Everglow made a much-awaited comeback on Friday with its new album for the first time in almost two years, calling on “All My Girls” to join the girl group’s attempt to break free of being molded into what society calls a ‘good girl.’

“This album is a message to everyone who has lost themselves trying to fit the definition of a ‘good girl,’ and is also a message to ourselves,” leader Sihyeon told the local press in a showcase held at the Yes24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul to celebrate the EP on Friday.

“It’s about us as Everglow paving our own path and the pioneering narrative that we are pursuing. We’ve prepared so hard for this so we hope you enjoy the songs.”

Three-track eP “All My Girls” comes a year and eight months after the girl group's third EP “Return of the Girl” released in December 2021. With its lead track “Slay,” Everglow aims to “break all the rules” and take all girls “to the top of the world” — according to the lyrics — in the powerful electronic pop dance track that will “speak for the woman and the era.”

The members refrained from explaining the details behind the belated comeback but promised to show a more mature side to the group, making up for the last couple of years to fans.

“One reason why it took us so long to come back is because we wanted to make sure that we were pitch-perfect when we did come back,” member Aisha said. “We spent much time thinking which song would show us the best. We held each other’s hands and cried during the process because we wanted to make sure that we really were perfect.”

Everglow debuted in 2019 under Yue Hua Entertainment. The group is known for its tracks "Bon Bon Chocolat" (2019), "Dun Dun" (2020) and "La Di Da" (2020) and has been building a large fandom outside of Korea in particular, where listeners tend to opt for its stronger sounds compared to the domestic audience.

“I think it’s partly because our music aligns with their taste. But I also think it’s because all six of us look so different — almost as if we are from different countries. I’ve seen a lot of online comments about this and this could also be a reason,” she joked.

With its comeback, Everglow hopes to prove to fans that the wait has been worthwhile. The members looked deeper within themselves, asking how they could improve and grow.

“I want to assure fans that they were right to wait for us,” Sihyeon said. “I want to ensure they don’t regret having waited for us and show them Everglow is really back. We hope everyone sees how much effort we’ve put into this.”

“We’ll be active not only on television music shows but also with diverse content, so please tune in,” added member E:U.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]