The Uniqueness of Weki Meki’s “100 FACTS,” the English Version of “COOL”
As K-Pop continues to globalize and expand its reach, additional language versions release more frequently and release from a greater variety of artists. One lesser-known English version, Weki Meki’s “100 FACTS,” the English counterpart to “COOL,” differs from many other English versions of K-Pop songs. Not only does the song’s title differ from its original Korean version, the song’s lyrics, and even the song’s length, changes. “100 FACTS” switches from sharing a relaxed message of confidence to sharing an exhilarating atmosphere of a packed party.
The Lyrics of “COOL”
“COOL” appears as the first track on Weki Meki’s fourth EP NEW RULES, which was released on October 8, 2020. In the song’s original format, the eight members of Weki Meki — Ji Suyeon, Elly, Choi Yoojung, Kim Doyeon, Sei, Lua, Rina, and Lucy — sing about confidence and self-assurance.* They create their own “new rules” as the EP’s name suggests. When life feels boring, carve out your own interesting ways of doing what you want.
The songwriting credits belong to individuals under producing companies Music Cube, Inc. and JAM FACTORY. Music Cube, Inc.’s Lee Jieun, Misung, Darly, and ZNEE, and JAM FACTORY’s Lee Seuran and Lee Hyeyoom wrote the Korean lyrics for the song. The speaker comes off effortlessly secure in themselves, and they urge others to follow their mindset. They describe themselves as “fearless,” “beautiful,” and, of course, “cool,” in hopes that their image can help others “awaken” this new perspective.
The Lyrics of “100 FACTS”
Where “COOL” talks about making one’s own structure in an environment of tired old rules, “100 FACTS” stars an environment without a set plan. “100 FACTS” refers to the 100 reasons why someone should attend an on-going party. Swedish artist Ylva Dimberg, who composed “COOL” with Jake K and Jere Särkkä, also wrote the lyrics for “100 FACTS.” While the tone of “100 FACTS” still feels as carefree as “COOL,” it adds a romantic connotation and a definite location.
The coolness here resides at the party instead of within oneself — “this party slaps,” as Gen Z and “100 FACTS” say. Since the party lacks any rules, the speaker and their love interest can have any night they want. With the word “cool” no longer starting the hook, the emphasis appears at the end with “100 facts” instead; in fact, “cool” barely appears within the song’s lyrics. Despite the omission of “cool,” “100 FACTS” lengthens the song by 16 seconds with an additional verse before the bridge. “100 FACTS” finishes NEW RULES with 3 minutes and 45 seconds of partying.
Though most language counterparts can be considered the same song, Weki Meki’s “100 FACTS” exists in a strange spot. With a different title, meaning, hook, and song length, “100 FACTS” carries a separate image. The EP title NEW RULES does apply to both the title track and its corresponding English version. “COOL” speaks of breaking structure, and “100 FACTS” does that in a more literal sense by forgoing usual expectations for other language versions. Though the EP released three years ago, the context of “100 FACTS” within K-Pop’s ever-growing library of additional language songs makes for a cool little fun fact — and perhaps a party icebreaker.
*Note: Song lyrics taken from English captions in the official music video.