SOMI BIRTHDAY (era)

Jeon Somi, a Canadian-Dutch-Korean singer-songwriter, made a significant entrance into the music scene with her debut single "Birthday," released by The Black Label on June 13, 2019. The journey to her solo debut was filled with anticipation and meticulous planning. Initial reports in November 2018 indicated that Somi was working on new music, aiming for a solo debut in March 2019. However, the debut was rescheduled several times due to internal issues within her agency, with the final release date pushed to June 2019.

The promotional campaign for "Birthday" included multiple teasers, with The Black Label releasing several promotional posters leading up to the launch. Each poster incrementally revealed more about the upcoming release, culminating in the announcement of the title track "Birthday" just days before its release. This strategic marketing built significant hype and set the stage for the song's release alongside its vibrant music video.

Artist

Somi

B-side

"Outta My Head"

Released

June 13, 2019

Format(s)

Download, streaming

Recorded

2019

Genre

R&B, dance

Length

6:13

Label(s)

The Black Label

Distributor(s)

YG PLUS

Jeon Somi's ascent to solo stardom in the K-pop industry is marked by her distinctive blend of cultural influences and musical styles. After her participation in the survival shows 'Sixteen' and 'Produce 101', she initially joined the girl group I.O.I, which disbanded in 2017. Post-I.O.I, Somi faced pivotal career decisions, including a significant transition from JYP Entertainment to THE BLACK LABEL.

Her debut single "Birthday," released on June 13, 2019, showcased a mix of English and Korean lyrics, reflecting her North American and South Korean heritage. This track emphasized her unique vocal style, which some describe as distinctly Westernized, setting her apart from typical K-pop artists. Despite mixed reviews, the song captured attention for its energetic pop and sassy lyrics, affirming Somi's potential in the solo arena.

Somi's journey is also characterized by her involvement in the creative process, having been actively writing music for two years prior to her debut. This period helped her explore and refine her vocal capabilities, contributing to her growth as an artist. Her music, often revolving around themes of empowerment and self-discovery, resonates with a broad audience, establishing her as a formidable presence in the K-pop scene.

Overall, Somi's transition to a solo career was not just a change in label but a significant step in defining her musical identity and artistic direction. Her ability to navigate the complexities of the music industry while maintaining her unique voice is a testament to her resilience and talent as an artist.

The journey to Jeon Somi's solo debut was marked by a series of strategic and creative decisions, culminating in the release of "Birthday". Initially, the debut was planned for March 2019, but was pushed to June due to internal agency issues and the desire to enhance the album's quality. The production involved a collaboration with Teddy, a producer known for his distinctive style, which significantly shaped the song's sound and reception.

Leading up to the release, The Black Label engaged in an extensive promotional campaign, releasing multiple posters that gradually unveiled details about the debut. This included revealing the title track "Birthday" just days before its launch, creating a buzz and setting the stage for its release alongside a vibrant music video.

Despite the anticipation, "Birthday" received mixed reviews. Critics pointed out the repetitive nature of the lyrics and the infamous "Teddy beat-drop syndrome" which disrupted the song's flow. The track was described as both candy-coated and antagonistic, a combination that did not endear it to all listeners. However, the song's bold approach and Somi's performance were noted, reflecting her potential as a solo artist despite the challenges.

In "Birthday," Jeon Somi explores themes of self-celebration and individuality, emphasizing the importance of embracing one's unique identity. The lyrics promote a message of self-love, suggesting that every day can be celebrated with the same joy and freedom as one's birthday. This theme resonates with the broader cultural movement towards individual empowerment and self-expression in contemporary music.

The song's lyrical content has sparked varied reactions. Some listeners appreciate the catchy phrases and the bold declaration of independence seen in lines like "oops, you're not invited," which echoes the sass and defiance popular in Western pop music. However, others criticize the repetition and simplicity of these lyrics, arguing that they detract from the song's potential depth and artistic quality. This division highlights the challenge of balancing catchy, commercial appeal with meaningful lyrical content in pop music.

