TUIDE, HYBE’s newest girl group, has debuted with a sound they call “Soultronic.” The seven-piece blends R&B warmth with electronic polish, and Billboard has named them its K-pop Up & Comer of the Month for September. The group’s story is one of trust, honesty and a willingness to set their own course.
The Name Behind the Debut
The group’s name, TUIDE, comes from “Tune the tide.” It’s a bold statement of intent, and the members fell in love with it once they understood what it meant. SEOHEE described the fresh feel of the word itself, while SEOYEON noted that since “TUIDE” didn’t exist before, it felt unfamiliar at first but quickly became a perfect fit.
As the first group to debut under the girl-group-focused label “ABD,” the members carry a sense of pride. Elena said it’s an honor to be the first group in the new label, and she stressed that the members trust each other and the vision for what their group wants to be. That trust gave them confidence while preparing to debut.
GRLS Captures the Group’s Identity
“GRLS” is the song that best captures TUIDE’s identity. SEOYEON said the track is about the seven of them coming together to deliver bright energy through a single performance. She hoped listeners would feel as if they’ve become besties, experiencing the comfort and positive energy of a close friend.
SEAH pointed to the track’s structure, which flows like each member introduces herself one by one. She said a big part of the group wanted people to feel each member’s individual charm, along with the unique energy created when they all come together.
ABD Breaks the Formula
The first track shares its title with the label’s name, and there’s a special meaning behind that choice. JIA explained that the title “ABD” breaks away from the usual formula where C naturally follows A and B. Instead, it playfully imagines a new possibility with D, showing a fresh and free side of TUIDE that isn’t bound by set frameworks.
The track blends warm R&B vibes with sophisticated electronic beats, capturing the group’s unique sound as well as their very first step forward.
SUN KISS Trusts Instincts
TUIDE describes its musical style as “Soultronic,” a blend of the warmth of soul and R&B sensibilities with sophisticated electronic sounds. The lead single, “SUN KISS,” embodies that style.
SEOHEE said the group wanted to express its diverse colors through a musical style that brings various sounds together. Through “SUN KISS,” she added, they wanted to convey the message of trusting your own instincts and moving forward.
“Through this style, we want to show our unique energy and flow through our voices and performance blending freely together!”
Working With GroovyRoom
GroovyRoom produced the title track and the entire debut album. The title track has a Shibuya-kei vibe that has music fans talking, and the members felt comfortable throughout the recording process.
YI HANI said working with GroovyRoom was super fun. They were always supportive and made sure the members felt comfortable, which helped capture the energy of the songs.
A Fresh Wave in K-pop
TUIDE’s debut arrives riding a wave of Soultronic sound. With their sights set on this year’s rookie awards, the seven members are ready to tune the tide.
The group’s approach is refreshingly open. They aren’t looking for the right answer inside a preset frame; they’re opening up possibilities of their own.
What We Make of It
The most striking thing about TUIDE’s story is how human it feels. The members talk about trust, honesty and friendship as the foundation of the group, not just as marketing talking points.
The sound itself is a smart bet. Soultronic blends genres that usually sit apart, and the members describe their voices keeping their own character while fitting naturally together. That interplay is a big part of what makes the songs work.
The debut singles offer a clear roadmap:
- “GRLS” sets the tone with individual charm and collective energy.
- “ABD” plays with the idea of breaking the alphabet’s rules.
- “ABD” opens the record with its playful title.
- “SUN KISS” closes the record with the lead single’s message of trusting instinct and moving forward.
Billboard’s recognition marks a strong start for the group. Whether they can sustain that momentum depends on live shows and releases to come. For now, TUIDE has set a bold course and built it on trust among friends.
Source material: “TUIDE Is Billboard’s K-Pop Up & Comer of the Month for September: Exclusive Photos,” Billboard.
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