Photo credit: MZMC.

There’s nothing subtle about VVS’s debut — and that’s the point.

From the moment they emerged under a small-but-stubborn label, the rookie girl group made it clear they weren’t here to blend in. With D.I.M.M., VVS – Brittney, Ilee, Rana, Jiu, Liwon – introduce themselves through a haze of chopped-and-screwed vocals, glossy aggression, and cinematic flair. But beneath the swagger lies something sharper: a debut threaded with intention, cultural memory, and an unapologetic hunger for visibility.

With the title track “D.I.M.M.” referencing Southern hip-hop icon DJ Screw and packing layers of double entendre into its title, the group align themselves with a lineage of genre-bending rebellion. Each member interprets the track through a different lens — from metaphorical grills to literal rumours — but together, they circle a common thesis: they are the diamonds, imperfect and human, but undeniably built to shine. 

Beyond sonic muscle, VVS weave their identity through visual language, pulling from action cinema, game aesthetics, and guerrilla-styled concept trailers that foreground movement and individuality. That same individuality charges through “PURRFECT,” a chaotic, combat-coded B-side where each member fights for screen space with the verve of a final boss. Their choreography, crafted by legends like Vata and Simeez, carries the same kinetic energy as their verses: precise, punchy, and always in motion.

And yet, amid all the noise, VVS leaves room for mystery. The interlude “New Phone” introduces a sixth voice — Lena — an unrevealed member whose presence is hinted at but never fully explained. It’s a fitting metaphor for a group that understands the power of buildup, of narrative, of making fans wait just long enough to want more.

In celebration of their debut, we caught up with the rising newcomers to talk D.I.M.M., navigating their dynamic as a team, and the anticipation building around Lena’s official arrival.

Your debut concept leans heavily into grit, glamour, and high-impact visuals. How did you personally interpret the phrase “Diamonds In My Mouth” during the creative process, and what does it mean to you now that the EP is out?

Brittney: I feel like the phrase “Diamonds In My Mouth” best represents our hip-hop side but also references the idea that we, VVS, are the diamonds that hopefully people are talking about in the future. Diamonds (VVS) in my mouth is a first person perspective! Furthermore, the phrase expresses a shine and confidence which we intend to work towards in the future. As this is our first EP, we hope to build up from this point and I believe that D.I.M.M has set a great standard for our fans to expect going forward.

Ilee: If you translate "Diamonds in my mouth" literally, it means diamonds in my mouth! Ha! I interpreted this phrase as an image that represents our team VVS, and a message that we fully embody that identity — diamonds ready to be discovered. Having them in our mouths could refer to the shiny grills on our teeth, or it could just be a cool way of saying that we are the diamonds. I still think of it that way. Since this is our very first EP where we’re showing ourselves to the world, I think it turned out well, really highlighting our identity — the shine, polish, and also imperfections of a VVS diamond.

Rana: We’re VVS = diamonds, right? I think when a lot of people talk about us, spread rumors, or we become the center of attention — that too can be expressed as “Diamonds in my mouth.” I hope that through this EP, many people get to know us, become interested in us, and start talking about us more! Some might be good conversation, some might be criticism, but they have diamonds in their mouth! Ha! 

Jiu: I think “Diamonds in my mouth” represents us — VVS. I interpreted it as meaning that our very existence is precious and radiant, but still with imperfections that you can see if you look closely. This makes us more than diamonds, it makes us human. The idea that diamonds show every time we open our mouths feels like it expresses confidence and boldness - just like our EP!. 

Liwon: At first, I only understood “Diamonds in my mouth” as literally having diamonds inside the mouth and didn’t quite grasp the exact meaning. But I think I came to understand it better through our performances and filming the music video that it represents a confidence and shine that draws people's attention. If you watch the MV, you’ll see a scene treating the inside of the mouth, and of course, our grills appear too! I think those visuals helped me understand more deeply. When our first EP was released to the world, I was also curious about how people would interpret our songs! I wonder what our fans think?

