Looking on a Year Since EL7Z UP’s Indefinitely-Postponed Comeback

Photo: EL7Z UP Official X

The winners of Mnet’s Queendom Puzzle, EL7Z UP, were set to have their first comeback in May 2024, but the group has not released any music since September 2023 after their comeback was postponed. Though the group was not held to a specific contract period, unlike other Mnet survival show groups, the lack of content has been puzzling. 

Formation of EL7Z UP 

EL7Z UP was a girl group formed on Mnet’s Queendom Puzzle, which aired from June 13, 2023 to August 15, 2023. The “puzzle” aspect of the show came from mixing up different combinations and teams of idols to create the ideal final seven-member lineup. H1-KEY’s Hwiseo, WOOAH’s Nana, PURPLE K!SS’s Yuki, Lovelyz’s Kei, WJSN’s Yeoreum, Rocket Punch’s Yeonhee, and CLC’s Yeeun comprised the final lineup after 10 episodes. EL7Z UP’s name represents an anagram of “puzzle” with a “7” standing in for a “z.” 

The group was promised three album releases with no clear contract length. However, the members were free to promote with their existing groups concurrently alongside EL7Z UP. This arrangement differed from other Mnet survival show groups that usually restricted idols in active groups to promote solely with their new temporary one. EL7Z UP was originally supposed to debut under WAKEONE, the company currently managing artists like ZEROBASEONE, Kep1er, and izna. DG Entertainment, the former company of soloist Yoon Jisung, and APPLE MONSTER, a broadcasting production company, ended up co-managing the group instead. 

Debut with 7+UP

EL7Z UP released their first EP, 7+UP on September 14, 2023. It featured the title track “CHEEKY,” which embodies the “confidence of the MZ generation [millennials and Gen Z] who march to the beat of their own drum, ” Kei told M Countdown Magazine. “CHEEKY” brings a mix of hip-hop verses and a catchy, poppy hook. While EL7Z UP promoted “CHEEKY” on music shows, H1-KEY promoted “SEOUL (Such a Beautiful City)” and “Time to Shine,” PURPLE K!SS promoted “7HEAVEN,” and Rocket Punch promoted “BOOM” at the same time. 

For a debut EP from a survival show group, 7+UP surprisingly features no overlapping B-sides from Queendom Puzzle. “Die for You,” “Undercover,” “Hideaway,” and “Cloud 9” are all original. EL7Z UP were supposed to undergo follow-up promotions for “Die for You,” a vocally-impressive dance song, in November but instead ended promotions early to focus on their Japanese fan concert and appearance at the 2023 MAMA AWARDS. “Die for You” eventually received an English version, which was never officially released on streaming platforms. 

Other Promotions and Potential Comeback 

EL7Z UP had the opportunity to perform on large stages such as M!COUNTDOWN in France, KCON SAUDI ARABIA 2023, and the 2023 MAMA AWARDS. The group also held their first Japanese fan concert, Piece Up, in October and November 2023. Japan would later be the only region still receiving EL7Z UP content in 2025. Much like the overlapping schedules faced during their debut, similar issues arose during this period. Yuki missed five concerts of PURPLE K!SS’ 2023 The FESTA Tour in USA due to EL7Z UP’s activities. 

EL7Z UP planned their first comeback for May 2024, with their future KCON JAPAN 2024 appearance originally playing a big role in their new music’s premiere. The comeback was postponed and EL7Z UP pulled out of KCON JAPAN 2024 due to “internal circumstances.” Since then, the group’s management and the members have not confirmed that these plans are still ongoing. EL7Z UP’s Instagram account and  Korean X account last updated in summer and fall 2024, respectively, indicating a halt in content. EL7Z UP’s Japanese X account is the sole exception, which still posts often as of May 2025: it provides updates on new voicemail and photo content for registered members of their Japanese fanclub.  

Members’ Current Careers 

In October 2024, Yuki said that no confirmed EL7Z UP activities were in the works. With no concrete plans for EL7Z UP on the horizon, at least all the members are still within the entertainment industry. Hwiseo, Nana, and Yuki are still actively promoting with their respective groups. WOOAH and PURPLE K!SS will appear on the upcoming survival show A-IDOL, which will create an AI girl group. WJSN remains in an indefinite hiatus after members Luda and Dawon’s departure from Starship Entertainment in 2023, but the group is still together. 

Yeonhee has been holding solo fan meetings following her departure from Woolim Entertainment in 2024. Yeeun and Kei continue to promote as solo artists, dropping their latest singles “Picky (Feat. BANG YONGGUK)” and “Winter Garden,” respectively, in 2024. It’s currently uncertain whether DG Entertainment and APPLE MONSTER will provide any updates on EL7Z UP’s comeback, but never say never.

Edited by Clark Royandoyan