By Isabel Miller
Rookie girl group UNIS has announced the release of the digital single “Milky Way,” only two days prior to its release on September 23.
On September 21, a pale blue album cover design was uploaded to UNIS’ official social media accounts with the note “Coming Soon.” It features block outlines of the eight members holding hands, with stars above their heads. The following day a series of solo and group concept photos teased the release, each picturing the members in a beautiful garden with a fairytale-esque atmosphere.
A September 23 release date positions the single as a follow-up to “Sky Land, Star Land,” UNIS’ remake single of B.B’s 90s hit “Heaven’s Land Star Land.” It was released on September 8, presented as a reframing of the original in accordance to current bright, Y2K and “kitsch teen” trends of the current K-pop scene. UNIS pulled off the remake with their highest charting figures to date; the song debuted at number 951 on the MelOn Daily Chart, but has since risen to number 465.
With “Milky Way,” the rookies return to original material. However, the return will be short-lived as their agency F&F Entertainment announced the termination of their exclusive contract with UNIS following the unveiling of the single. UNIS was formed as a result of the SBS reality show Universe Ticket, and held a 2.5 year contract beginning with their debut in March 2024. According to the agency’s statement, their contract will not be renewed and will officially come to an end in four days time on September 26 – leaving “Milky Way” as their farewell song.
Also in the statement, F&F Entertainment thanks fans for supporting UNIS and expresses their “deepest gratitude” to the members, promising to support their future activities beyond UNIS.
So far this year, UNIS have seen success; they have released a Japanese mini album and completed the ensuing promotional activities in the country as well as headlining a festival in Manila and making their debut in Australia during the ‘K-Mega Concert’ held in Sydney. While UNIS will not continue as a collective, there is room for the members to grow following this upward trajectory.
“Milky Way,” the last single from UNIS, will be released on September 23 prior to their disbandment on September 26.