TUIDE Shines Through a Youthful Debut
Photo: TUIDE Official X
As the first girl group under new HYBE subsidiary ABD, TUIDE debuted with an EP dedicated to the joys of youth. On August 24, the seven-member act released TUNE & PLAY, which features the title track “SUN KISS.” Seohee, Seoyeon, Elena, Jia, Saki, Seah, and Yi Hani represent HYBE’s latest move towards diversification.
TUNE & PLAY TRACKLIST:
“ABD”
“SUN KISS”
“Echo”
“Flip-Flop Girl”
“GRLS”
Formation of ABD: A Label for Girl Groups
In May, HYBE established a sub-label specifically for producing girl groups. ABD champions creative flexibility, noted in its choice of “D” rather than “C” to complete its name. The three letters also function as an acronym standing for “A Bold Dream.” This company adds to HYBE’s network of sub-labels, which currently includes Bighit Music, home to BTS; Source Music, home to LE SSERAFIM; Belift Lab, home to ENHYPEN; Pledis Entertainment, home to SEVENTEEN; KOZ Entertainment, home to BOYNEXTDOOR; ADOR, home to NewJeans; Japan-focused YX Labels, home to &TEAM; and Japan-focused JCONIC, home to aoen.
Within the same announcement, HYBE revealed that No Jiwon, Pledis Entertainment’s former head of artist planning, serves as ABD’s president. ABD anticipated that their first girl group would debut “in the second half of 2026.” Pledis Entertainment founder Han Sungsoo serves as the group’s producer, following his work with acts like SEVENTEEN, TWS, fromis_9 and IZ*ONE. The first track on TUIDE’s TUNE & PLAY, “ABD,” is based on the label’s mentality. “A-B and skip the C / Go straight right next to D / Already been done,” the group sings in the song’s first chorus.
The Pre-Release: “GRLS”
The name TUIDE (pronounced like “tweed”) comes from the phrase “Tune the Tide,” representing the group’s hope to spread “joy through music.” The song “GRLS” exemplifies that theme through its endless cheerfulness. With the repeated line of “meet my girls,” “GRLS” serves as an introduction to the group. The track and its music video came out on August 7.
This UK garage song captures TUIDE’s eager rookie energy with frantic beats. The members’ beaming smiles and quick, polished footwork show that TUIDE is here to impress global audiences with waves of positivity. TUIDE’s lineup also comes from a global perspective: Seohee, Seah, and Seoyeon—who is the youngest sister of TWICE’s Jihyo—are Korean; Elena and Jia are Korean-American, Saki is Japanese, and Yi Hani is Korean-British.
The Title Track: “SUN KISS”
TUIDE’s debut title track comes off more mellow than expected. The name “SUN KISS” would usually imply a maximalistic summer K-Pop song, based on typical ideas of bright sun rays. However,“SUN KISS” is surprisingly calm and comes with contrasting gloomy aesthetics in its music video. The song features a “Soultronic” feeling, a fusion of soul and electronic genres. To achieve this sound, “SUN KISS” samples Soviente’s 2001 song “Copacabana (Escape From Rio).” They share the “bah dah bah bye-yah” melodies and Latin House beats.
The “SUN KISS” music video captures Icelandic scenery, focusing on choreography executed in hillsides, by beaches, and by waterfalls. Made in collaboration with South Korea-based NEWYEAR and Iceland-based TRUENORTH production companies, “SUN KISS” doesn’t capture as much sun, but it shows gorgeous views. The video is a visual treat, and the song is soothing to the ears.