The title track ‘D.I.M.M.’ references your roots as a small-label group and pays tribute to classic Hip-Hop. How do you balance honouring the past while forging your own space in K-pop’s future?

B: Although we are a small company, we founded VVS with a strong desire to pursue originality and experimentation, at least when it comes to music. Our goal is to clearly expand the genres of R&B and hip-hop within K-pop and solidify them as integral elements of this world, specifically in the girl group sub-genre. We aren’t the first artists to forge this path, but we hope to continue contributing to its expansion. As K-pop artists, we want to carve out a unique and authentic identity that doesn't just follow trends, but rather contributes to the genre with a distinct voice and sound. Also, paying tribute to DJ Screw for his originality was important because without him, our color could not shine as brightly!

I: First of all, I believe that while there's no "right answer" in art, there is such a thing as originality. In that sense, I wanted to express deep respect and gratitude to those who pioneered hip-hop, those who brought it into the mainstream, and those who continue to innovate within it. That’s why we paid tribute to DJ Screw—who created the "Chopped and Screwed" hip-hop technique—in the chorus of “D.I.M.M.” It would bring me immense joy if we could continue honoring the original legends while developing our own unique style in hip-hop. I’m still in the process of finding my place, so I may not be balanced yet, but I truly hope to one day become someone others look up to, just like I respect those before me.

R: Since I was young, I’ve always loved hip-hop and grew up with it, especially through hip-hop dance. So I really respect everyone who has contributed to the culture and loves the genre. I think “D.I.M.M.” is a track that perfectly showcases both sides of us: the feminine and elegant image that resembles a diamond, and the confident, powerful side expressed through hip-hop-style rap and dance.

J: Even though our company is small, we’ve been working hard to create something unique. I think that’s why people might associate us with classic hip-hop. But to resonate with today’s K-pop listeners, we didn’t just stick to an old-school sound—instead, we mixed the classic essence with modern structures and performances. I believe we tried to combine the weight and depth of old-school hip-hop with the polish and style of current K-pop. In the end, we expressed what we love and believe in our own colors. I hope that sincerity really comes through to the listeners.

L: Our homage to classic hip-hop isn’t just about mimicking a style—it’s about capturing and conveying the depth and authenticity within it. Even within the framework and emotion of modern K-pop, I want to carve out a space that’s uniquely mine.

The debut trailer series introduced each member through action animation and cinematic storytelling. If each of you had to pick a film genre to represent your on-stage persona, what would it be and why?

B: If I had to pick a film genre to represent my on-stage persona it would be adventure and drama. I tend to be more expressive on stage which mirrors my adventurous side. Also, my onstage persona differs as if it were a plot twist in a drama film! 

I: In the trailer, I looked like a soldier from a war movie, but if I think about my charm and image on stage, I’d say it’s a mix between drama and mystery. My gaze can sometimes be mysterious, but the energy I express feels dramatic — that’s probably why I chose those two genres.

R: In the trailer, I did a lot of action scenes. Since I’m the main dancer, I think I’m the one who moves most dynamically and powerfully on stage. So, I’ll choose action as my genre!

J: In the trailer, I wasn’t doing action but playing a role that handles AI technology. I think the genre would be something cyber-related. The video might give off a cold and precise image, but on stage, I think I show a side that connects emotionally with the audience like an emotional drama.

L: My role was acting as a student and I did some cool action scenes. If you watch my trailer, you’ll see a “crazy student” kind of vibe along with some emotional aspects. With my fierce gaze and kicks, it gave off the feeling of an action movie or thriller — I think people watching it might feel that it’s really cool, just like many Korean and Japanese thriller films from the past.

‘PURRFECT’ blends a video game-inspired energy with fierce choreography. How did you approach capturing that fighting spirit in both the vocals and movement?

