3YE brings new perspective to K-pop girl group

3YE (Third Eye) members Ha-eun, Yuji and Yurim strike a pose for the official poster of their new debut album, “DO MA THANG” which was released on May 21. Courtesy of Fortune Entertainment

By Jung Hae-myoung

For a typical K-pop girl group, it is hard to take a different path from the “lovely, cute concept,” especially for those who have made their debut recently. 3YE (known as “Third Eye”) are bringing a different vibe with bleached dreadlocks, bold dangling ear rings and cargo pants.

The group “3YE” made its debut on May 21, with “Do Ma Thang,” a strong hip-hop track with a dance break. The name brings a different interpretation and perspective to the K-pop scene, as it is unusual for a female trio to showcase a “strong women concept.”

“I think the group is taking a new approach, making a challenge to the K-pop idol scene,” Yurim said.

The group said their role model was Shinhwa, a first generation boy band in Korea which is still popular among fans. The members met Lee Min-woo, one of the main vocalists in Shinhwa, to get some advice last Monday.

“Gender is not particularly our consideration,” Ha-eun, the youngest of the group, said. “We want all genders, regardless of male or female, to dance to our songs, and I think this is a new departure for a K-pop girl group,” she added.

“We are only three members so people can remember us easily,” she smiled.

Although they show powerful performances with a strong beat, they have been through hard times to reach this moment.

Ha-eun, 20, said she started dancing and dreamed about debuting as a performer since she was in elementary school. She gave up training during her middle school years, but tried again.

Yuji, the 21-year-old leader of the group, said she has been to numerous auditions backed only by her passion for dancing and singing. “I am so proud of this moment for myself. I knocked on so many doors in this business, including music auditions such as Superstar K, KARA project, and many more,” she said.

She became a little emotional during the interview as she looked back on trials and tribulations. “When I was taking part in audition programs, I started to get obsessed with ratings without realizing it,” Yuji said.

“At one point I slipped from the top ten, which made me feel sorry for my friends and family who had been supporting me. I felt sad because I felt I was not living up to their expectations.”

But looking back she said she would not repeat the past. “I hope 3YE can make it all the way to the top.”