LIKE YOU BETTER - FROMIS_9, From Our 20's
fromis_9's "Like You Better": The Hidden Story Behind Their Sweetest Song Yet
K-pop group fromis 9 marks a significant transformation with their sixth mini-album "From Our 20's," set to release in June 2025. This highly anticipated comeback showcases the group's evolution both personally and artistically as they navigate their twenties. The mini-album features six tracks that authentically capture their emotions and personal experiences, with "Like You Better" serving as the vibrant title track.
Despite lineup changes, the members of fromis_9 continue building on their recent success. Their previous release "#menow" impressively ranked in Melon's Top 10 and was recognized by Billboard, PopMatters, NME, and Dazed as one of 2024's best K-pop songs. The new title track "Like You Better" stands out with its bombastic production and refreshing summer energy, becoming the first girl group song to receive a 9-point review this year. With individual members like fromis_9 jiwon, fromis_9 hayoung, chaeyoung fromis_9, and jiheon fromis 9 taking increased creative control, this album truly reflects both their physical age and artistic maturity.
The comeback that changed everything
In March 2025, the K-pop industry witnessed a significant shift as five members of fromis_9 secured the right to continue using their original group name after parting ways with PLEDIS Entertainment. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a new chapter for the beloved girl group.
Why the group reformed as five members
Following the expiration of their exclusive contracts with PLEDIS Entertainment in December 2024, the eight-member group faced a critical decision about their future. After extensive discussions, Song Hayoung, Park Jiwon, Lee Nagyung, Lee Chaeyoung, and Baek Jiheon chose to continue as fromis_9. The other three members—Lee Saerom, Lee Seoyeon, and Roh Jisun—decided to pursue individual paths. This reformation was not simply about numbers but reflected the members' deep commitment to preserving their collective identity even through significant changes.
The transition from Pledis to ASND
On January 26, 2025, the five continuing members officially signed exclusive contracts with ASND Label. This transition represented more than just a change in management—it symbolized the courage and determination of these artists to forge ahead together. As ASND stated, "It must have taken a lot of thought and courage for the artists to decide to continue their group activities". The new agency immediately began preparing for their comeback, scheduled for June 2025. Notably, this would be their first release since reorganizing as a quintet.
Keeping the fromis_9 name and legacy
Initially, when the members joined ASND, the agency announced that the group's name remained undecided. However, after negotiations with PLEDIS Entertainment concluded amicably in March 2025, the five members secured the rights to continue using the fromis_9 name. This achievement was particularly meaningful considering the group's history since their formation through Mnet's "Idol School" in 2017. Furthermore, fans appreciated that regardless of the number of members, the "9" in fromis_9 would remain, acknowledging that "every single one of them played a huge part in building fromis' image".
The concept behind 'From Our 20’s'
With the dawn of a new era for fromis_9, their sixth mini-album "From Our 20's" emerges as a heartfelt musical diary capturing the essence of young adulthood. The quintet's newest project serves as both a reflection on their journey and a statement about their artistic vision moving forward.
Themes of youth, love, and self-discovery
"From Our 20's" delves deep into the emotional landscape that defines this pivotal decade of life. Each track on the album explores different facets of the twenties experience—from the exhilarating freedom of independence to the bittersweet growing pains of adulthood. The title track "Like You Better" specifically examines the evolution of romantic feelings, while B-sides like "Strawberry Mimosa" and "Twisted Love" navigate the complex emotions that accompany personal growth.
Chaeyoung fromis_9 explained during their comeback showcase, "We wanted to create something authentic that speaks to what we're actually experiencing right now. Our twenties have been filled with so many firsts—first heartbreaks, first major decisions, first real independence." This authenticity resonates throughout the album's lyrical content, creating an intimate connection with listeners in similar life stages.
How the album reflects their real twenties
Unlike previous releases where concepts might have been assigned by production teams, "From Our 20's" draws directly from the members' personal experiences. Jiheon fromis 9, the youngest member, contributed lyrics that reflect on the pressure of making life-defining choices. Meanwhile, fromis_9 jiwon and fromis_9 hayoung took active roles in the songwriting process, infusing their real-life perspectives into tracks like "Strawberry Mimosa" and "Twisted Love" respectively.