B: If you look at our choreography for “Purrfect,” you can see that the choreo is built very powerfully and full of kinetic energy. Even though there are a lot of switches between the members vocally and through performances, it shows our individual charms in the best way. When we were recording “Purrfect,” we actually had so much fun and I remember actually shouting some of the ad libs to give more of the powerful fighting spirit vibes to the song. 

I: First, in terms of vocals, we all gave it our all in the recording booth to capture that intense energy. Just like how there are various characters in a video game, each of us brought out our own unique personality to express our vocals in a fresh and diverse way. For the performance, we wanted to fully bring out the choreography that fills the entire song from start to finish. So we worked hard to fine-tune all the details and used different training methods to make sure our individual images stood out even during fast-changing parts.

R: To express the intense energy of “Purrfect”, I poured all my energy into the recording! And when I first saw the choreography for “Purrfect”, I immediately felt the incredible power that matched the song. So when we performed it, we practiced hard to make sure that same powerful energy could be felt by the audience. Also, like five characters dancing inside a game, we worked on perfecting our details and timing through practice.

J: When recording “Purrfect”, I focused on keeping a strong and sharp vocal tone. For the performance, I put as much energy as possible into each move of the choreography. I tried hard to make sure the power could be felt by the audience too. I think I stayed focused by imagining something like the Street Fighter game.

L: At first, “Purrfect” was inspired by game sounds and Street Fighter-style effects, but I didn’t really understand that vibe or the song very well at the beginning. After I looked up more information about Street Fighter, I started to understand the concept better, and it became much easier to express the performance and vocals. Street Fighter is such a beloved game and everyone who plays the game has their favorite character - I hope in the same way, fans can enjoy all the VVS members for our different skills and talents. 

The EP features an interlude performed by someone only known as Lena. What was the intention behind including this mysterious voice in your debut and should fans expect more from her in future releases?

B: The interlude was a great introduction of our newest member Lena. The intention behind the mysterious voice was to just show that even though she wasn't part of our debut from the very start, she was still a part of VVS when filming the videos and during the creation of our album. I hope the fans can wait patiently until she is fully revealed since we hope to show the fans more things in the future as 6. 

I: ‘New Phone Interlude’ is a track that announces Lena’s arrival. As she’s about to join VVS as a new member, we included her voice as a small teaser. Please look forward to it!

R: I don’t think anyone expected that VVS would have a new member! Lena had already made small appearances, like in the TEA music video, hinting at her presence. Now that her voice has been revealed with this album release, I hope everyone gets excited for her official debut!

J: I think Lena’s interlude at the end marks the beginning of our next chapter. Not everything has been revealed yet, but I hope you’re all looking forward to her appearance in the future!

L: Lena’s voice appears at the very end of our D.I.M.M. music video. It was like a surprise for our fans — her first track being revealed as our new member! Please continue to show her lots of love and support!

Working with choreographers like Vata and Simeez brings a high-level performance expectation. What was the most challenging moment in dance training, and the most rewarding?

B: I had so much respect for Vata and Simeez even before we got to work with them. I was first surprised we were able to work with them since they are very highly known in Korea. The most challenging moment was that our D.I.M.M  choreography contains a lot of parts with hand gestures, so it was very difficult to come up with the best gestures that can be impactful onstage and on camera but also not feel too outside the original choreography. The most rewarding part was when I first saw our music video. I was thrilled and overwhelmed with excitement with the result of our music video. I love it! 

I: They were choreographers I’ve always respected and liked, and since they gave us such amazing choreography, I did feel a bit of pressure to express it better — there were some challenges, but it was always fun, so it honestly wasn’t too hard for me! The performance of “D.I.M.M.” during our debut showcase really stands out in my memory. I remember feeling a rush of excitement because I was fully enjoying the stage and it was the first time we ever performed the song live, other than in our small dance hall in our company. 

R: First of all, when I heard that Vata and Simeez — who we always watched and admired — personally created our choreography, I was so happy and excited! Since D.I.M.M. is a relatively long song compared to others, they gave us choreography that’s impossible to look away from from start to finish. That made me determined to do justice to it, so I practiced really hard. Each member has clearly defined parts in D.I.M.M, so I remember spending a lot of time thinking about how to show off my own unique charm during my part.

