The feverishly passionate trio dubbed VIVIZ (@viviz_official) might be a relatively new name in K-pop, however, the three women of the juggernaut group are undisputed industry champions with some of the most significant achievements possible under their belts. Members SinB, Eunha, and Umji originally debuted in the infamous group of graceful queens known by GFRIEND, with a total of six members, and six unforgettable years of unity where they established their own inspiring, orchestral, spritely pop music exploration that created fairy tail whimsicality like no other.
Years after proving to be absolute legends, the group was required to (temporarily) go their separate ways artistically, with SinB, Eunha, and Umji knowing that there’s still an abundance of untapped magic within the members of GFRIEND. When the trio next chose to sign to the rapidly evolving company BPM during the fall of 2021, VIVIZ was born, and officially rose like a phoenix from the ashes of the trio’s past, all while discovering and kicking off a miraculous new legacy. One that would offer VIVIZ complete control of their own destiny.
Since unleashing their reimagined abilities, VIVIZ has found a brand new purpose by curating some of the best K-pop tracks of the year through “BOP BOP!”, their infectious retro throwback with a strong dance beat – or “Lemonade” the soft, summer-jam with an incomparable feel-good attitude. The compelling introduction of VIVIZ earned them quick wins on music programs, millions of streams across all platforms, and recently, their buzzworthy presence (and bronze medal finish) on Queendom 2. During their time on Queendom, the group faced extreme highs with praise from their peers and viewers (trending every week, and gaining the highest streams on a weekly basis) but also inspired fans with how each member handled adversity.
Whether it’s the positivity and pure graciousness of Eunha, the calm confidence of Umji, or the protective nurturer SinB, each founding woman within the group is vital to bridging the gap between classic K-pop and the future of music entirely. As our new digital cover stars, the influential members of VIVIZ opened up to us about their unique journey to get to this point and highly anticipated comeback plans.
You’ve each been in the industry for over seven years now, and have one of the most beautiful stories of evolution that many people have great respect for! How has this rebirth as VIVIZ challenged you individually, and as a trio?
Umji: Everything from releasing an album to performing, recording, and preparing for the competition stages were all new for us as it was our first time as a trio, and we approached it in a serious manner with our doubling of responsibilities.
The result has been such a magical sight to see because the three of you have such strong chemistry and feel like an unstoppable creative force! What has been the most pleasant surprise that you’ve experienced in this brand-new story?
Umji: The fact that there is still a lot we have yet to try gets us excited. There were times when we were worried that there will be limited images we can bring to the table. However, we continued to experiment, and there seems to be quite a lot for us to do and we look forward to it.
You’ve just wrapped up your participation in Queendom 2, and completely dominated every stage! There’s so much talent on the series with every group – but it truly feels like the three of you are total stars in every way imaginable! How has going through this competition together changed your bonds if at all?
Umji: By participating in this competition, we saw more of the cold sides of each other. However, we were also able to learn that we all have a strong desire to excel on stage, and felt how rewarding it is to push through a difficult process together while encouraging and comforting each other. I think we believe in each other’s passion and abilities more than before.
Social media is flooded with comments showing such love for VIVIZ every week during Queendom 2, and one thing that seems to be a recurring statement is that the three of you really balance out each other’s personalities perfectly! If you each had to pick something about your other two members that you admire most since this career transition – what would you choose?
SinB: I would say Eunha’s bright energy that always lifts people’s mood, and Umji’s perseverance to follow through!
In some way – it also feels like VIVIZ was almost musically destined because of how unique the three of you sound together! What would you say is the biggest strength that VIVIZ has to offer?
SinB: First of all, I think our most significant strength is that we are different even though we may seem similar. Although the three of us have similar voices, our tones are all different, which gives diversity to our individual charms and vibes. VIVIZ’s strong point is our charm which is harmonious yet bubbly.
Obviously, it’s impossible to forget about your extensive achievements as GFRIEND, and now you’re amongst very few others who can say they’ve been a part of two respected groups! What’s a memory, achievement, or perhaps a moment in your career so far that you‘d guess that you might still be the proudest of in another seven years?
SinB: It’s difficult to choose just one achievement to say that was most memorable. I think all of the moments we spent with our fans are always memorable to us though. For that reason, we are hoping to meet our fans in many different ways in our future promotions since the social distancing rules have been lifted.
So far as a trio, you released Beam of Prism with the title track “Bop Bop” becoming a total smash-hit! What were some of your initial goals when it came to the sonic identity you aimed to establish with VIVIZ?
Umji: Our consistent group goal is to show our various sides. The initial goal was to showcase not just one genre or a certain image, but many sides of VIVIZ through a myriad of vivid colors.
As far as the other tracks, they each have their own flair with “Lemonade” being another song that I could (and have) listened to on repeat! Did you get to use Beam of Prism to explore aspects of music that you had hoped to over the years – or did it consist of entirely new ideas and desires that were in the moment?
Eunha: It’s really a song that all of our members love! We tried to express the aspects of the song in a way that suits the song, like a carbonated lemonade that is refreshing, but a bit bitter.
You’ve each gone through a variety of successes, challenges, and unpredictable changes in your careers with such poise, that a lot of people look up to you and the different forms of strength you’ve individually displayed! What words of wisdom could you offer to anyone who is going through a new transition of their own?
Eunha: You are an amazing individual who can achieve anything you set your mind to! Please do not give in to any unneeded hardships!
Can you share any possible hints at what types of styles or genres VIVIZ might be looking to explore next?
Eunha: I think our next release would have a bit of a seasonal feel to it [laughs]! Our members will show a totally different type of charm!
Make sure to keep up with VIVIZ on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify!