SAY MY NAME - ILY: What Makes This K-pop Song Different?

SAY MY NAME - iLy boldly opens with a full cover of the classic "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" before cleverly incorporating that melody into its chorus, creating an instant connection with listeners. Released on August 1, 2025, this track marks an important milestone for the group that debuted last year as the first idol ensemble under Kim Jaejoong's agency iNKODE.

Notably, the song serves a dual purpose beyond its catchy say my name ily lyrics that include the famous line "I love you baby and if it's quite all right". It also introduces Shuie, the newest addition to SAY MY NAME, through a thoughtfully integrated role in both the song and its accompanying visuals. Additionally, this release highlights the group's increasingly diverse makeup, now featuring members from four different nationalities: South Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Chinese.

The Interpolation: A Bold Move or a Misstep?

At the core of SAY MY NAME - iLy lies an ambitious interpolation of Frankie Valli's iconic 1967 classic "Can't Take My Eyes Off You". This creative choice immediately sets the tone for the group's summer comeback and has become one of the most talked-about aspects of the release.

How 'Can't Take My Eyes Off You' is used

The track begins with a direct homage to the original song, launching with a full-on cover before strategically weaving that melody into its chorus. Furthermore, the production incorporates chopped stabs of brass sampled from the original as part of the instrumental backbone. According to member SOHA, this interpolation transforms what was originally a winter memory into a refreshing summer experience.

Why this interpolation feels divisive

Despite its nostalgic appeal, critics have described the approach as "heavy-handed," making SAY MY NAME - iLy sound "more like a bad remix than its own thing". Consequently, some reviewers suggest the song would have been more successful had it only borrowed the sampled brass elements rather than extensively reworking the original melody. The challenge with interpolations lies in striking a balance between honoring the source material while creating something original.

Comparisons to other K-pop interpolations

In contrast to SAY MY NAME's approach, other K-pop groups have demonstrated different interpolation techniques. IVE, for instance, successfully incorporated Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" in their track "About Like". Many critics point to IVE as an example of interpolation done right, suggesting that their method of using elements more judiciously creates a smoother integration.

Production and Genre: A UK Garage Twist

SAY MY NAME - iLy takes a surprising production direction by embracing the UK garage genre, a style that gained popularity in the 1990s British club scene. This choice creates an interesting sonic landscape that differentiates the group's summer release from typical K-pop offerings.

Use of brass and chopped samples

Producer 1Take strategically employs the iconic brass elements from "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" but places them in different structural positions. Indeed, where the original features brass in the pre-chorus, iLy relocates these elements to the post-chorus section. The chopped stabs of brass serve as a distinctive production signature throughout the track, creating a fragmented yet recognizable callback to the source material.

Does the genre fit the group's identity?

The UK garage influence represents a bold stylistic choice for SAY MY NAME. Ironically, this genre connection has an unexpected historical parallel - Destiny's Child's own "Say My Name" was originally slated to feature a UK garage beat before taking a different direction. This coincidental connection feels almost like musical destiny, though whether this genre fully aligns with SAY MY NAME's developing identity remains questionable.

Energy and pacing of the track

The song's delivery has been described as "herky-jerky," with critics noting that its structural approach creates an uneven listening experience. Moreover, while UK garage typically provides an easy-listening foundation, the overuse of the brass sample makes parts of iLy feel overwhelming rather than smoothly energetic. The track might have benefited from "a more energetic backbone and less copy/paste" approach to achieve a better balance.

Visual Storytelling in the iLy Music Video

The SAY MY NAME - iLy music video showcases the group's vibrant visual direction through a captivating summer narrative filmed against picturesque backdrops.

The Okinawa setting and summer vibe

Shot entirely in Okinawa, Japan, the video captures the essence of youthful summer adventures. The opening narration sets an expectant tone: "A summer that feels like something's about to begin". Member MEI revealed that filming conditions were challenging as "it was so hot that it felt like a heat wave". Meanwhile, JUNHWI experienced Okinawa's unpredictable weather where "it rained and then the sun came out". This atmospheric setting perfectly complements the track's refreshing seasonal energy.

Shuie's transformation and cat symbolism

Shuie's introduction drives a central narrative thread throughout the video. Initially, viewers witness the seven original members searching for someone until finally uniting with Shuie. Near the conclusion, a mini-drama unfolds when members exclaim "Where did Shuie go?" followed by a frantic search ending with relief upon finding her. This storyline effectively symbolizes her integration into the group.

How the video reflects SAY MY NAME's branding

The visual aesthetic employs "retro and high teen" styling that "amplifies the group's unique charm and summery appeal". Additionally, the video features their "iconic choreography that goes with the spirited and exuberant spirit of the track". Simultaneously, the "contagious quality" of the visuals encourages viewers to "go out and about and have fun in the sun too", perfectly aligning with their youthful brand identity.

Group Evolution: New Member, New Direction

SAY MY NAME underwent a significant transformation on July 10, 2025, when iNKODE Entertainment announced the addition of Shuie, expanding the lineup from seven to eight members.

Introducing Shuie and her role

Shuie (슈이), whose birth name is Yáng Shū Méng (杨舒萌), joined as a Chinese rapper and vocalist. Her debut with SAY MY NAME - iLy on August 1 marked her official integration into the group. Prior to joining, she studied art in Beijing and was formerly a trainee at both SM Entertainment and Yue Hua Entertainment. Standing at 170 cm, she holds the distinction of being the tallest member. Beyond her musical talents, Shuie speaks Chinese, Korean, English, and is currently learning Japanese.

Multinational identity of SAY MY NAME

With Shuie's arrival, the group's multinational character has been further strengthened, now featuring members from South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and China. This diverse composition reflects the evolving landscape of K-pop groups. Previously, several members had already established their presence in the industry—Hitomi was part of AKB48 and IZ*ONE, Seungjoo appeared on My Teenage Girl, and Mei competed on Dream Academy.

How the group's concept is evolving

Essentially, SAY MY NAME - iLy represents a new chapter in the group's identity. The name itself embodies the concept of "unique identity" and serves as an "aspiration to become a team that delivers a hopeful message of growing and overcoming things together". As the group transitions with this new addition, they continue to embrace their core mission of helping listeners find strength through life's challenges.

FAQS

Curious fans often seek specific details about SAY MY NAME - iLy. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding this summer release.

When was "iLy" released? The song dropped on August 1, 2025, at 6 PM KST. Specifically, this marked the group's first-ever summer single.

What inspired the song concept? "iLy" reimagines Frankie Valli's classic "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" through a modern interpolation, blending nostalgic melodies with fresh energy and the group's signature sound.

How did SAY MY NAME build anticipation for the release? On July 29 and 30, the group released their second round of concept photos via official social media channels. These images showcased the members' bright, youthful visuals in both solo and unit configurations.

What story does the music video tell? The second music video teaser, released at midnight on July 31, depicts seven members searching until they finally unite with Shuie, the eighth member. This storyline mirrors her real-life addition to the group.

What aesthetic does the comeback embrace? The styling evokes a retro and high teen aesthetic that highlights the group's unique charm and summery appeal. Of course, this visual direction complements the nostalgic musical elements incorporated throughout the track.

What makes this comeback significant? Above all, "iLy" serves as both SAY MY NAME's summer comeback and the official introduction of their newest member, Shuie, into the group's lineup.