J: When I first found out that choreographers Vata and Simeez had created our choreography, I was truly honored. When we first received the choreography, I thought it was really unique and fun, and I immediately wanted to start practicing it. The hardest part for me was not just sticking to the set moves, but expressing them with my own vibe and personality — that part was challenging. I remember all of us thinking a lot about how to do that together.

L: It was such an honor that the incredibly famous and cool choreographers Vata and Simeez created our choreography! Maybe because such amazing people made it, the quality was just incredible! From my point of view, the hardest thing was bringing out the feeling of the moves — I worried, “Can I really pull off such cool choreography?” But Vata taught us so well, I was able to do it. After that, seeing the results in the dance practice videos and on the showcase stage made me feel really proud!

Your sound pulls heavily from Hip-Hop and R&B. Are there any global artists outside the K-pop space who influenced your performance style or vocal delivery during this debut?

B: One artist that I’m influenced by vocally is Nicki Minaj. I always had trouble finding my own voice and expressing myself vocally during my trainee days. However, after I listened to her rap and performed a cover of her rap during the evaluations, I got a lot of inspiration from it which made me improve from that point on. The artist that influenced me in my performance style is Tinashe. I have loved her since I was young and I grew up watching her performance videos. She has this enchanting charisma and aura when she performs on stage which catches attention. I really want to thank all the artists that influenced us because without them, VVS would not exist in its current form. 

I: When it comes to performance style, I’ve always admired and loved Tyla! I think I’ve been really influenced by her sexy yet dreamy vibe, which I try to study and incorporate into my own performance. Vocally, I’ve been greatly inspired by Nicki Minaj. Her strong and diverse rap style, full of character, helped me grow a lot.

R: I think I’ve been really influenced by Chris Brown in terms of performance! The way he steps on stage and completely owns the space, performing so freely and enjoying himself — I think that’s incredibly cool. And when it comes to rap, I studied Nicki Minaj’s expressive techniques and her ability to use so many different tones while rapping.

J: I’ve been greatly influenced by Rihanna. Vocally, I referenced her vibe and powerful singing style by listening to many of her songs. For performance, I watched Beyonce’s music videos and clips, practiced mimicking her gestures and poses, and trained in those aspects.

L: I’ve also been deeply influenced by Bjrnck. She was our teacher for vocals and also contributes a lot to our demos as well. Since she is also an artist herself, she taught us how to be more professional when it comes to singing. I grew so much learning her vibes and drawing inspiration from her. While preparing for this album, I always listened to Bjrnck’s version of the demo before recording — that helped me absorb her energy and vibe, and I was able to complete my recordings successfully!

You’ve already hit millions of views. But beyond numbers, what do you most want people to feel when they first encounter VVS?

B: I hope the people can look at us and feel fresh and unique when they first see us. As time passes and people know us better we hope to be known as authentic and confident. My CEO always stresses that numbers are important, but being proud of your work and knowing you put 100% effort into what you’re doing, is much more important. Of course we are happy and thankful to see the views rise, but we are just so proud of our album and that’s enough for us.  

I: When people first see us, I hope their reaction is something like, “Oh? Who are they?” — that kind of freshness and impact. But I don’t want it to stop at just being unusual. I’d be so happy if people saw us as uniquely good — the kind of artists they want to keep watching and learning more about.

R: I hope people keep getting more and more curious about us and end up watching us naturally! We’re preparing to show even more diverse concepts, songs, and styles, so I really hope people will continue to stay interested in us for a long time.

J: When the public first experiences our music and videos, I hope they feel like there’s something different about us — and that they eventually get drawn in not just by our performances but by our story and energy too. Of course, high numbers are great, but more than anything, I want us to stay in people’s memories for a long time.

