We live in an era where music knows no linguistic bounds. Like millions of fans around the globe, I’ve delved into the K-pop genre—not as an escape from the world’s sad realities, but as a source of comfort. A safe space—in a metaphorical sense (IYKYK). For some, K-pop has transformed the ordinary into something extraordinary. As chronically online and hysterical as it might sound, it’s the truth—K-pop holds a special place for many.
Beyond the fandoms, communities, and cult-like following, K-pop is where artists and fans have created a harmony built on admiration and respect. Just ask FIFTY FIFTY, a group that debuted in 2022 and climbed to the top of the charts in just over a year. Now, they’re back with a new album dedicated to their fans, TWENY’s. A harmony like this? It’s rare to see.
If you happen to ask a K-pop fan, “What made you like K-pop?” you’ll often hear the same answer: “I slipped into it and never got back out.” Whether they’re in grade school, high school, college, or even proclaiming their love well into adulthood, K-pop remains a phenomenon that immerses its fans in a vibrant, all-encompassing world (willingly or unwillingly—I, too, am a proud “victim”).
Every year, K-pop creates an unmissable buzz that leaves fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting their favourites to announce new albums, stalking socials, and never missing a Weverse or X notification. Trust me, this is a normal reaction when your faves are “cooking.”
And 2024 has been no exception, packed with comebacks whether you look left or right (pun definitely intended). Yet, amidst the whirlwind of MVs, EPs, and mini albums, one name has remained a constant. A group that’s delivered viral hits across Spotify, Apple Music, and Billboard—even featuring in the iconic Barbie movie, FIFTY FIFTY.
If there’s one thing about FIFTY FIFTY that makes them stand out, it’s their drive to create music that reflects their past achievements while continuously striving for something greater. Never afraid to dive headfirst into virality or become the zeitgeist of K-pop, they still manage to maintain their unique essence.
FIFTY FIFTY perfectly embodies the taste of Gen Z: iconic, ultra-femme, and undeniably dance-worthy. Tapping into their natural energy, Keena, Chanelle, Yewon, Hana, and Athena became the It-girls behind the viral hit Cupid (a tune still stuck in everyone’s head). Their latest comeback? Proof that some talents just need time to “cook.”
And that’s exactly what the girls did—they delivered. After months of anticipation, the girls released Love Tune, an album that explores modern love with a retro-esque vibe. When asked about the inspiration behind the album, their answer was definitive, “Love Tune is a message for our fans.”
K-pop idols and fans share a unique bond, one that sets them apart from typical celebrity-fan relationships. In many ways, it’s built on mutual respect. And FIFTY FIFTY’s connection with TWENY’s is no exception. Since their debut and the rise of Cupid, to their latest comeback, fans have been there through thick and thin. Keena, the oldest member, reflected on this. “We’re so glad to make a big return and meet our fans again,” her face lighting up with a wide smile.
Excitement doesn’t even begin to cover it. When I met the girls, they couldn’t stop grinning, showing off their stunning new hairdos for the comeback. Even with new members joining the group, Chanelle Moon and Yewon, the chemistry between the five of them felt seamless, like they’d been a unit for years (and will be for many more to come).
Each member brought something unique to the table. Keena explained how Love Tune gave each of them a chance to showcase their individuality. Yewon, who joined after competing on the survival show R U Next?, said: “The main goal of our comeback is to show our different sides. But beyond that, it’s also a new beginning for all of us.” And that’s exactly what the album represents: a fresh start.
With Love Tune, the group has taken their artistry to the next level. The album’s concept is distinctly different from their previous work. “The album contains various love songs, and each song conveys something unique,” Keena explained. The group meticulously crafted each track, ensuring every gesture, voice, and melody reflected the emotions they wanted to convey. Though the album revolves around a single theme—love—it explores the many facets of that word, creating a rich spectrum of meaning.
But love for their fans—and for one another—seemed to shine the brightest. Because, beyond the fame, they are women before they are idols, and we love seeing girlhood thrive. Despite the challenges of a brief hiatus and lineup changes, the members seemed content with their new dynamics. Chanelle recalled a memorable moment during the music video shoot: “At the end of the video, we were all just running in the rain, laughing and enjoying ourselves. It wasn’t acting—it was real.”
