The group LE SSERAFIM has returned even more "hotly." For the first time since their debut, they spotlighted "love songs" as the title, infusing their thoughts on "love." Dressed in a new look, LE SSERAFIM is set to pinnacle a carefully crafted trilogy.
LE SSERAFIM (Kim Chaewon, Sakura, Heo Yunjin, Kazuha, Hong Eunchae) held a showcase to celebrate the release of their fifth mini album "HOT" at YES24 LIVE HALL in Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, at 11 a.m. on the 14th, where they unveiled the stage for their new song "HOT" for the first time.
LE SSERAFIM's fifth mini album "HOT," released at 1 p.m. today (14th), captures the attitude of wholeheartedly committing to loving someone. It includes a total of five tracks, featuring the title track "HOT," which incorporates elements of rock and disco, along with the impressive trilingual narration in Korean, English, and Japanese in "Born Fire," the encouragement to honestly respond to the feelings at hand and enjoy the moment in "Come Over," the acceptance of pain while seeking beauty in it in "Ash," and the bold message to dive into love in "So Cynical (Badum)," which Kim Chaewon, Heo Yunjin, and Hong Eunchae participated in writing.
On this day, Heo Yunjin noted, "We have arrived at the final album of our trilogy, after 'EASY' and 'CRAZY.' After experiencing a variety of things last year, we prepared this album with a lot of lessons learned. We will put our all into this activity with great zeal."
Kim Chaewon said, "We came to Dong-A for our first album this year. There were many grateful moments last year, and I will actively participate with a joyful heart this time as well," while Sakura remarked, "'CRAZY' received so much love that it became a chart resurgence, and to meet the expectations of our fans, we worked hard on our comeback preparations. We will show you our hot and cool sides."
Hong Eunchae shared, "This is my first album in 2025, prepared with a fresh start as I turn twenty. I have challenged myself with many new genres, so I hope you look forward to seeing my new side," while Kazuha added, "In addition to lyrical stages, there is a variety of music that allows us to showcase our unique perspectives."
"HOT" is the last installment of the trilogy following the third mini album "EASY," released in February last year, and the fourth mini album "CRAZY," unveiled in August. This trilogy project conceived in 2023 addresses the anxiety and concerns behind the stage in "EASY," while in "CRAZY," they expressed the desire to let go of all inhibitions and go crazy.
"HOT" goes further, addressing the attitude of willingly diving into love, burning brightly, and not hesitating regardless of the outcome, illustrating the strengthening inner process of LE SSERAFIM.
Kim Chaewon explained about the new release, "This album is the final chapter of the trilogy. Nowadays, many people think being cynical and cool is stylish, but we believe that immersing ourselves in love and burning with passion is what makes us cool, so we tried to embody that attitude."
Heo Yunjin also conveyed, "Each of the five songs captures the wholehearted attitude of diving into love, burning brightly, and not hesitating regardless of the outcome."
Hong Eunchae expressed, "Even though we cannot know the outcome, I think we prepared with the mindset of giving our best in front of the stage and the people we love."
The title track "HOT" features lyrics worked on by Heo Yunjin, and it is the first song among LE SSERAFIM's title tracks to sing about love. With lyrics such as "You make me dream again like a miracle," and "Don't be afraid, there’s no doubt / Hold my hand," it conveys the message of being willing to dive in for your beloved, even if the outcome remains uncertain.
Heo Yunjin, who participated in the song production, shared, "It was an honor and a joy to be able to contribute to the title. It was a challenging piece that went through multiple revisions, but we worked really hard on it. I think we were mindful of how it would feel when the members performed it."
The members put great effort into recording to ensure that the sentiments of the song "HOT" would be well conveyed. It's also noteworthy that it has the most lyrical melody among their title tracks, and the distinctive performances will be a highlight as well. After showcasing old-school hip hop in "EASY" and voguing in "CRAZY," this time the choreography will capture attention by emphasizing the song's emotions and each member's unique feelings rather than focusing on a specific genre of dance.
Kim Chaewon commented on the new song, "'HOT' is a pop song enriched with rock and disco influences. At first glance, the title seems very intense, but the lyrical melody brings an unexpected touch that sets it apart from the previous title tracks," pointing out, "It's the first time we're singing about love in a title track since our debut."
Heo Yunjin added, "Kazuha delivered her lines with such a delicate touch that it truly brought out the flavor of the song. She took on the introduction, and it turned out beautifully."
As this is the first time LE SSERAFIM is presenting a love song as a title track, it is expected to showcase a new sensitivity. Kazuha remarked, "The moment I listened to 'HOT,' I envisioned a scene of driving while feeling a cool breeze. I think the vibrant yet somewhat wistful ambiance fits our team well," and Heo Yunjin noted, "When I first heard it, I thought it was a very dualistic song. It felt static yet dynamic, both cold and hot at the same time."
Heo Yunjin expressed, "If you listen closely to the lyrics of this title track, you'll realize that it’s not just about romantic love. This love could be for what I cherish, my hobbies, or even my still imperfect self. It could also be those who support and love me for my shortcomings. Love can be interpreted differently by each person, and I wanted to talk about that broad concept of love."
As they wrap up the trilogy and prepare for a new phase, their resolve is remarkable. Kazuha stated, "I want to present such hot and amazing performances that people will say, 'LE SSERAFIM must be seen live.' Since we will have the opportunity to meet many fans during our world tour, I will strive to deliver perfect performances on all stages."
Sakura also shared, "I will do my best at every moment so that I won’t have regrets. If I give my all, I believe 'HOT' can make it onto the Billboard Hot 100."
Having completed the trilogy, LE SSERAFIM will celebrate their 3rd anniversary in May. Sakura expressed, "I can't believe it's already been three years. I feel grateful to be able to share our story every time we come back and to challenge myself across various music genres," adding, "I used to value results more than process, but it seems that debuting as LE SSERAFIM has made me realize the importance of the process over results. While results are out of my control, I believe the process can be changed if I give my best at that moment. That’s why this content resonates with me even more."
The 'HOT' challenge of LE SSERAFIM, who willingly dive into love, burn themselves brightly, and hesitate not regardless of the outcome, is attracting attention to see if it can once again heat up the music industry.
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