After a perplexing controversy that involved the removal of a their seventh member Hong Yookyung, A-Pink finally made their comeback on July 4th with mini-album "Secret Garden" and title track "NoNoNo." Though sticking to their usual cute concept, dance styles and music genre, the message for this comeback is the main distinction. The lyrics provide encouragement for someone going through a tough time rather than having a crush on a boy. It's also with these lyrics that I see small changes in the members' expressions. Eunji and Chorong look particularly glum in the MV despite their efforts to appear bright, and though everyone looks adorable, there's still a glaring realization that their group was shattered by Cube's decision to let Yookyung go. In fact, some Netizens are even commenting that "NoNoNo" sounds like A-Pink's indirect message to console Yookyung.
A-Pink "NoNoNo" MV (Eng Sub)
"Secret Garden" Tracklist:
1. "U You"
2. NoNoNo (title track)
3. Lovely Day
4. I Need You
5. Secret Garden
6. NoNoNo (Instrumental)
Comments:
Though "NoNoNo" is just as sweet and catchy as prior tracks "I Don't Know," "My My" and "Bubibu," my main concern is that it's too much like their previous comebacks. I had hoped for a return with something slightly different like their flirty "Hush" track, or a fun sound like "Up in the Sky" featuring Joker from their "Une Annee" mini-album. Instead, I see too much of the same choreography, too much of the same sound (even Eunji's high notes are in the same part of the song) and even similar MV styles (in fact, the filter, background and filming set looks the same). I understand that A-Pink's fans adore them for their innocent style, but they're not always going to be young girls. A little bit of change or advancement is a good thing, and despite their popularity, they're not moving forward with this comeback. In an industry of ever-growing new idol groups, being fresh and innovative is what sustains interest. Despite playing it safe, A-Pink's popularity and the mere catchiness of "NoNoNo" still allows it to rank quite high on music charts.
"No No No" Live Performances:
- 130704 Mnet Comeback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sna_wakqBAU
- 130705 Music Bank Comeback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9B8zWe_4-no
- 130706 Music Core Comeback http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2Dhhu7PxHc
What I enjoyed:
- They all look so pretty and youthful in those simple outfits! I like that their personalities shine through without too much decorum, and even the make-up looks very natural. They pull off sporty looks so effortlessly!
- That wriggling transition dance looks like so much fun! That and the electronic tune is what really highlights the song.
- Bomi and Eunji's vocals sound awesome in "NoNoNo," and I didn't know Naeun and Hayoung could sing so well! There's a more equal distribution of parts this time around, but it also means Chorong and Namjoo receive less spotlight in this comeback.
- Chorong looks so much thinner- I miss her chubby cheeks! Still, it's a good look for her, and some Netizens are already calling her a "fairy."
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| From left to right: Hayoung, Eunji, Bomi, Naeun, Chorong, Namjoo |
Yookyung's removal/controversy:
A-Cube at initially claimed that Yookyung would be leaving the group due to her acceptance to college and a decision to focus on studies. Yookyung's father Mr. Hong went on twitter and posted otherwise, venting his frustration in the matter and asking A-Cube to not cover up the fact that it was a contract dismissal that had only been announced to Yookyung a month before.When A-Cube stuck to their statement, Mr. Hong issued another warning statement and asked fans to help reinstate Yookyung. Despite fans' protest, the damage was already done, and Cube had even informed that another trainee would replace Yookyung as A-Pink's seventh member in their July comeback. However, their comeback has arrived and Pink Pandas are all issuing a sigh of relief to not have to harbor unreasonably hard feelings towards a new member. It's the very least A-Cube can do for Pink Pandas, but it sure doesn't lesson the burden on the original members. It's saddest that other members never even had a say. Under A-Cube's management, I doubt they will be able to disclose any details or feelings about what happened.
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| From left to right: Hayoung, Eunji, Chorong, Naeun, Bomi, Namjoo |
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