K-pop groups are known for their endless charms and defiant ability to traverse genres, concepts and aesthetics. Currently, no group exemplifies this more than the emerging rookies tripleS, as part of their official tagline ‘The idol of all possibilities.’

Having debuted just this year in February under the agency Modhaus (also home to ARTMS and ODD EYE CIRCLE), tripleS have already notched up an impressive array of milestones, including a US tour and a pending Australian tour. In the ever-evolving and competitive K-pop industry, it’s crucial for new entrants to be dynamic, and tripleS achieves this through its sub-units—smaller groups composed of different members from the original lineup—a key element contributing to their breakthrough success.

With the October release of their album Mujuk, EVOLution became the fifth unit to debut under the tripleS umbrella. Taking the tripleS sound into a darker, more electronically industrial territory, EVOLution’s title track “Invincible” is a rapid drum’n’bass number which uses the metaphor of a diamond to symbolise resilience and ‘shining brighter’ in the face of adversity. Stand-out B-side “Heavy Metal Wings” is an equally gritty affair, noted by its iridescent production and soaring vocal harmonies. “Rhodanthe” is a whimsical kaleidoscope of brighter sounds, while “Moto Princess” utilizes the Jersey Club genre to tell a story of a girl running to keep up with the fast-paced nature of life in the city of Seoul.

Innovatively merging technology and music, tripleS have revolutionised fan engagement with Cosmo: the Gate, their official app designed for various activities such as subunit line-ups, promotion order, title track selection, and other fandom-related matters. The formation of tripleS EVOLution, like other units, resulted from fan votes in a Cosmo app event known as ‘Grand Gravity.’

As of writing, sixteen of the twenty-four overall members of tripleS have currently been unveiled. The aptly named next sub-unit, NXT, is set to debut soon and the cryptic identity of the four members—S17, S18, S19, and S20—remains a mystery.

The experimental approach has proven successful for tripleS, as the rapidly ascending group secured the 2023 MAMA Female Rookie of the Year Award on November 29th. This prestigious award, known for recognizing K-pop’s future stars at the beginning of their careers, has previously honoured influential icons like BoA, Wonder Girls, and TWICE.

Taking time out of their busy schedules, the members of tripleS EVOLution shared their thoughts on the uniqueness of their unit’s concept, their Mujuk album, as well as the honour of being crowned Rookie Group of the Year.

Congratulations on the release of your new album Mujuk. How does it feel to have released the project?
JiWoo: Thank you. It is my honor to introduce this album under a new combination of members and a new unit. Every day has been a joy so far.

ChaeYeon: I’m glad to introduce myself as a part of EVOLution. We will do our best in all forthcoming activities, taking into consideration the motto of tripleS and embracing the values of EVOLution. Please send your love and interest to this album, Mujuk.

YooYeon: I was very nervous and excited at the same time while preparing this album, Mujuk with members of EVOLution. I’m pleased that the outcome truly reflects our dedication and hard work.

SooMin: I was excited to be back with a perfect album like this, and I am deeply grateful for promoting it alongside such incredible members.

NaKyoung: Thank you very much! I have made another debut under a new unit, and it was very exciting. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all the WAVs who supported me in this process.

Kotone: As this was my first album to be released, it was fascinating to hear my voice bring the songs to life. Alongside WAVs, family, and friends eagerly anticipating its release, I also awaited it with excitement. Yet I felt a bit anxious about the reactions I would receive.

YeonJi: I was thrilled to announce my debut through this album, Mujuk, and being part of EVOLution for this milestone was truly an honour. I’m particularly delighted to explore the dark, dreamy, and mysterious concept that I’ve long desired.

Mayu: I was delighted to debut as part of EVOLution and showcase our invincible side through a new unit.

Can you tell us about the creative process behind Mujuk, such as the album’s concept and musical direction?
YooYeon: This album, Mujuk, takes on the concept of diamonds which symbolise the resilience within ourselves that allows us to overcome any hardships and adversity. This strength we aimed to portray is articulated through the songs’ lyrics on dreams as well as the powerful performances.

ChaeYeon: I believe the concept of EVOLution is the boundless potential within eight girls, each with unbreakable self-assurance, and we hope to show it to the general public. This perspective is reflected in numerous songs within the album, which exude self-love and self-confidence. Therefore, throughout the production process, these songs served as a source of solace and empowerment for ourselves, which encouraged us to move forward.

