K-pop girl group VVS is โstirring the potโ with their powerful debut, delivering a bold one-two punch with the songs โTEAโ and โFACT$.โ These tracks bring completely different vibesโboth sonically and visuallyโand were preceded by cinematic and animated trailers that introduced the five members as fierce, unforgettable forces making their way onto the K-pop scene.
Their name, VVS, carries layered meaning. Short for โ5 vs.โ and also referencing the highest clarity grade of diamonds, the name reflects themes of resilience, brilliance under pressure, and transformation. As leader, Brittney puts it:
โVVS symbolizes diamonds, showing both the luxurious and organic side of usโjust as diamonds are formed deep underground. On stage, weโre powerful performers and our confidence shines, but offstage, weโre ultimately just silly and sweet girls.โ
Comprised of Brittney, ILee, Rana, Jiu, and Liwon, VVS is under the direction of producer MZMC.ย
Their pre-debut trailers filmed in Japan, The 5 Cโs, were a full-on cinematic experience, blending high drama, stunts, and animation. These werenโt just teasersโthey were episodes, complete with fight scenes, emotional arcs, and a dark tone. Major applause for the commitment.
Stepping into a gritty, high-stakes world, the groupโs action scenes were choreographed by Koji Kawamoto, the renowned action director behind John Wick: Chapter 4 and Netflixโs ONE PIECE. The project was helmed by HOBIN Film, known for visuals in work with AKMU, SEVENTEEN, and even brands like Gentle Monster and Hyundai. Together, they created an insanely, creative rollout for VVSโ debut.
You can watch the 5 Cโs trailers below!
Then came the music. VVS officially debuted with the dual-release of โTEAโ and โFACT$,โ showcasing their sonic range.ย
โTEAโ leans into a darker, more experimental sound, paired with a music video full of stunts, storyline, and striking visuals. In contrast, โFACT$โ is softer and chillโspotlighting their vocal power as a group.ย
Brittney explains that these two songs felt like the right introduction to VVS because they highlight the group’s versatilityโvocally, stylistically, and choreographically. She describes the tracks, saying:
โโTEAโ contains a mix of both rap and melodic vocals and even includes a dance break that shows the versatile sides of all members. Everyone in VVS has a chance to shine! โFACT$โ is somewhat of a throwback to 2010 American R&B music and has soothing vocals and a smooth dance line that shows our bright energy, while still including the signature VVS swagger.โ
You can watch the music video for โTEAโ belowโpacked with easter eggs and subtle hints at what VVS has in store for future comebacks.
VVS sat down with The Knockturnal to discuss their formation, creative vision, and fun โFact$โ about the group.ย
In appreciation of VVSโ rollout, we asked the group: How has that early momentum felt? What does it mean to be making such a strong entrance even before your first track officially dropped?
The five members echoed the same sentimentโgratitude and love for the attention theyโve been receiving. While Rana admitted to feeling nervous and Liwon opened up about the physically demanding shoot days, Brittney reflected on her three-year journey with MZMC leading up to debut.ย
Despite the challenges, all members agreed: it was absolutely worth it and incredibly fulfillingโand theyโre more motivated than ever.
ILee: We feel really proud and happy that so many people are showing interest in something we worked so hard on. We werenโt sure how the response was going to be for something so different, but the results have been fantastic so far. Since we havenโt debuted yet, itโs given us even more drive to work harder to show you an even better side of us!โ
The group also opened up about the creative process behind โTEAโ and โFact$.โ While they werenโt directly involved in the original songwriting or production, they shared that their company actively welcomed feedbackโsomething Brittney emphasized as โquite rareโ for a rookie group. She noted that this level of trust speaks volumes about the groupโs potential and the belief their team has in them.
Liwon added insight into the recording experience, saying:
โOur CEOโs process of recording and re-recording vocals can be challenging, but it helps us search for our voice. He pushes us to try certain inflections, textures, runs, and vocal characters that arenโt present in the demo to bring more personality and life to our music and vocal performances.โ
Though not every member worked directly with producers, creative input was still a key part of their debut. Rana contributed to the choreography design for โTEA,โ while Jiu shared that she experimented with her own vocal runs and ad-libs to inject her natural style into the songs.
โOur company always tells us our job is to make the best version of each of our songs,โ Jiu explained, โso vocal experimentation is necessary during the recording process.โ
Keep reading to dive into our full conversation with VVSโwhere they open up about filming The 5 Cโs series, debut challenges, gemstones they resonate with most, and the special moments that brought them closer together.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Your debut isnโt just a music dropโitโs an entire cinematic experience. The 5 Cโs series feels like a fully produced drama with action scenes, intense emotion, and a seriously dark vibe. First off, major applause for the commitment! What was it like stepping into such a gritty, high-stakes concept? Was it outside anyoneโs comfort zone?ย
Brittney: When we first heard that we were going to be doing something different I was worried, since it’s so unorthodox from a traditional K-pop music video. However, we know doing something new can have a big impact and our company always stresses that the only way to set a trend is to try something new.ย Iโve always wanted to try action and acting, so this opportunity felt so exciting.ย I donโt think it was outside of anyoneโs comfort zone, we just had so much fun during our filming.ย
ILee: It was such an intense and powerful storyline! At first, I was a bit worried about whether we could really express how five characters with completely different concepts come together. But since each memberโs story was so detailed and well-developed, I think it was easy to immerse ourselves in it.