Amid the chatter about their beauty must-haves, behind-the-scenes moments, and packed schedules, FIFTY FIFTY emphasised that Love Tune is just the beginning. And like every hit they’ve dropped before, they’ve once again delivered—leaving no crumbs.
Cosmo ME sat down with FIFTY FIFTY to ask some questions about their new album Love Tune…
Cosmo ME: Hey girls! How do you guys feel about your recent comeback?
Keena: We’re so glad to make a big return and meet our fans again. We can’t wait to show the different colours of each of the five members. We’ve worked really hard to show great performances and music. So, overall, we’re very excited to show what we made.
Cosmo ME: Can you tell us the inspiration behind the album Love Tune?
Hana: So, Love Tune contains various love stories, love that you can feel and hear about in your ordinary everyday life. The album contains all of those different kinds of love through music.
Cosmo ME: If you guys could describe the album in three words, what would it be?
Chanelle: Message for TWINNYS.
Cosmo ME: What does the album mean to you?
Yewon: Love Tune is a message for our fans! We paid a lot of attention to it and worked really hard to try and showcase the best versions of ourselves and of each member. The main goal was to showcase the different sides of us all the while working together. It also kind of means like a new beginning, you know? So, it’s overall a very meaningful album to the members.
Keena: It’s all about easy-listening songs where our fans feel comforted and experience the healing vibe. Keeping in mind that energy, we put that into the album to provide a sense of comfort.
Cosme ME: Currently, what’s your favourite track in the album?
Chanelle: My favourite song in the Love Tune Album is Gravity! Of course, I love all the songs, since we listen to it every day. But I guess it usually depends too! It changes almost every, single, day. But for now, it’s Gravity *chuckles in demure*
Yewon: For me, it would be Push Your Love.
Keena: My favourite song in the album is currently Starry Night. Because right now in Korea, it’s very breezy. We’re starting to have the fall season in our lives again. So, with the breezy weather, it perfectly compliments Starry Night when you listen to it. I think the song is even more glittery with the season. It shines out more!
Athena: Hmm, my pick for the time being would probably be SOS! It’s an easy-listening song.
Hana: SOS will always be my favourite track from the album because no matter how many times you listen to it, you’ll never get sick of it. You can keep listening to it forever and ever. The lyrics are also super heart-touching and warm. So, the message in the song is special.
Cosmo ME: What aspects of the concept stood out to you compared to your previous releases?
Keena: The album contains various love songs, and each song conveys something different. It’s all about emotions and different kinds of love. So, For each song, such as Push Your Love, Gravity and of course SOS, we paid special attention to what gesture, voice, and colour to bring out and try to express what kind of love we wanted to convey through the songs. Though the entire album can be summarised in one word, which is love. It encompasses so many different meanings that you can feel the many spectrums of love in the album.
Cosmo ME: Were there any special or memorable behind-the-scenes stories that you guys had, or any fun moments you guys had during the shoot?
Chanelle: Oh! There was a point at the end of the music video where we were all just running in the rain, laughing and having a great time. We weren’t just acting at that point. The members and I were genuinely living and enjoying the moment we were having together. And I think that really came out in the scene. I’m sure our friends and fans also felt that too.
Cosmo ME: What’s the beauty item you can’t live without right now?
Chanelle: I think for me… it would be guasha. I’ve been using it quite a lot recently *laughs*.
Yewon: My current favourite beauty item is a hairbrush! Because it’s really important to take care of your hair. And since my hair is dyed *notions her hair* it needs even more special attention.
Keena: Oh for me, it’s the eyelash curler. Because when your eyelashes curl up, you feel even more fresh, pretty and cutesy.
Cosmo ME: Are there any places you’d like to visit in Dubai?
Hana: I really want to go to Dubai. Recently in Korea, the viral Dubai chocolate has been like super popular. Though, aside from that, I’d love to be able to go there and visit the city. It’s such a big tourist attraction, it’s definitely a must-go-to place.
Cosmo ME: What message do you guys want to say to your fans here in the Middle East?
Athena: First of all, thank you so much for supporting us and showing us all the love. We will all keep working hard and return back the huge love and support TWENY’s gave us! Stay tuned and we’ll definitely find you guys later *heart signs.*