As they return to the country, Rising K-pop Girl group UNIS not only showcased amazing performances during their first FanCon in Manila, “UNIS in CURIOUSland,” on October 25 at the New Frontier Theatre, but they also showed their golden hearts. Prior to their much-anticipated return to the Philippine stage, Hyeonju, Nana, Gehlee, Yoona, Kotoko, Yunha, Elisia, and Seowon met with members of the press to share their goals, concert preparations, and announcement of their donation to the victims of Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” (Trami).
On October 24, the rookie K-pop girl group UNIS held a press conference at the Sheraton Hotel in Manila. UNIS leader, Hyeonju thanked everyone who came despite the weather and acknowledged the damage inflicted by Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” (Trami).
“We would like to send a message of comfort to all those who were affected by the typhoon. UNIS will be donating a part of the income from the fan concert to those who were affected by the typhoon. And we hope that there will be not much damage to those who were affected by the typhoon,” said Hyeonju.
Elisia added that UNIS is praying that no one else will further get affected by the calamity and for the safety of the fans and their loved ones.
UNIS PRESS CONFERENCE
As the press conference started, Hyeonju shared that the love of their Filo EverAfter is the reason why their return is earlier than expected. Elisia, the group’s main vocalist, agreed, saying,
“On behalf of the members, when I say that we’re really thankful for the EverAfters in the Philippines who showed so much love and support ever since the beginning. We really prepared hard for this fancon and we really just want to have a great time with you guys and have fun.”
Gehlee, sub-vocalist and visual, added that it (U&iS Fansign in Manila) gave them so many good memories and described it as a ‘meaningful experience.’ She also shared how the group improved a lot after that.
Seowon, the youngest member, stated that this was their first time performing songs from their recently released album, Curious, which differed from their previous performance in the country.
Aside from that, the group’s sub-rapper, Kotoko, stated that she wanted their special performances to be perfect, so she prepared thoroughly for the choreography. As a TMI, Elisia added that the members asked her and Gehlee for Tagalog words.
It hasn’t been a year since the girls’ debut, and they recently received their first trophy from the 2024 Korea Best Brand Award. Yunha, the lead vocalist, claimed to remember all of the trophies they won and stated they will work more in the future. When asked about their most memorable group experience, Gehlee responded that the other members would agree that it was their first visit to Manila because of the passionate cheers and support they received.
Despite their busy schedules, the group’s main rapper, Yoona, stated the importance of taking time to rest in order to save energy for the next performances.
UNIS is not only popular in Korea, but also globally, particularly in the Philippines. Nana, the main dancer, stated that they communicate with their international fans through SNS, commenting on their posts (Weverse), and uploading short videos (Instagram and TikTok).
Moving forward, Yunha shared that they aim to promote UNIS to more audiences and hope that people will think their group as someone who represents this generation. The group revealed that they’re looking forward for a collaboration with Philippine nation’s girl group, BINI.
UNIS concluded their mediacon by performing ‘Curious’ and ‘Poppin’ both from their Curious album.
Full Press Conference Video:
UNIS CURIOUSland in MANILA
Following their successful U&iS Fansign Event in May, UNIS returns to deliver a never-before-seen performance to their beloved Filo EverAfter. As the girls took the stage, cheers resonated throughout the theater, displaying the fans’ excitement. UNIS started their first fancon in Manila with the title track from their debut mini album, ‘SUPERWOMAN.’
UNIS continued to wowed the fans with their powerful dance moves and vocals with ‘DOPAMINE’ and ‘POPPIN’, and serenaded the fans with ‘DATIN’ MYSELF.’
As a gift to their loving fans, they surprised the crowd with a full rendition of BINI’s Pantropiko, which Elisia, Gehlee, and Seowon had previously covered, and it quickly went viral.
Known for their cute charisma on stage, the girls also performed one of TWICE hit song, CHEER UP then followed by DREAM OF GIRLS and CURIOUS.
As the concert came to an end, Hyeonju, Nana, Gehlee, Yoona, Kotoko, Yunha, Elisia, and Seowon once again thanked the Filo EverAfters for their support and promised to return to the country. Their first FanCon in Manila, “UNIS in CURIOUSland,” wrapped up with their performance of WATCHU NEED.
In less than a year, UNIS has continued to capture audiences not just with their dazzling performances but also with their hearts. Their love and generosity toward their Filipino fans and countrymen demonstrated that they are role models for this generation. This also reflects how their Filo members, Elisia, Gehlee, and Hyeonju (Filo-Korean), recognize their heritage.
Once again, we would like to thank Universal Records Philippines for making this possible! See you again!
Words by: P.Y. Vencio; Photos by: Cosmos Media PH
