Combining the forces of good and evil, ONEUS has returned with their first comeback after the Road To Kingdom series. The sextet under RBW Entertainment is quite a sensation in the industry, releasing back-to-back hit singles accompanied by notable mini-albums. With the 4th mini-album LIVED, the group once again lives up to the audience’s expectations. The mini-album is also accompanied by a majestic title track and a music video, “To Be or Not to Be,” unleashing an unexpected essence of the group as fierce monarchs. 

The Single

“To Be or Not to Be” is a successive hit single from the group as the song is infused with striking instrumentals and dramatic verses. The song begins with a melancholic melody and later transforms into a funk-driven track with heavy riffs and synths. With a domineering instrumentation on one hand, the members stun the audience with exceptional vocals and rap. The style of the song in particular is a niche for the group, as most of their singles are built up in a similar fashion. Despite following in the footsteps of their previous titles, the song hits the audience differently by giving them the space to explore the motifs. 

Though the structure of the song is shaken up with sudden shifts from powerful vocals to raspy rap verses, it is these arrangements that pull the listener’s attention and keep it interesting till the end. While Hwanwoong, Keonhee, and Xion grace the track with perfection, Seoho stands out by delivering a solid chorus and various notable high notes. The rapper duo has become a must with ONEUS’s tracks as Ravn and Leedo once again adorn the track with heart-throbbing rap lines. 

The song itself satisfies all the senses and brings goosebumps to listeners, making them live and experience the song in real life.The post-chorus, “To be or not to be” inevitably gets the spotlight, as the tag-line is one of the strong hooks in the song. By borrowing the well-known quote from the famous Shakespearean play, Hamlet, the members have to decide whether to let go of their loved one or not. The chaos and anguish of being trapped in a tormented relationship is expressed by the members through piercing vocals. “Dead or alive, I’m gonna cut you off. I gotta kill you in my heart to live again,” they sing as the protagonist wears the shoes of Hamlet while making the decision. 

The pulse racing climax of the song is a jewel on the crown as fans are left breathless, wanting more. The addictive rhythm finally leaves a strong impression on fans, making them want to click the repeat button without thinking twice.

The Music Video

Since the day the story film and teasers released, fans can’t keep calm thinking about the grandeur of the music video and the ethereal looks of the members. As expected, the music video became the pinnacle of the LIVED era, excelling in every criteria of being the best. 

Known for their maze of theories, ONEUS presents a cinematic music video with a solid storyline adorned with unpredictable twists and cliffhangers. The music video is more of a movie that keeps the fans at the edge of their seats the entire time. Taking inspiration from mythological stories, the video brings to life historical and mythical elements. The conflict between good and evil is depicted in different solo shots of the members, as they appear like demi-gods adorned with flowers in one shot and as demons drenched in blood in the other. Thanks to the rich CG effects and settings, the members appear unearthly handsome in white and black attire and glow up with glittery eyeshadows. As for the plot, the music video concludes abruptly letting fans discover and unravel the hidden messages.

The plot-driven video also features structured choreography. The members assemble with the point choreography while making various formations that depict the storyline. The eye-catching visuals and synchronized choreography make the music video a phenomenal treat for viewers to savor.

Most Relatable Theories

The music video opens with the members enjoying a meal together. While the members cherish their time together, Hwanwoong is quite disturbed, and his eyes turn red, taking viewers to the darker narrative of the story. As per the narration in the story film, the members are crowned monarchs now being imprisoned by Helios. The monarchs were once the glorious rulers who defeated the evils of the world and imprisoned the dark forces in a red necklace. And now, it is the duty of the monarchs to safeguard the necklace from the evil forces. On the other side, Helios grieves for the death of his son Phaethon and his anguish turns against the six monarchs.

Helios’s anger made him cast a spell on the monarchs to trap them in a prison and cursed them to remain in slumber for years until they sacrifice the blood of a child they love so dearly. The theories continue from their previous music video of “Come Back Home,” as the members are seen risking their own lives to rescue a child, which ultimately gives the answer of who the child is.

After staying in slumber, tortured with unpleasant dreams for hundreds of years, the members wake up in the contemporary world. As the members are connected with the necklace, they instantly set off to get hold of it. The red necklace is now guarded as antique jewelry in an exhibition-like place. The monarchs try to take over the necklace when they are cornered by armed soldiers and shot to death, but the members are immortal and a number of bullets won’t stop them from their purpose. In the end, the members finally get the necklace and continue to protect it as they used to years ago.