The musical direction also mirrors their maturing tastes, blending their signature bright pop sound with more sophisticated production elements. The incorporation of rock-influenced instrumentals in "Like You Better" represents their expanding musical horizons—a natural progression as they continue their artistic journey.
Visual direction and album packaging
The aesthetic concept for "From Our 20's" complements its thematic elements through thoughtful visual storytelling. Album photoshoots feature the fromis_9 members in both vibrant outdoor settings and intimate indoor spaces, symbolizing the contrast between public personas and private reflections that characterizes young adulthood.
For the physical album, three distinct versions were produced—"Youth," "Love," and "Discovery"—each highlighting different aspects of the overarching concept. Collector cards, photo booklets, and personalized message notes from each member create an immersive experience that extends beyond the music itself, allowing fans to connect more deeply with the fromis 9 members' artistic vision.
Track-by-track breakdown of 'From Our 20's'
The mini-album 'From Our 20's' showcases fromis_9's musical evolution through six distinctive tracks, each highlighting different facets of the group's artistry and maturity.
'Like You Better' – the title track
The standout title track blends breezy synths, upbeat guitar rhythms, and an explosive chorus to capture the essence of summer romance. This bombastic production delivers roll-down-the-window-and-sing-at-the-top-of-your-lungs material, characterized by its chugging instrumental that favors stomping percussion and surging guitar. Though some critics note the melody occasionally follows familiar pop patterns, the thrilling sound and propulsive beat create an irresistible summer anthem that forces listeners to surrender to its open-hearted sentiment.
'Rebelutional' – embracing inner strength
'REBELUTIONAL' stands as a bold anthem about confronting harsh realities with confidence. Moving beyond simple rebellion, the track symbolizes an inner revolution and the journey of becoming one's true self. The lyrics depict someone who refuses to compromise even in difficult circumstances, conveying the courage to cause a personal revolution through straightforward lyrics and energetic melody.
'Love=Disaster' – high-teen punk energy
As a high-teen punk rock offering, 'Love=Disaster' fuses powerful vocals with intense instrumentals. The explosive chorus and gritty guitar riffs deliver an exhilarating sense of release. Moreover, the track vividly expresses the chaos and emotional whirlwind of falling in love, showcasing a striking evolution in fromis_9's musical style.
'Strawberry Mimosa' – Ji Won's dreamy touch
Park Ji-won contributed to both writing and composition of 'Strawberry Mimosa,' a dreamy track comparing falling in love to the fizz of the namesake cocktail. In fact, the refreshing, upbeat guitar riff and repeating chorus blend seamlessly to capture a cooling summer breeze. Ji-won's personal touch adds authenticity to this sensory, immersive track that brings the sweetness and thrill of romance vividly to life.
'Twisted Love' – Ha Young's emotional ballad
Song Ha-young's 'Twisted Love' explores the paradoxical nature of love that is painful yet nostalgic. First thing to remember, the track builds from a sentimental guitar riff toward a chorus full of explosive emotion. Ha-young's songwriting delicately captures the desire to remain close despite love's complexities and confusion.
'Merry Go Round' – a hopeful closing
Concluding the album, 'Merry Go Round' features warm brass sounds that evoke childhood nostalgia. The song creates an atmosphere reminiscent of riding a carousel, promising to always return to the same place. Essentially, it delivers fromis_9's heartfelt commitment to always come back to their fans, making for an emotionally rich finale to the album.
Breaking down 'Like You Better'
"Like You Better" stands out as a thrilling musical departure that signals fromis_9's bold new direction as a quintet. The track has already made history by becoming the first girl group song to receive a 9-point review this year, cementing its status as a standout summer release.
The sound: pop-rock meets summer energy
The production of "Like You Better" delivers a refreshing break from current K-pop trends with its bombastic, in-your-face approach. The instrumental combines breezy synths with upbeat guitar riffs and stomping percussion, creating an anthemic 80's sound reminiscent of Carly Rae Jepsen's signature style. This vibrant sonic palette perfectly complements the summer season, offering listeners an energetic escape from the heat. The track's chugging instrumental and surging guitar elements create a propulsive feeling that drives the song forward with undeniable momentum.
Lyrics that reflect emotional growth
Lyrically, "Like You Better" explores love from multiple perspectives, showcasing emotional depth beneath its bright exterior. The song expresses a passionate determination to embrace love more deeply and wholeheartedly. Lines like "Our love is true 'cause this is too great" and "It doesn't matter 'cause we're better when we are together" convey both vulnerability and confidence. This emotional complexity reflects the members' growth as they navigate their twenties, adding substance to what might otherwise be simply a seasonal anthem.
