Dear OHMYGIRL: Dun Dun Dance
Dear OHMYGIRL Review: Why 'Dun Dun Dance' Became Oh My Girl's Biggest Hit Yet
"Dun Dun Dance" stands as Oh My Girl's biggest breakthrough hit, cementing their position in the competitive K-pop landscape. Released on May 10, 2021, this catchy lead single headlines the group's eighth extended play, "Dear OhMyGirl". The mini-album, distributed by Sony Music under WM Entertainment, features six diverse tracks that showcase the group's evolving musical identity.
Following the success of their previous mini-album "Nonstop," which was their most successful release until that point, Oh My Girl continued their upward trajectory with "Dear OhMyGirl." The album's title was revealed to fans on April 19, with the first track teaser film dropping shortly after on April 25. When the music video for "Dun Dun Dance" premiered alongside the album release, it captivated audiences with its fresh sound and vibrant concept. Critics have awarded the overall album an impressive 8.9/10 rating, highlighting its quality from start to finish.
The Making of 'Dear OhMyGirl': Background and Release
After the commercial success of their seventh mini-album "Nonstop" in April 2020, Oh My Girl took a brief hiatus before beginning work on their next project. "Dear OHMYGIRL" marked their triumphant return to the K-pop scene after approximately a year-long break.
Comeback Announcement and Teaser Timeline
The journey toward "Dun Dun Dance" began on April 19, 2021, at midnight KST, when Oh My Girl's agency WM Entertainment made the official comeback announcement. On this same day, the group revealed both the album title "Dear OHMYGIRL" and its scheduled release date of May 10 at 6 PM KST.
The promotional schedule unveiled on April 22 gave fans a comprehensive roadmap of pre-release content. Subsequently, the group released their first track film titled "Hi! My Stranger" starring Jiho on April 25, followed by the first set of concept photos the next day. These initial concept images featured the members dressed in denim outfits holding transparent umbrellas against a rainy backdrop.
The full tracklist was revealed on April 27, confirming "Dun Dun Dance" as the title track among six total songs, with member Mimi participating in writing lyrics for "Quest". Additionally, three more track films were released between April 30 and May 8, starring different combinations of members, each adding to the album's mysterious narrative.
Dun Dun Dance Release Date and Concept Photos
"Dear OHMYGIRL" officially launched on May 10, 2021, in both digital and physical formats. The physical album came in two distinct versions: OMG Bear and Dun Dun Bear. Throughout the promotional period, the group released three different concept photo sets, each showcasing a unique visual theme.
While the first concept featured denim and rain, the second set released on May 2 portrayed the members in vibrant floral printed outfits against the backdrop of sofas and curtains. The final concept photos were unveiled on May 7, just days before the album release. Notably, the music video teaser for "Dun Dun Dance" dropped on May 9, building anticipation for the full release the following day.
Though all members participated in recording the album, Mimi couldn't attend the comeback showcase due to illness, while Jiho missed the first week of promotions after a minor accident. Despite these challenges, "Dun Dun Dance" would become the group's most successful release to date.
Track Highlights: Exploring the Sound of the Album
"Dear OHMYGIRL" shines through its musical diversity, presenting a cohesive yet varied soundscape that showcases the group's artistic evolution across six distinct tracks.
Dun Dun Dance: Retro Nu-Disco with a Modern Twist
The album's standout title track "Dun Dun Dance" marks Oh My Girl's first venture into retro nu-disco territory. This dynamic composition alternates between funk and trap beats, creating an infectious rhythm that captivates listeners throughout. YooA explained that unlike their previous hit "Nonstop" which featured "rhythmical bass and bright synth sound," this track embraces a dance-pop foundation with distinct retro sensibilities. Furthermore, the song incorporates colorful vocal harmonies alongside addictive hooks, presenting what one member described as "the essence of Oh My Girl-style dance pop".
Dear You and My Doll: Soft Pop and Dreamy Layers
Moving beyond the title track, "Dear You" shifts the album's direction with its feathery, light approach. The song wraps emotional vocals in 808-based trendy minimal pop grammar, creating a warm seasonal atmosphere. Meanwhile, "My Doll" stands as perhaps the album's most experimental offering. This dream-pop gem feels like "an invitation to a fairy tale world", combining textured synths with airy vocals. Interestingly, the track has gained attention from listeners who appreciate its unique sound, with one fan noting how they've "been listening to it almost unconsciously on repeat for weeks".
Quest and Swan: Experimental Sounds and Genre Blends
"Quest" embraces a TRAP-style composition featuring popping instrumental elements, 808 drums, and 8-bit synths reminiscent of video games. Although some reviewers found it "the most lacking song on this release" with a score of 6.5/10, member Mimi personally favored it, stating: "It's a music style that I personally like to listen to". Conversely, "Swan" concludes the album by combining "dreamy lyrics with exciting rock beats" before transitioning into an EDM-influenced drop section. Several members, including YooA, cited this track as their favorite, noting how it "shows each of the members' vocal styles the best".
Chart Performance and Awards: Measuring the Impact
The commercial impact of "Dun Dun Dance" transformed Oh My Girl's position in the K-pop industry, with chart records and accolades that significantly outpaced their previous releases.
