UNIS is the newest player in the K-pop industry. Managed by F&F Entertainment, the girl group is composed of the winners of the reality TV show Universe Ticket.
The group’s USP (unique selling point) lies in its member diversity. What makes K-pop girl band UNIS different from BLACKPINK or other K-pop groups?
How UNIS is different from other K-pop groups like BLACKPINK?
F&F Entertainment’s newest sensation is in the headlines these days, as it is the first K-pop group to include a Filipino line! Three members of UNIS, Jin Hyeonju, Gehlee Dangca, and Eilisa, three of them are from the Philippines. What makes the group different from BLACKPINK and other K-pop groups?
The practice of including non-Korean members in a K-pop band has become a common practice now. Management companies frequently try to include 2-3 members who are from different ethnicities to expand the K-pop group’s popularity bandwidth. Even then, these non-Koreans are mainly from Japan, China, Taiwan, and Thailand.
Recently, the Philippines has seen more representation in idol groups with the debut of idols like LAPILLUS‘s Chanty and K-pop’s first Filipino boy band HORI7ON, but still fans find this representation to be lacking. Many argue that it is due to the poor development of the Philippines’ entertainment industry which makes it inconsistent and unpredictable.
UNIS has more multicultural diversity present in the group as compared to BLACKPINK. The latter has only one non-Korean member Lisa, who is Thai. In comparison, the cultural diversity of UNIS is much more diverse.
The girl group consists of three Korean members, two Japanese members, and three Filipino members. While other aspects of the line-up may have stood out initially, the fact remains that three members of Filipino descent are making their foray into the K-pop industry! Member Elisa already made history as the first Filipina to rank number one on a Korean survival show.
Also Read: UNIS Members Profile: Name, age, height, leader | All you need to know
Facts about UNIS Members
All the eight members of UNIS not only have different ethnicities but also possess unique personalities and fun facts. Want to know some fun facts about Jin Hyeonju, Nana, Gehlee Dangca, Kotoko, Bang Yunha, Elisia, Oh Yoona, and Lim Seowon? Then read on!
- The eldest of the bunch, Jin Hyeonju has already had the taste of being a K-pop idol, as she was a member of the girl group Cignature under the stage name Belle and a former member of the music group GOOD DAY.
- Nana has always been a K-pop fangirl and is a total simp for BTS and SF9.
- Gehlee is an icon of sorts, featured in Aspire Magazine Global’s Youth Development Ambassadress and TBC International Kid Ambassadress. She also considers herself Universe Ticket’s Disney Princess.
- Self-proclaimed “pop of the show,” Kotoko’s charm lies in enjoying everything.
- Other than singing, Bang Yunha is a model as well and worked for Decide Kids, Polham Kids, and Yum Jewelry.
- The most skilled member, Elisia is fluent in English and Tagalog and has a blue belt in taekwondo.
- Oh Yoona is signed under SIGN ON Entertainment. She has a pet dog.
- The foodie of UNIS, Lim Seowon, considers herself an IU wannabe.
What language do UNIS members speak?
The Korean language is a requirement for K-pop idols, as expected. Sometimes, idols are trained to become multilingual by receiving lessons in languages like Japanese and English. Possessing multiple language speaking skills ensures that idols can interact comfortably and openly.
As UNIS is a multicultural group, it is factual that members speak their mother tongue as well in addition to Korean (and maybe English). So Nana and Kotoko speak Japanese, and Gehlee Dangca, Jin Hyeog Ju, Elisia speak Filipino. In addition, member Elizia is fluent in Tagalog.
Also Read: