What Does LALALAY Really Mean? The Hidden Story Behind Sunmi's Hit Song

LALALAY topped domestic charts in Korea immediately after its release, becoming a perfect all-kill for South Korean singer Sunmi. Released on August 27, 2019, through Makeus Entertainment, this captivating single (stylized in all caps) carries multiple layers of meaning beyond its catchy beats.

Despite its brief runtime of just under three minutes, the song blends Latin pop and dancehall elements with traditional Korean sounds, notably incorporating the taepyeongso, a traditional Korean horn instrument. Furthermore, the title "LALALAY" (날라리, Nallali) literally translates to "Bully" in English, but carries deeper cultural connotations in Korean. In fact, most Koreans would understand it as referring to "being a party bitch," though this represents just one interpretation of the term.

The music video for LALALAY has garnered over 33 million combined views on both 1theK's channel and Sunmi's official channel as of April 2021. At its core, the song delivers a powerful message about being yourself despite criticisms, a theme that resonates throughout Sunmi's work since launching her solo career in 2013 after her time with Wonder Girls, the first Korean act to break onto the Hot 100 chart in 2009.

Musical style and production choices

Co-produced by Sunmi herself alongside DJ Frants, LALALAY marks a striking shift in her musical direction.

Genre blend: electro-pop, Latin, and dancehall

The vibrant composition features a galloping beat that immediately sets an energetic tone. LALALAY showcases a groovy electro-pop foundation while simultaneously incorporating distinctive Latin pop and dancehall influences. This unique fusion was reportedly inspired by experiences during the Latin American leg of Sunmi's tour. The instrumental cleverly twists its Latin influences just enough to create something fresh, offering a satisfying sense of propulsion as Sunmi weaves through a maze of guitar, gurgling electronics and stomping percussion.

Use of traditional Korean instrument taepyeongso

At LALALAY's core lies the taepyeongso, a traditional Korean wind instrument historically used in military settings. The taepyeongso creates the sharp, distinctive sound leading the main melody in the chorus. Its piercing whistle notes transform the production into a dancehall-esque rhythm as Sunmi repeats the song's title. Originally confined mostly to Korean folk music and royal marching bands, the taepyeongso has recently found its way into contemporary music genres.

How the sound compares to Sunmi's past hits

While Sunmi established herself with 80's-inspired hits throughout 2018, LALALAY draws closer comparisons to her 2017 comeback "Gashina". Both tracks are built around aggressive instrumental loops rather than traditional choruses. After stellar releases like "Gashina," "Heroine," "Siren," and "Noir," LALALAY continues Sunmi's pattern of quality, left-of-center K-pop, although some critics consider it unable to reach the exceptionally high bar set by her previous works.

Lyrical meaning and cultural context

Behind the catchy title of Sunmi's hit lies a rich tapestry of meanings that many international listeners might miss. The song draws inspiration from her experiences touring Mexico, where passionate fans reminded her of how Koreans enjoy having fun.

Meaning of 'Lalalay' and its multiple interpretations

The word "LALALAY" (날라리/nallari) carries three distinct interpretations within the song. First, it's commonly understood as a term for "a punk" or delinquent in Korean. Second, it refers to the taepyeongso instrument heard prominently in the chorus. Third, it connects to "nal-la," meaning "to fly" in Korean, relating to the butterfly imagery throughout the music video.

How the lyrics reflect Sunmi's personal stance

The lyrics boldly declare, "If I'm criticized until I crumble to dust, I'm okay", perfectly encapsulating Sunmi's defiant attitude. Indeed, the entire song serves as her declaration of independence from public criticism. According to Sunmi herself, she created this concept because her stage persona might appear like a party girl, yet in reality, she isn't one.

Cultural nuance of the word 'nallari'

In Korean society, "nallari" typically describes someone who dresses stylishly and idles away time instead of studying. Parents often use this term for teenagers who pursue artistic dreams instead of academic paths—ironically applying to Sunmi herself as an idol.

Performance, choreography, and stage presence

In every comeback, Sunmi creates a distinctive choreography element that becomes the song's visual signature.

Signature dance move: the hair twist

LALALAY features a simple yet captivating hair-twisting point choreography that immediately resonated with fans. This move, where Sunmi first twists her hair then holds onto it while moving her head side to side, joins her collection of iconic moves following Gashina's hand-gun, Heroine's whipping arms, and Siren's mermaid pose. The simplicity of this move ensured fans could easily replicate it, continuing Sunmi's tradition of creating dance trends.

How Sunmi's charisma elevates the song

Sunmi displays remarkable versatility throughout her performances. She appears playful during verses, yet shifts her energy dramatically once the chorus begins. Her easygoing charisma shines through as she balances trendy moves with classic choreography. When performing live, she confidently commands the stage whether dancing with her team or engaging the audience from the stage's edge.

Fan reactions to live performances

Concert attendees consistently praise Sunmi's charismatic stage presence. Fans enthusiastically sing along to both English and Korean lyrics. Online reactions highlight her distinctive performance style, with commenters noting her confidence and unique aesthetic. Many viewers appreciate how her choreography perfectly complements the song's energy, even as some observe the physical demands of repeatedly performing the knee-intensive moves.

Reception and impact of 'Lalalay'

Upon release, "LALALAY" soared to the top of multiple domestic streaming platforms in South Korea, including Melon and Bugs, cementing its status as a "perfect all-kill". The song's global impact proved equally impressive, topping iTunes K-pop charts across 32 countries including the U.S., Japan, Germany, France, and the U.K.

Chart performance and awards

"LALALAY" debuted at No. 4 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, selling 1,000 copies in its first week. As the best-selling K-pop song in America that week, it marked Sunmi's fifth Top 5 entry on the chart in less than two years. This achievement established her as the female K-pop soloist with the most Top 5 hits, surpassing IU. Additionally, the track earned Song of the Year honors for August at the 9th Gaon Chart Music Awards.

Critical reviews and fan opinions

Professional critics offered varied assessments. One reviewer rated it 8/10 for the song, 8/10 for the music video, and 8.5/10 for performance. Conversely, some critics found it "less ambitious" than her previous releases. Fan reactions similarly spanned from "absolutely fantastic" to "mediocre". Several listeners appreciated the song's unique instrumentation yet felt it couldn't quite match the heights of "Gashina" or "Siren".

How 'Lalalay' fits into Sunmi's discography

"LALALAY" represents a calculated pivot from Sunmi's 80s-inspired synthpop toward Latin-influenced sounds. Even as critics debated its merits, the song affirmed her position as a consistent hitmaker. Moreover, the success brought her closer to her stated goal of "topping Billboard charts", as she told Korea's Entertainment Weekly program. Essentially, "LALALAY" showcases Sunmi's willingness to experiment as she continues crafting her distinctive solo identity.