BOL4 Talks All Things “Lips”!

What to know about this summer-ready single and what else BOL4 has in store for this year!

On what she’s been up to lately: Until now, I have been active after releasing albums, but this year, I started my activities [outside of releasing new music] first. Since the beginning of this year, with programs such as Song Stealer and Begin Again, [I] have appeared on stage often, so naturally, many people have shown interest. Some of the performances have received more than one million views on YouTube. [I have been] receiving a lot of love that is undeserved at this time. These days, [my] music and voice are receiving a lot of attention, so I'm happy to be making a comeback with such excitement. 

After wrapping up the Merry Go Round album and activities, I stayed in Chiang Mai for about four weeks [during] January and February. While I was taking a break there, I watched many bands, and their naturalness and passion made me think about how I make music. I want to make [my] music richer and more fun. The first step in that process [is] this song, “Lips.”

On the new single: “Lips” is a song I wrote at the beginning of my [career]. Now that I look back at the song I wrote when I was young, there are some embarrassing and burdensome parts, but I think it is a song that has a lively and refreshing feeling. To be honest, the lyrics are nothing special and hard to hear, and the melody is also raw, made without formality. Still, doesn’t a meaningless song sometimes give you a nice boost of dopamine? I played it to people around me in advance, and everyone was naturally humming the melody of this meaningless song! That alone makes this song half a success. I think “Lips”’s strange charm can make this a hot summer for many people.

On releasing “Lips” eight years after making it: The reason I wrote [“Lips”] was simply to fill in the number of songs to be submitted, and the company fell in love with the song. I delayed it for eight years because it was a song I didn't like, but the company again recommended its release. I offered to write another song, but in the end, I couldn’t. After listening to it again, I thought it was pretty good. I started working [on revisions] right away and felt like I was in the early days of BOL4. I think I was able to show the bouncy and refreshing charm of [young BOL4] once again.

On how revisiting “Lips” made her think about how her sound has changed: I think I started making songs [while thinking about] ​​what kind of songs people would like. I still have this thought, but these days it's more of a desire to find and show something new. My pronunciation, tone, and melody line [in “Lips”] are not up to my standards, but people like it. I think I've gained confidence and [become less hesitant to] try new styles.

On working with GISELLE from aespa: This song is supposed to express sweetness beyond sweetness, but I felt a little disappointed that I was doing it alone. I thought it would be more refreshing if I collaborated with an artist, so I asked GISELLE. [She wrote] lyrics [herself and recorded] the guide on [her] cell phone, even though [she] was busy. I like all the rap parts, but I especially like GISELLE’s ad-lib. It summarizes the charm of the song. I hope you can feel lovely synergy by listening to GISELLE and me together.

On changing her look: I was thinking about changing my styling after having had long hair for a long time. I decided to cut it short [again] without much thought. It was a little awkward at first, because it [has] been a while since I had short hair, but after it was revealed, I gained [confidence] thanks to the reactions of fans, who commented that it reminded [them] of my debut days and that they like my blonde hair.

On memorable moments filming the “Lips” music video: Many supporting actors participated in this music video. There were also synchronized swimmers, and my mouth dropped when I saw the performance. Since they are part of the national team, I hope [people] enjoy watching the “Lips” music video and seeing wonderful scenes that were not easy [to perform]. 

On time constraints: Because the production time for this album was tight, concept photos were taken at the music video set. Team members would quickly film with [different cameras] and move on to the next scene. It seems very heavy and tense, but the actual atmosphere on [set] was light. We just enjoyed the location, ate delicious snacks, and chatted between [scenes], so it felt like we were on a trip to Jeju Island by ourselves. I remember having fun [and] making good memories with my team.

On what motivates her: Of course, the fans, the people in the world who I most hate being sick and having a hard time. These days, even if I become a little timid, [they] jokingly tell me that “You need to be a little more confident than you are now.” They are pure, proud, and happy people. To my fans, who have given me a reason to no longer be lonely and to not have to worry: I promise again and again that I will never quit music and that I will become a great singer who warms your hearts in some way every year.

On goals and plans for the rest of 2024: First of all, a movie containing concert footage will be released in July. And [I] plan to come back with a new album and hold a concert in the second half of the year. There is also an afterparty that only fans know about. I want to [be] a little busier than [I was in] the first half of the year and see my fans on stage a lot, [to not] forget their faces. My goal is to see my fans more often than last year.

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Photos courtesy of SHOFAR Entertainment.