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LE SSERAFIM reveals hidden complexities with new album 'EASY'
K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM poses during a press event marking the release of its third mini-album, "EASY," held at Korea University's Hwajung Gymnasium in Seoul's Seongbuk District, Monday. Yonhap
By Pyo Kyung-min
Girl group aims high with hopes of Billboard Hot 100 chart success
K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM unveiled its third mini-album, "EASY," Monday, offering listeners a glimpse into the complexities beneath its confident facade. This release comes four months after "Perfect Night," their English single which dropped last October.
Comprising five talented members — Kim Chae-won, Sakura, Huh Yun-jin, Kazuha and Hong Eun-chae — the group gathered for a press event earlier on the album's release date at Korea University's Hwajung Gymnasium in Seongbuk District, northeastern Seoul. There, the five members openly shared their thoughts and reflections on the new album.
The album features a diverse array of tracks including the lead single, "EASY," alongside "Good Bones," "Swan Song," "Smart" and "We Got So Much." Notably, each member contributed to the songwriting process, suffusing the album with a sense of authenticity.
Kim, the group's leader, articulated the members' aspirations to showcase their versatility.
"Through this album, we want to showcase LE SSERAFIM's boundless ability to perform diverse genres, while at the same time honestly discussing our anxieties and insecurities," Kim said.
Sakura chimed in, saying, "With the explosive success we had with our previous albums, we wondered if we could sustain the same level of adoration in the future. In light of this, we believed it was important to convey our honest emotions authentically."
The members of K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM perform the new lead single "EASY," during a press event marking the release of its eponymous mini-album, held at Korea University's Hwajung Gymnasium in Seoul's Seongbuk District, Monday. Yonhap
The album's title track, "EASY," encapsulates a profound message: "Nothing comes easy, but we'll make it all seem effortless," embodied within a trap genre composition.
Given their track record of captivating performances, the choreography accompanying "EASY" stands out as another focal point, drawing inspiration from old-school hip-hop dance.
"Unlike previous performances characterized by power, we sought to convey more of a groovy vibe. Consequently, this choreography presented one of the most formidable challenges in the group's history," the youngest member, Hong, explained.
K-pop girl group LE SSERAFIM performs "Swan Song," a track included in its new album, "EASY," during a press event held at Korea University's Hwajung Gymnasium in Seoul's Seongbuk District, Monday. Yonhap
Kazuha elaborated on the immediate allure of the title track.
"Upon first listen, I was struck by its hip vibe. While previous lead singles had instant addictive qualities, this one possesses a subtle yet irresistible charm," Kazuha said.
Huh also shared a personal anecdote, revealing, "I've found myself listening to 'EASY' nonstop — whether it's during my morning shower or my commute ... Personally, I'm harboring aspirations for the Billboard Hot 100 chart."
Debuted in 2022, LE SSERAFIM attained notable milestones last year, including achieving million-seller status with its inaugural full-length album, "UNFORGIVEN," and securing sixth place on the U.S. Billboard album chart. Furthermore, their digital single "Perfect Night," released in October 2023, soared in domestic charts, solidifying the group's status as being among the strongest fourth-generation girl groups out there.
Looking ahead, Kazuha articulated their aspirations.
"We anticipate opportunities for growth and learning as we navigate the industry alongside our esteemed seniors whom we deeply admire," Kazuha said. "While we place value on rankings, our primary objective is to showcase our preparedness, convey our narratives and effectively transmit positive energy."