A New Entry in the Girl-Group Era
As the girl-group renaissance continues to reshape the global music landscape, K-pop giant Hybe has introduced its latest act: Tuide. The seven-member group officially debuted on Monday, Aug. 24, with their first EP, Tune & Play, led by the single "Sun Kiss." The group's arrival signals another step in Hybe's expansion of its artist roster, adding a polished, global-facing act to its lineup.
Tuide consists of members Seohee, Seoyeon, Elena, Jia, Saki, Seah, and Yi Hani. Their name is inspired by the phrase "turn the tide," reflecting their ambition to make a strong impact. The group is the first act from ABD, a Hybe sub-label dedicated to girl groups, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Behind the Debut
ABD is led by Jiwon No, former head of artist planning at Pledis Entertainment, known for managing acts like Seventeen and TWS. Sung Soo Han, head of Pledis and known as "the master professional," helmed Tuide's overall production across music, visual concepts, and performances. The group's debut EP introduces their signature sound, "Soultronic," a genre combining soulful R&B vocals with electronic music.
The members' training backgrounds vary widely; some trained for as little as eight months, while others spent over four and a half years preparing. For many, the idol career was a childhood dream. "I got to do some kids modeling, and that led me to be naturally exposed to a lot of singing and dancing," Seah, 15, told The Hollywood Reporter. "I became fascinated and naturally came to dream of becoming an idol."
Musical Identity and Debut Plans
The debut EP Tune & Play includes the tracks "Sun Kiss," "Echo," "Flip-flop Girl," and "GRLS," with the lead single "Sun Kiss" exploring themes of trusting one's voice and ignoring others' opinions. The group recorded with Korean producing duo GroovyRoom, who handled the album entirely. The track "Echo" interpolates Janet Jackson's 2001 hit "All for You," adding a nostalgic layer to their sound.
Tuide held an exclusive preview called "Playground" before their debut, hinting at the group's world. The music video for "Sun Kiss" is being screened on the media facade at Shinsegae Square in Seoul's Myeong-dong district, running through Sept. 25. The campaign also features in-store announcements recorded by the members, a tie-in with the neighborhood.
Personal Stories and Ambitions
Members come from various backgrounds—South Korea, the United States, Britain, and Japan—bringing a global mix to their identity. Among them, Seoyeon is the younger sister of Jihyo from famous sister group Twice, and Jihyo gave her encouragement and advice for her debut. Stoyeon's family and friends also noticed her happiness on stage, which made her realize she was living her dream.
Other members share their own stories: Seah's timing came from child modeling, while others cited their readiness and teamwork. The group's collective energy is strong, with members emphasizing their preparedness and confidence. Tuide hopes to be remembered, they told The Hollywood Reporter, and one of their documented goals is to win a Rookie of the Year award.
Looking Ahead
As a first group from ABD, Tuide is entering a competitive field, but they arrived polished and driven. Their debut EP, Tune & Play, is online now, featuring their five-track list, with a signature sound sets to capture listeners. The members, who come from different walks and ages, are ready to carve their path in the K-pop scene, fueled by their initial momentum and narrative of dreams come true.