Kotone: The concept of this album centres on portraying the unbreakable self as a diamond, echoing the sentiment of invincibility and strength encapsulated in the album title, Mujuk. We tried to convey this essence throughout the creative process.

What challenges did you overcome when recording the album?
NaKyoung: Several high-pitched songs presented a challenge, but I successfully navigated through the recording process by practicing breathing techniques.

YeonJi: I faced difficulty with the high notes in several tracks of this album, but with the support of the members and the producers around me, I believe I successfully overcame the challenge.

Personally, my favourite songs are “Heavy Metal Wings” and “Moto Princess”. Can you talk about the concept of these songs in particular and the role they play in the overall narrative of Mujuk?
YooYeon: These songs embody the spirit of resilience and progress despite challenges, providing an alternate yet profound expression of the robust self depicted in the title track, “Invincible.”

JiWoo: “Heavy Metal Wings” stands out as a comforting song, considering its lyrics. In the title track “Invincible,” the lyric “When I collide, I become stronger” gives the idea of gaining strength through resilience, making one invincible. Similarly, “Moto Princess” serves as a source of motivation, giving me the strength to move forward. Both songs, with their themes of invincibility and diamond-like strength, contribute to my resilience and growth when faced with challenges.

The music video for “Invincible” is deeply conceptual. Could you provide some insights into the video’s themes and narrative – how do you feel it connects to the song’s production and lyrics?
ChaeYeon: The song talks about invincibility, echoed through both its lyrics and the music video narrative, featuring eight invincible girls discovering diamonds and showcasing their superpowers.

Mayu: There is a part in the lyrics where we talk about confidence. This is related to the concept of the music video that we all possess superpowers and the scenes where we meditate.

What are some genres and musical themes you’d like to explore in upcoming music?
NaKyoung: I would love to try the powerful yet trendy hip-hop genre, as well as an oriental concept where we all wear hanbok, a Korean traditional dress.

SooMin: I want to try the acoustic genre. I love listening to the acoustic genre, and I think it is a new aspect of tripleS that we haven’t yet presented to the public.

Kotone: I want to challenge myself to a hip-hop genre, as well as an energetic rock genre, something exciting, as well as a dreamy concept.

Branching from that, what visual concepts would you like to try for EVOLution?
YooYeon: For future visual concepts as a part of EVOLution, I’d love to explore a completely achromatic, chic, and hip feel and a very colorful one as well.

JiWoo: Since EVOLution has showcased strong and slightly charismatic concepts, I want to try a bright, energetic concept while keeping the underlying message of becoming stronger whenever faced with hardship. This would offer a different form of invincibility that brings smiles to everyone who witnesses it.

SooMin: I would love to try the girl crush concept! Beyond the robust and boyish image, I believe there’s an unexplored facet of myself that I haven’t yet shared with my fans. I’m eager to reveal this new side to them!

EVOLution is the latest unit from tripleS. How do you feel EVOLution stands out from the other tripleS units?
ChaeYeon: tripleS is brimming with infinite potential, embodying self-love and self-confidence as we pursue our dreams. What distinguishes EVOLution from other units is our powerful and cool manifestation of this concept.

Kotone: I think the distinction lies in the choreography. EVOLution’s choreography stands out as the most challenging in tripleS, styled akin to male idols. Despite its difficulty, the collective effort of all eight members practicing together and providing mutual feedback transformed it into a distinctive element of EVOLution.


Mayu: Our challenging choreography allowed us to unveil a new, impressive facet of ourselves. This is evident in our performances, setting us apart by showcasing a level of confidence that distinguishes us from other units.

The name “EVOLution” suggests growth and progress. Can you share the significance behind choosing this name?
JiWoo: EVOLution encapsulates the essence of growth and progress. It symbolises the fights that make us stronger, ultimately transforming us into diamonds. The name embodies the unyielding nature of the self, an unbreakable spirit.

YooYeon: We wanted to express a strong self which is found through self-growth and development. The name of the team, EVOLution, is selected based on our aspiration to become someone better.

