Between Sugar and Spice, UNIS Find Their Voice in ‘SWICY’: “It was something natural for us.”

In a crowded K-pop landscape that never stops evolving, UNIS are fast becoming one of its most exciting new acts.

Since their debut last year, this eight-piece girl group has steadily carved a space for themselves, capturing the attention of fans not only in their home country of South Korea but also across international waters — such as in the Philippines. Their unique blend of charisma, musicality, and vibrant energy has endeared them to an ever-growing global audience, winning the hearts and ears of fans from all around the world.

Despite the infectious nature of their on-stage performances or off-stage charm, what sets UNIS apart is their fearless approach to creativity throughout each of their records. Over the past year alone, they’ve delivered a string of standout records that pushed genre boundaries and showcased their growth as artists. From the empowering pop sound of “SUPERWOMAN” to the gritty-grunge sheen of the rock-laden “Curious,” each release has added further depth to their musical identity and solidified their reputation as one of the most promising acts in the fifth generation of K-pop.

Now, with the release of their latest mini-album SWICY, UNIS are once again redefining expectations. As the title suggests, SWICY is a playful fusion of sweet and spicy, both in sound and attitude. It introduces a fresh set of sonic flavors that feel like a natural progression for the group, yet still manages to surprise. From rhythmically complex tracks to melodies laced with unexpected twists, the album proves that UNIS isn’t just experimenting, but they’re innovating.

By fearlessly blending genres and moods, SWICY captures everything fans have come to love about UNIS while expanding the boundaries of what they’re capable of. With this bold new era, the group isn’t just making noise — they’re leaving a sweet and spicy taste to linger across their millions of fans.

In this exclusive interview with Billboard Philippines, the beloved K-pop girl group opens up about their growth on the scene, their growing list of milestones, and the creative process of bringing SWICY to life.

Billboard Philippines: First off, congratulations on the release of SWICY. It’s such a vibrant and playful mini-album. What was it like exploring this more whimsical and youthful concept for your comeback? Did it feel natural to step into this fun, energetic direction?

HYEONJU: We worked hard since it was a totally new concept that we had never shown before. Luckily, all the members had a perfect mood match with the song, which was easy to express. 

NANA: It was a totally new concept that we had never done before, so I was worried about it. However, I thought that the mood really suited us. We could prepare the album with joy. 

GEHLEE: Again, thank you so much! We all actually had a super fun time preparing this album with our team, and it means a lot to hear all the good feedback from our fans! I think one of UNIS’s biggest charms actually is our versatility. We love exploring different concepts rather than sticking to just one style. So yes, this direction felt natural for us, and I think it really highlights the bright and unique charms of many of our members!

KOTOKO: This album SWICY is cute and adorable, so we put lots of effort into showing the concept perfectly. And I was so happy that EverAfters really loved it!

YUNHA: It was our first time trying a vivacious concept, but it suits good to all our members, so it was easy while preparing the album.

ELISIA: It’s a new concept for UNIS, for some reason! As you can tell, compared to our previous songs, SWICY has more of a refreshing, youthful vibe! And since UNIS are young in general, it has youthful energy, and it was natural for us to step into this kind of concept!

YOONA: We prepared hard and put super effort because it was a concept that we had never shown and done before. 

SEOWON: UNIS is a cute, young, and energetic group, so it was easy and comfortable to express and show the concept. It was something natural for us. 

Can you share any moments during the recording or concept planning where you really felt like, “This is so UNIS”? Something that really captured your group’s personality.

NANA: This time, we had to wear uniforms, and whenever we dressed up in that, I felt, “This is UNIS.” That was how much the uniforms [were] perfect to us.

KOTOKO: I also felt “This is UNIS” when UNIS wear uniforms. The uniform and UNIS are a perfect match, and it really suits good to UNIS. 

YUNHA: In our choreography, there’s a part where we all must jump up. That part shows and expresses the best of UNIS’s vivid side. 

SEOWON: When I heard the concept and the story of the music video, it popped out into my mind, “This concept is UNIS.” Please watch our music video!

Also, I’d like to extend my congratulations on your first-ever music show win on Show Champion! How did you all react when you found out? What did that moment mean to you as a group?

HYEONJU: I was so happy to have won first place for the first time in my life, and I felt emotions that I can’t express in words! I’m so grateful that I was able to feel these emotions thanks to EverAfters!

NANA: First, I was so surprised, and I couldn’t believe that moment! It was one of the biggest dreams that UNIS has dreamed for a long time, and that dream had come true. 

GEHLEE: Thank you again! Honestly, before the announcement, we all kind of had the hunch it would happen. But on stage, when our name was called, the emotions just hit us. Nearly everyone cried on stage, and we could barely sing the encore properly because we were so overwhelmed.

It sounded silly when we monitored it, but it was such a special moment, not just because it was our first win, but because it felt like all the hard work, fights, late nights, and overwhelming amount of love and support from our fans had led to that very point. It truly is something we’ll never forget.

