INTERVIEW EL7Z U+P from 'Queendom Puzzle' demonstrates power of trust in one's self
The members of new project girl group EL7Z U+P / Courtesy of Queendom Puzzle
EL7Z U+P to drop 1st album in September
By Dong Sun-hwa
Being a contender on a K-pop survival show is a daunting task. All contestants have to vie against one another ― even if they are good friends in reality ― and perform at their best every time to win voters' hearts. They have to sleep less and practice more but never get frustrated in the face of harsh criticism from the judges or viewers. Their efforts do not always equal their rewards, but they have to accept this and prepare for the next performance. Simply put, every day is about pushing their envelope.
This was no exception for the members of EL7Z U+P, a project girl group formed on cable channel Mnet's survival program, “Queendom Puzzle” that wrapped up on Aug. 15. The septet ― Hwiseo, Nana, Yuki, Kei, Yeoreum, Yeonhee and Yeeun ― had to walk a bumpy road to join EL7Z U+P, but they say it was a challenge worth taking on. EL7Z U+P is an anagram of the term, Puzzle.
The participants of “Queendom Puzzle” / Courtesy of Queendom Puzzle
“My performances did not always score good marks on 'Queendom Puzzle,' so I came to struggle with self-doubt,” Yeonhee recalled during a media interview at a lounge in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, Wednesday. The 22-year-old is also a member of K-pop girl group Rocket Punch, which debuted under Woollim Entertainment in 2019.
She continued, “I thought about trying something different on stage because I felt unsure of myself. However, my fans and other people around me lifted my spirit, boosting my confidence by saying that they trusted me. That led me to build self-trust and motivated me to perform better.”
For Yeeun ― the former member of the now-defunct girl group CLC ― “Queedom Puzzle” was a platform where she gained more courage.
“(At first,) I was pressured by the fact that I had to go head-to-head against my friends, and that I had to be assessed by others,” she said. “But it later turned out that every performance helped me transcend my limit. That is how 'Queendom Puzzle' made me more fearless about challenging myself.”
Hosted by Taeyeon of Girls' Generation, “Queendom Puzzle” aimed to discover the best combination of K-pop female singers, letting the viewers “put a puzzle together” through voting. It is a sequel to Mnet's "Queendom" series that featured competitions among girl groups and solo artists. Its first season hit the air in 2019, inviting acts like MAMAMOO, Lovelyz and OH MY GIRL. Its second season aired last year and starred WJSN, Kep1er and VIVIZ, among others.
WJSN's Yeoreum and Lovelyz's Kei appeared on the first and the second season of “Queendom,” respectively. However, the two decided to throw their hats in the ring again by participating in “Queendom Puzzle.”
A scene from “Queendom Puzzle” / Courtesy of Queendom Puzzle
“I was mostly known for my dancing prowess on 'Queendom 2,'” Yeoreum said. “So, in its sequel, I wanted to show that I am also good at singing and rapping.”
Kei said, “As part of Lovelyz, I mostly showcased my lovely side to people. But thanks to 'Queendom Puzzle,' I got the chance to reveal a contrasting side of me.”
EL7Z U+P plans to roll out three albums before its official dissolution. The septet's first album will hit the shelves in September, but the exact release date has not been confirmed. The members could not disclose many details so as to prevent spoilers, but Kei hinted that it would live up to people's expectations.
“All of us have different charms, so we are trying to pick the concept that captures them as much as possible,” she explained. “We have been helping each other a lot to gear up for our upcoming release.”
Yeoreum elaborated, “EL7Z U+P consists of all-rounders and we are a good fit for each other. I think we will be able to show off our synergy in our fresh album.”
EL7Z U+P also plans to attend this year's MAMA Awards ― a major music awards ceremony in Korea launched in 1999.
Hwiseo, a member of K-pop girl group H1-KEY / Courtesy of Queendom Puzzle
“I always dreamed of joining the MAMA Awards, so I am really thrilled that I can finally do so,” Hwiseo, a member of rookie girl group H1-KEY who ranked first on “Queendom Puzzle,” said in an excited tone. “I want to showcase my best performance.”
Yeonhee's dream is to win an award at MAMA.
“Every K-pop star dreams of being part of MAMA,” she noted. “I am so glad that I can be featured in the event as a member of EL7Z U+P. I believe this is an opportunity that our viewers have given us.”
Asked whether they would recommend the members of K-pop boy groups to join the male version of “Queendom Puzzle” if it ever comes out, they all nodded their heads with enthusiasm.
“No matter what, I would strongly recommend them to do so, since it can teach them the value of processes over outcomes,” Yeonhee said. “They can also find their own color as an individual and display their unexplored sides.”