Why UNIS’ Gehlee Says TWICE Inspired Her Dream to Become a K-pop Idol

For many K-pop idols, the journey begins as a fan watching another artist on stage. For UNIS member Gehlee, that inspiration came from one of the biggest girl groups in the world: TWICE.

In one of the past interviews with Korean outlet News1, Gehlee opened up about how watching TWICE perform when she was younger made her dream of becoming a K-pop idol herself. As UNIS continues gaining attention globally, fans have been revisiting her story and how a Filipino teenager turned a fan’s dream into reality.

The K-pop Group That Changed Her Life

Gehlee revealed that TWICE was the first K-pop group she truly fell in love with.

She said watching their performances and music videos made her feel happiness and excitement.

Seeing their stages made her think about how powerful music could be. It also made her want to stand on stage one day and bring the same joy to others.

That moment, she said, was when the dream of becoming a K-pop idol first started. TWICE was that spark that made her go for her dream.

UNIS’ Gehlee / News1

From the Philippines to a Korean Survival Show

Born in August 2007 in the Philippines, Gehlee had always been interested in performing.

Before entering the K-pop world, she participated in modeling, acting, and beauty pageants in her home country. However, she said singing had always been her biggest dream and she used to sing a lot.

When she saw the application for the SBS survival program “Universe Ticket,” she decided to take a chance.

At the time, she was only 16 years old and worried about her Korean language skills. She also knew how difficult idol training could be.

Even so, she chose to audition, believing that the experience would help her grow even if she did not debut.

UNIS’ Gehlee / News1

The Journey That Won Fans’ Hearts

During the competition, Gehlee quickly stood out.

One of the biggest challenges she faced was learning choreography. She admitted she had never trained seriously in dance before joining the show.

Memorizing complex routines in a short time was difficult.

However, viewers noticed how much she improved throughout the program. Fellow trainees also helped her practice, something she later said she felt very thankful for.

Her growth story and bright personality made her one of the most memorable contestants.

In the final episode, Gehlee finished second place, earning a spot in the debut lineup of UNIS.

UNIS’ Gehlee / News1

The “Pink Princess” Image Fans Love

Since debuting with UNIS in March 2024, Gehlee has become known among fans for her cheerful and princess-like charm.

She often describes herself as a “Pink Princess.”

According to Gehlee, the nickname began during the survival show. She has always loved pink and sometimes acted playfully like a princess during filming.

Fans embraced the image and even started calling her a “Disney-like princess idol.”

The nickname has now become part of her identity within the group.

UNIS’ Gehlee / News1

The Day She Unexpectedly Saw TWICE

Although Gehlee has not yet performed on the same stage as TWICE, she once experienced a moment she will never forget.

She revealed that she unexpectedly saw the group at the same salon one day.

The encounter was brief, but it meant a lot to her.

She greeted them and left quickly, but afterward she said she was so overwhelmed that she started crying.

For someone who dreamed of K-pop because of TWICE, seeing them in person felt surreal.

UNIS’ Gehlee / News1

UNIS’ Growing Global Attention

UNIS debuted through the survival program “Universe Ticket” and quickly attracted an international fanbase.

The group has remained busy promoting their second mini album “SWICY,” introducing themselves to listeners around the world.

For Gehlee, the journey from a young fan in the Philippines to a K-pop idol performing on global stages still feels unbelievable.

Why Gehlee’s Story Resonates With Fans

Gehlee’s story reflects a bigger shift happening in K-pop.

More groups now include international members as the industry expands globally. These days it’s not that hard actually to find groups with foreign members and all of them tried so hard for their dreams; girls and boys who were once just normal K-pop fans.

For many fans outside Korea, Gehlee represents something deeply relatable.

She was once a fan watching K-pop from far away and dreaming about the stage.

Now she stands on that stage herself, hoping to inspire the next generation of fans in the same way TWICE inspired her.