Popular YouTuber Friendship-ing, with over 800,000 subscribers, is stepping into the K-pop scene as the leader of a new girl group formed through the web variety show “Today’s Debut Team” (tentative title).
Owol is joined by rapper Mirani (from Show Me the Money 9), dancer Amy (from Street Woman Fighter 2), and former LOONA member Hyunjin. Their debut stage is scheduled for August 18, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation.
At the show’s press conference held on July 16 in Seoul, Friendship-ing revealed, “I was chosen as the leader and I’m also the oldest. I’ve been filming since episode 2 alone, and when I heard we’d be forming a team, I was curious. Our chemistry really shines when we’re together. After this event, I plan to ask QWER for some advice. I’m working hard to debut, and if the reaction is good, I’d love to continue performing.”
Amy boldly claimed, “We’re a unique team, and to be honest, I think we’re even hipper and more exciting than QWER.” Mirani added, “As a K-pop fan, I immediately said yes when I got the offer. I was even asked if I could pull off a bright and pure image—and I said yes to everything. I’m always up for a fun challenge.” Hyunjin emphasized, “The team chemistry is amazing. Please also look forward to our variety show synergy.”
The show is co-produced by Studio USOG and Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, aiming to commemorate the significance of 2025. PD Kang Dong-geol explained, “This project started as a reflection on our freedom today, thanks to the struggles of our ancestors. We thought forming a girl group of such diverse members would be a meaningful challenge in the K-pop scene.”
Though the members had never met before, Kang noted, “They clicked from the first shoot, and their chemistry surprised even the staff.”
In the episode 3 aired on July 18, Friendship-ing finally met her group members: dancer Amy, rapper Mirani, and Hyunjin, a former member of LOONA and ARTMS (formerly Re:LOONA, now under TRIANGLE Enm). Each brings a distinct background in YouTube, dance, hip-hop, and K-pop, creating a diverse and dynamic lineup.
Despite being the youngest in age, Hyunjin asserted her seniority based on idol experience, stating, “In the idol world, debut year matters more than age.” Mirani emphasized that in the hip-hop scene, it’s all about albums worth respecting. Woo Jung-ing humorously shared that YouTubers rank themselves by view counts, while Amy explained that in the dance world, “if you dance and love it, you’re a dancer.”
As the team bonded over dinner, they shared behind-the-scenes stories from their industries — from idol dorm rules and dance practice struggles to how rappers ask for features.
The group’s debut song will be produced by EJAE, known for composing “Golden”, the OST for Netflix’s K-Pop: Demon Hunters. Kang shared, “EJAE, a former SM trainee, resonated with our concept and gladly joined. Despite being based in the U.S., she’s actively collaborating with us remotely.”