Lance Joseph Martinez

UNIS Returns to the Philippines, Reflects on Their Two-Year Journey as a Group

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<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="display:block"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778057593982DSC00473.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">UNIS&#x27; Yunha, Elisia, Seowon, Hyeonju, Kotoko, Nana, Gehlee, and Yoona | Photography by Pat Buenaobra</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>Filipino fans of Japanese pop culture were in for an unforgettable weekend, packed with exhibits, interactive activities, and amazing performances from some of Japan’s most in-demand acts—including <strong>UNIS</strong>.<strong></strong></p><p>The South Korean girl group boasts a diverse lineup, featuring Japanese members <strong>Nana</strong> and <strong>Kotoko</strong>; South Korean members<strong> Yunha, Yoona, </strong>and<strong> Seowon;</strong> Filipina members <strong>Gehlee</strong> and <strong>Elisia</strong>; and their leader <strong>Hyeonju</strong>, who is Filipina-Korean.</p><p>With such a dynamic mix of nationalities, UNIS has built a unique identity that continues to captivate fans worldwide. Attendees of <strong>Otaku Pop Fest 2026</strong> at <strong>Okada Manila</strong> were especially lucky, as they witnessed the group deliver a standout set highlighting their Japanese releases.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXk5J4IDx2g/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A0%2C%22os%22%3A3055483%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>Since it was part of a festival, Elisia shared that beyond enjoying the energy of the Filipino crowd, the group also saw it as an opportunity to introduce themselves to new audiences.</p><p>“Not all people here are UNIS fans, but even so, everybody who came to watch our performance. They were all so supportive, and it was such a fulfilling moment for all of us,” she said.</p><p>Marking their return to the Philippines after nearly seven months, UNIS sat down with <strong>METRO</strong> for an exclusive interview, where they looked back on their two-year journey as a group and opened up about the Japanese tracks that have become key additions to their growing discography.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778060242690DSC00479.jpg" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>What they missed most about the Philippines<br/></strong></div><p>UNIS recounts their last visit to the Philippines, which took place during their first Philippine fan conference on October 25, 2025, at the New Frontier Theater. According to the group, every trip to the country always revolves around two things they cherish the most: the <strong>food</strong> and the <strong>people</strong>.</p><p>For Nana, Hyeonju, Yoona, and Kotoko, one of the things they missed the most was indulging in local favorites like <strong>Philippine Mangoes</strong> and <strong>Peach Mango Pie</strong>. Yunha shared the same craving for the iconic dessert, but added that she was especially excited to have <strong>Champorado</strong> again.</p><p>Meanwhile, Seowon, the group’s <em>maknae</em>, shared that she’s just as thrilled to be back, revealing that she’s been looking forward to eating <strong>Cheesering</strong> once again, her favorite snack.</p><p>The group then emphasized that what they were most excited about on their return was reconnecting with their Filipino fanbase, <strong>EverAfters</strong>, who previously filled the venue during their fan conference at Otaku Pop Fest in Okada.</p><p>For the Filipina members, the homecoming carried a deeper emotional meaning. Elisia expressed how much she longed for the familiar comfort of being back. “Since this is my home country, it has the specific warmth that’s like surrounding me. So, <em>siyempre </em><em>na</em> miss <em>ko &#x27;yung </em>warmth <em>ng</em> P<strong></strong>hilippines.”</p><p>Gehlee echoed the sentiment, sharing her own personal longing, something close to home. “I personally missed the cuisine, more specifically, homemade meals.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778060265191Screenshot 2026-05-06 at 5.25.54 PM.png" style="width:700px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="700"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:left"><strong>Their two-year journey as a group<br/></strong></div><p>After rising to fame and securing their spots in the debut lineup through the South Korean survival show <strong><em>Universe Ticket</em></strong>, UNIS officially stepped into the spotlight on March 27, 2024, with their debut extended play <strong>“We Unis.”</strong></p><p>Since then, the eight-member group—who initially only met through the competition—has grown far beyond their beginnings, forming a bond that now defines both their chemistry and identity as UNIS.</p><p>Despite their diverse backgrounds, leader Hyeonju shared that the group has discovered surprising similarities among themselves over time. “Actually, as we stay for a long time together, we feel that there are a lot of similar traits with ourselves, and I get surprised from time to time whenever I see myself from the members,” she revealed.</p><p>Gehlee echoed this sentiment, admitting that differences were noticeable at the start, especially given their varied cultures and experiences. Still, those gaps gradually closed as they spent more time living and working together over the past two years.</p><p>“There’s also cultural shock and language barriers, but despite all that, with everything we’ve been through, I feel like we’ve just gotten a lot closer together, and it makes me really glad that we’re getting a lot more comfy and more playful with each other. It’s really nice. I just feel like we’re getting closer every day,” Gehlee added.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-4" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWY4fFxS3mx/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A4%2C%22os%22%3A3243509%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-4" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><p>As the group expands their activities into Japan—releasing Japanese music, appearing in local programs, and performing on new stages—language has become another bridge they are learning to cross. For the non-Japanese members, Nana and Kotoko have naturally taken on the role of mentors.</p><p>“Even when Kotoko and Nana speak casually to each other in the dorm in Japanese, it’s really nice to listen to. So when I have to learn it for lyrics, or maybe I want to say a line during a ment, I practice in front of them, and it feels really good to get their validation when I pronounce it right,” Gehlee revealed.