“Gotta Go”: Chungha is K-Pop’s Dark Cinderella

Stunning visuals, shimmering outfits, a soaring high note that leads to a captivating dance break: Chungha’s latest comeback is setting the tone for 2019 by capitalizing on all of these quintessential elements of her music. The soloist dropped her second single “벌써 12시 (Gotta Go)” on January 2, finally embracing her darker side and unleashing her power.

While “Roller Coaster” was Chungha’s 2018 neon-pop gem, her message is very clear by premiering the year with this switch-up of a sultry anthem. She’s been recognized as a powerful dancer for years now, but her music has been a lighter juxtaposition at this point in order to establish her spot in the industry. Now, however, she’s pushing the boundaries with the darker side of femininity, demonstrating how you can be sexy and classy at the same time.

“벌써 12시 (Gotta Go)” is a tropical EDM interspersed by a Middle Eastern-influenced flute throughout that emphasizes the fleeting time passing in this love story with a deadline. The singer’s urgent vocals sing of her mutual feelings for someone despite the fact that it’s already 12 o’clock. The Cinderella plot line takes a darker twist primarily communicated through the music video and outfits. I’m personally disappointed that the drop wasn’t as menacing as was teased at her 2019 Mnet Asian Music Awards performance in Hong Kong, but it’s still obvious that this comeback was meant to display her maturity. With a color palette of red, blue, white, and black, the music video’s visuals communicate mystery, urgency, and dominance. It’s easy to see the influence of other powerful female soloists like Sunmi and BoA.

Chungha’s first comeback of the year has already set the bar high for anyone who follows. Her ability to mesmerize an audience is finally matched by a song that’s equally as mesmerizing. She’s solidified her place as one of the best performers in the game. We hope she continues to snatch our souls into the new year.