The intense thrill of overcoming hardships and wounds with comrades, LE SSERAFIM returns with [EASY] in a truly fervent manner. Smoothly crossing the stage, enduring difficulties beneath the surface like a graceful swan. With bolder steps and clearer gaze! M COUNTDOWN Magazine captures the strong voices of the five warriors who are 'EASY' going through this half-ugly world.
Hello, LE SSERAFIM! It’s been three months since the collaboration with
KIM CHAEWON : We’ve been very busy since the release of [EASY], but I’m having a great time because of the love and support from FEARNOT.
KAZUHA : We’ve been working diligently to prepare and showcase our [EASY] perfomances. The enthusiastic response of 'Perfect Night' by many has also made me eagerly anticipate this comeback.
2023 was the pinnacle year for LE SSERAFIM, with every song released becoming a massive hit. How do you feel about concluding such a tremendously successful year?
KIM CHAEWON : I was so delighted by the love our album got last year! We worked hard because we wanted to surpass it with even better songs and performances.
SAKURA : I was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming love we received through various activities, from fan meetings to solo tours and ‘Perfect Night.’ With more people getting to know about LE SSERAFIM, I felt even more motivated to work harder.
Recently, you had a showcase to present your 3rd EP [EASY]. FEARNOT must have been really enthusiastic about it. Do you have any memorable moments from the event?
HUH YUNJIN : So many FEARNOT supported us, and when we presented the new songs we had worked hard on, their cheers seemed to echo through the venue, raising the roof with their enthusiasm. Those scenes are especially memorable!
HONG EUNCHAE : Since it was the first time presenting [EASY] on stage to FEARNOT, I was worried that FEARNOT would be surprised considering its different vibe compared to previous LE SSERAFIM performances. However, their response with such loud cheers made it the most memorable and appreciated moment.
The title track "EASY" is a calm trap hip-hop genre with impressive flute sounds. What was your reaction when you first heard the song?
HUH YUNJIN : I first heard 'EASY' in the practice room during last year's Nagoya tour, and I loved it from the first time I heard it. I’ve been listening to it constantly ever since I got the guide - whether while moving, showering, or during break times.
KAZUHA : It had a very sophisticated feel. I found it to be hip and a style that LE SSERAFIM had never done before. While LE SSERAFIM’s previous title tracks featured many addictive songs, this one stands out as a tune I catch myself humming along to without even realizing it.
With its melodic rap flowing smoothly, "EASY" is a departure from the group's previous strong titles. In the eyes of the members, what do you think is the unique charm of 'EASY'?
SAKURA : You will truly sense the diverse individualities of our members! I believe both the melody and the performance are the unique charm of this song.
HONG EUNCHAE : The song itself is soft and comfortable to listen to, but I think it’s the strong message from LE SSERAFIM within it that makes it attractive!
Contrary to the mood of the song, the energetic hip-hop dance moves are also impressive. Are there any recommended points to focus on during the performance of 'EASY'?
KIM CHAEWON : In the 'Walk like a heroine' part, there's a step that we really focused on to express it in a cool way. I think this is the key move because everyone liked it and many people danced along.
HONG EUNCHAE : I hope you enjoy the stage, focusing on the 'groovy’ moves, which I've been working on the most and believe have changed the most choreographically.
From the teaser video featuring the opening track, "Good Bones," to the music video, the confident and poised expressions left a strong impression. Is there a particularly memorable story to share?
KIM CHAEWON : It was refreshing and enjoyable to express runway walking on the street instead of on the stage. There is also a scene where I do dunk shots, and it was fun because it felt like I was flying in the sky even with a wire on.
HUH YUNJIN : There was a scene where CHAEWON and I bumped shoulders, and I remember having so much fun filming it. Since my face was the only one not visible in the scene, I recall walking with a smile on my face without being able to control my facial expression.
'Fearless' to 'Perfect Night,' the charm expressed by LE SSERAFIM is truly diverse. What aspect did you aim to focus on in this [EASY]?
SAKURA : Through the song ‘EASY’, we tried to show a completely new side of ourselves to make you feel that LE SSERAFIM has no limits. In particular, the choreography has many hip-hop elements, so you can expect a new LE SSERAFIM.
HUH YUNJIN : Freedom, wit, ease on stage and enjoying the stage with LE SSERAFIM members!
The music is truly varied, such as ‘Good Bones’ with hard rock narration and ‘Smart’ with Afro beat style. Among the tracks, which one do the members personally like the most?