How does the name “EVOLution” align with the group’s musical style and artistic direction?
SooMin: “Invincible” and the lyrics of the song, such as “When we collide, I become stronger” or “It shines brighter when it’s dark” emphasize strength and resilience. Accompanied by the powerful performance, I think it is the correct path for EVOLution to take.

Kotone: In English, “EVOLution” signifies development, which aligns with my debut as an opportunity to showcase personal growth. The title track, “Invincible,” follows our musical style, with lines like “When we collide, I become stronger,” embodying the challenging yet progressive direction we aim for.

Being chosen for EVOLution by fans through the Cosmo app must be a unique experience. How do you perceive this deeper level of engagement that fans have with tripleS?

YooYeon: It is different from the conventional system of K-pop so I always find it to be quite amazing. Also, I appreciate the fact that our fans making the decision as it gives more significance to our promotional activities.

YeonJi: I find the unique colours of tripleS intriguing, which is derived from our distinctive qualities.

Mayu: The fan-participatory system is exclusive to tripleS, which I find very novel. It is enjoyable to showcase diverse colours in our every comeback.

The Cosmo app provides a platform for direct communication with fans. How has this influenced the group’s understanding of your audience and their expectations?
JiWoo: Gravity takes place through the Cosmo app and fans can purchase exclusive online photo cards and Objekts there as well. Sneak-peeks of “Signal”, our very-own content, are uploaded on Today’s Atmosphere. Allowing fans to participate in every facet of our activities feels incredibly meaningful, bringing us one step closer to our fans as we reveal different aspects of ourselves daily through Today’s Atmosphere.

NaKyoung: The Gravity, fan voting system, has provided insights into our fans’ desires and preferences, guiding my practice, and study sessions as I strive to deliver what they truly want to see.

Kotone: Experiencing two-way communication for the first time was quite novel and fascinating. As our existence relies on our dedicated fans, known as WAVs, understanding their preferences and fostering communication is crucial. The influence of Cosmo in facilitating this connection is truly significant.

Do you have any plans to expand or evolve the involvement of fans through the Cosmo app in shaping tripleS’s future activities and projects?
SooMin: Absolutely! As tripleS, we have exciting plans to unveil fresh concepts through diverse Gravities in the upcoming future.

Kotone: Yes! I hope to perform on the stage more frequently including music shows, events, and year-end performances. Additionally, I aim to broaden my horizons beyond music into areas like acting and entertainment shows.

Mayu: Our existing fan engagement system plays a pivotal role in our ongoing activities, emphasizing the significance of fan participation. I hope with each new venture, we will witness an even greater level of involvement from our dedicated fans in the future!

How do you characterise the overall fashion style of EVOLution and to what extent do you consider self-expression through fashion to be significant for the group?
ChaeYeon: Among our wardrobes, there is a martial arts concept that I think best represents EVOLution’s colour and ambiance. I believe fashion is an important factor when it comes to first impressions, acting as a reflection of one’s world and the self one tries to convey.

NaKyoung: The fashion style of EVOLution, in my opinion, is all about strength in neatness. I also believe our costumes help to accentuate our awesome performances.

SooMin: I think martial arts costumes define us the best among all others. They enabled us to showcase the group’s strength, reinforcing our belief that fashion plays a significant role in expressing individuality and characteristics.

tripleS EVOLution will soon tour in Australia, which will be your first international tour. How are you preparing for the tour, and what can fans in Australia expect from your performances?
YooYeon: We are thrilled to unveil the journey of tripleS over the past year in Australia. In addition to showcasing the albums created over the year, EVOLution will introduce new songs from other units as well so do look forward to all that!

ChaeYeon: We will be performing not only our songs as EVOLution, but songs by other units of tripleS so stay tuned!

Kotone: The choreography and composition for our performances are now finalised, and we are currently practicing repeatedly. We might be a little nervous as it is our first overseas tour, but we have prepared a lot of stages to enjoy with WAVs in Australia. I hope you look forward to seeing it!

tripleS has also toured in the US and is gaining a strong following outside of South Korea. How does it feel to see your fanbase continue to grow beyond South Korea’s borders?
JiWoo: First of all, it is truly amazing to witness the love not just from Korea but from numerous countries worldwide. We deeply appreciate it and we will do our best to give back this love that we’ve received.

YeonJi: The growing support from WAVs, both in Korea and internationally, brings me great happiness. It reinforces our determination to work even harder and with more passion.

