As cherry blossoms fall and the weather gradually warms up at the end of April, members of K-pop’s iconic groups NCT and (G)I-DLE have each released their solo debut albums. DOYOUNG, who unveiled [YOUTH – The 1st Album] on April 22, and YUQI, who introduced a seven-track EP, [YUQ1], are the main highlights. They are set to capture the hearts of K-pop fans with their cool guitar sounds on ‘FREAK’ and ‘Little Light.’ Let’s delve into their music as we transition from spring to summer.
Quirky but Adorable Girl, YUQI’s ‘FREAK’
Just in the mood for a cool breeze, YUQI greets us with this upbeat song. The guitar accompaniment, played in a Bossa Nova rhythm, conjures up images of a breezy drive to a dreamy vacation spot in the midst of a boring day, and YUQI’s confident voice is full of energy that will have you jumping up and down from your desk in no time. What’s more, the lyrics, written in English only, invite us to leave the familiar cityscape and fly away to an exotic world. Add to that, a chilling music video that pays homage to famous horror movies like ＜Saw＞, ＜The Shining＞, ＜Scream＞, and you’ll be running away from the heat before it really hits.
Warning: Spoiler alert! There is an unexpected twist in the song lyrics. In the teaser ‘Invitation from the RABBIT’ released before the song’s debut, the red rabbit that invited YUQI to dinner turns out to be YUQI herself. The lyrics of ‘FREAK’ also reiterate the theme of discovering another self, ending with the realization that ‘she,’ the unique freak admired by everyone, was ‘me’ after all. YUQI’s journey of self-discovery amidst unfamiliar appearances adds to the anticipation of the upcoming summer.
Sentimental Band Sound, DOYOUNG’s ‘Little Light’
DOYOUNG, the main vocalist of NCT’s various subgroups, showcases his diverse voice in his solo debut album [YOUTH]. Among the tracks, the title track ‘Little Light’ stands out as a delicate piece that complements the intense electric guitar playing. DOYOUNG’s vocals blend seamlessly with the harmony of various instruments, such as the piano adding occasional accents and the drums providing solid support to the song.
The music video, depicting the act of following a firefly as it leaves the house late at night, is complemented by the sentimental lyrics, enhancing the emotional impact. “Like a firefly leaving behind a faint trail/Let there be me in the afterimage of life.” Even if it’s a light that can’t last forever and isn’t strong, the warmth of wanting to be a hope for someone leaves a deep resonance in our hearts that will last for a long time. It’s a pure song that conveys the importance of caring for each other in a harsh world.
After the pop-punk boom of the first half of 2022 and Younha’s ‘Event Horizon,’ the rock wave in K-pop is gaining momentum. At the same time, there are acts that continue to expand their horizons in their own ways. The contrast between YUQI’s ‘FREAK,’ with its English lyrics reminiscent of Hollywood movies, and DOYOUNG’s ‘Little Light,’ with its Korean lyrics capturing the summer spirit of Korea, Japan, and other Eastern countries, illustrates the diverse interpretations of trends. There’s no right or wrong answer! K-pop continues to become colorful as each artist showcases their unique colors.
※ Manuscripts from outside writers may not reflect the editorial direction of this magazine.