AKMU's Pre-Release Track 'Rumored Paradise' Sets the Stage for New Album 'Blooming'

"Sit down for a moment. There's warm soup and meat. (Omitted) Weary and sick traveler, lonely traveler. Your incurable disease cannot exist there." (Lyrics from 'Rumored Paradise')

Before AKMU fully unveils their new album 'Blooming', they have pre-released the track 'Rumored Paradise'. The song, with its soothing melody and music video, combined with the siblings' story, has been praised by the public for its healing qualities.

On the 3rd, AKMU released the music video for 'Rumored Paradise'. As a track from 'Blooming' and a pre-release, 'Rumored Paradise' features gentle sounds paired with comforting Korean lyrics. The song unfolds without rapid or intense sound transitions, characterized by a relaxed composition that is easy to listen to. The subtle charm that matches the message highlights AKMU's unique emotional style.

The music video, released at midnight, was approaching 900,000 views by 5 PM the same day. The video is set in a vast field, reminiscent of the siblings' childhood in Mongolia. It features distinctive characters with visuals reminiscent of game characters, each dancing to their own rhythm. While not a synchronized dance, the individuality of each character blends harmoniously, providing a sense of stability.

In the 3-minute and 37-second music video, the segments where Lee Chan-hyuk and Lee Su-hyun appear as protagonists last only about 40 seconds. They blend in among 22 other characters. Lee Su-hyun, who has always felt the pressure to perform well as a singer, appears more relaxed as she mingles with others. This portrayal offers a 'paradise' for those, including Lee Su-hyun, facing challenges in reality.

Lee Su-hyun has previously confessed to experiencing a severe slump, leading to two years of reclusive living. It was her brother, Lee Chan-hyuk, who brought her back into the world. He supported her in his own way, living together and organizing schedules to help her regain a healthy life. Their story was shared on 'You Quiz on the Block', garnering public support. Lee Chan-hyuk expressed, "When I thought about Su-hyun not being in front of me, I realized I hadn't done my best for her. I didn't want to regret that." He added, "I wanted to do what I could while she was within my reach. I thought of it as producing Su-hyun's life, like creating a song, to help her bloom beautifully."

This new song reflects the journey back to the stage after such a period. The album title 'Blooming' evokes the image of Lee Su-hyun blossoming after a cold winter. Lee Chan-hyuk revealed on social media that the inspiration for the album was "Lee Su-hyun. It's the 'Lee Su-hyun Enjoying Music Project'." He even wrote songs for her, such as 'Sunlight Bless You', included in the album. This song was created to reach Lee Su-hyun, who had confined herself in a dark room without sunlight. The lyrics express Lee Chan-hyuk's feelings for his sister, with lines like "I love her freckles" and "What's happening behind the locked window?" His sincerity reached her, and Lee Su-hyun opened the curtains to face the sunlight.

With this background and the popularity of the pre-released track, anticipation for AKMU's new album is growing. AKMU has been with the public since their childhood appearance on the audition program 'K-pop Star Season 2'. Their growth, slumps, and the sibling bond and love behind it have been naturally exposed to the public, garnering support from many who view them with affection. Together, the siblings have overcome the cold winter and are now ready to bloom in spring.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr