it’s Paris and New York. I’ve always wanted to visit these cities at least once.

What is UNIS’s goal for this year?

HYEONJU, KOTOKO, YUNHA, ELISIA, YOONA, SEOWON: Our goal is to top all the music shows!

NANA: For me, it’s all about meeting as many EverAfter fans as possible!

GEHLEE: It would be amazing to hold a UNIS-only concert this year. Even though each of us brings a unique charm, we’re working together to deliver a spectacular performance.

What new aspects or endeavors can fans expect from UNIS in 2025?

HYEONJU: We plan to showcase many sides of UNIS that we haven’t had the chance to reveal before.

NANA: While we’ve always shown a cool image, we’d also love to show a cuter side of ourselves.

GEHLEE: I believe UNIS won’t be confined to a single concept. We’re ready to display everything from cute and lovable to chic and cool. Fans can look forward to a variety of styles next year.

YUNHA: Now that we’re nearing our first anniversary, we hope fans will see a more refined and dynamic performance that reflects our growth from countless stage experiences.

What must UNIS overcome to be recognized as the representative 5th generation girl group?

HYEONJU: I think it comes down to growth. We must continue to develop and show progress.

GEHLEE: To be acknowledged as the leading 5th generation girl group, we need to better showcase our unique identity. With so many amazing groups out there, it’s vital that we continually cultivate and enhance UNIS’s distinctive charm through our performances, music, and teamwork.

YUNHA: For me, it’s about mastering our mindset and always challenging ourselves with confidence is the key.

ELISIA: We must connect people of all generations through our music.

SEOWON: We need to carve out our own unique identity rather than being just another ordinary girl group. That’s how we can present ourselves as a fresh, innovative act to the public.

Are there any hidden talents or personal skills among the members that fans might not know about?

NANA: My fingers are very flexible!

GEHLEE: I’m not sure if it’s a talent, but I frequently notice “angel numbers” like 111, 2222, and 3737, whether on clocks, license plates, or suddenly appearing in my surroundings.

KOTOKO: I’d say it’s HYEONJU. She’s our very own “food expert” who knows all the best eats!

ELISIA: SEOWON can make the most amazing sauces. They’re so delicious, they completely blew me away!