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USPEER returns with revamped lineup on 1st mini album
K-pop girl group USPEER performs during a press event at Myeonghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo District, southern Seoul, held to celebrate the group's new release, "BITE DISTRICT," Wednesday. Courtesy of MW Entertainment
By Pyo Kyung-min
Rookie K-pop girl group USPEER dropped its first mini album, "BITE DISTRICT," Wednesday, about a year after debuting with "SPEED ZONE."
The six-member group — Soee, Sian, Seoyu, Daon, Chaena and Roa — met with press just hours before the release at Myeonghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo District, southern Seoul, to talk about the new album and behind-the-scenes stories.
"It's been a year, so this feels less like a comeback and more like a redebut," Chaena said. "We worked hard to show a different side of ourselves that fits the new concept."
"I want to thank everyone who waited for us," Daon said. "I'm excited and a little nervous."
K-pop girl group USPEER poses during a media showcase at Myeonghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo District, southern Seoul, Wednesday. The event was held to celebrate the group's new release, "BITE DISTRICT." Courtesy of MW Entertainment
The girl group debuted last June as a septet, but the lineup changed to six in May when the group's former leader, Yeowon, left the team. Agency MW Entertainment said Yeowon had been taking time to rest and recover since the second half of last year, and the two sides agreed she would end her activities with USPEER.
"Yeowon left for personal reasons," Sian said. "I was elected leader right after she stepped down, and it was difficult at first. I thought that was exactly the moment we needed to work hardest. Talking with the other members helped me get through it."
"I remember her reaching out to say she hoped we'd return with new music soon," Soee said.
K-pop girl group USPEER / Courtesy of MW Entertainment
The members said they put extra effort into this album given what they went through to regroup. "BITE DISTRICT" continues the story they began in their debut and points toward where they want to take the group next.
"Our debut album introduced who we are. This one extends that and shows the relationships between the members," Seoyu said. "Over the past year, we had honest conversations about working harder and building a name for ourselves. We grew both as performers and mentally."
"The yearlong break was hard, and there were times it felt like things were falling apart," Chaena said. "Other members were dealing with the same concerns, and that's what got us through it."
K-pop girl group USPEER performs during a press event at Myeonghwa Live Hall in Yeongdeungpo District, southern Seoul, held to celebrate the group's new release, "BITE DISTRICT," Wednesday. Courtesy of MW Entertainment
Lead single "WICKED GAME" is a midtempo song with girlish melodies that capture the fumbling feelings of young lovers. While abrasive, attention-grabbing beats have become a recent trend in K-pop, "WICKED GAME" goes the other way, landing on a smoother sound that's easy on the ears.
The music video follows the members as they try to win at love, putting their quirky, playful charm on full display. Actor Bae Hyeon-seong, known for TV series "Hospital Playlist" (2020-21), "Our Blues" (2022) and "Family By Choice" (2024), appears in the video.
"Having Bae Hyeon-seong join us made it special," Sian said. "He really committed to the chemistry with us and the story, so I hope viewers enjoy that."
Actor Bae Hyeon-seong, center, stars in K-pop girl group USPEER's "WICKED GAME" music video. The new release drops Wednesday. Courtesy of MW Entertainment
The album holds a total of four tracks, including "So Fine," "Bestie" and "LOUD" alongside the lead single.
"With this comeback, I want to earn the nickname I mentioned at our debut showcase, 'pillar.' I want to become a pillar of MW Entertainment," Chaena said, the remark drawing laughter from the room.
"I hope people listen to our music and feel energy from it," Soee concluded.