Get to know UNICODE: Japanese K-pop 5-member girl group making waves since their debut
UNICODE comprises of five Japanese members - Erin, Hana, Sooah, Yura, and Mio under Double X Entertainment (XX Entertainment).
UNICODE
A lot of K-pop groups emerge each year, giving talented people from all over the world, not only in Korea, an opportunity to perform alongside well-known groups. There are talents from Thailand, India, China, Japan, and even the United States. Therefore, when 'UNICODE' made their debut, it was not shocking but surprising to see a K-pop group consisting solely of Japanese girls.
UNICODE comprises of five Japanese members - Erin, Hana, Sooah, Yura, and Mio under Double X Entertainment (XX Entertainment). Let's now get to know the members:
Erin
Birth Name: Shima Miyu
Position: Leader
Born in Fukuoka, Japan, on November 4, she started her career as a trainee right after high school. She made her acting debut in "Touch" on Channel A as one of the 'Miracle Girls', and she also made an appearance in "Play King" episode 4 on ENA.
Her love for TWICE is centred on Nayeon, and during her training days, she sharpened her talents by thoroughly examining GFRIEND and B1A4. She views OH MY GIRL as her role model since they encouraged her to follow her artistic dreams.
Yura
Birth Name: Tanaka Kaho
Position: Main Vocalist
This idol, who was born in Kagoshima, Japan on September 16, 1996, appeared in episode 4 of "Play King" on ENA. She had once said that it was her mother who used to play BoA's songs when she was little and gave her the idea to become a K-pop idol. Later she got inspired by TWICE's performances during a concert in Japan and her resolve became even more determined.
Her role model is Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, whom she credits for inspiring her artistic aspirations and also states they are her favourite K-pop group.
Sooah
Birth Name: Hashimoto Kyoka
Position: Vocalist
Born in Fukuoka, Japan on February 26, 1999, she studied singing and dance at Flat9 Dance & singing Academy. She was first exposed to SHINee by a friend, which started her quest towards becoming a K-pop idol. She was adamant about wanting to become a K-pop idol after seeing one of their performances in Japan.
Sooah views Dayeon from Kep1er as her role model because of how fiercely she embraces each performance.
Hana
Birth Name: Hana
Position: Sub Vocalist
Born on August 29 in Niigata, Japan, she was trained in dance and vocals at Joy Dance Plugin Academy and Flat9 Dance & Vocal Academy. She looks up to TWICE, and her favourite member is Sana, who is closely followed by Mina.
TWICE's first dome tour in 2019 sparked her dream of becoming a K-pop star. She decided to pursue a profession in theatre after seeing the enthralling performances and enthusiastic audience.
Mio
Birth Name: Ayari
Position: Vocalist, Maknae
She was born in Tamana, Kumamoto, Japan, on November 9, 2002, and enrolled in the Korean language program at Konkuk University Language Institute as soon as she graduated from high school.
She is a devoted fan of GOT7 and considers Yuki from PURPLE KISS to be her role model. The song "If You Do" by GOT7 caught her attention in middle school and led to her discovery of K-pop. Seeing their 'OUR LOOP' tour in 2019 confirmed her dream of taking the stage and engaging with crowds.
About UNICODE:
The words "unity" and "code" combine to form UNICODE. This indicates that their music is recognized anywhere in the world, much like a common code.
Two members were selected through an audition program, and the others were personally chosen by member Sooah.
During the first season of ABEMA TV's survival series "Project K," which ran from 2022 to 2023, the group was first created. Following the end of the show, the final lineup was disclosed after multiple lineup adjustments.
They debuted on April 17, 2024, with the EP HELLO WORLD : CODE J EP.1.