tripleS ∞! Talks Loneliness, Anxiety, and Growth with Debut Single ‘Untitled’

tripleS ∞! is the newly formed Japanese subunit of the 24-member K-pop girl group tripleS. In this interview, the debut lineup of the ever-evolving tripleS ∞! shares thoughts on its new journey and the road ahead. Members—JiWoo, ChaeYeon, YooYeon, Kim SooMin, Kotone, Mayu, ShiOn, and ChaeWon—speak about the subtleties of this time in their lives—especially the myriad emotions that define the experience and the limitless potential that awaits them.

“Untitled,” the group’s debut single, sets the tone for its story. When considering the meaning behind the track, the members acknowledge that while youth is sometimes seen as carefree and vibrant, it also comes with the normal ups and downs of experiences. YooYeon states: “I hope those who listen to this song will receive the message through ‘Untitled’ that we have infinite possibilities and that sadness and anxiety are natural, but we can overcome them.” Essentially, the music emphasizes that both sides of the coin add meaning and depth to tripleS ∞!’s journey, empowering the members to take on challenges head-on and emerge stronger.

As the conversation progresses, the girls reveal more about the complex aspects of adolescence and the opportunities that arise from envisioning what they have in common—a promising future as they work to stand out and impact the world. They are mature and show mindfulness through their responses, embracing the experiences they’ve had. “Just like in the music video for ‘Untitled,’ where I am torn over which career I should choose, the same worry happened to me in real life, so I connect to this single personally,” ShiOn elaborates.

tripleS ∞! releases a tangible sense of excitement and resolve, united in the belief that its trajectory, while still in its infancy, is rooted in going places, and there’s no such thing as too much.

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Can you share what inspired the lyrics and concept of your debut single, “Untitled”?

Kotone: We wanted to express the concepts we have been using in Korea during our Japanese promotions. “Untitled conveys the message that you could be anything, that the future is bright, and that there are endless choices. Because of the emotions contained within this single, I felt comforted by our song.

ChaeWon: The teasers for “Untitled” depict the contrasting brightness and darkness, and while shooting them I realized I see two completely different versions of myself – I found that very interesting and new.

What message do you hope people take away from “Untitled,” especially about exploring limitless possibilities?

YooYeon: I hope those who listen to this song will receive the message through “Untitled” that we have infinite possibilities and that sadness and anxiety are natural, but we can overcome them.

The song deals with themes of loneliness and anxiety. How do you relate to these emotions, and how do they influence your music?

JiWoo: In life, we face many different emotions, but loneliness and anxiety seem to be just as present as joy, sadness, and anger. However, I believe that these emotions make me a more multifaceted person, and because I’ve experienced them, I think I have the advantage of creating music that is easier to relate to and share.

ShiOn: Just like in the music video for “Untitled” where I am torn over which career I should choose, the same worry happened to me in real life, so I connect to this single on a personal level. I think it became an opportunity that allowed me to immerse myself more deeply and deliver a sincere performance.

Stepping into the unknown can be daunting. Have you faced any challenges when you prepared to debut this subunit?

ChaeYeon: After hearing “Untitled” for the first time, I worried if I would be able to embody this concept well since it was the first time I was trying out this style. Just as the question, it did feel like I was stepping into an unknown territory. However, this also meant that my world was getting bigger, so I think it was a good thing!

Mayu: For me, it’s the challenge of being a leader. I am not the type of person who always takes the lead and gives instructions, but since the fans chose me as a leader, and although I did feel anxious about this role, I gave my best to meet their expectations.

Can you walk us through the creative process for “Untitled”? Please share a TMI from the recording of the song or filming the music video.

JiWoo: There are many scenes in the music video where we are running, and to execute them well and match the feelings of “Untitled,” the director told us to run while imagining that something terrifying is chasing us. I think it helped us to act out the emotions conveyed in the song!

SooMin: One of the most memorable things about the process is asking Mayu and Kotone about not only Japanese pronunciation, which I didn’t know well but also about the nuances and meaning of the lyrics of the song!

Each of you brings a unique personality to the group. How do you balance your individual identities with the collective identity of tripleS ∞!? What distinguishes you and your sound?

YooYeon: I worked hard with the mindset of showing something unique that only I can do in every part of the song to express my identity and individuality. Creating my signature moves, like winks or arrow poses, also became a way to achieve this.

ShiOn: We have a saying “We’re one but also 24,” and I think it perfectly captures the way we balance our individuality and the group’s collective identity. We know our personal charms and attributes, but while promoting as a group we think of it as one organism.

How has the dynamic within tripleS ∞! changed in the months since you first started working on this subunit and now, after debuting?

ChaeYeon: I feel like the boundaries of our musicality and the unique color of tripleS have broadened with this unit. Since we come back with various units, we constantly leave a new impression on the public each time. I think it’ll make people think ‘tripleS is trying this (kind of music) too.’

ChaeWon: At first, the song was fast, so it was difficult to memorize the choreography, but once I got used to it, I was able to highlight various points and show my unique style.

Given that tripleS ∞! is a Japanese act, how would you approach blending cultural elements in a way that resonates with both Japanese and international audiences?

SooMin: I think that our biggest advantage as a large-member multinational group is the ability to relate to many people. I believe that, like tripleS, who shows harmony despite coming from different environments and thus having diverse perspectives, with our music, we can create a sense of connection with many audiences and bring them joy and strength.

With the title “Untitled” suggesting an open-ended journey, what are your hopes and aspirations for the future as a group and as individuals?

Mayu: My neverending goal as a group and individually is to get to know more people and to become a person who brings happiness and strength to somebody while sharing more music and performances!

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who may be facing their fears and uncertainties as they pursue their dreams?

YooYeon: I am also someone who is still chasing my dreams and I am scared and uncertain, but let’s run towards our dreams together!

Kotone: Even after becoming an idol, I continue to dream a lot and run towards achieving my dreams. Because of my personality, I can’t give up until I achieve something, so I hope that you all won’t give up and never miss any opportunity that comes your way.

“I think that our biggest advantage as a large-member multinational group is the ability to relate to many people.”

SooMin