[Exclusive Interview] Sweet or Spicy? UNIS is SWICY! + UNIS Plays This or That

Photo Cr. F&F Entertainment

'Global Super Rookie' girl group UNIS has released their 2nd mini album "SWICY" on April 15. The group has truly earned their 'Global Super Rookie' title, demonstrated by their sold-out first solo fan meeting in Japan and fan concert in the Philippines. 


'SWICY' cleverly combines the words 'Sweet' and 'Spicy' – a perfect reflection of the group showing off their unique charms. With the worldwide K-pop phenomenon and growing international interest in Korean cuisine, this album effectively captures various emotions through catchy melodies and playful lyrics related to food.


The title track 'SWICY' stands out particularly, offering what could be described as a "recipe book of unexpected charms." The song features a vibrant melody complemented by lyrics that creatively compare UNIS's contrasting sweet and spicy personalities and feelings to different food flavors, highlighting diverse and unique characteristics.

Today, we're thrilled to welcome the delightful eight members as they celebrate the release of the new album, Let's dive into their swicy world!





The concept of being both sweet and spicy seems to be more than just a musical metaphor. How does this reflect your personalities as a group?

YUNHA : We all have different looks and personalities but when we come to UNIS, we make one great group. Same as it, SWICY’ also makes one great theme when spicy and sweet combine which is like us!

SEOWON : Our members are divided into spicy and sweet personalities. 


What is a memorable moment filming the music video? 

GEHLEE : In the scene where ELISIA witnesses another girl gifting her crush before she can, the other girl was NANA! The funny thing is, we filmed a scene the day before where we're all comforting ELISIA in her bedroom because that scene was meant to come after. And in that scene, Ellie even leans her head on Nana's shoulder!! Oh, what a drama!

KOTOKO : In our title track’s lyrics, gochujang cookie is mentioned! We tried gochujang cookies while shooting the music video which was the most memorable moment. 


"SWICY" Music Video


The album seems to play with the global interest in K-food. What is your favorite Korean food? 

HYEONJU : My favorite is Seaweed Soup!

NANA : I like samgyetang. (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

GEHLEE : I love tteok and yakwa so much.

KOTOKO : I like Honey Rice cake.

YUNHA : I like tteokbokki. I like tteok but combined with spicy seasoning it’s so addictive. 

ELISIA : I love honey rice cake!

YOONA : I like kimchi stew the most.

SEOWON : Me too, kimchi stew!


Which track on the album do you feel best represents your personal 'SWICY' moment?

HYEONJU : It’s ‘SWICY’! You can see me both the spicy and sweet side of me!

NANA :  I guess ‘DDANG!’ represents me so well.

GEHLEE :  In our song 'From a seed called ‘Hey, what’s up’', I get to sing a sweet verse followed by a spicy rap! I practiced enough to nail both styles, so please give that track some love.

KOTOKO : I think ‘SWICY’ is it.

YUNHA : I personally think it's ‘DDANG!’

ELISIA : I think ‘DDANG!’ represents our swicy moments because it speaks about how much confidence we have in ourselves and I think it’s such a powerful song but at the same time it’s really cute and we get to show off our charms.

YOONA : I will say ‘From a seed called ‘Hey, what’s up’

SEOWON : Me too, I will choose ‘From a seed called ‘Hey, what’s up’.


What is your favorite part of the choreography? 

HYEONJU : I love the cute choreography that goes along with SWICY’s “My recipe got you hooked~~”

NANA : I like the chorus part of ‘SWICY’! Hand gestures that express ‘fork it, trapping the heart’ and ‘got you hooked’ were adorable.


How do you feel that your generation's experiences are represented in your songs?

HYEONJU : UNIS is Gen-Z! We are expressing ourselves in a trendy way to suit the rapidly changing times. We are trying to show various aspects rather than just one!

GEHLEE : We do have songs that reflect a lot on topics that our generation is currently experiencing! Things like wanting to just have fun all day, self-discovery, confidence, self-love, crushes, etc. I believe that it's a special thing to turn all these experiences into music and it's heartwarming to know that at least someone out there feels like they're being understood through our songs.


If you could choose a member as your stylist for the week, who would it be?

HYEONJU :  I say YUNHA! She has good senses.

NANA :  I say YUNHA.

GEHLEE :  HYEONJU! Actually, whenever we use our own clothes for content filming or when we go to the airport, we need her stylist stamp of approval

KOTOKO :  HYEONJU too!

YUNHA :  Me too, HYEONJU! 

ELISIA :  YUNHA!

YOONA :  I will say HYEONJU! She always dresses appropriately for the situation and has a lot of pretty clothes, that’s why I picked HYEONJU!

SEOWON : HYEONJU! She has fashion senses.


Are there any countries you would like to visit?

HYEONJU : I want to visit America! I want to go to hot places and each delicious food

NANA : I want to visit China!

GEHLEE :  I want America or Europe.

KOTOKO : I want to go to America.

YUNHA :  I want to visit Mexico! I once watched the movie ‘Coco’ and wanted to visit the place.

ELISIA : I’d love to visit Italy because I feel like the atmosphere seems nice and I want to try out authentic gelato.

YOONA : I really want to visit Singapore!

SEOWON : I want to visit both America and France!


What is the best advice you have heard? 

HYEONJU : Trust yourself and do it!

NANA :  NANA is just NANA.

GEHLEE : Comparison is the thief of joy! Everyone has their own path of different experiences they must go through, so take inspiration and focus on your own journey.

KOTOKO : Let’s be strong!

YUNHA : If you have an unimaginable dream, try an unimaginable effort

ELISIA : To love others means to love yourself first.

YOONA : I used to be shy! And people around me always told me that if I blinked, my shyness would disappear! It was so nice.

SEOWON : This will also be the past.



What is a message that you want to give to your fans?

YOONA : EverAfter! UNIS is finally back with ‘SWICY’! We work super hard so please show us your love and support! Love you all EverAfters!


UNIS - This or That Game


On April 23 the group experienced another milestone, as they won the first place award on the weekly music program Show Champion with their song 'SWICY.' Congratulations to UNIS!


Listen to “SWICY” 



Ciera Reeves

Ciera is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of KpopWise. She has been a fan of Korean pop culture since 2005 and writing about it since 2009. Her bias groups are VIXX and OnlyOneOf. She is a 2nd-3rd generation K-pop fan, but she is actively keeping up with the current artists. twitter instagram

3 Comments

  1. What a plot twist HAHAHAHAHAHAH thanks for letting us know Gehlee!

    ReplyDelete
  2. beautiful interview! i hope theres more like a video interactions!
    we love unis!

    ReplyDelete
Previous Post Next Post