When girl group GFriend parted ways with their label Source Music in 2021, all six members knew that it wasn't the end.
The sextet, with members Yerin, Eunha, Yuju, Sowon, SinB, and Umji, revealed in an interview with Star Today they knew that fate would bring them back together, one way or another.
The members were cohesive in their agreement that they've always wanted to return as a full group, a dream that has been realized in time for their tenth anniversary.
GFriend announced their reunion in September, with their special album Season of Memories released on January 13.
"We're happy that we've become a group that has received so much love for such a long time," the group said in a written statement released through Source Music.
"We're grateful that we get to commemorate the meaningful milestone of our 10th debut anniversary with a special album and various projects."
Throughout their separation as a group, GFriend revealed that there was never a moment where they'd stopped thinking about returning as one.
"Whenever we met, we naturally talked about our 10th anniversary and had confidence that we would gather again someday. We particularly wanted to do so on the occasion of our 10th anniversary," the members said in an interview with Star Today.
"It was possible because all six members had strong determination and trusted each other. We're proud of the members who made the concert and tenth debut anniversary project a reality when it was just a vague idea before."
Following the release of their special album, GFriend will embark on an Asia tour spanning Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, with stops in Osaka, Yokohama, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, and Taipei in March after three days of concerts in Seoul from Friday to Sunday.
The members reflected on their time apart and what it was like to work with each other once again after a four-year hiatus.
"All the members' voices seem to have deepened and grown. Now, everyone has found their own color. However, when practicing the new song, it was impressive to see them trying to blend well as a team rather than showing off their individuality. Perhaps that's why the harmony of six voices still feels just as good even after all this time," Yerin said.
Though the reconciliation journey came with a few roadblocks, they were able to forge ahead.
"At the end of the year and on January 1st, we practiced together in Japan to attend an award ceremony. When I got it wrong while practicing, I coolly acknowledged each other's mistakes and focused on getting it together," Yerin said.
"It's been a while since the six of us learned a new choreography, so it was fun. The members complimented me for memorizing the dance quickly," Eunha added.
"We've felt and learned new emotions through various experiences. So, it seems the range we can use to express (our feelings) has broadened ... What hasn't changed is that we always focus on the fundamentals," Yuju chimed in.
SinB, however, said that time apart from her members gave her a new perspective on idolhood.
"My attitude toward work seems to have matured. I've become more assertive than before. What I haven't changed until now is that I always watch and study our practice videos to ensure I don't fall below the standards we've set for ourselves," she said.
The sextet stressed that at the end of the day, what really matters is bringing joy to the fans who've waited for them all these years.
"I want us to be remembered like youth that shine without fading. And I want us to remain as a group that's like a friend who brings comfort whenever you turn your head as if we're always right there beside you," Yuju said.
