Exclusive Interview: Poised, Honest, & Captivating, an Elegant Conversation With ifeye, the Future of Artistry
- Rosa Gulliver
- May 8
- 7 min read
Rosa Gulliver of TINYGMUSIC | May 8, 2025
Following their official debut on April 8, 2025, the new girl group discusses their concept, creative direction, and aspirations within the global K-pop industry.
With their debut on April 8, 2025, in an industry where fresh talent emerges at lightning speed, few rookie groups capture attention quite like ifeye. With a name that stands for Imagine & Find Energetic Young Eyes, the group isn’t just making music; it's delivering a message: that imagination can shape reality. They have emerged as one of the most closely watched new acts in K-pop.
They debuted under Hi-Hat Entertainment spearheaded by Kyu Lee, also a movie producer whose credits include gems such as Spider Man and Casino Royale. Lee was at the forefront in globalising K-Pop artist PSY's hit song “Gangnam Style." Their debut EP ERLU BLUE comprises of four tracks: “NERDY,” “IRL,” “BUBBLE UP,” and “NERDY (English Version).” Blending sharp choreography, conceptual storytelling, and a distinct visual identity, the group is positioning itself at the forefront of a new generation of artists.
In this exclusive interview, the members of ifeye reflect on their journey from trainees to performers, unpack the ideas behind their debut concept, and speak candidly about their vision, values, and what sets them apart in an increasingly competitive industry.
Step into the world of ifeye and witness the rise of a new voice in music. Every artist begins with a story. ifeye begins with elegance, honesty, and vision. Witness the unfolding of their story and we are honoured to present ifeye’s debut interview.
Can you tell us about the concept of ifeye’s debut song and what it means to the group?
Our group name, ifeye, carries a message we want to convey. It’s an acronym for Imagine & Find Energetic Young Eyes, which means “a perspective that turns imagination into reality”! Our debut song “NERDY” expresses the emotions and stirrings that teenage girls experience for the first time, using the theme of “first love” as a metaphor. Because of that, the song has a dreamy yet refreshing melody and sound, which makes it especially charming!
-Kassia
You’ve just made your debut, but could you share some fun facts about the members so our readers can get to know you better?
All of our names have unique and fun meanings. My name, for example, reflects my personality—loving and affectionate. It comes from “me and you,” which becomes Miyu. Other members’ names are also really cute and interesting: For example, Kassia means a charismatic and chic child, and Taerin comes from the phrase “the older you grow, the clearer you become”—with Tae meaning “big” and Rin meaning “clear.” I think all of our names are really adorable and meaningful!
-Miyu
What was it like preparing for your debut, and how did the group come together?
It would be a lie to say preparing for debut wasn’t difficult. But through the tough times, we laughed, cried, and had deep conversations with one another. That process of understanding and adjusting to each other made us stronger as a team, and it really shows in our on-stage chemistry. As for how we came together, each of us joined the company through different methods like street casting and auditions from various regions. We trained hard and the members who stuck it out to the end became the group you see today. That’s why we’re confident in our skills and want to show that we’re a capable team!
-Taerin
Can you tell us more about your debut album ERLU BLUE? How did you feel when you first heard the title track “NERDY”?
From the moment I heard “NERDY,” I felt a strong connection to it. The more I listened, the more I liked it. Our debut album ERLU BLUE represents ifeye's shining journey, depicted in the colour blue. You'll notice blue butterflies and blue roses in our music videos and jacket photos.
-Won Hwayeon
What are you most looking forward to about your debut stage?
I'm most excited to perform in front of our fans. Practicing in the mirror is one thing, but the joy and excitement of performing live in front of an audience is something I can't wait to experience.
-Meu
What can fans expect from the sound and style of your debut single?
The title track “NERDY” captures the fluttering hearts of innocent girls with a dreamy style. The intense bass and powerful performance are captivating. We hope fans will enjoy our "pure chic" concept that blends innocence with sophistication.
-Taerin
Do you have a routine or good luck charm to boost your confidence before going on stage?
We have a routine where one member places a stone on the ground, and the others add to it, symbolising strength and unity. This ritual helps us feel grounded and confident.
-Sasha
Is there a memorable moment or special memory from your debut preparations?
