QUEENZ EYE 'Y2K' (2026)

What is Y2K by QUEENZ EYE?

Y2K is the title track and first song on QUEENZ EYE's second mini-album PRISM EP.02, released on May 28, 2026. The track functions as a pop anthem that reinterprets the distinctive emotions and energy of the early 2000s through modern sound production. Members of QUEENZ EYE unanimously selected Y2K as the title track after hearing it for the first time, recognizing its capacity to highlight individual member strengths while capturing the group's collective identity.

The song features production from Sean Cook, who contributed to Billboard Hot 100's longest-running number-one hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," alongside Jason Hahs, known for work with RIIZE, IVE, and NCT Dream. Choreography was developed by Root and Ready, who have previously collaborated with aespa, HEART2HEART, KiiiKiii, and Choi Yena. The track incorporates nostalgic production elements, a highly addictive melody, and witty homage components that reference the millennium era.

Y2K achieved notable chart positions on YouTube, reaching number 15 on YouTube Korea's Daily Popular Music Video Chart on June 8. Additionally, the song ranked number 17 in Korea and number 26 in Japan on YouTube's Daily Shorts Popular Music Chart, demonstrating cross-border appeal through short-form content platforms.

Background and release of Y2K

QUEENZ EYE's second season debut

QUEENZ EYE operated as a reorganized six-member formation following their rebranding as "Season 2," which was announced in July 2025. The group released their first mini-album under this new lineup, PRISM EP.01, on August 7, 2025. This reformation represented a significant shift from their original 2022 debut with "Yummy Yummy", establishing a foundation for subsequent releases.

Selection process for the title track

The members unanimously selected Y2K as the title track for PRISM EP.02 upon first hearing the song. Leader Won Chae stated the track "felt like a song that could clearly highlight each member's individual charm while also strongly capturing our color as a team". This collective decision-making process determined the album's musical direction and promotional focus.

PRISM EP.O2 album details

Big Entertainment announced QUEENZ EYE's collaboration with established producers for their May comeback on April 29, 2026. The promotion schedule for PRISM EP.02 was revealed on May 13, 2026, with the album released on May 28, 2026. The seven-track EP includes Y2K, LBD, THIS IS LOVE in Korean and English versions, plus instrumental and sped-up variations. Production credits list Ah Yoon, Bailey Flores, and Coldweld among the writers, with arrangements by Jason Hahs, Justin Reinstein, and Kim Dong Hwee.

Y2K lyrics and creative direction

The Y2K era concept

The songwriting was handled by Ryan Curtis, Bailey Flores, Sean Cook, Hautboi Rich, McDamon, and a team from 153/Joombas including 엄세정 (Eom Se Jeong), YUZU, 시아 (Si Ah), 구조 (Gujo), Ephy, and Sarah Min. Lyrically, the track incorporates direct millennium references through phrases such as "bring the millennium back," "cassette," "press rewind," and "digital error". The members focused on conveying the song's energetic qualities and capturing the free, joyful mood characteristic of the Y2K era. WONCHAE characterized the composition as "witty and iconic".

Choreography and performance

Root and Ready developed the choreography with significant member input. SEOVIN identified the choreography as her favorite element of the comeback, noting that member ideas were structured to showcase individual charm. The performance approach emphasizes authenticity, with members adjusting facial expressions, gestures, dance expression, and vocal tone to match the song.

Member contributions to the song

Member Ah Yoon participated in the songwriting credits. The group focused collectively on presenting genuine versions of themselves during performances, similar to actors immersing in characters.

Music video and reception

The music video presents QUEENZ EYE's confident and free-spirited characteristics through diverse visuals that modernly reinterpret Y2K aesthetics. Set against vintage street locations and waiting room backdrops, the production features flip phones, digital cameras, and bold accessories as core styling elements. The directorial approach combines these nostalgic props with contemporary cinematography techniques to maximize the song's thematic appeal.

Reception extended beyond traditional music video viewership through short-form content platforms. The addictive melody structure and easy-to-follow point choreography attracted short-form platform users, leading to organic content diffusion across social media. YouTube's Daily Shorts Popular Music Chart, which aggregates the most actively used tracks in short-form content, functions as an indicator of real-time global user engagement.

The simultaneous charting in Korean and Japanese markets demonstrated natural expansion beyond domestic boundaries. Short-form content creators resonated with the track's nostalgic concept and accessible choreography, fueling organic growth across platforms and enabling wider audience reach. The production elements that stimulate nostalgia, combined with witty homage components, received positive listener responses. This multi-platform success validated the song's capacity for global market penetration through user-generated content channels.

FAQs

When did QUEENZ EYE release Y2K?

QUEENZ EYE released Y2K on May 28, 2026, as the title track from their second mini-album PRISM EP.02. Big Entertainment announced the collaboration with established producers on April 29, 2026, followed by the promotion schedule reveal on May 13, 2026. The release marked the group's second project under their Season 2 reformation, following their first mini-album PRISM EP.01 released on August 7, 2025.

Who wrote Y2K by QUEENZ EYE?

The songwriting credits for Y2K include Ryan Curtis, Bailey Flores, Sean Cook, Hautboi Rich, and McDamon. Additionally, a team from 153/Joombas contributed to the writing, comprising 엄세정 (Eom Se Jeong), YUZU, 시아 (Si Ah), 구조 (Gujo), Ephy, and Sarah Min. Member Ah Yoon also participated in the songwriting process. Jason Hahs, Justin Reinstein, and Kim Dong Hwee handled the arrangements, while Sean Cook provided production alongside Jason Hahs. Sean Cook notably contributed to Billboard Hot 100's longest-running number-one hit "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," while Jason Hahs has worked with artists including RIIZE, IVE, and NCT Dream.