SETTING IT OFF CHUNG HA/
The former IOI member continues to forge her own path as a solo artist with her second EP, offering glossy, dancefloor-friendly electro-pop
From its humble start lurking in the shadow of J-pop to partially dominating the globe, the unstoppable power of K-pop has been fascinating to witness. Today, in the hazy wake of the Gangnam Style craze, the genre has grown to have its own annual convention KCON, which aims to celebrate South Korean culture in various locations around the world. In North America, K-pop boy bands and girl bands are being received with open arms. Groups such as seven-member boyband BTS has even gone so far as to win 2017’s Billboard Music Award for Top Social Artist, beating pop royalty like Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande.
Enjoying and appreciating K-pop is one thing, but when it comes to actually navigating its ecosystem, this can indeed be a daunting task. Backed by the massive machinery of various entertainment agencies and trainee system, the industry tirelessly churns out new talents on a regular basis. While most of these so-called idol bands will be cut from more or less the same cloth, some will bring a little extra something worthy of your time and attention.
Which brings us to Chung Ha, the 22-year-old singer who has recently metamorphosed from 11-member girl band IOI into one of K-pop’s most promising solo artists. After the success of her 2017 dance-pop debut EP Hands On Me, she’s followed it up with Offset, a five-track mini album that further highlights her potential as K-pop’s go-to dance diva.
Introduced by sensual, interlude-like title track, the EP finds Chung Ha getting right down to business on lead cut Roller Coaster. Produced by K-pop hit-makers Black Eyed Pilseung and Jun Goon, the upbeat electro-pop track matches her coy vocals with R&B undercurrents. “I remember very first time in love … So I’m in love,” she sings as she likens the experience of falling in love with a rollercoaster ride.
Do It comes with all the on-trend elements of today’s Top 40 singles: reggae melody and trap beats. Chung Ha’s vocals here are pretty remarkable and somewhat reminiscent of Ariana Grande. In fact, the whole vibe recalls Grande’s single Side To Side. Bad Boy is an exuberant, brass-inflected offering, though pales in comparison with closer Remind Of You, a yearning piano ballad about a lost love.
Despite its short length, Offset does provide a solid glimpse into Chung Ha’s all-round talent and potential as a rising K-pop performer. With powerhouse vocals at her disposal, she knows how to use them to full effect, whether on dance jams or torch songs. This EP picks up where Hands On Me left off, yet still indicative of what she will be capable of if/when given a larger format, such as a full-length album.
K-pop might be on the verge of oversupply, but do keep an eye out for Chung Ha. With this level of versatility, this girl’s poised for greater things.