The use of English phrases within the song, such as "shake it like a polaroid," has been a point of contention. While this approach aims to broaden the song's appeal to an international audience, it has also been perceived as relying too heavily on clichés, which some argue undermines the authenticity of the K-pop genre. This criticism reflects ongoing debates within the music industry about the integration of global influences and the preservation of cultural uniqueness in pop music.

Overall, "Birthday" by Jeon Somi stands as a vibrant anthem of self-expression, yet it also serves as a focal point for discussions about the complexities of cultural identity and artistic authenticity in the global music scene.

The music video for "Birthday" by Jeon Somi is recognized for its aesthetically pleasing visuals, which, although not groundbreaking, are executed with a high level of proficiency typical of YG Entertainment productions. The video features a narrative reminiscent of a "high school girl falls in love with the jock," presented in a manner that avoids being clichéd.

One of the standout aspects of the video is its color palette, particularly the use of a purple-ish tone that introduces a retro feel right from the beginning. This choice sets a nostalgic yet fresh atmosphere, contributing significantly to the visual appeal. Additionally, the scene set in a bathroom carries a similar nostalgic quality, enhancing the overall aesthetic continuity of the video.

The styling in the music video also deserves special mention. Each outfit is meticulously chosen to fit the video's concept perfectly. Among the various costumes, the white dress paired with angel wings stands out, highlighting the stylist's attention to detail and creative vision. This particular outfit not only complements the thematic elements of the video but also underscores Somi's vibrant and youthful persona.

Upon its release, Jeon Somi's debut single "Birthday" achieved rapid success, quickly climbing to the top of real-time charts on major South Korean music sites such as Bugs, Mnet, Naver, and Soribada, and securing the second spot on Genie and ninth on Melon. Internationally, "Birthday" also made a significant impact, debuting at number 7 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart and selling over 1,000 copies in its first week. The song's performance on the Gaon Digital Chart was equally impressive, debuting at number 51 and climbing to number 22 in the following week. Additionally, the combined views for "Birthday" and its B-side "Outta My Head" on YouTube reached approximately 93.9 million, highlighting the global reach and popularity of Somi's music.

The cultural impact and legacy of K-pop, exemplified by Jeon Somi's "Birthday," reveals the profound influence of Korean pop culture globally. The phenomenon of consumerism within the K-pop fandom is significant, with fans engaging in the purchase of merchandise as a means of supporting their favorite artists. This not only contributes to the economic growth of South Korea's entertainment industry but also fosters a sense of community and loyalty among fans. The practice of mass consumption, where fans collect vast amounts of merchandise, underscores the deep emotional connection fans have with K-pop idols, although it sometimes leads to negative stereotypes about fan behavior.

The digital landscape has also played a crucial role in shaping the cultural legacy of K-pop. Fans create and manage their identities on platforms like Twitter, where they connect with fellow fans and express their fandom through various digital interactions. This virtual community building enhances the global reach of K-pop, allowing fans from diverse backgrounds to participate in a shared cultural experience.

Moreover, the global lifestyle influence of K-pop extends beyond music to include fashion, language, and social behaviors. Fans worldwide emulate the styles of their idols, learn Korean to better understand K-dramas and songs, and even relocate to South Korea, reflecting the desire to immerse themselves fully in Korean culture. This cultural assimilation highlights the transformative power of K-pop as a global phenomenon.

In summary, the cultural impact and legacy of K-pop are marked by its ability to foster a global community of fans who actively participate in and propagate Korean cultural practices. This global community not only supports the economic aspects of the entertainment industry but also contributes to the cultural exchange and understanding between different parts of the world.

Jeon Somi's debut with "Birthday" was marked by a mix of excitement and personal challenges during her live performances and promotional activities. Somi revealed her initial struggle with the pressure of debuting solo, which affected her ability to fully enjoy her performances on stage. She expressed a desire to revisit "Birthday" with a comeback performance, hoping to experience it with newfound confidence and enjoyment.

