[Photo &] Secret Returns After 12 Years, Yebin Joins as New Member for 3-Piece Comeback Interview

A comeback that breaks 12 years of silence, a K-pop legend remade as a trio

K-pop sensation girl group 'Secret' made a dazzling return after a long hiatus of as many as 12 years. Original member 'Hyoseong Jeon' and 'Zinger', joined by new member 'Yebin', a new addition with solid skills, opened a fresh chapter for the group in a three-member lineup.

In an interview held at RBW’s office in Gwangjin District, Seoul, on the 9th, they said, "A comeback decision required an enormous amount of courage." Even amid fears that public attention may have drifted away, they came together again driven by nothing but a longing for 'the stage'. They added, "We went through an intense preparation process with the mindset of a rookie making our debut."

Secret released its special mini album 'Secret Flavor' on the 18th of last month. It was the first time since 2014 that the group brought out a release under the Secret name—after 12 years. Born out of leader Hyoseong Jeon’s strong determination, the album features a total of eight tracks, led by the title song 'Ice Cream (ICE CREAM)', along with remake versions of the mega hit songs 'Madonna' and 'Shy Boy', as it targets both public nostalgia and current trends head-on.

Leader’s resolve and sense of responsibility, a lasting path beyond one-off appearances

Hyoseong Jeon said she worried about the cold looks from the public that would come with the reshuffling of the group, but she expressed relief at the surge of praise after the overwhelming vocal skills of the new member, Yebin, were revealed. He said, "This comeback is absolutely not just a cash-in on memories, or a 'one-time event'. Going forward, we will carry the weight of the name Secret and pursue continuous activities," laying out a firm commitment.

Breaking away from the team’s past mechanical way of handling schedules, this album saw members take the lead from the planning stage, achieving musical growth along the way. Hyoseong Jeon emphasized, "Beyond outcome-based indicators like our performance on music charts, I feel an endless 'pride' just knowing that our music has shone again back into the world."

A time of endurance with the fandom, and sincerity proven through tears

Original member Zinger could not hide her deep emotion toward the fandom that quietly stayed by the group for an endless span of 12 years. With her eyes reddened, she confessed, "The group’s long hiatus was exactly the same as the blank space in my own life." She said she cried countless times amid the fears that swept over her during the process of preparing for the comeback, but the unwavering support the fans sent her and 'encouragement' became a powerful driving force that lifted her back up.

Since debuting in 2009, they have poured out hits that shaped the era, including 'Magic', 'Madonna', and 'Star Light, Star Light'. Looking back on the past, they said, "Secret is an icon that stands for our own youth—and the 'youth' of fans who have lived alongside the same era," showing a distinct attachment.

From 'Secret Kids' to an official member, a new bloodline that carries the group’s identity

New member Yebin, personally discovered by Hyoseong Jeon, is a performer with proven skills who has already imprinted her solid vocal ability on the public through JTBC audition program 'Girls on Fire'. Calling herself 'Secret Kids', he spoke of the heavy sense of responsibility for getting to stand shoulder to shoulder with legendary senior artists.

Yebin said, "I will prove with my skills that the seniors’ excellent judgment was right," and revealed that she put in her best efforts to avoid harming the group’s 'identity', including fully re-recording even the back-up chorus parts in order to preserve the unique colors that existing Secret already has.

Secret’s return to mainstream appeal and an unceasing journey toward a solo concert

Secret members, now reborn as a complete trio, agreed in one voice that they will point to 'mainstream appeal' as their musical weapon. "The essence of our music is that it has a kind of magic that naturally makes you feel like you’re getting into the groove the moment you listen," they said with confidence. With ongoing activities, they set their final goal as holding a 'solo concert'. After 12 years of waiting, Secret’s new history has just begun its grand prelude.