Mayu: Being able to share our music globally is a genuinely happy and honourable experience. Our goal is to continue striving and evolve into idols who spread happiness through our music to an even larger audience, not only in Korea but around the world!

Can you share any hints about a particular city or country where you’d like to perform in the future?
ChaeYeon: I would love to perform in Osaka, Japan.

YeonJi: I want to perform in New Zealand and Japan. I’ve always wanted to visit New Zealand ever since I was young, and Japan is where I started my journey as a part of tripleS. I have a lot of great memories there, so I would love to perform in Japan as well.

Mayu: I want to perform in Japan because I want to perform for my family in my home country!

tripleS have the slogan “The idol of all possibilities” – how does this slogan inspire and motivate you as performers in the group?
JiWoo: As an idol of limitless possibilities, we continually embrace diverse concepts and innovative approaches to connect with our audience. This makes us feel that we are always taking on new challenges, and it serves as a source of motivation.

NaKyoung: While there are moments of difficulty and hardship, being the idol of all possibilities gives us excitement and hope. It not only provides us with strength but also ignites a determination to persist until the very end.

How do you hope the slogan “The idol of all possibilities” connects with and inspires your fanbase?
YooYeon: Unbound by fixed concepts, member counts, or specific songs, tripleS will continue to embrace a multitude of unpredictable challenges. We hope to share our adventures with fans who, we believe, will resonate with the spirit of these unpredictable journeys.

ChaeYeon: I hope our fans think that the idols that they like possess such infinite potential and that they look forward to all the possibilities that the future holds.

Mayu: As a fan-participatory group, the concept evolves based on the unit fans desire to see. This aligns with our catchphrase, allowing us to showcase various facets. We think that fans appreciate the versatility, as we are prepared to embrace and execute any concept with enthusiasm!

In what ways has the group’s overall concept of “The idol of all possibilities” influenced the creative process for music and visual concepts?
YooYeon: I used to confine myself to specific songs that I believed suited me best. Now, I’m breaking free from self-imposed limits, realizing I can showcase different charms through various concepts.

Kotone: Embracing the title “idol of all possibilities” has expanded my horizons, allowing us to take on more challenges through different concepts.

YeonJi: The reason we were able to release “Cherry Talk” after “Generation” and “Rising” is because we were the idol of all possibilities. We are a versatile group capable of exploring various concepts and units.

Is there a goal or achievement so far that you’re particularly proud of, and what do you see as the next milestone you’d like to reach?
ChaeYeon: Today, November 29, 2023, as I respond to this interview, tripleS has received the prestigious 2023 MAMA Female Rookie of the Year Award. Given its one-time nature, the opportunity was truly now or never, and I’m grateful we seized it. Thank you immensely. I’m dedicated to pushing myself further and reaching even greater heights in the future. ✨

SooMin: I take great pride in tripleS winning the 2023 MAMA Female Rookie of the Year Award It’s a dream come true for us, and I’m very honored to receive it. Looking ahead, another goal I aspire to achieve is securing first place on a music show!!

Looking ahead, how do you envision the EVOLution unit growing alongside tripleS’s journey in the music industry?
JiWoo: EVOLution’s music will always be a source of hope and dreams to all who listen to it. Our goal is to evolve as a group that consistently provides solace to our listeners.

ChaeYeon: Embodying the motto of tripleS, I dream of boundless growth as an idol with infinite potential and hope to fulfil all my dreams.

YooYeon: I believe EVOLution will evolve into a group that, through harmonious collaboration, consistently challenges and perfects various concepts.

SooMin: EVOLution will continue to present to the public various facets of ourselves, and just as the name entails, we will continue to evolve and grow stronger.

NaKyoung: This album solidified the unique essence of EVOLution. Moving forward, our goal is to present a more refined and conceptually enhanced version of tripleS.

Kotone: By gaining more experience on stage alongside other members who have debuted through EVOLution, I aspire to exhibit a more relaxed demeanour compared to my time during the “Invincible” promotions.

YeonJi: I believe there will be further improvements in the future. In our next comeback, we aim to return with better versions of ourselves with cooler and prettier concepts!

Mayu: Building on EVOLution’s experiences, we plan to apply gained insights to the next unit, ensuring a continued display of growth in our future endeavours.