Welcome back to Fan Chant, a weekly column for K-pop fans, followers, and newbies. This week features a quick look with the members of NewJeans at their latest single album.. As always, if you haven't already, feel free to subscribe Head over to my complimentary newsletter to get Fan Chant delivered straight to your inbox every week!
“Throughout this process, it seems like our bond as NewJeans has become even stronger and closer,” says NewJeans' Danielle as she reflects on the creation of her new single album. How sweet. The project focuses on that title track and also includes a B-side, “Bubble Gum.”
Rounded out by bandmates Minji, Hanni, Haerin, and Hyein, NewJeans has seen one of the fastest rises in K-pop history since their debut in 2022. Their smooth and engaging style of 2000s-inspired music helped them to quickly establish themselves at home in the South. Korea and markets far beyond. Their new single album is the latest addition to their brilliant canon.
“It's a song that feels intense, but simple,” Haerin observes. The song's chorus sits in a noticeably lower vocal range than some of NewJeans' other offerings, but the energy is maintained thanks to the bubbly beat (and another signature performance from the girls, with plenty of choreography). It gives off a vibrant, bright feel reminiscent of bright colors,” Haerin continues.
“I personally think The prince of Bel Air It comes to mind,” says Hanni, whose hair was cut into a modern bob for this music video. “We incorporated hip-hop elements into both the choreography and costumes to capture a more energetic vibe,” confirms Minji.
Currently, spring is turning into summer, and the members of NewJeans are preparing for an official debut in Japan (with another new song, “Supernatural”), followed by a two-day concert at the Tokyo Dome. For the members, “How Sweet” came at the perfect time, in all its bright and energetic glory. “I think it would be great to listen to “How Sweet” on days when you can feel the sunshine!” Minji says.
The members of NewJeans are still very, very young: Hyein, the maknae, is currently 16 years old, but they are working to get better and better with each release, and they do it as a team. “We made a lot of memories from rehearsals to filming the music video, and I think about them every time I sing the song,” Danielle shares. “Both dancing and singing were not easy tasks and required a lot of thought and effort. Even now I feel like we are constantly thinking about how to express ourselves in the best and most natural way.”
“The choreography for the 'How Sweet' performance was based on old-school hip-hop, and one of the moves is actually something I learned when I was a trainee,” Hyein adds. “It's called 'prep' and it's used in the hook of the song. I remember having a hard time understanding it when we were practicing because it is a unique movement.”
Watch the music video for “How Sweet” below.
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Recording song of the week:
Don't mind me, I'm just doing a pregame for TXT at Madison Square Garden this weekend.
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