Rana: While preparing for the music video, we practiced acting a lot with our director. We even tried crying scenes. At first, it didnโt go well, but as we kept practicing, we started to understand our universe better and were able to really get into it.
Jiu: When I first heard the story, I thought it was absolutely amazing. I felt the worldbuilding was really strong and unique. So, we had to learn things like action and acting, and since it was all new to me, I was nervous. Trying to express the story in a way that lived up to what we were told felt like the biggest challenge.
Liwon: When I first heard the story, I was like, ‘Wow, what kind of universe is this?’ I was curious right away! Since it was my first time acting, I was more worried about the acting than the action scenes. But once we started filming and I got into character, I think everything turned out really well! And through filming, I think my curiosity about our universe gradually got answered.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them in your debut?ย
Brittney: I think the biggest challenge that I had to overcome was being the leader. Since we come from a small company, Iโve always been a communication bridge between our American CEO and the other girls. This was my first time leading a team, so I had a lot of obstacles that I had to overcome especially as a naturally introverted personality. I was able to overcome this challenge by talking with my CEO and he always guides me in the right direction. Also, our girls are so nice and caring and they followed me and respected my position in the group which made it easier for me.ย
ILee: Since weโre from a small company, we always trained with the same people in a close, family-like atmosphere. Because of that, when we stepped out into the world, it was hard to grasp how we would be perceived by othersโespecially by the publicโs eyes, which are so different. That uncertainty was difficult for us. But our CEO always told us that what matters is making good music and enjoying it ourselves. So instead of worrying too much, we chose to trust in what weโre doing and just keep moving forward. That mindset helped us overcome those challenges.
Rana: While preparing for our debut, we were constantly learning new choreography, recording, and filmingโso every day I became more aware of what I was lacking, and that was tough. I especially remember struggling during recording sessions when things didnโt go well or I couldnโt perform as well as I had practiced. I got really frustrated and had a lot on my mind. But our CEO kept giving me chances, and that made me want to work even harder. I practiced more, and thatโs how I was able to push through.
Jiu: The hardest part of the debut process for me was managing my mental state. This was my first time as a trainee, so I was dealing with things I had never experienced before, and it was hard to figure out how to handle those situations. Iโm the type who struggles a lot once I start to break down mentally, so learning how to cope and get back up was the toughest thing for me. These days, whenever it gets really hard, I try to imagine myself after debuting, and I remind myself that Iโm not the only one strugglingโeach of our members is overcoming their own challenges too. Thinking that weโre in this together helps me stay strong.
Liwon: What was difficult for me during the debut process was keeping up with the older members during practices and shoots. Compared to them, I felt like I was lacking in skill, and there were times when my confidence completely broke down, especially during filming. I remember feeling really bad thinking I might be holding the others back. But I know that I have determined mental strength, so I always told myself, ‘I can do it. I just have to endure this part,’ and with that mindset, I was able to overcome it!
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Were there any specific inspirationsโmovies, games, dramas, animeโthat helped you shape this concept or inspired how you performed in The 5 Cโs?ย
Brittney: Before going to Japan to film our music video, we had company movie nights watching different action movies so we could learn and gain information about the genre and itโs filming techniques. There was one specific movie that our CEO made me watch, titled, โSaltโ. Since my character in the music video is a secret agent and a spy, I studied how Angelina Jolie looked on camera and carefully watched her actions and movements as the character Evelyn Salt. Even though we watched a lot of movies, it was still very difficult to act with so much action choreography! ย
ILee: At the company, we all gathered to watch action movies together! We watched Salt, Kill Bill, and Atomic Blonde, and I think we also referenced John Wick quite a bit, especially since John Wick 4โs amazing stunt coordinator and fight choreographer, Koji Kawamoto, worked on our debut video!
Rana: Before filming our music video, we watched a few movies together, and among them, Kill Bill was the one that helped me the most, particularly since my character is a blade and sword expert.
Jiu: Before shooting the music video, we watched movies like Salt and Kill Bill to study the acting and action scenes. I think my character was based on a movie called Drive, but we never got to watch that one! I still need to watch it!ย
Liwon: Our CEO picked out movies for each of us that matched the stories of our characters, and we watched Salt, Kill Bill, and Atomic Blonde! The one that was most similar to my story was Kill Bill, and I think that movie really helped me a lot!
