Tuide: A Fresh Face in K-Pop's Girl Group Scene

The global resurgence of girl groups continues with the debut of Tuide, a new seven-member ensemble from the K-pop powerhouse Hybe. Officially launching on August 24 with their first EP, Tune & Play, led by the upbeat single "Sun Kiss," the group is set to captivate audiences worldwide.

Tuide, whose name signifies the phrase "turn the tide," is the inaugural act from Hybe's girl group-focused sub-label, ABD. Under the guidance of Jiwon No, a former head at Pledis Entertainment, the group is positioned to represent a new generation of K-pop artists. Their music explores a novel genre termed Soultronic, which combines soulful R&B vocals with energetic electronic beats.

Members Seohee, Seoyeon, Elena, Jia, Saki, Seah, and Yi Hani, aged between 15 and 19, have been honing their skills as idols for varying durations – from a mere eight months to over four years. For many, this launch is the realization of childhood dreams. Seah, who began her journey with modeling, expressed her early fascination with music and dance, which ultimately guided her towards her idol aspirations.

In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the members shared their excitement and nerves leading up to their debut. Yi Hani noted a blend of emotions, saying, "We all have a mix of excitement, joy, gratefulness, and just overall nerves and butterflies in our stomachs. But overall it’s a good feeling." Seohee emphasized the importance of their time spent together, stating, "All the time that we spent together brought us a lot closer and tighter as a group." This camaraderie, they believe, enhances their overall performance quality.

Reflecting on their journey, Yi Hani recalled a pivotal moment during an exclusive preview, where they performed for an audience. "I always felt ready as a team… When I was performing on stage with all [my] wonderful members, I really felt like we are so ready to begin," she shared. Elena echoed this sentiment, highlighting how performing in front of live audiences made them realize their readiness to debut.

Their title track "Sun Kiss" holds a special place for Jia, who noted its theme of self-acceptance and the importance of trusting one's own rhythm. Each member contributed to the vibrant energy of the performance, showcasing their individual talents during freestyle segments.

As they step into the spotlight, the support from family and friends reassures the members of their potential. Seoyeon mentioned how her loved ones noticed the joy radiating from her during performances, reinforcing her belief that she is living her dream. "Even though we didn’t have that many opportunities to really show off our chemistry with one another, people were already saying that we look so close and that the chemistry that we had on stage was so playful and bubbly," she added.

With their debut EP Tune & Play, the group aims to introduce listeners to Soultronic, a sound that blends the warmth of R&B with the upbeat vibes of electronic music. Yi Hani described this unique style as a significant aspect of their project, while Elena remarked on the diverse charms of each track on the album.

The members of Tuide have long been driven by their passion for music and performance. For many, this journey began in childhood, with moments that sparked their desire to become idols. Seah shared her early experiences with modeling, while Saki recounted how a single K-pop song inspired her to pursue this dream. Each member's story underscores a shared dedication to their craft, honed over years of training and collaboration.

As they prepare for their debut, anticipation among fans is palpable. Saki expressed her gratitude towards their supporters, who have eagerly awaited their launch. "I think I’ll be overwhelmed with joy on the day of our debut. I’m really thankful to them," she said. The excitement surrounding Tuide's arrival signifies not just the birth of a new girl group but a potential shift in the K-pop landscape, as they strive to carve out their own identity within the genre.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com