El7z Up (; stylized in all caps or formally as EL7Z U+P) is a South Korean female supergroup project formed through the Mnet reality competition show Queendom Puzzle. The group is managed by Apple Monster and DG Entertainment, and consists of seven members: Kei from Lovelyz, Yeeun from CLC, Yeoreum from WJSN, Yeonhee from Rocket Punch, Nana from Wooah, Hwiseo from H1-Key, and Yuki from Purple Kiss. They debuted on September 14, 2023, with the extended play (EP) 7+Up.
Name
The group's name, El7z Up, is the word "Puzzle" spelled backwards, with the number "7" representing the number of members in the group and replacing one of the "z". The name represents "the best seven members the audience 'puzzled' out".
History Pre-debut: Background and formation through Queendom Puzzle
All members of El7z Up have previously made their debuts in other girl groups. Kei debuted as a member of Lovelyz in 2014, Yeeun debuted as a member of CLC in 2015, both of whom also debuted as soloists in 2019 and 2023 respectively. Yeoreum debuted as a member of WJSN in 2016 and as a member of WJSN's first subunit WJSN Chocome in 2020. Yeonhee debuted as a member of Rocket Punch in 2019. Nana and Yuki debuted as a member of Wooah and Purple Kiss respectively in 2020. Hwiseo debuted as a member of H1-Key in 2022.
El7z Up was formed through the reality competition show Queendom Puzzle, which aired from June 13 to August 15, 2023. The show brought together twenty-eight active female idols to form a supergroup consisting of seven members. On July 25, during the seventh episode, the name of the group was revealed. During the finale, the final seven members of the group were announced, along with the aim of a September debut later that year.
Before appearing on the show, Kei participated in the first season of the show's legacy series Queendom as part of her group Lovelyz. Yeoreum also participated in the second season as part of her group WJSN, where they finished in first place.
2023–present: Debut with 7+Up, and 2023 MAMA Awards On September 14, 2023, El7z Up made their debut with the EP 7+Up, along with its lead single "Cheeky". The group held their first concert in Japan titled "Piece Up", taking place in Saitama at on October 22, in Osaka at Grand Cube Osaka on October 24, and in Tokyo at Tachikawa Stage Garden on November 26. On November 29, El7z Up appeared and performed at the 2023 MAMA Awards.
On December 5, 2023, it was reported that El7z Up will be releasing a new album in early 2024. Subsequent reports on February 26, 2024, indicated release date set in May. The group was also scheduled to perform a new song from the album at KCON Japan 2024. However, both their appearance at KCON and the album release were ultimately cancelled. By October 2024, there had yet to be any plan for further group activity.
Members
Kei () – from Lovelyz Yeeun () – from CLC Yeoreum () – leader; from WJSN Yeonhee () – from Rocket Punch Nana () – from Woo!ah! Hwiseo () – from H1-Key Yuki () – from Purple Kiss
Discography Extended plays + List of extended plays, showing selected details, selected chart positions, and sales figures Title Details Peak chart positions Sales KORPeak chart positions on the Circle Album Chart: JPNDig. 7+Up Released: September 14, 2023 Labels: Apple Monster, DG Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download, streaming 11 46 KOR: 46,867Cumulative sales for 7+Up:
JPN: 85
Singles + List of singles, showing year released, selected chart positions, and name of the album Title Year Peak chart positions Album KORDLPeak chart positions on the Circle Download Chart: "Cheeky" 2023 48 7+Up
Other charted songs + List of songs, showing year released, selected chart positions, and name of the album Title Year Peak chart positions Album KOR DL "Die for You" 2023 167 7+Up "Undercover" 181 "Hideaway" 183 "Cloud 9" 196
Videography Music videos + List of songs, showing year released, and directors Title Year Director(s) "Cheeky" 2023
Filmography Reality shows Year Title Notes 2023 Queendom Puzzle Reality competition show that determined the members of El7z Up El7z Up&Go
Concerts and tours + El7z Up Japan 1st Fan Concert 'Piece Up' Date City Country Venue October 22, 2023 Saitama Japan October 24, 2023 Osaka Grand Cube Osaka November 26, 2023 Tokyo Tachikawa Stage Garden
Awards and nominations + Name of the award ceremony, year presented, award category, nominee(s) and the result of the award Award ceremony Year Category Nominee/work Result Asian Pop Music Awards 2023 Best New Artist (Overseas) 7+Up MAMA Awards 2023 Artist of the Year El7z Up Best New Female Artist Album of the Year 7+Up Seoul Music Awards 2023 Rookie of the Year El7z Up
Notes
References