L: When people see our group VVS for the first time, I want them to be curious, like, “VVS? What kind of group is VVS?” — and then fall in love with our charm. And I think if you watch each of our individual trailers and music videos, you’ll get it right away: “Wow, VVS is good at action acting and everything else too.” But not just that — through “Fact$”, I think people will realize we also have a cute and totally different side, and I hope everyone falls for all the diverse charms of VVS!

The group’s name refers to a diamond clarity grade, which fits the sharp visuals and confident delivery. But diamonds are also formed under pressure. What has been your toughest moment so far as a team, and how did you get through it?

B: As a team, I personally think we have great synergy and teamwork which really helped us bond together and get through it. I think one of the toughest moments was when we were just waiting for our debut and anxious for VVS to be revealed. We spent so much time talking about what it will be like debuting and the potential future we might have. We even had to delay our debut from October 2024 to April 2025, so the waiting and anticipation was stressful. But we’re finally here! 

I: This might sound a bit random or even funny, but we really do have a great relationship among the members. Because of that, whenever we go through tough times, we always share and rely on each other — I think that’s how we’ve been able to overcome things! At first, I was a bit worried since some of the members hadn’t trained together for a long time, so building team synergy might’ve been difficult. But we actually built that synergy faster than I expected, and I think that really helped us throughout all of VVS’s training and preparation.

R: When we went to Japan to shoot our first music video, I think that was the hardest physically — we barely got any sleep and were filming nonstop. Even though it was super tough, whenever we had even a little bit of free time, we gathered together to talk and compliment each other. That kind of time really helped me a lot!

J:  Everyone comes from different environments and has different styles, so becoming one team is definitely not easy. But I think we built a genuine bond through mutual understanding, and that gave me a lot of strength. Instead of focusing just on ourselves as individuals, we prioritized the team — and I think that’s how we created the VVS you see now. I believe that kind of strong synergy is one of our biggest strengths. I’m always so thankful to the members.

L: To be honest, I don’t really think of things as “hard” — I always try to overcome them. Of course, there were difficult moments, but thanks to my team members, I was able to get through those days and always felt happy and had fun. When I’m going through something tough, being with someone helps me forget the hardship — and the fact that “someone” is my team makes me even happier!

You debuted with a highly stylised, global-facing rollout. How do you hope to challenge or redefine what people expect from K-pop girl groups today?

B: We are just very thankful to be part of the Kpop community and respect all the artists who contributed in making Kpop global – we envision ourselves to hopefully be a big part of the future generation that can offer something of our own to this community. Our company always stresses to appreciate those who came before us, but also just “do us”. Some people might like it, some people might not - but if we are authentic with who we are, we should always be proud of that. 

I: I hope people start to recognize that many K-pop girl groups, beyond just putting on visually appealing performances, are also genuinely trying to make music. Beauty and visual aesthetics are something to be admired, but I love how this new generation of Kpop performers are so fierce and strong and powerful! I’d be so grateful if people could look forward to that aspect as well, not just for VVS but for all the great artists in the industry doing their own thing! We’ve just debuted and still have a long way to go, but we’ll keep working to clearly show what we want to express and build ourselves up stronger. Please keep watching us!

R: At first, whether it’s the music, the concept, the visuals, or the styling—I'd love for even one more person to notice our charm. It hasn’t been long since we debuted, but we’re going to work really hard so that people can feel our appeal in every area. Like a diamond, we’ll shine from every angle. Please continue to support us and look forward to what’s coming!

J: There are high expectations when it comes to K-pop, right? Within that, instead of chasing “perfection,” we wanted to focus on showing our real selves. On stage, we want to appear stylish and trendy, but through our music and message, we hope to show something more honest and full of personality. I hope many people come to see us as a unique and captivating group. Thank you!

L: Each member of our group VVS has their own unique charm. Once you get to know VVS, you won’t be able to stop falling for us. Every one of us is attractive in our own way, and we have so many great songs too. Please give VVS lots of love and interest!

D.I.M.M. by VVS is out now via MZMC.