Park Jae-hyuk is a seasoned journalist who has provided comprehensive coverage of South Korea's corporate dynamics, economic policies, industry challenges and the global positioning of Korean companies. Based on the articles he has written since joining The Korea Times in 2016, his investigative approach has helped readers understand corporate governance, economic trends and business strategies shaping South Korea’s economy.
Dal Shabet's 'FRI. SAT. SUN' salutes weekends
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K-pop girl group Dal Shabet pose for a photo during a press conference at Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam, southern Seoul, Wednesday. From left are Subin, Ayoung, Serri and Woohee. / /Courtesy of Happyface Entertainment
By Park Jae-hyuk
By Park Jae-hyuk
K-pop girl group Dal Shabet released their 10th mini-album “FRI. SAT. SUN” and a new music video, Thursday. The four-member group introduced their new songs to fans on Mnet’s “M Countdown,” on the same day.
“We actually planned to return before September,” said Subin during the press conference at Ilchi Art Hall in Gangnam, southern Seoul, Wednesday. “However, we had to delay our return because it took time to decide the title track.”
The title track of the five-song album is “FRI. SAT. SUN,” which was composed by hit songwriters Sinsadong Tiger, Monster Factory and Samuel Ku. The song features a blending of ratchet, drum and bass, tropical and trap.
Dal Shabet said they tried to contrast busy weekdays and exciting weekends through the song. The song’s beat and dance become faster when the lyrics begin to talk about the weekend.
Their new stage costumes were designed to convey the song’s message, as its front is designed like a formal navy uniform while the back is opened.
“Our song does not simply say that weekdays are harder than weekends,” said Ayoung. “We wanted to encourage people to work with vigor on Monday through Thursday as well.”
Serri said, “This song will console people who are tired of their daily routines.”
If their song is nominated for best song, Dal Shabet promised to hold a guerilla gig for distressed office workers. The group said they will give tonic drinks to office workers at the venue, but soon retracted their words, because the press conference was held on the enforcement date of the new anti-graft law regulating such gifts.
During the press conference, Dal Shabet also performed the third track, “Hard 2 Love,” which is a remake of the same titled song they released in Japan last year. The song won a Golden Disk Award there.
“The dance and mood of the Korean version are totally different from those of the Japanese version,” said Woohee. “Korean fans demand a blend of cute and sexy, while Japanese fans want more a vivacious concept.” She said they had worn sneakers in Japan, but to high-heeled boots in Korea.
Dal Shabet stated they hope their new songs become popular abroad as well.
“We are studying Chinese in order to perform in China,” said Serri. “Although we debuted in Japan, we are also planning to promote our group in other countries.”
As they wished, many overseas K-pop fans, including in Brazil, Norway and Mexico, voiced their approval, commenting on their music video released online through “V Live.”
Dal Shabet will continue to promote their new songs, performing on Korean stages for a while.