Le Sserafim to set playlists ablaze with 'HOT'

By Pyo Kyung-min

After weathering a rollercoaster year, Hybe Label's adored girl group Le Sserafim is blazing back onto the K-pop scene with its newest release, "HOT."

Taking a sharp turn from its signature chic concept, the group has now embraced a more soulful style, reflecting its growth and dedication to its craft.

On Friday, the five-member girl group — Kim Chae-won, Sakura, Huh Yun-jin, Kazuha and Hong Eun-chae — lit up Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul's Gwangjin District with a press showcase held to celebrate the release of its fifth mini-album, "HOT."

"HOT" caps off a trilogy, following last year's "EASY" from February and "CRAZY" from August. The album features a total of five tracks: the eponymous title track "HOT," the intro "Born Fire," "Come Over," "Ash" and "So Cynical (Badum)," each exploring a different genre.

Huh, who has been steadily making a name for herself as a songwriter in the K-pop scene, shared that she poured her soul into this new project.

"This album features a variety of songs that show a different side of us. We worked hard, drawing from our experiences and lessons from last year," Huh said.

For Hong, the group's youngest member who just turned 20, the new work also holds a special place in her heart.

"This is the first album I prepared with a fresh mindset as I entered my 20s. Since we're challenging a new genre, I hope fans will get to see a new side of us," Hong said.

The standout track, "HOT," according to the members, is a heartfelt, autobiographical anthem about chasing passion without fear of the outcome. With subtle rock and disco elements, it's the group's most serene and emotional melody yet.

Playing a key role in crafting the track, Huh shared that she mostly focused on "tailoring it to each of the members' different colors."

"We often said to each other that this album typically feels like our true story," Huh said. "'HOT' has a dualistic feel — calm yet dynamic, cold yet burning, while also giving off a somewhat wistful vibe, as if something is fading away," she explained.

Kazuha echoed the sentiment, admitting the challenge of finding the right balance.

"The melody is lyrical, but we couldn't make it too sluggish nor too upbeat. Striking that balance was tough," the Japanese member said.

In a surprising twist, "HOT" is also Le Sserafim's first title track centered on the theme of love.

"These days, people tend to think being cynical is cool," leader Kim said. "But we believe that pouring your heart into what you love, that passion is what's truly cool. That's what 'HOT' is all about."

And what do they love most? The group itself.

"I used to care more about results, but after debuting with Le Sserafim, I've learned that the process is what really matters. You can't change the outcome once it's out of your hands, but you can control how much effort you put in," Sakura, another Japanese member of the group, reflected.

Despite her focus on the journey, Sakura was also honest to admit that she couldn't help but dream of landing "HOT" on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

"If I give my all now, maybe future me will see 'HOT' on the Billboard Hot 100 chart," she said with a big grin.

The group is also set to embark on the "EASY CRAZY HOT" world tour, which captures its whirlwind journey so far.

"We want to deliver performances that make people think, 'You have to watch Le Sserafim on stage,'" Kazuha said. "We are aiming for perfection in every show."