“Dreams are not impossible. I want to show that if you keep chasing them, they can come true like magic.” (JAILI)
“We all have different shapes, but together we become a wonderful puzzle that fits perfectly.” (ANN)
Seven girls from different times and places came together with only one thing in common: their dream of K-pop. Their nationalities, languages, and cultures were all different, but GBK Entertainment’s AI-based training platform, Girls Universe, connected those small dots into one powerful line.
This is the story of MEPC. Their name means both “a beautiful form” in pure Korean and “My Escape Point-C.” It reflects their worldview: realizing that K-pop is not just training, but a joyful form of liberation, and setting out toward the forbidden zone, Point-C.
Through two years of self-training and two years of team training based on the Girls Universe system, MEPC was reborn as One Team ready to adventure into the K-pop world.
Their first mini-album, First Fragment, is the first outcome of that liberation and journey. Leaving behind the shy and innocent image of their pre-debut track “MY RED FACE,” they now present a powerful warrior-like concept with intense choreography reminiscent of boy groups.
We met MEPC (MIHO, KK, HARA, ANNIKA, ANN, JAILI, SOLMI), who are drawing attention with their “unexpected charm.” From the overwhelming joy of debut to the growing pains of life in a foreign country, they shared their sincere youth diary.
Q. You were formed through online voting. You must have met each other without knowing what the others looked like.
ANN: Because we went through the voting process together, it felt more joyful than awkward when we finally met. We had all been witnesses to each other’s growth.
MIHO: That’s right. Watching each other’s videos online, we even became fans of one another. In a way, we are each other’s successful fans.
Q. The process of growing through the system must not have been easy.
ANN: As a student, I had to balance school and practice. I went to class during the day and filmed evaluation videos all night.
SOLMI: In Tunisia, there were no places to learn singing or dancing, so I had to study alone. Even finding tutorial videos was difficult, but through Girls Universe I could learn vocals, dance, and even producing in a systematic way.
Q. What kind of charm does your debut album First Fragment contain?
MIHO: If “MY RED FACE” was a shy girl, then our title track “Truth Seeker” is an intense warrior. That clear contrast is our main point.
SOLMI: It’s like a palette. From the refreshing intro “MEPC,” to the EDM-driven “First Fragment,” and the sweet piano melody of “Emotional Wave,” it shows our diverse spectrum.
Q. There are many Korean lyrics. Any recording episodes?
ANN: In “Emotional Wave,” there is a lyric that goes “keep getting locked.” The emotion was right, but my pronunciation was wrong, so I recorded it dozens of times. I still remember crying and laughing during that session.
ANNIKA: The intro song “MEPC” was so fast that it felt like practicing a tongue twister.
MIHO: As a Korean member, I sometimes notice cute mistakes like pronouncing “geoul” (mirror) as “goul,” or “silsu” (mistake) as “sushi.” But their effort itself is so lovely.
Q. What was the most touching reaction after your debut?
KK: I couldn’t stand on the first stage of “Truth Seeker” because of health issues. Watching the members perform from the hospital, I cried a lot. When fans commented, “Where is KK? Health comes first,” those words lifted me up again. This promotion feels like my real debut.
SOLMI: A fan described our music video as “one background, two outfits, and one big dream.” That touched my heart because it felt like they understood our sincerity.
Q. Do you have a role model?
JAILI: All seven of us share the same role model, BTS. We want to resemble how they unite the world with sincere emotions and messages.
ANNIKA: My role model is my singing teacher in India, who passed away before I came to Korea. Someday, I want to sing the song they wrote for me on a big stage.
SOLMI: In terms of lifestyle, our CEOs are our role models. They taught us Korean themselves and took care of our safety and character. I want to become someone who gives sincere love to others like they do.
Q. How do you want MEPC to be remembered?
HARA: “MEPC is the wing of my life.” When Nepalese fans tell me, “HARA, you are the pride of Nepal,” I gain so much strength. I want to become an artist worthy of those words.
MIHO: We want to become global artists who give hope and happiness to people all over the world, just as much as the love we receive from fans.
Q. Please introduce each member’s “stan point.”
MIHO: I’m the eldest and an all-rounder who holds the center. Like “SEXY FANCY,” I want to show a free-spirited but confident charm.
SOLMI: “Global energy, Spicy MEPC!” Passion is my weapon, and I bring exotic visuals and tone to the team.
KK: I may look like a cold Ice Queen, but I actually love inclusion and challenge.
HARA: My refreshing high notes and easygoing personality are my strengths.
ANN: Strong rap and storytelling are my weapons. Our team is a wonderful puzzle, and I want to be the piece that connects it emotionally.
ANNIKA: I have a soft but wide vocal range. Even as part of the maknae line, I show “UNSTOPPABLE” energy on stage.
JAILI: I handle rap with powerful diction. I want to be a multi-player who delivers hope and magic to fans.
Reported by News Culture M.J._mj94070777@nc.press
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