KOTOKO: First, I was surprised! Winning first place in the music show was UNIS’s dream, and it really came true. 

YUNHA: It was a dream. Whenever UNIS makes a comeback, our goal is always to win first place in music shows. Thanks to our fans, we could win and there’s no words that can describe how happy I am. 

ELISIA: I honestly didn’t even feel it at first, because it all happened so fast!

YOONA: My tears came up first. I was so happy and there’s nothing that can describe my feelings.

SEOWON: I could not believe even UNIS’ name was called out. After getting off the stage, I felt that it was true, real. I was so happy. 

Now that you’ve released two mini-albums, how do you think UNIS has grown since your debut? What are you most proud of as artists and as a team?

HYEONJU: We’ve really grown a lot since our debut. The members have become stronger and more professional! What I’m proud of as UNIS is that we can pull off any concept!

NANA: Staying and working together for a year as UNIS, I guess our teamwork got better.

GEHLEE: Since our debut, I think we’ve all grown a lot individually in our confidence, skills, and overall teamwork! Personally, I’ve become more comfortable expressing myself on and off stage and finding my own style. As UNIS, even though we’re all quite different, we’ve learned how to work together professionally and support the group’s goals. I’m really proud that we’ve come so far, and I’m excited to keep evolving from here.

KOTOKO: Living and working together with the members, I can strongly feel that our teamwork is getting better. So, I am really proud of UNIS’s teamwork.

YUNHA: I think we are more grown and professional. At first, on our debut, we were all so nervous and shaking, but now we can see each other more relaxed. 

ELISIA: The biggest aspect that UNIS has improved is our connection with each other, especially since we know bits and pieces of each other’s languages, and can now communicate well with each other, we got to know each other well and understand how we all think!

YOONA: We are more relaxed and while performing, we all come with one heart and mind, which is the biggest moment that we can feel that we were grown up. 

SEOWON: Compared to our debut, we are more relaxed in everything. Now, we are professionals. 

With SWICY out in the world, where do you see UNIS heading next in terms of sound or concept? Is there a side of UNIS you’re hoping fans will get to see in the future?

HYEONJU: I wanted to show and prove that UNIS can do whatever concepts. We will show UNIS with diverse concepts in the future, too!

GEHLEE: SWICY really let UNIS explore a brighter, more playful side, and taking our previous releases into account, I think that by now we’ve shown how much range we have. Looking ahead, I hope we get to try even more styles that let us express even more different sides of ourselves! Whether it’s something more mature, emotional, or even unexpected. I’d love fans to keep discovering new layers to UNIS as we continue to grow.

ELISIA: I think that the ‘U’ in UNIS can stand for “Unpredictable!” If you look at our past concepts as well, they’re very diverse yet very charming! But the members and I have been saying that we want to try a pure refreshing concept!

Following the release of SWICY worldwide, what other goals do each of you envision for UNIS beyond the release of more music as a group?

HYEONJU: I want all people to fall in love with SWICY and listen every day. 

NANA: We are going on an Asia Tour this time, so maybe the World Tour for next time. 

GEHLEE: Super fun collaborations with other groups from our generation!! I think that would be really fun. And I think that what makes K-pop so exciting is how every group brings their own style and identity to the table. It would be such a thrill to blend UNIS’s unique color with another group’s sound and create something fresh and exciting together! I’m really hoping we get to stumble upon that kind of opportunity one day.

KOTOKO: As I always said, I want to perform a lot in front of EverAfters. 

YUNHA: This time, we are going on an Asia Tour, but in the future, I want to meet more fans beyond Asia.

ELISIA: I think it would be a huge achievement for us, for UNIS in general, if we got to perform in the USA!

YOONA: I want to do a UNIS First Solo Concert!

SEOWON: My biggest goal is to get and gain popularity. I want UNIS to become a “national girl group,” meaning a really well-known group.

You have so many fans around the world, including here in the Philippines! Do you have any plans or hopes to return and promote SWICY here sometime soon? What are your favorite memories from visiting or performing in the Philippines?

HYEONJU: I think we will be able to meet the Philippines through our Asia tour. I have so many good memories every time I visit the Philippines! I gained a lot of strength thanks to the great support!

GEHLEE: The Philippines, of course, is my beloved hometown. And of course, it’s an absolute must for us to bring SWICY to our kababayan! I’m really hoping we can get promoted there soon and share this super fun, sweet concept with everyone back home. One of my favorite memories will always be our very first fan sign in Cebu.

The moment we stepped out of the car, we were met with a massive wave of fans that seemed to fill the entire mall! The cheering was super loud too. I was so excited, I swear I could feel my heart pounding out of my chest. It was the first time we truly felt the overwhelming love from our Filipino supporters, and it’s a memory I’ll carry with me forever.

ELISIA: I’d of course really want to promote there again soon! And I’m sure that the members all think the same way. And something memorable about our trips was the time the members first tried a mango graham shake and lechon! And we’d love to try those out again when we come back.

As we anticipate what lies ahead for UNIS, listen to their latest mini-album, SWICY, below: