[Exclusive] Filipina Pageant Queen Gehlee: "I Always Competed Against Myself"

"I focused on myself more than on beating anyone else."

That is how K-pop group UNIS member Gehlee Dangca described her mindset in beauty pageants and later on the survival show "Universe Ticket." In an interview at F&F Entertainment's headquarters in Nonhyeon-dong, Seoul, on Sept. 22, she spoke about how those experiences carried into her time with UNIS.

Both competitions gave her only a short time to show what she could do. Gehlee said she concentrated on herself instead of comparing herself with other contestants. Her confidence stood out to the other members as well.

"Gehlee's greatest strength, even back on ‘Universe Ticket,' was her confidence," Hyeonju said. "She doesn't show any sign of worrying about mistakes before going on stage. Even if she were crying, she could wipe her eyes and step onstage looking like a completely different person."

UNIS gave Gehlee more time to get to know the seven other members. "I used to be quite introverted around them," she said. "Living together and sharing so many experiences taught me how to get along with other people. I became more comfortable with the members, and I think I've grown a lot."

The group's recent remake single "Sky Land, Star Land" reached No. 1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart in the Philippines shortly after its release. For Gehlee, who is Filipino, the response from home was especially meaningful. "At first, I think many people supported us because we had Filipino members," she said. "As they got to know UNIS, they came to love the other members too. I'm proud that there's a ‘UNIS boom' in the Philippines."

Her parents have their own way of showing their support. "They go out wearing T-shirts with my face on them," Gehlee said, laughing. "It's a little embarrassing, but it moves me."

UNIS announced the end of the members' exclusive contracts on the afternoon of Sept. 22, the day of the interview. Gehlee told fans, "Thank you so much for the love and support you've given us over these two years. EverAfter gave us the strength to keep showing you better versions of ourselves. I hope we could be a source of strength and comfort for you too. I love you, and please take care of yourselves."

UNIS released its goodbye single "Milky Way" at 6 p.m. KST on Sept. 23. It is the group's final song for the fans who have supported the eight members throughout their time together.