The most memorable moment was when we filmed our first trailer. Despite the freezing temperatures—around minus 23°C—so many people came together to support us. Their warm encouragement made our hearts feel warm, even though our bodies were cold.
-Kasia
Why do you think this album is the perfect project to mark ifeye’s beginning and help build a strong foundation in the industry?
I think it’s because the album concept fits us perfectly—it's something only we can express best as a newly debuted group. Also, the overall high quality of the album plays a big role! In terms of both performance and music, I believe this album truly showcases who we are.
-Won Hwayeon
What message or theme do you want to convey to fans through your debut?
Our group name means "the perspective that turns imagination into reality." We want to tell our fans that just as we imagined our debut and made it a reality, they too can turn their dreams into reality.
-Rahee
Did you discover anything new about yourself while preparing for your debut album?
I initially lacked confidence in my dancing skills. However, as I practiced our title track “NERDY,” I realized I could perform cool and stylish dances. It was a surprising discovery about myself.
-Sasha
Although you're at the beginning of your career, what has been the most rewarding moment so far?
The moments at the baseball stadium are the most memorable and rewarding. Being the first pitcher our debut day was meaningful, and performing in front of an audience for the first time was unforgettable. Plus, I was even called the "victory fairy"!
-Won Hwayeon
What are you most looking forward to about your debut stage?
I'm most excited to perform in front of our fans. Practicing in the mirror is one thing, but the joy and excitement of performing live in front of an audience is something I can't wait to experience.
-Meu
Do you have a favourite song to listen to when you want to relax or have fun?
When I need comfort, I often listen to TWICE's “Feel Special.” The lyrics are beautiful and uplifting, and the song brightens my mood.
-Rahee
Is there something you haven't done yet but would like to try as a group?
We'd love to hold a solo concert. Once we release more albums, we hope to have a concert where we can enjoy our music together with our fans in the same space.
-Taerin
Is there an iconic stage or festival anywhere in the world where you’d love to perform? Why?
I want to perform at Coachella! It’s such a huge, dream-like stage. I’ve been so inspired watching many senior artists perform there—I really hope we get to perform at Coachella one day.
-Rahee
What is the atmosphere like within the group? How do you support each other on and off stage?
Since most of us are teenagers, our daily atmosphere is playful and fun. However, during practice, we maintain a serious and energetic vibe. Behind the scenes, we have a cheering chant that really boosts our spirits.
-Rahee
What’s the best advice the group has received so far?
Our CEO told us to match everything down to the smallest detail during practice—but once we’re on stage, to just enjoy ourselves. Since we’ve been performing almost every day lately, that advice has been incredibly helpful.
-Rahee
What is the most important message you want to deliver to fans through your debut music and journey?
We want to convey the meaning behind our group name: “the perspective that turns imagination into reality.” Sometimes when you’re chasing a goal, it feels like you’re not getting any closer—or even drifting further away. But personally, I believe that if you sincerely visualise your dream, you’ll naturally start walking the path toward it and eventually reach it. That’s why I want to tell anyone with a dream: your imagination can become reality!
-Kasia
In the fast-changing K-pop industry, what message would you like to leave for ifeye’s future? What would you say to yourself in 1–2 years?
I want to remind myself to always stay humble and never forget our original mindset.
-Kasia
Keep making music that’s unique to ifeye and stay true to yourself. I believe in you! Fighting!
-Won Hwayeon
I’d tell my future self to have more confidence and go after everything I want.
-Rahee
Sasha, I hope that 1–2 years from now, you’ll still have that same fierce determination and pure heart you had at debut. Keep going!
-Sasha
Taerin, I hope you continue to grow diligently and become an artist your fans can be proud of.
-Taerin
Meu… I hope you never lose the passion you had at the beginning. Stay positive no matter what!
-Meu
What are your long-term goals as a group, both musically and in your careers?
We want to establish our own unique identity. One day, we hope to win a Grand Prize and attend international award shows around the world.
-Won Hwayeon
What do you think Ifeye will look like in 5 years? What goals do you hope to achieve by then?
I want to show more diverse concepts on stage. I truly believe that five years from now, Ifeye will have grown so much and will be loved by many more people.
-Sasha
Keep up with ifeye
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