Fil-Kor Jin Hyeon-ju to debut in K-pop group UNIS after ‘Universe Ticket’ stint

By: Hannah Mallorca - 10 months ago
Jin Hyeon-ju. Images: Courtesy of Universe Ticket

Jin Hyeon-ju. Images: Courtesy of Universe Ticket

Filipina-Korean Jin Hyeon-ju is the final “Universe Ticket” contestant to be confirmed as a member of the upcoming K-pop group UNIS. She joins the Philippines’ own Elisia Parmisano and Gehlee Dangca in the eight-member female unit.

With 496,797 votes, Jin was announced as the eighth member of UNIS during the survival show’s finale on Wednesday night, Jan. 17. The girl group is also composed of South Korea’s Bang Yunha and Japan’s Nana who received the coveted Unicorn Tickets.

Joining them are Lim Seowon (South Korea), Oh Yoona (South Korea) and Kotoko (Japan), although details about their debut are yet to be revealed.

Good Day, ‘The Unit,’ Cignature

“Universe Ticket” is not Jin’s first foray into K-pop. She has been active in the industry since August 2017 when she debuted as a member of the 10-member girl group Good Day. However, the group was active for just two years.

Under the stage name “Lucky,” Jin was the group’s maknae (youngest member), lead dancer and vocalist. She was also part of its sub-unit Good Morning with bandmates Genie, Nayoon, Jiwon and Bomin.

Sometime in 2017, Jin also participated in the survival show “The Unit,” which was meant to give male and female idols a second chance to gain huge popularity. By the end of the show, two groups were formed. She, however, was eliminated in the 13th episode after landing on the 24th rank.

Jin’s second chance arrived with Cignature’s debut in February 2020. The group debuted as a seven-piece act with “Nun Nu Nan Na,” but Sunn and Ye Ah left in April of the following year. They were then replaced by Chloe and Dohee.

This time, Jin promoted as the lead vocalist and lead dancer using the stage name “Belle.” Unfortunately, Cignature didn’t gain a lot of popularity although they are still active in the industry.

Hyeon-ju forges ahead

Armed with her maturity, Jin showed off her vocal and dance abilities with a cover of Chungha’s “Snapping” during the show’s “1 vs 1 Battle.” Her aura alone was proof that she’s not ready to end her K-pop journey anytime soon.

After all, her “Universe Ticket” profile showed that viewers “won’t miss” her throughout the show’s run. And while she eventually lost, it didn’t stop her from proving she had what it takes to continue.

Hyeon-ju’s leadership

Jin’s experience shone throughout the show’s run, with her taking on the leadership role during missions. One of her notable moments was helping her group’s formations, dance moves, and other details when she led her group at the “Revenge Battle.”

“It’s true that I wasn’t as passionate as the other girls. But [my ‘1 vs 1 Battle’] helped me become more passionate about this. It definitely motivated me that I can do more,” she recalled in a backstage interview. This, and her loss ultimately lit up a fire in her—without losing track of how teamwork can also be key to stand out.

Aside from being a leader, Jin stood her ground as a capable performer while allowing her experience to give her the polish she needed. Being in the K-pop scene for years was her needed boost but throughout the show’s run, she realized that she’s capable of being more.

Jin’s “Universe Ticket” run also allowed her to take on different group concepts such as “Fire” by 2NE1, “Whateva” by Forever, and “Beautiful” by Wanna One, just to name a few.

Jin’s versatility

The survival show also became an opportunity for Jin to show her potential as an all-rounder. Her stage presence and dance abilities became her strength in the “Revenge Battle,” but her grace and vocals made her shine in the “Position Battle.”

The Filipina-Korean went on a different route in the “Final New Song Battle” after choosing the girl crush track “Yummy Yum.” Armed with her charisma, she charmed the viewers with her vocals and stability.

Hyeon-ju as UNIS’ final puzzle

Many fans were scared for Jin’s fate in the final episode because she was initially in the 10th rank. As she stepped onstage, there was a certain calmness in her, as if she appeared to accept the results.

But as Jin reached the P-level, the highest in the show, she covered her mouth with tears in her eyes. Her professionalism still spoke for itself as she remained composed while thanking her fans.

By the end of the show, she automatically assumed a leadership role by leading UNIS’ introduction video. Her eyes followed her bandmates while they introduced themselves and took part in the beginning of their speech.

Jin’s position has yet to be confirmed, but it’s clear that she led the group from the beginning. It can also be speculated that her activities with cignature will be on pause for two and a half years as she will promote with UNIS.

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