Group SEVENTEEN 'Meboz' Dokyeom X Seungkwan are drawing attention over whether they will spark a 'traditional ballad boom.' Their new song "Blue," which combines a deeply appealing vocal, delicate emotional expression and sentimental storytelling, is the reason.
Released at 6 p.m. on the 12th, "Blue" is a song that captures moments when the depth and pace of emotion are out of sync under the theme of "love with different strides." The painful feelings of lovers who sense the signs of a relationship gradually drifting apart but cannot easily let go are expressed through Dokyeom X Seungkwan's poignant harmony.
Although Dokyeom X Seungkwan is a unit of a K-pop group known as 'super idols,' they chose the traditional ballad format to capture music fans' ears. The blend of simple piano and lavish orchestra, the narrative structure that calmly builds a beginning, development and conclusion, the poetic lyrics, and above all the solid vocal skills befitting the reputation of 'Meboz' combine to perfect the essence of a "winter ballad." The cinema-version music video, featuring actors Iyoo and Noh Sang Hyun, was produced with a runtime of over seven minutes, offering an overwhelming sense of immersion.
Global fans responded to Dokyeom X Seungkwan's vocals that melt the cold. "Blue" entered Bugs' real-time chart at No. 2 upon release and reached No. 1 within an hour. It also ranked on Melon 'Top 100' and Genie real-time charts. Interest is high overseas as well. The song charted in the top 10 in 12 places in total, including No. 1 on iTunes 'Top Songs' in five countries/regions worldwide. A vocal challenge that was surprise-released ahead of the new release recorded more than 150 million views.
Online, praise such as "a song to listen to every winter" continues to pour in. Critics say Dokyeom X Seungkwan's tender sensibility suits the cold weather well. Praise for their exceptional skills is unending, with comments like "more than idol main vocal" and "the two voices make each other stand out."
The mini album vol. 1 "Soyagok," which includes "Blue," is also doing well. According to album sales tracking site Hanteo Chart, "Soyagok" became a half-million seller as a unit album, selling more than 520,000 copies on the day of release. It also swept No. 1 on iTunes 'Top Albums' in seven countries/regions, rising to No. 2 on the worldwide iTunes albums chart, and topped the daily chart in the EP category of QQ Music's "Digital Best Album."
Dokyeom X Seungkwan will showcase their face as a 'K-pop traditional vocal duo' by appearing on music shows starting with cable channel Mnet's 'M Countdown' on the 15th, KBS 2TV's MUSIC BANK on the 16th and SBS's 'Inkigayo' on the 19th. Ahead of that, Dokyeom appears today (the 13th) on the popular YouTube channel KBS Kpop program 'Limousine Service.' On the 14th, 'Going Dokyeom X Seungkwan special: Villain Ppudo' part 2 will visit fans.
[Photo] Provided by PLEDIS Entertainment Co.
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