“There’s no such thing as a new idea.”
Everything we make is influenced by something that came before it—and this rings especially true in the realm of K-pop. Remember when Blackpink sampled “La Campanella” in their single “Shut Down”? Or when Ive and Saweetie revived “All Night” by Icona Pop?
Many K-pop groups now thrive on nostalgia that sampling (or remake) has seemingly become the practice. And while there is nothing inherently wrong with this, one common question would often arise: How do you stand out in a sea of rehashes?
It’s one thing to dip your toes into the waters of reinterpretation, but it takes a special kind of artistry to make a splash that reverberates across all forms of art—not to mention, repackage it as yours sans losing its essence. Well, leave it to Le Sserafim to show you how it’s done in their recent EP “Easy.”
Music: The five-track EP
Let’s start with the most obvious—music. (Duh.) “Easy” is the five-member group’s fourth Korean comeback, serving up a smorgasbord of genres that cater to every palate. The album boasts a trap-infused title track that pretty much ties everything together thematically.
“Easy” embodies Le Sserafim’s determination to make things look effortless despite underlying complexities—a very fitting mantra for an industry where appearance often belies the hard work and dedication behind the scenes. It also has heavy rock-ish “Good Bones,” melodic “Swan Song,” groovy (and LSS-worthy) “Smart,” and vocal-focused “We got so much.”
(A potentially controversial opinion, though: “Easy” was not the best choice for title track. It could’ve worked perfectly as an easy-listening B-side, but it fell short and felt a bit underwhelming production-wise as a lead single. But hey, I said this with “Fearless” too, yet it’s now a mainstay on my playlist.)
Film: “Good Bones” trailer
In K-pop, a comeback trailer (or teaser) acts as a glimpse into the group’s artistic direction, visual style, and/or overarching concept for the upcoming release. It doesn’t normally follow a clear-cut narrative, but rather serves a dramatic montage of the members’ individual sets.
Le Sserafim’s “Good Bones” diverges from this norm, though, and presents a cohesive storyline reminiscent of a movie trailer. It highlights their journey from facing pre-debut challenges to achieving massive success—paralleled with diverse imagery. “[The group] rises from a mound of discarded flowers, bleed from their nose, break down walls, yet make all of it look easy,” wrote WeVerse Magazine contributor Kang Myeong-seok.
Literature: Le Sserafim’s ongoing narrative
It isn’t the first time Le Sserafim has injected elements of literature into their sonic DNA. In fact, it has already become the hallmark of their identity. The group is consistent about drawing inspiration from literary sources—ranging from mythology to fairy tales.
Tracks like “Sour Grapes” (which takes inspo from Aesop’s fable “The Fox and the Grapes”) and “The Great Mermaid” (which roughly reimagines “The Little Mermaid”) are only a couple of examples where this music-literature fusion is apparent. Their viral hit “Eve, Psyche, and the Bluebeard’s Wife” is also literature-inspired.
Le Sserafim continues such effort with their new era, perhaps most notably in “Good Bones.” Inspired by Maggie Smith’s poem of the same name, this song tackles themes of existence and searching for happiness amid chaos.
Oh, and did we already mention that the members had a hand in the entire production of this album? Yeah.
Performing arts: “Easy” music video
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a bit disappointed that the music video was not a continuation of the narrative they’ve built in the comeback trailer. But I wouldn’t pass up on a choreography-heavy concept either, especially when Le Sserafim is known for their intricate and powerful dance moves.
In a nutshell, the whole routine is a blend of precision and fluidity. From the well-thought-out formations to the synchronized footwork, each movement is executed with grace and precise intention that it’s almost impossible to look away. It’s as if I’m being hypnotized to watch the MV repeatedly. (Plus, they look stunning. Ms. Huh Yun-jin, I’m at your mercy.)
Fashion: Le Sserafim 2024 S/S Pop-up
Beyond music, many K-pop groups also venture into the world of fashion. It has practically become a tradition to drop a new set of merchandise (and/or collaborate with already established brands) every comeback. Le Sserafim takes it up a notch, though.
If I were a non-K-pop enjoyer and were told that “Le Sserafim” was a newly launched (high-fashion) streetwear brand, I would have believed you. And it didn’t help that the pop-up was named “Le Sserafim 2024 S/S” as if it were *actually* releasing its newest spring-summer collection.
Because unlike the straightforward pop-ups we’ve grown accustomed to as K-pop fans—yes, I meant those plushies, hoodies, and T-shirts simply lined up for easy grab—Le Sserafim makes merch-shopping a more experiential experience.
Unfinished industrial interiors, clothes hanging by literal chains or worn by metallic mannequins, and modern art desserts welcome you upon setting foot into the territory. Sadly, it’s open exclusively in Seoul. But here’s hoping it goes international, too—Manila, specifically.
Read more:
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Still from “Easy” music video