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Okay, a fun oneโif each of you were a stone or gem, which one would you be and why? Diamond counts!ย
Brittney: If I was a stone or gem I would pick an Opal because itโs my birthstone! The color of an opal is very special, and it’s not set with one specific color. I also want to show the world all the different colors of myself.ย
ILee: Iโd like to choose topaz, which is actually my birthstone! Among them, I think the orange-toned topaz suits me the best.
Rana: Iโll go with sapphire!ย I think the deep blue color of sapphire really suits me!
Jiu: Iโd like to choose turquoise! Turquoise symbolizes things like success and good luck, and since I feel like a lot of luck has been coming my way, I chose this gemstone.
Liwon: Iโd like to choose a gemstone called Lapis lazuli! Lapis lazuli symbolizes success and victory~ I chose it because I want my future to be filled with success!
THE KNOCKTURNAL: Can you each drop a little โTEAโ or a fun โFACT$โ about yourselves that new fans should know?ย
Brittney: One โTEAโ I can spill is that if you watch our trailers and music video closely, there are constant hints and easter eggs regarding a MAJOR reveal that will come in the future, that is beyond surprising, so stay tuned for our next album! The reveal is hidden in plain sight! ย
ILee: Hereโs a fun FACT about us! Except for Liwon, all of our members are the youngest in our families. And Liwon, who is the youngest in our team, is actually the oldest of her siblings.ย
Rana: Actually, I created the choreography for the dance break in ‘TEA’! I choreographed it in a style Iโm good at, so please check it out!ย
Jiu: In our TEA chorus choreography, there is a move we perform that resembles drinking a cup of tea, however, this move was made as a reference from the sign language for drinking tea!
Liwon: In the choreography for ‘FACT$,’ thereโs a part during the second chorus where the center stands in the middle and the rest of us form a circle around them. During that part, I was always facing Brittney, and while dancing, weโd smile at each other and it honestly felt like we were sending telepathic messages to each other. Even though we were out of breath and tired, weโd be like, ‘Letโs go!’ with smiles and silent cheeringโit was such a funny and fun moment I remember well.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: From the intense training to filming your debut saga, were there any unforgettable moments that really bonded you as a team?ย
Brittney: One thing I really stress as a leader is communicating as a group. I think communication really helped us to bond during all the intense training and filming, especially during those 13 grueling days in Japan. Even though we were all busy as individuals while filming our music video, at the end of each day we came together and just talked like sisters. Those moments late at night in the hotel, just talking about our day, our worries, and our excitement, are some of the most memorable times.ย
ILee: I think the synergy within our team played a huge role. We have an amazing leader and members who follow and support each other well. Weโve always been able to trust and rely on one another. I think the fact we were all freezing while filming in the Japanese mountains brought us closer together โ our obstacles are communally shared, which helps lighten our own individual burdens and struggles.ย
Rana: Whenever one of us is struggling, we all gather together to listen and help work through it as a team! There was even a time when all five of us ended up crying and hugging each other while talking out our frustrations and worries. I donโt think Iโll ever forget those moments! The struggle brings us closer!ย
Jiu: When one of us is going through something tough, we can sense it right away. We listen to each otherโs worries and share our struggles, which I think made our bond even stronger. All of our members are really considerate, so we always think of each other first.
Liwon: We all know each other so well that if someoneโs even a little down, we immediately ask whatโs wrong. If thereโs ever a misunderstanding or hurt feelings, we talk it out right away and resolve it. I think thatโs whatโs made our relationships even stronger.
THE KNOCKTURNAL: As VVS makes their debut, what is something youโd like to tell readers and fans? Thank you so much for your time, VVS!ย
Brittney: Hello The Knockturnal readers and fans! This is Brittney from VVS. We are finally debuting, and we hope to show you something fresh and organic. This is just the beginning of VVS and weโre proud of all the good music and content to surprise you guys with, so please look out for us! Thank you!
ILee: Hello readers! And to our fans who support usโhi! We, VVS, are going to make our debut in style, so please keep watching us! Weโve worked really hard and prepared so much, and now weโre ready to show you everything. We really want to share it all with you. We love you!
Rana: Hello! This is Rana from VVS! Our debut is just around the corner. Iโm so happy and excited to finally debut here at MZMC with songs I truly love and my amazing team members! Weโve prepared so hard, so I really hope our fans and readers will give us lots of love and enjoy our art!
Jiu: Hi everyone, Iโm Jiu from VVS. Iโm so happy that we can finally show ourselves to you! Weโve prepared so much, so I really hope youโll love it. There will be so many opportunities for you to see more of our charms from now on, so please give us lots of love and support!
Liwon: Hello, this is Liwon from VVS!! I canโt wait to show our fans and readers the amazing songs from VVS and each memberโs unique charms!! I hope youโll continue to support us and stay with us until the very end~ Weโll always be grateful and work hard to be the best VVS we can be. Thank you~!ใ
And thatโs the โTEA!โ Weโre excited to see whatโs next for VVSโcheck out more from the group below!
FOR MORE VVS:
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