Why the chorus hits so hard
The explosive chorus forms the heart of "Like You Better," featuring a perfect blend of shouted vocals and the straightforward yet effective hook. Its two-part structure creates a hearty, sing-along energy that resonates immediately with listeners. The layered vocals in the bridge build to a powerful final chorus, giving the track an exhilarating climax. The "woahs" in the second half of the chorus paired with distinctive choreography further enhance its impact.
How it compares to past fromis_9 songs
Though not entirely new territory for fromis_9, who have previously released summer songs, "Like You Better" represents their most successful execution of the concept. Many critics consider it their strongest title track in years, comparable to their earlier hit "We Go." The song maintains their signature bright pop sound yet elevates it with a more consolidated production approach. Unlike their recent releases that were often confined to studio settings, the music video embraces outdoor locations that perfectly capture the song's summery essence.
The members behind the music
Behind the captivating sound of "From Our 20's" are the personal artistic contributions of the fromis_9 members themselves, showcasing their growth as musicians beyond their roles as performers.
fromis_9 jiwon and her role in 'Strawberry Mimosa'
Park Jiwon, the group's main vocalist, stepped into songwriting territory by contributing to both the lyrics and composition of "Strawberry Mimosa". This dreamy track cleverly compares the excitement of falling in love to the fizz of a cocktail, demonstrating Jiwon's creative metaphorical thinking. As a former JYP trainee with six years of industry experience, Jiwon brings technical vocal expertise to her composition work. Her participation gives the album a deeper, more personal dimension, reflecting her artistic evolution since her Idol School days.
fromis_9 hayoung's emotional songwriting in 'Twisted Love'
Song Hayoung crafted one of the album's most emotionally charged tracks with "Twisted Love," where she served as both lyricist and composer. The song explores the paradox of painful yet lingering love – a heart that hurts yet refuses to untangle itself. Hayoung's composition features an emotionally charged chorus that showcases her understanding of musical dynamics. As someone who composed her first song at just nine years old, Hayoung's musical instincts have evolved into sophisticated songwriting ability.
chaeyoung fromis_9 and her vocal evolution
Lee Chaeyoung has undergone a remarkable vocal transformation throughout fromis_9's career. Initially positioned as a main dancer and lead rapper, her vocal abilities have steadily gained recognition. Her impressive high notes in previous tracks like "Wishlist" and "Prom Night," coupled with her consistent performance in encore stages, have prompted fans to reconsider her position as a potential lead vocalist. Her vocal confidence shines throughout "From Our 20's."
jiheon fromis 9 and her reflections on youth
As fromis_9's maknae (youngest member), Baek Jiheon brings unique perspective to the album's themes of youth and growth. Currently balancing university studies with her idol career, Jiheon embodies the very essence of navigating one's twenties. In interviews, she expressed her determination to experience university life firsthand: "I figured there's certain things you can only experience at certain ages". Her academic journey studying child development alongside her artistic career provides authentic insights into the album's exploration of youth.
Why fans and critics are calling it a record-breaker
"Like You Better" has quickly become a defining moment in fromis_9's career, breaking records and exceeding expectations across multiple metrics within the first weeks of its release.
Chart performance and music show wins
The title track has made a remarkable impact on music charts, debuting at number three on the Circle Digital Chart—making this fromis_9's second highest position ever, just behind their previous hit "Supersonic". Beyond domestic success, the song has secured top positions on various music charts internationally. On streaming platforms, "LIKE YOU BETTER" reached #18 on Spotify South Korea, #19 on Apple Music South Korea, and #14 on YouTube South Korea.
Perhaps most significantly, the group claimed victory on KBS2's "Music Bank" on July 4, 2025, winning with a total of 6,903 points. What made this achievement particularly sweet was their triumph over SM Entertainment powerhouse aespa and their comeback track "Dirty Work". As a result of dedicated fan efforts, fromis_9 outscored aespa significantly in the fan voting category—earning 2,000 points compared to aespa's 174.
Fan reactions and social media buzz
The music video's popularity exploded rapidly, exceeding 10 million views just four days after its release. Upon receiving their trophy, the members appeared genuinely shocked, with Lee Na Gyung and Park Ji Won—who rarely show tears—visibly emotional during the acceptance speech.
