[ⓓInterview] "Actually, I became stronger out of fear"…LE SSERAFIM, the spell of 'Boom Pala'

[Dispatch=Yuha Nal Reporter] LE SSERAFIM has confidently proclaimed that "there is no fear." The group appeared as a strong team capable of swallowing even hardship. This was evident in "Fearless," "Easy," and "Crazy."

But now they aim to reveal a somewhat different (honest) emotion. That they were anxious, afraid, and sometimes wanted to hide. They no longer intend to turn away from such feelings. They are determined to acknowledge and accept them, becoming even stronger.

"Before, I thought I shouldn't feel fear. But now, I've realized it's an emotion I must go through in order to move forward." (Hong Eunchae)

Dispatch met LE SSERAFIM on the 19th. They discussed the emotions they faced while preparing their second full-length album "Pure Flow Part 1" and their mindset going forward. Kim Chaewon did not attend the meeting due to health reasons.

◆ "Fearless Revisited"

"Pure Flow Part 1" is LE SSERAFIM's first full-length album in three years. It is an extension of their debut album "Fearless" and a question the current LE SSERAFIM is revisiting.

They borrowed a message from the classic novel "Frankenstein" once again. However, the direction has shifted somewhat. In the past, they said "we are strong because we have no fear," but this time the message is "we have become stronger because we know fear."

Huh Yunjin explained, "As members had various experiences, there were moments of facing fear," and "We realized that rather than having no fear, we have actually become stronger because we came to know that emotion."

That change is also reflected in the album title. "FEARFLOW," proposed by Huh Yunjin directly, is an anagram of "POWERFUL." It is a redefined way of "strength" following "Fearless."

The album contains a total of 11 tracks including the title track "Boom Pala," "Pure Flow," "Celebration," "Creatures," "Eepy Eepy," "How Can We Date More," "Sonder," "Sake," "Irony," "Trust Exercise," and "Liminal Space."

The genres are also diverse, including rock, punk, Latin, and pop. Kazuha recalled, "We prepared each song with the mindset of switching our identity," and "Each track has different appeal, so there was great fun in expressing them."

◆ "Boom Pala, Chant the Spell"

The title track "Boom Pala" is a Latin house track. The repeated "Boom Pala" in the chorus leaves a strong addictive quality. The choreography point from the hit song "Macarena" was sampled to add a bright and cheerful atmosphere.

"Boom Pala" is a word created by LE SSERAFIM. Huh Yunjin recalled, "The original demo was in Spanish, but the lyrics sounded like 'Boom Pala,'" and "The moment we heard it, it felt like a spell everyone could enjoy together."

LE SSERAFIM described this song not as a simple dance track, but as a cheer for modern people. It is a message delivered to those trapped in anxiety and loneliness within a rapidly passing era.

"I was inspired by the concepts of emptiness and nothingness in the 'Heart Sutra.' The anxiety and fear we feel may not be eternal. Ultimately, we wanted to convey a message of acceptance and moving forward." (Huh Yunjin)

The music video also conveyed such emotions in an enjoyable way. The members performed synchronized choreography on a parade float. Massive statues and surreal visuals completed the festival-like atmosphere.

◆ "Challenge and Solidarity"

LE SSERAFIM has challenged new genres and concepts with each album. That process has never been easy. There were times they doubted themselves, and moments when the stage felt frightening.

Huh Yunjin confessed, "While preparing a year-end performance, I suddenly burst into tears," and "There were moments when stepping on stage felt frightening. I was even ashamed of having such feelings exposed."

She immediately opened up to the members and received comfort. She recalled, "They were a source of strength during my most difficult times," and "Through that process, I felt sisterhood and solidarity more deeply."

All members received credits on this album. Huh Yunjin participated in as many as eight tracks. Hong Eunchae also wrote lyrics for three songs. Each song gained added authenticity.

"Through songwriting, I came to understand that fear is also an emotion I truly need. This album contains such mental growth." (Hong Eunchae)

Huh Yunjin emphasized, "All members participated actively," and "We had several meetings with the company and deliberated on what story to tell. We wanted to create the most LE SSERAFIM-like album."

◆ "Overcoming Fear and Blooming Again"

LE SSERAFIM has reached their fourth debut anniversary. The members agreed that "their original spirit has become even more solid." Their desire to give listeners courage to overcome fear remains unchanged.

Huh Yunjin laughed, "I tend to get nervous. When I'm very shaky, the members and I chant our signature cheer 'Ole Ole Ole Hwalhwalhwal.' Ultimately, if we enjoy it, the people watching can enjoy it too."

"At debut, we worked hard without knowing anything. Now I have the leisure to enjoy the stage. I want to enjoy even the tension together with the members." (Sakura)

They did not forget to make confessions to Fearnae (the fandom name). Huh Yunjin said, "I realized how miraculous it is that you've been with us unchanged for four years. It also gave me a sense of responsibility to do better."

LE SSERAFIM will begin their second world tour starting with an Incheon concert in July. The members hinted at a record-breaking performance, saying "Now that a full-length album is out, we are preparing more diverse and fun stages."

by. Hanuel Yoo