Despite the mixed reception of "Birthday," Somi's magnetic stage presence and the anticipation surrounding her debut ensured that her live performances attracted significant attention. Her candid sharing about the pressures she faced highlights the often-overlooked challenges artists endure during high-stakes promotions and debuts.

Jeon Somi has expanded her discography significantly since her solo debut. Beyond "Birthday," she has released a variety of tracks that have showcased her versatility and growth as an artist. Notable among these is "DUMB DUMB," a song that captures the catchy and vibrant essence typical of K-pop, yet distinct with Somi's unique flair. The track is part of her album "XOXO," which also includes songs like "Anymore" and "Watermelon," each adding a different hue to her musical palette.

Her extended play album "Game Plan" features tracks like "Fast Forward" and "Gold Gold Gold," which continue to build on her signature style, blending pop with personal storytelling. "The Way" and "Fxxked Up" from the same album delve into more introspective themes, showcasing her maturation as a songwriter and performer.

Each of these tracks not only contributes to her growing reputation as a solo artist but also resonates with a broad audience, securing her place in the competitive landscape of K-pop.

Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm

Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm

Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm

Hey, boy, how you doin'?

Ppeonhan insaneun anhallae

Ttak jallaseo malhalge

Haru haru jiruhae

Nae mal ihae mothamyeon

Haneun cheogirado hae

Nareul wonhaneun neo bodan

Naega wonhaneun geol wonhae

I got all the boys comin' 'round to my yard

I'm shakin' that thing like a pola-polaroid

I'll give you that, ooh

You give me that too

It's always a surprise when I step up in the room, it's like (Ugh)

Ije nae meotdaero maeilmaeil

Jeoldae eopseulgeoya jiruhal teum

Yejeone nal chatjima baby

Saeroun naro dasi taeeonal tenikka

See upcoming pop shows

Get tickets for your favorite artists

(So okay, okay)

Igijeogirajiman eotteokae (Hey)

(So, okay, okay)

I'ma shake it, shake it, shake it like it was my birthday

(Ayy, ayy, da-la-la-la-la-la-la)

I'ma shake it, shake it, shake it like it was my birthday

Oops, you're not invited

Yeah, you're not invited

Oops, you're not invited

Oneureun nae mamdaero hallae

Everyday is my birthday, yeah

It goes bang bang

Eottae love shot

Teotteuryeo fireworks, simjange pangpang

Majuchimyeon da gamtanhae like, uh

Geureom nan baneunghae dangyeonhae like, duh

Well alright, alright, alright, alright

Nan hu hago bulkke, can you blow my mind?

Deodo malgo deoldo malgo ttak oneulcheoreom

Nae mam heundeureojwo, woah

Ije nae meotdaero maeilmaeil

Jeoldae eopseulgeoya jiruhal teum

Yejeone nal chatjima baby

Nega aldeon nan yeogi eopseunikka

(So okay, okay)

Igijeogirajiman eotteokae (Hey)

(So, okay, okay)

I'ma shake it, shake it, shake it like it was my birthday

(Ayy, ayy, da-la-la-la-la-la-la)

I'ma shake it, shake it, shake it like it was my birthday

Oops, you're not invited

Yeah, you're not invited

Oops, you're not invited

Oneureun nae mamdaero hallae

Everyday is my birthday

Naui 365 and 24/7

Il wol hwa su mok geum to

It's my birthday (Yeah)

It's my birthday (Yeah)

Naui maesungan sigan bun cho

Saero taeeonaneun gibuniya, it's my birthday

Naega jal taeeonaseo jallan geol eotteokae

(Da-la-la-la-la-la-la)

Naega jal taeeonaseo jallan geol eotteokae

Oops, you're not invited

Yeah, you're not invited

Oops, you're not invited

Oneureun nae mamdaero hallae

Everyday is my birthday, yeah