In their heartfelt message to fans, the group expressed: "We didn't expect this, and we're sincerely grateful to the fans (flovers)". They added a promise to "continue to be a hardworking fromis_9".
Social media buzz has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans celebrating this milestone as especially meaningful given the group's recent company transition. Comments across platforms highlighted both the quality of the song and the perseverance of the members, with many noting this comeback marks a beautiful fresh start.
Creative involvement of fromis_9 members
Above all, what distinguishes this release is the increased creative control by the members themselves. Park Ji-won contributed both lyrics and composition for "Strawberry Mimosa," whereas Song Ha-young played an instrumental role in creating "Twisted Love". This direct involvement showcases their artistic growth and adds a personal dimension to the album.
The creative participation reflects ASND's commitment to expanding fromis_9's identity through constant challenges. With their hands-on approach to songwriting and production, the members have demonstrated their evolution from performers to genuine artists with unique creative voices.
FAQS
Fans worldwide have been buzzing with questions about fromis 9's latest release. Let's address some of the most frequently asked questions about "Like You Better" and their new chapter as a quintet.
What is the meaning behind "Like You Better" by fromis_9?
At its core, "Like You Better" expresses the determination to face love with greater passion and intensity. The song portrays the excitement of drawing a future together with someone special, conveying both exhilaration and lingering emotional depth. This musical message aligns perfectly with the overall themes of youth and self-discovery present throughout the "From Our 20's" mini-album.
Will fromis_9 continue using this name even with five members?
Indeed, after successful negotiations with PLEDIS Entertainment in March 2025, the five continuing members—Song Hayoung, Park Jiwon, Lee Nagyung, Lee Chaeyoung, and Baek Jiheon—secured the rights to continue using the fromis_9 name. This decision honors the group's legacy and acknowledges that every former member played a significant role in building the group's identity.
How does "Like You Better" differ from previous fromis_9 releases?
"Like You Better" represents a musical evolution while maintaining the group's signature bright energy. The track incorporates more rock elements and bombastic production compared to their earlier work. Yet it preserves their characteristic cheerful vibe that fans have come to love over the years.
Are there any member-produced songs on the new album?
Absolutely! "From Our 20's" showcases the artistic growth of several members. Jiwon contributed to "Strawberry Mimosa," whereas Hayoung crafted the emotional "Twisted Love." These self-produced tracks add personal authenticity to the album, reflecting their real experiences of navigating their twenties.
What versions of the physical album are available?
The physical album comes in three distinct versions—"Youth," "Love," and "Discovery"—each highlighting different aspects of the overarching concept and featuring unique photobooks, collector cards, and personalized messages from the members
What is the deeper meaning behind "LIKE YOU BETTER"?
The song fundamentally explores the determination to face love more passionately and intensely. Unlike their previous releases, this track presents a more mature perspective on romance, where the protagonist actively pursues their feelings rather than simply experiencing them. The lyrics convey both excitement and lingering emotions, leaving a profound impression on listeners.
Why did fromis_9 choose a summer release date?
Primarily, the June 25th release date was strategically selected to capture the vibrant summer energy that aligns perfectly with the song's bright, refreshing sound. The teaser images featuring travel-themed concepts with suitcases adorned with fromis_9 stickers under bright lights symbolize a journey—both literal and metaphorical—into a new chapter for the group.
How did the album concept come together?
Actually, the concept crystallized around authentic expressions of life in one's twenties. The phrase "Life in your 20's" appears prominently in teaser materials, indicating the album's focus on genuine experiences during this formative decade. The silver shopping bag exterior displaying words like "Ready," "Departure," and "Journey" further emphasizes this theme of growth and transition.
When can fans expect to see fromis_9 perform "LIKE YOU BETTER" live?
Following their Music Bank win, the group has already begun performing on various music shows. Undoubtedly, this successful comeback has opened doors for additional performance opportunities, although specific tour dates remain unannounced.
Will fromis_9 continue with five members going forward?
Yes, the five continuing members—Song Hayoung, Park Jiwon, Lee Nagyung, Lee Chaeyoung, and Baek Jiheon—have secured the rights to continue performing under the fromis_9 name after negotiations with Pledis Entertainment concluded in March 2025.
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