Gaon and Oricon Chart Rankings
"Dun Dun Dance" made history for Oh My Girl by becoming their first song to reach the top spot on the Gaon Digital Chart. This achievement marked a substantial improvement over their previous hit "Nonstop," which had peaked at number two. Beyond domestic success, "Dear OhMyGirl" reached number 3 on the South Korean Albums (Gaon) chart and secured the 98th position on Gaon's year-end album chart for 2021.
The album's impact extended internationally as well. On the Japanese Oricon Albums chart, "Dear OhMyGirl" climbed to number 22, while the Japanese version of "Dun Dun Dance" sold 11,612 copies in Japan during 2021. Perhaps most impressively, "Dear OhMyGirl" became the group's first album to surpass 100,000 physical sales on Gaon, demonstrating their growing popularity among dedicated fans.
Music Show Wins and Accolades
"Dun Dun Dance" secured three consecutive music show trophies during its promotion period. Oh My Girl claimed their first win on May 18, 2021, on "The Show" with 7,851 points, followed by a second victory on the same program on May 25 with 6,785 points. The group completed their trio of wins by taking first place on "Show Champion" on May 26.
In terms of major awards, "Dun Dun Dance" earned Oh My Girl a Digital Song Bonsang at the 2022 Golden Disc Awards. The group also received the Hot Performance of the Year award at the 2022 Gaon Chart Music Awards. Throughout their career, Oh My Girl has accumulated 23 major awards from 89 nominations across various ceremonies, with several specifically recognizing their work on "Dear OhMyGirl" and "Dun Dun Dance."
Consequently, this era marked a turning point for the group, establishing them as genuine contenders in the increasingly competitive K-pop landscape and rewarding the artistic growth displayed throughout the album.
Why 'Dun Dun Dance' Stood Out
Beyond chart success, the alien-themed "Dun Dun Dance" captivated audiences through its distinct creative elements that made it Oh My Girl's defining release.
Visual Aesthetics and Music Video Appeal
The music video's sci-fi concept immediately set "Dun Dun Dance" apart, featuring the members as aliens enjoying Earth experiences. Shot primarily on Jeju Island, the video showcased stunning natural scenery that complemented the song's bright energy. The opening scene established this unique premise with members answering a payphone in dial-up tones while a UFO hovered overhead. Throughout the video, vibrant visual effects enhanced individual shots—from tropical fish surrounding Hyojung in a cactus garden to antique books floating above Seunghee. Additionally, the color palette emphasized cotton candy blues and pinks, creating an aesthetically pleasing visual experience that matched the song's cheerful mood.
Vocal Performance and Group Chemistry
Vocally, "Dun Dun Dance" highlighted each member's strengths while maintaining excellent group harmony. Seunghee's iconic delivery of "Feel So High~" in the chorus became one of 2021's most memorable K-pop moments, with her powerful vocal run adding dynamic contrast to the upbeat track. Similarly, Mimi's rap sections during the chorus changed the lyrical tempo effectively, adding rhythmic layers without disrupting the song's flow. The background harmonies during rap breaks further demonstrated the group's cohesive sound, showcasing their technical abilities within an accessible pop framework.
Fan Reception and Social Media Buzz
Fan response to "Dun Dun Dance" proved exceptionally strong, with the song remaining in Korea's Top 30 charts five months after release—outlasting releases from major acts like Twice and Brave Girls. Initially, some listeners expressed mixed reactions about the song's catchiness compared to "Nonstop," but many noted how "it got better by every listen." Social media particularly celebrated the addictive choreography, which Seunghee described as "very simple, unique, cute, and highly addictive." Arin reinforced this sentiment, noting the dance was designed to be "easy to listen to, exciting, and features choreography composed of point moves" specifically created for fans to join along.
FAQS
Fans and critics alike have frequently asked questions about "Dun Dun Dance" and its meteoric rise to become Oh My Girl's signature hit. This FAQ section addresses the most common inquiries about the album and title track.
Did fans immediately love "Dun Dun Dance" upon its release?
Interestingly, fan reception was initially mixed. Many listeners felt something was "missing" from the track at first listen. As one fan noted, "This song is good! but at the same time, I can't help but feel like there is something missing". Nonetheless, this sentiment shifted over time as the song's appeal grew with repeated listens.
How does "Dun Dun Dance" compare to Oh My Girl's previous hits?
Some critics initially found "Dun Dun Dance" less immediately catchy than "Nonstop" or "Dolphin," stating they couldn't hear "a world-conquering, Dolphin-esque hook within Dun Dun Dance's limited arsenal". Yet, several reviewers who initially felt underwhelmed later acknowledged a pattern—their previous hit "Nonstop" had also been a "grower" that gained appreciation over time.
What advice do Oh My Girl members give to junior artists?
The members offer heartfelt guidance to newer K-pop artists. One member emphasizes self-care: "Believe in yourself, love yourself, eat well and take good care of yourself. I support you and no matter how tough it gets, don't lose your smile". Another member cautions against rushing: "I hope you don't have the 'I have to succeed quickly' mentality and be patient".
Why did some fans feel conflicted about the song?
Several listeners mentioned high expectations following their previous comeback, with one stating: "I had such high expectations and really liked the teaser as well. For me the final product is just ok? I was a bit disappointed". Regardless, most acknowledged that while perhaps "unmemorable" at first, the song demonstrated considerable staying power—much like their previous releases.
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