ODD EYE CIRCLE Interview: Life After LOONA & the K-Pop Trio's Next Chapter, 'Version Up'

ODD EYE CIRCLE are coming full (odd eye) circle.

The South Korean K-pop girl group, made up of members Kim Lip, Choerry and JinSoul, first debuted as a sub-unit of the massively popular girl group LOONA back in 2017 with their Billboard U.S. World Top 10 debut Mix & Match, featuring addictive tracks like “Girl Front” and “Loonatic.”

Seven years later, following a highly publicized legal battle with their former agency, the girls have victoriously reemerged on the other side with ARTMS, a five-member project under their new agency, MODHAUS.

Wasting no time to reintroduce themselves to the world and reconnect with their adoring fans, the trio known as OEC are back with their next album, Version Up, led by the rallying cry of “Air Force One.”

“Time to change your shoes,” they declare, a reference to the Converses worn by the trio in their debut. “Step It Up Like Air Force One, Next Version Up Up Up!”

We spoke with ODD EYE CIRCLE about their long-awaited return, what they’ve learned, and where they’re heading next.

Keep reading to read the interview…

What’s it like reconnecting with LOONA collaborators Jaden Jeong and G-high once again since your last collaborations together?

Kim Lip: It was great to work on the album together again. We have upgraded our style while maintaining the characteristics of early stage ODD EYE CIRCLE. The thought of presenting this advanced version made us so happy.

Let’s talk about the decision to make “Air Force One” the lead single. What about it stood out to you, and what is the meaning behind the song?

JinSoul: Our intention is to take off the old symbol ‘Converse’ and start the new era with a new pair of shoes and a fresh mindset. The fact that Kim Lip participated in writing the lyrics took a huge part in the final decision to choose this song as the title.

The music video teaser immediately grabbed attention online. Can you talk about the meaning of the visual, the concept, and the experience behind-the-scenes?

Choerry: The visual of the music video is beautiful! It will be fun to find out the ODD EYE CIRCLE universe in the visual. To give you some examples, there is a scene where Converse, the previous symbol of the group, gets caught on fire and a scene of Seoul neon signs. Additionally, Heejin appears at the end of the video. Filming with her was really fun.

Kim Lip participated in the lyrics of that song as well. Can you talk about the songwriting process?

Kim Lip: I tried to express my honest feelings in the lyrics. Thanks to that process, I was able to complete a song that I’m more attached to.

“My Secret Playlist” is described as a collage of popular music titles and lyrics. Can you shout out some of the references you make in the song for our readers?

JinSoul: Yes, there are several references in the song, for instance, “Paris in the Rain” by Lauv, “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar, “High and Dry” by Radiohead, “Say So” by Doja Cat and “Tango” by ABIR. I recommend listening to “My Secret Playlist” to find out the snippets of the references!

Your labelmate – Park SoHyun of tripleS – contributed lyrics to the track “Je Ne Sais Quoi”! Can you talk about that, and the song’s meaning?

Choerry: “Je Ne Sais Quoi” is a song that talks about a type of attraction that is not fueled by anything in particular. I want to thank SoHyun again for writing the perfect lyrics. They fit amazingly with the song’s elegant vibe. I think it’s a song that the fans will love.

The LOONA narrative is a favorite among fans, with all of the lore and things to discover in the music and visuals. Will that LOONA lore continue, or is ARTMS an entirely refreshed story?

JinSoul: If you check out the music video for “Air Force One”, you’ll notice that we have included some elements of the lore. Our past is implied but we want you to interpret it as a more mature version of us. ARTMS will create a new story, but at the same time it will also contain the core value of LOONA, which is the foundation of our lives as an artist.

For a newer fan who hasn’t met ODD EYE CIRCLE already, how would you describe the group?

Choerry: As a group, ODD EYE CIRCLE is harmonious. Individually, each of us is unique. There is no escape after you listen to our dreamy and mysterious songs. Like the phrase ‘ODD EYE’, the concept of uniqueness is what is so appealing about us.

What have you learned from your previous debut in the music industry that you are applying to your work as the ARTMS strategy project?

Choerry: Since all the members are already super close, we have adapted fast to the new company! I am a bit concerned about being clumsy since this is a new project, but I feel so much happiness because of how thrilled I am with this new chapter.

“Eclipse,” “Singing in the Rain” and “Love Cherry Motion” were such huge moments and fan-favorites for each of you. Can we expect to hear more solo moments as well?

Kim Lip: It’s hard to give you a specific answer right now, but we’re working hard to show you various activities, so please look forward to what comes next!

What are you most proud of from your time in LOONA up until now?

Choerry: First of all, I’m so proud of our members who respect and love each other so much. I feel indebted and I am so thankful to our fans for always waiting for us and giving us limitless love and support. However, since we’ll spend so much more time together in the future, I want to show the fans everything we’ve got.

What advice would you give trainees entering the entertainment industry, knowing what you now know?

Kim Lip: I hope you don’t get too stressed out and don’t lose your desire and passion while pursuing your dream. It’s something you started because you like it, right? I also want to tell you that consequently, the most important thing is a healthy mind and body.

Do you have a favorite ODD EYE CIRCLE song, and why?

JinSoul: My favorite is “Lucid” from Version Up. It’s the first song that we recorded for this album and it is special because the lyrics are our message to the fans.

Your fans have been with you for many years now, and they’ve created very supportive communities online. Do you have a message to the ones who have been waiting from the beginning?

Choerry: Thank you so much for waiting for us for 7 years. From now on there will only be good things, so please show us lots of support! We will also work hard to show you our best. Thank you so much guys!

What are the goals and aspirations for ODD EYE CIRCLE, now that you’re finally back after seven years?

Kim Lip: We are finally back on stage in front of our fans. Since we couldn’t be together for so long, we want to be on more diverse stages with fans and make many happy memories.

Listen to Version Up…