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Mnet 프로그램 목록 페이지[LE SSERAFIM] Navigationg Through Challenges: The Story of LE SSERAFIM's <EASY> | PLUS MAGAZINE ORIGINAL
| Written by Jang Jun Hwan (Editor for the music webzine IZM)
LE SSERAFIM has approached every moment with the simplicity and decisiveness of a coin toss. Drawing strength from their own history of enduring a grueling path from trainees to debut, they've imbued every step with conviction. By adopting their team name from an anagram of the phrase ‘I’m Fearless,’ they express their boldness to break down and reconstruct any established truths or taboos according to their own will.
Due to their own set of principles, while many rookie idol groups aimed to take their first steps slowly, focusing on growth and humility, they chose to do the opposite. They were able to unabashedly pursue perfection and express their desire to be at the top. As if refusing to allow even the slightest flaw, they maintained a stoic and monochromatic demeanor and, even after developing individual members' narratives, they clashed five stories under a single thematic consciousness to achieve unity. All of this was initiated swiftly and mechanically. Instead of safely following an epic narrative and gradually building up layers, they opted to push forward with all their might towards immediate goals, even if it meant facing adversity and walking through thorny paths.
Believing that moving forward is possible even when afraid, and that one can become stronger if their will remains unbroken, even when they are shattered, and adopting the stance of not being overly concerned about seeking forgiveness, even if it means facing setbacks and disapproval. They armed themselves with these unique beliefs in [FEARLESS], [ANTIFRAGILE], and [UNFORGIVEN], completing what is known as the ‘Fearless Trilogy’ and providing a foundation for their bold moves.
The documentary ＜LE SSERAFIM - The World Is My Oyster> meticulously chronicles the journey from the team's formation to their rise, adding an external narrative not covered by their music, thus enhancing its persuasiveness. They quickly made a name for themselves, securing a unique position and achieving visible success along with significant hit songs. [ANTIFRAGILE] and [UNFORGIVEN] notably charted on the Billboard 200. Despite being less than a year since their debut, they have already reached the heights they so desired.
However, it is well understood that reaching orbit does not guarantee a conclusive happy ending. The flow of real-time does not stop, and in the meantime, the crown placed upon one's head gradually tightens, demanding “incessant proof”. Therefore, [EASY], which opens their second act, is situated at a crucial gateway that will determine the direction they will move forward in.
In their new song, as usual, there's an intro featuring a mix of narrations in various languages, similar to those in 'The World Is My Oyster', 'The Hydra,' and 'Burn the bridge'. However, instead of cool and detached electronic sounds, this time, the backdrop is replaced with a heated, dust-laden garage rock sound. Unlike their past image, sharpened by a single-minded determination to be the best, the guitar sound, imbued with distortion, is drawn in a jagged, emotional, and passionate manner, as if spewing out frustration.
Their song ‘Good Bones,’ inspired by the poem of the same name by American poet Maggie Smith, showcases this aspect. The song uniquely balances a critique of the world's darker aspects with a transition into a soothing, optimistic outlook. Through its fleeting lyrics, it acknowledges the grim reality with lines like “The world is equally hideous to everyone,” and “All the world's shadows pounce on me from behind the extinguished stage”. Yet, it pivots to a hopeful stance with declarations like, “I'll hold onto the belief that beauty exists within the ugliness,” and “I will tirelessly struggle, creating small waves”.
Having reached their desired heights and surrounded by countless peers including their fandom FEARNOT, the girls finally take a moment to pause, reflect on the journey they’ve walked, and start to share their honest feelings. This is when they cautiously expose the fragility that was once hidden, expressing feelings of resentment or fury. This voice deserves our attention. Their admission that there was never any concept of shortcuts or luck in their journey, and the revelation that despite appearing serene, they were fervently racing behind the scenes, resonates as remarkably profound.
The allure of their music significantly heightens the overall experience. The track ‘Easy’ opens with the tranquil sound of a flute, creating a soundscape that perfectly matches a reflective mood, and ‘Swan Song,’ suggestive of the adage about a swan's tireless effort beneath the water's surface, gracefully combines the soft echoes of an acoustic guitar with the luminous flow of synthesizers to sustain a soothing ambiance. ‘Smart’ introduces a lively Afrobeat influence yet integrates seamlessly into the album's narrative through its understated vocal delivery.
In this way, [EASY] emerges as the most peaceful and warmly intimate album in their discography. It moves beyond the enigmatic and perfection-seeking image of the celestial SSERAFIM to embrace a more human connection, sharing common fears and uncertainties, thus forging a deep sense of empathy. Consider ‘Easy,’ a song where all members have a hand in penning the lyrics, aiming for an honest expression of their feelings. They voice their frustration with “Sometimes, my legs are untied / Did you think it was always easy? If you haven't seen me, you have to know,” criticizing a world that overlooks them. Nevertheless, they offer an outreach with “If you're like me / Clap your hands now,” inviting listeners to join in a shared experience.
Yet, the essence of their presentation is the ‘resilience’ nestled within this softness, the ‘Fearless’ essence that has catapulted LE SSERAFIM to where they stand today. The question of whether they've surrendered their core confidence amidst musical evolution is unfounded. They stand unwavering, their smiles broad with unabated self-assurance.
Their apparent humility is better understood as strategic groundwork for an ambitious leap. ‘Good Bones’ masterfully balances vulnerability with bold statements, drawing strength from the energy of defiance. The album smartly transitions from the introspective musings of ‘Easy’ and ‘Swan Song’ to the crescendo of optimism in ‘Smart’ and ‘We got so much,’ crafting a narrative of overcoming with a distinct beginning, middle, and end, all within a five-track framework.
A moment's pause is warranted to discuss ‘Perfect Night,’ their track released at the end of last year that captured widespread attention. Despite being a project single created in collaboration with the game
The seeds of comfort found in [EASY] may have already been sown with ‘Perfect Night.’ It's challenging to detect the beginnings of change solely through 'We got so much,' revealed last year during the ＜2023 LE SSERAFIM TOUR ‘FLAME RISES’＞, and ‘Good Bones,’ used in the pre-release teaser. The introduction of three new songs into the heart of their repertoire not only presents a surprising new phase but also recalls their debut of [FEARLESS], especially in the minimalism achieved through reduced instrumental use.
This mini album indeed serves as a solid foundation, or ‘Good Bones,’ or them. As they draw another blueprint with their formidable execution, having swiftly established their own ivory tower, there's a sense of anticipation for the unique structure that lies ahead, unpredictable as it may be. “Are you mad because it seems like I'm always lucky? / Does the world seem too easy for us?” This proud cynicism, directed at those who envy and begrudge them, reminds us anew of how resiliently and boldly LE SSERAFIM has faced trials. It makes one wonder if Kim Chaewon's playful refrain of 'Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy' might have been foreshadowing all along.
※ Manuscripts from outside writers may not reflect the editorial direction of this magazine.