KIM CHAEWON : ‘Smart’, I had fun preparing for a genre I hadn't tried before and really wanted to try out so badly. I really liked the performance as well as the song, so it's my favorite!
HUH YUNJIN : ‘Smart’! I first discovered the genre called Amapiano through this song, and it was a music or singing method that I had always wanted to try. It has a smooth yet powerful vibe, with intense vocals transitioning to whispered rap sections, making it not only enjoyable to perform but also fun to listen to.
KAZUHA : ‘Swan Song.’ Contrary to the soft and beautiful atmosphere of the song, the lyrics reflect our determination as LE SSERAFIM to keep swimming tirelessly in challenging waters. I find the message and melody both wonderful, and the unexpected twist makes me love this song even more.
HONG EUNCHAE : ‘We Got So much’! It was the second song I challenged myself to write lyrics for, after ‘Between you, me and the lamppost' from our first album. I have a lot of affection for it because it truly embodies what I want to say to FEARNOT.
Indeed, wit and authenticity are well-reflected in the lyrics. Since the members were involved in the lyrics, what did you imagine and consider to show the distinctive essence of LE SSERAFIM?
HUH YUNJIN : I write a lot while imagining our members: the conversations we've had, the emotions we've felt, and the kind of person I want to be.
Furthermore, the lyrics inspired by literature became a hot topic. Could you please share a line from this album that stole your heart?
KIM CHAEWON : The lyrics from ‘Swan Song,’ ‘Even though it's tough to swim again and again, still, keep on killing these waves now,’ convey a message similar to LE SSERAFIM’s spirit: ‘Despite the hardships, I'll keep swimming!’ It makes me think that perhaps everyone is living in this way.
SAKURA : The lyrics ‘If it’s hard then I make it Easy’ in ‘EASY’ stand out as the most representative part of the song. I think the message, ‘It looks easy because we’re the ones doing it,' is incredible.
HUH YUNJIN : The line ‘Jealousy, doubt, mistrust, now friends of me’ in ‘EASY' is not only meaningful but also catchy and fun. Additionally, ‘Some say that's all luck. I say, no it's not luck. My sweat is not lying‘ in ‘Smart’; I love how the lyrics are so catchy and fun to listen to and sing along to, and they resonate with me a lot.
KAZUHA : The lyrics from ‘Smart,’ Wanna be a winner, I'll go as planned, I'll be the butterfly’ resonates with me. I believe it effectively captures LE SSERAFIM's positive and strong attitude of ‘I'll climb higher, it'll work out!’ who are not satisfied enough with their current selves.
HONG EUNCHAE : I think all the lyrics in 'EASY' are great. The message of the song feels like a true LE SSERAFIM story, and it's easy to relate to while also being really fun to dance to. Of course, the choreography is really challenging, but it's fun!
As LE SSERAFIM approaches its second anniversary, its path is becoming increasingly clear. What kind of artist do you hope to become in the future?
KAZUHA : Sometimes, there are difficult and tiring moments, but whenever those times come, it's always FEARNOT that gives me strength. Through LE SSERAFIM, I aspire to become an artist who can deliver positive influence and energy to our beloved fans. I hope that we can always be there for FEARNOT and uplift them during challenging times.
HONG EUNCHAE : In the future, I hope LE SSERAFIM will not only be an artist that is easy to relate to and feels close, but also someone's 'wannabe.' I know there is much room for improvement, but I'll work hard to become that kind of artist!
We cheer for LE SSERAFIM, who always makes the trials in front of them look 'EASY'. Please share a word about your future resolutions with your fans and M Countdown Magazine readers!
KIM CHAEWON : I will continue to provide great music and stylish performances to share more stories in the future as LE SSERAFIM. Please show us lots of love and support, and stay tuned!
SAKURA : LE SSERAFIM will continue to strive to show you different sides of us, so keep your eyes on us, FEARNOT! ❤
HUH YUNJIN : We hope you'll stay tuned as we continue to grow into a team that brings comfort just by our presence, and a team that you can be proud of!
KAZUHA : In this album [EASY], we put our determination to 'make things that are not easy look easy with our own efforts'. We still have many areas to improve, but we hope to see ourselves overcome challenges and succeed in the future through hard work. We also hope that our fans, FEARNOT, can draw courage from our actions! Please stay tuned for LE SSERAFIM!
HONG EUNCHAE : We will work hard as a team and as an individual to make LE SSERAFIM deliver even more meaningful messages in the future, so I hope FEARNOT will be there for all of these moments and shine with us!