Hamlet’s Soliloquy

The influence of Hamlet can also be seen in the theme of the music video as the plot deals with the concepts of life and death, power and revenge. The quoted line, “to be or not to be,” taken from the famous soliloquy of Hamlet contemplates suicidal thoughts. In the context of the monarchs, the members had to decide whether to take action and sacrifice themselves in order to protect the world. 

Though the plot does not reveal how the monarchs came to life, it was still a decision to wake up from their slumber. Another relatable theme is the sacrifice and bloodshed done in order to ascend the throne. Ravn crowns himself as the king when his alter ego reflects on the number of kills he did while Hwanwoong bleeds while placing a crown of thorns on his head. The symbolism of bloodshed continues further with Keonhee waking up because of Xion’s blood and Leedo finding himself drowned in a bathtub of blood.

Some shots also appear to reference the Bible as Hwanwoong’s crown of thorns symbolizes Jesus’s crucifixion, and when Leedo’s gets hold of a monstrance, a sacred vessel used in old Roman Catholic churches. The group’s feast together might also be a representation of the Last Supper.

References from Greek Mythology

With references to Helios, the Sun God in Greek mythology, some theories also look at the impact of Greek mythology. The music video opens with the members having a meal, which might refer to dining at Mount Olympus, which is the home of supreme Greek gods. The story of the father and son, Helios and Phaethon, is borrowed from the original tales of Greek literature. The son asks for a favor from his father and gets to ride the sun chariot for a day, but the son loses control of the wild horses, derailing the chariot and becoming a threat to the world and heavens. Zeus, the king of the gods, in order to protect both the worlds, hits the chariot with a thunderbolt and Phaethon dies. As a result, the monarchs are imprisoned with the remains of the sun chariot.

Was Helios angry with humans and hence decided to curse their monarchs? Are the monarchs involved in Phaethon’s death? Does the theory also take references from the Bible? These questions are yet to be answered. 

The Album

The album, LIVED, kicks off with an usual intro, which sets forth the theme of the EP. The track “Intro: LIVED” communicates the concept of a sudden breakup, as the members lament, "I'm dying because of you." The brief intro fades repeating, "I guess, it's do-or-die," leaving the fans with a cliffhanger. 

The third track on the album, "Dead or Alive," continues with the title's plot and theme. The song sums up the conflicting thoughts of "do or die" and "to be or not to be," from the previous tracks, and the protagonist finally decides to be together with his loved one. Though the relationship looks uncertain, the members would like to continue their relationship concluding, "Let's be together forever. With you." The song is one of the strong B-sides of the group that is as powerful as the title with guitar riffs, passionate vocals, and an addictive rhythm. 

With "Dizzy," the mood gets lighter and pleasant. The song, produced by Ravn and Seoho, is a  sweet love confession. With peppy pop beats and sweet vocals, the song sounds refreshing, making listeners sit back and enjoy. Seoho's "I'm really confused," gets special attention as the singer's vocals stand out from others.

"Airplane" continues the light mood as the song is another peppy love song. "Like an airplane, let's fly above every day," sings Hwanwoong, celebrating the relationship with the loved one. The song is also a message to their fans, as the members promise to fly together everywhere.

"Come Back Home" gets the listeners back on track, reminding them of the ongoing plot of the album. The song is a pre-released single performed by the group for the Road to Kingdom finale. With bombastic instrumentals and rhythm, the members plead for their lovers to come back home. The instrumentation is attractive for every rock genre lover, as the song is infused with rapid drum beats and heavy guitar riffs. The song is yet another bop from the group with heart clasping rap verses, piercing high notes, and addictive beats.

Final Thoughts

ONEUS’s commitment to releasing quality music since debut is amazing. With their fourth album, the group doesn't aim any lower. The album's content is pleasing, and the background work done for the title, theories, and music video is overwhelming.

Like any other K-Pop group of the current era, the members are filled with energy and passion, and have so much to offer. But somehow ONEUS always ends up as an unsung act, despite their efforts and consistency. Still, with their recent appearance on the Mnet show, the future of the sextet looks more promising than ever.

Have you listened to ONEUS's latest EP? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments! If you haven't checked it out, make sure to tune in! 

“To Be or Not To Be” Title Score: 9/10

Music Video Score: 9.5/10

LIVED Album Score: 8.5/10

Total Score: 9/10

Lyrics Translation: https://lyricskpop.net/