</p><p>Seowon added that her growing interest in Japanese has been made easier, thanks to Kotoko’s guidance, especially when recording content in the language, where she ensures everything is delivered correctly.</p><p>Meanwhile, Elisia shared her own approach to learning, embracing immersion as her method of choice. “I would look at what they’re saying and how they’re constructing their sentences. It’s a really natural way of learning for me, and I really like that charm of learning Japanese too.”</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-2" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSW9d6ID0-4/embed/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A2%2C%22os%22%3A3116373%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="881" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-2" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>How much they enjoyed working on their Japanese releases<br/></strong></div><p>The group has recently leaned into the Japanese music scene, rolling out a string of releases that highlight their growing versatility.</p><p>On September 12, UNIS dropped their first Japanese digital single,<strong> “Moshi Moshi</strong>,<strong>”</strong> followed by an English version on September 15. They kept the momentum going with their second Japanese digital single, <strong>“Mwah…</strong>,<strong>” </strong>released on December 17.</p><p>The members then revealed that <strong>“Swicy</strong>,<strong>” “Moshi Moshi</strong>,<strong>” </strong>and<strong> “Curious”</strong> stand out as their personal favorites, each for different reasons tied to concept, experience, and memorable filming moments.</p><p>Yunha pointed to “Swicy” as a standout, sharing, “I personally like the Swicy movie because it’s the first time that UNIS showcased our cuteness.”</p><p>Elisia echoed the sentiment, opening up about how meaningful the experience was for her. “For me, I also love the process of filming the &#x27;Swicy&#x27; music video because in that music video, I was given the opportunity to act as a whimsical high school teenage girl, and it’s actually one of my dream roles, so it was really fun <em>na sa</em> Korea, I got to experience my dream role and I got to act that way,” she shared.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1778060285609DSC00471.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Seowon also leaned toward the same release, saying, “I also really like the Swishy movie the concept and the style of &#x27;Swicy&#x27; song is my style, and it is where I really looked great at.”</p><p>Hyeonju highlighted how the track captured the group’s identity, explaining, “So &#x27;Swicy&#x27; again is my favorite as well, so I really enjoyed it during the filming process, and I think it’s a song that showcased the charm of UNIS the best.”</p><p>“&#x27;Swicy&#x27; as well for me, so it’s our first time trying a really cute concept, and I really like how cute the movie is, that’s why it’s my favorite,&quot; Kotoko added.</p><p>Meanwhile, Nana chose a different favorite, citing the unique concept behind <strong>“Curious</strong>.<strong>”</strong> “For me, it’s Curious. I think actually the concept was a Gen Z princess, and I think this music video fits it the best, that’s why it’s my favorite,” she said.</p><p>Gehlee also picked “Curious,” recalling the fun energy on set. “I personally really also liked &#x27;Curious&#x27; because our director for filming was really lively and enthusiastic, so it was so much fun being on camera and being told what to do,” she shared.</p><p>Yoona, on the other hand, singled out “Moshi Moshi,” fondly remembering a particular shoot. “For me, it’s &#x27;Moshi Moshi.&#x27; During the filming, there was a scene where I filmed at an amusement park, and I went there after such a long time, so I really enjoyed the filming,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="925" height="525" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-XY9mFb8P7o?si=P0qn8dZrOiPBoASV" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Their goals as a group and their message to their Filipino fans<br/></strong></div><p>As UNIS marks two years as a group, the members are setting their sights on continued growth while staying committed to bringing joy to their fans. Reflecting on their journey, Yoona shared her desire to keep evolving, emphasizing her goal to show more sides of herself, particularly her growth and maturity as part of UNIS.</p><p>Seowon echoed the same sentiment, expressing hopes for both personal and group development in the coming year. “I hope this year will be a very productive and improving year for UNIS and I. I hope that the Everafters will feel that Seowon has developed and improved a lot, grew a lot. And I hope to experience different things,” she said.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe data-testid="embed-iframe" style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/48xyu8QHo1IhsQZGlgNGYZ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>Closing the conversation on a heartfelt note, members Gehlee and Elisia delivered a touching message to their Filipino fans, whom they credit as a constant source of support throughout their young career.</p><p>Gehlee shared her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much as always for your warm welcome, for our return here in the Philippines. It’s always such a great time to see you guys. And we hope that you stick with us for the rest of our journey. We love you all so much, and we’re always thinking of you. <em>Mahal na mahal namin kayo!”</em></p><p>Elisia followed with an equally emotional message, adding, “<em>Salamat po sa pagmamahal and pagsuporta na binigay niyo sa amin </em>ever since the very, very start.<em> Sana po</em> through our journey, like what <em>Ate</em> Gehlee said,<em> sana patuloy niyo pa rin bigyan kami ng pagmamahal, </em>and thank you so much for everything that you’ve done for us.”</p><div><br/></div><p>Lead photo by <strong>Pat Buenaobra</strong></p>

<p>UNIS sat down with METRO for an exclusive interview, where they looked back on their two-year journey as a group and opened up about the Japanese tracks that have become key additions to their growing discography. </p>

UNIS sat down with METRO for an exclusive interview, where they looked back on their two-year journey as a group and opened up about the Japanese tracks that have become key additions to their growing discography.

UNIS Members Reflect on Their Journey So Far and Express Excitement for What's Ahead for Their Group

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UNIS Members Reflect on Their Journey So Far and Express Excitement for What's Ahead for Their Group

Lance Joseph Martinez

Published May 18, 2026 01:00 PM PHT

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