HWASA
The singer HWASA of the group MAMAMOO returns on stage with a second mini album, called “GUILTY PLEASURE“.
From RBW ENTERTAINMENT, the young woman made her solo debut in June 2020 with the song “Maria”, going viral on social networks and being the source of some YouTube and TikTok challenges. A year and five months later, here it is again, with a new album featuring three tracks: “Fomo”, “I’m a B” and “Bless u”. A showcase is held in Seoul for the occasion, starting with the broadcast of a teaser to introduce the artist of the day. This new title is eagerly awaited as it was produced primarily by foreigners, dealing with the liberating feelings felt once the concerns we voiced. During her absence, of course, she worked hard to come back strong, but was also active in shows and with her group MAMAMOO.
Without wasting time, she was joined by dancers to perform the song “Fomo”, which stands for “Fear Of Missing Out“. The song is surprising, as it begins with a hip-hop style before drastically changing the tempo to end with a sensual and delicate ballad. HWASA describes this album as a metaphor for the things that make her happy on a daily basis, especially when she is not practicing her profession as a singer. Regarding the title song, she invites those around her to understand it even if she behaves in a mean manner, especially since the title is a play on words between Korean and English. Indeed, the Korean title is “I’m a 빛”, meaning “I am a light”. However, the word 빛 is pronounced “bitch“, giving rise to the English translation of the title as “I’m a B“, turning the pronunciation of Korean into an insult.
« I am not the same in my group and in solo, because in solo, I allow myself to approach more daring concepts » —HWASA
The showcase is most enjoyable since she sings live, which is quite rare in such circumstances. The young woman’s voice filled the room to delight journalists. She also jokes with the MC between two performances, especially when she talks about her last song, “Bless u“, where HWASA tries his hand at rap, without offering a fast flow worthy of other rappers, being above all a vocalist. . The video for the title song is then released, finding the artist strolling through different settings, charismatic and seductive. The track is lively, and the clip neat, then a breakdance showing the singer dancing to Korean tones gives a gentle break to “I’m a B“. HWASA performs this title, surrounded by many dancers, before discussing again with the MC.
While “Maria” has launched some trendy challenges, she hopes that this will be the case for this new title as well. She’s not expecting anything special and can’t wait to see what the fans do, but still throws up the idea of replicating the chorus. She redans it in front of journalists, to bring her words to life. She struggles to catch her breath, a little stressed that her songs are not as pleasing as she hopes. She confides that, rather than wondering what she wants to convey in her songs, she wonders what the artist HWASA and the public figure she has become would like to convey to stay in her concept, while still being a great resemblance to her. She still takes pleasure in cultivating her image, because she is aware of being among the few who do not follow Korean societal criteria.
« My lifestyle is quite simple, I play sports and I eat well so as not to injure myself and be in poor health » — HWASA
She then reveals that she had no particular regrets with those previous songs “Maria” and “Twit” and that the most important thing for her above all is to have fun on stage. The same goes for this comeback, but reveals that she felt a little sorry, and almost guilty while writing the lyrics to “I’m a B“, because she is afraid of disappointing those close to her. The title of the album, “GUILTY PLEASURE“, then takes on a new meaning as writing such songs becomes her guilty pleasure and no longer what she describes in the lyrics. For the artist, nothing is difficult, you just need to get involved in the preparation and the concept of the album. She tries to approach life optimistically to be happy, and difficulties are more of a challenge, giving her more energy. This was also the case for this album which was easier to prepare than his first one. She therefore hopes to transmit her energy and her joie de vivre.
Rather than focusing on people who dislike her music, or even her, she pays attention to her fans and those supporting them to give her strength. She then encourages everyone to do the same to live healthier. For this promotional launch, she reveals that the members of MAMAMOO, whom she considers to be her family, have been very supportive by sending her regular messages to encourage her to surpass herself, especially from MOONBYUL. She claims to be close to all the members, and warmly thanks them for their support since the debuts of the group, and her own solo debut. It is with these last words that she concludes the showcase, thanking the journalists who came, her fans, and those who will support her in the future and for this comeback. She adds that she was afraid of journalists at first, but now she is grateful for their kindness.
The words of our reporter: “Refreshing comeback with neat choreography. HWASA has a warm personality which is good to see.“
Journalist: Pillet Anaïs
Translator: Shawn
Photos: Pillet Anaïs
Sources: KSTATION TV
