ODD EYE CIRCLE Turns a New Leaf With Their First Project in 7 Years, Version Up
More than ever, this era of ODD EYE CIRCLE is about reinvention.
We last saw the K-pop trio—who first existed as a subunit of the now defunct girl group LOONA—during the re-issue of their debut project, Mix & Match, which quickly solidified their place as a revered unit amongst their fanbase, Orbits. As years passed, there was no other news of a comeback, leaving fans unsure of ODD EYE CIRCLE's future.
Tension and confusion began to arise surrounding the broader trajectory of the group, but after a hefty legal battle, the 12 members of LOONA won their lawsuit and left their previous management. Earlier this year, CEO of Modhaus and longtime collaborator, Jaden Jeong, announced the women would reunite under a new name, ARTMS, with fan-favorite subunit ODD EYE CIRCLE kicking off the chapter.
On June 12, ODD EYE CIRCLE returned for their long-awaited comeback with Version Up, led by the electric "Air Force One." While the LOONA brand may no longer head their releases, the unique core of ODD EYE CIRCLE remains in their sonic landscape.
Below, ODD EYE CIRCLE sat down with Sweety High to further discuss their new music and what fans can expect under their new journey as ARTMS.
Sweety High: The last time we saw ODD EYE CIRCLE was in 2017 with Max & Match. What about you has changed? What has stayed the same?
JinSoul: As time has passed, we've gained skills from different experiences, mostly ones that are beneficial to our performances. We tried to maintain the identity of ODD EYE CIRCLE our fans have always liked while expanding the range of our music.
(Photo Credit: Modhaus)
SH: What does the title Version Up mean to you, especially during this new chapter of your career as ODD EYE CIRCLE and ARTMS?
Kim Lip: Version Up is our new album in six years. We desperately wanted to meet our fans as ODD EYE CIRCLE, but we didn't expect the hiatus to be this long. Now, we are starting off in a new company with a more mature and upgraded version of ourselves. This is why we called our album Version Up.
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SH: The lead single, "Air Force One," is described as a Jersey Club song. What was your experience like working in a new genre?
Choerry: We put a lot of thought into interpreting this song. Our conclusion was to include each member's unique interpretation. We think the outcome is very satisfying, so now it's up to you to enjoy our song!
SH: ODD EYE CIRCLE was previously represented by a Converse shoe, but now is symbolized by a Nike Air Force One. Can you share more about the significance of an Air Force One in ODD EYE CIRCLE?
JinSoul: The transition from Converse to Nike Air Force One symbolizes a clean slate for us—our new beginning. Plus, Air Force One is also the name of a private jet which reflects our intention to go higher.
SH: What do you believe is the "je ne sais quoi" of ODD EYE CIRCLE?
Kim Lip: Our interesting storyline. Fans love the stories discovered in our songs and music videos.
(Photo Credit: Modhaus)
SH: The tracks from this album were said to have been written "a very long time ago." How has your relationship with a song like "Lucid," which was the first song to be recorded for the album, evolved over the years?
Choerry: When I first started recording "Lucid," I thought it was a nice song to listen to while enjoying your free time or driving. Since it was the first track recorded on our new album, I finished the recording with my heart fluttering.
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SH: Do you have a favorite track from Version Up? Why is it your favorite?
JinSoul: My personal favorite is "Lucid." It's sincerely meaningful to me and our members because the song conveys a message to our fans who have gone through hard times together with us.
SH: What are you most looking forward to as ODD EYE CIRCLE in 2023?
Kim Lip: We just want to make many good memories with our fans. They've been waiting for us for such a long time, and we are happy to present our new album, Version Up, to them.
(Photo Credit: Modhaus)
SH: Anything else you'd like to share?
Choerry: ODD EYE CIRCLE has been on a hiatus for a long time, but we are finally after seven years! We will do our best to show you how we've improved, so please send us lots of love and support.
Curious about our other favorite K-pop stars? Read HERE to see what WEi dished about their latest comeback, Love Pt. 3 : Eternally.