The K-pop group reveals personal connections to their latest release and prepares for upcoming tour.
Le Sserafim, the five-member K-pop group known for their willingness to experiment, has returned with Hot, the final installment in their album trilogy. This follows the releases of Easy and Crazy in 2023, each showcasing distinct musical directions. Hot, the group’s new album, introduces a more stripped-down, groove-oriented sound, demonstrating their versatility and evolution.
The album’s title track, “Hot,” is a bass and drum-heavy song with a softer tone compared to the group’s previous releases. The b-side “Come Over,” a collaboration with British band Jungle’s J Lloyd and Lydia Kitto, carries a retro 60s vibe. Yunjin, the 23-year-old New York native, shared that the album’s theme of love persevering resonates deeply with her. “Love persevering — it is the embodiment of this album,” she wrote on Weverse. “I’m thankful for the experiences that Easy, Crazy, and Hot have brought me.”
Since debuting in May 2022, Le Sserafim, under the Hybe subsidiary Source Music, has gained recognition and steadily risen in popularity. Following the release of Hot, the group is set to embark on their Easy Crazy Hot tour, beginning next month in Incheon, South Korea, before continuing across Asia. North American dates are expected to follow in September.
In a Zoom interview with The Hollywood Reporter from Seoul, the group expressed excitement about their new album, their bond as a team, and their growth as artists.
Yunjin explained, “We put a lot of our love and work into this album. It’s the first time we focused on the theme of love. We wanted to convey a message of pursuing your passions, even if you don’t know how it will end. Personally, I’ve learned to love the process of creating, more than focusing on the outcome. That’s what this album is about.”
Sakura shared her pride in completing the trilogy, saying, “We’ve grown significantly, both as a team and as individuals. I’m excited to continue evolving as an artist.”
Chaewon discussed the challenges of embracing a new genre, stating, “We knew we had to learn and adapt to this new style. Hot, though softer in tone, requires us to express delicate emotions, finding a balance between subtlety and expression.”
Yunjin also reflected on the deeper meaning of Hot, describing its themes of renewal and personal growth. “Even when parts of you feel lost, they’re not truly gone — you can always rise again. This album represents that message. We hope listeners can relate to it.”
The group also expressed their fondness for “Come Over,” a collaboration with Jungle. Kazuha called it an honor to work with the band, and Eunchae shared that the song’s message of being true to your emotions and dancing resonated with her. Chaewon echoed this, highlighting how the song reminded her to “enjoy the moment.”
Reflecting on their dynamics, the members spoke fondly of their relationships. Chaewon said, “We’ve become more comfortable with each other. The more I get to know my members, the more I realize they are great people. We work well together, and there’s always something to learn from each other.”
Yunjin revealed a personal moment of reflection, sharing that she came to realize the depth of her love for her group members. “True love means learning from each other and growing together,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot from each of my members, and I truly love them.”
Sakura emphasized the strength of the group’s bond: “We always say that all five of us together complete Le Sserafim. Our trust in each other makes us stronger as a team.”
As the group looks ahead, they hope to be seen as more than just performers. Kazuha explained, “We want people to know that we’re human too. We share the same emotions, and through our music, we hope to give others courage and a sense of connection.”
Eunchae concluded by explaining the album’s core message: “This album is about dedicating yourself to what you love, regardless of the outcome. We hope our music can inspire those hesitating to pursue their passions. We’re committed to giving our all and will continue to work hard.”
Chaewon added a heartfelt message for fans: “Don’t hesitate to love us with all your heart.”
Le Sserafim’s new album Hot is a testament to their growth, both as individuals and as a group, as they embrace new sounds and deeper connections with their fans.
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