A.C.E has returned with their new EP titled HZJM: The Butterfly Phantasy. After almost a year since their previous release of UNDERCOVER: THE MAD SQUAD, fans were delighted to see the new direction the group took with their music and concept while maintaining the essence that has made A.C.E. so uniquely them. The title track called “도깨비 (Favorite Boys)” provides an interesting mix of traditional and modern sights and sounds that really draws the viewers in. 

The Song 

The song has two main components: the addictive beat and the ever-present electric guitar throughout the entirety of the song. The beginning of the song is filled with loud drumming that is soon accompanied by Byeongkwan and Chan going back and forth in English before the beat drops and the addictive beat is met with an enthusiastic electric guitar and what sounds like an upright bass. This mix of instruments continues throughout the song. Once the rap verses begin, another interesting sound joins the mix; the best way to describe it is the sound of a howling wind. The chorus is an earworm that will be easy to catch yourself humming unintentionally with its simple pattern. The chorus also has an easy-to-sing-along-to line that is muffled by autotune where the members sing, “I’m a goblin.” A cheeky part of the song is a line from one of Byeongkwan’s verses where he says, “I be them haters’ secret favorite/Check the handphone bet they got A.C.E up in the playlist.” This line is sure to raise some eyebrows. “Favorite Boys” brings a new twist to the familiar A.C.E. sound that fans have come to know and love.  

The Music Video

The music video is a lot to take in. It's easy to miss details the first couple watch throughs, so it's important to watch more than two times. First thing to point out is the excessive use of flashing lights throughout the entirety of the music video. While it's nice for a storytelling effect, it can be super harmful for those with a sensitivity, so it is something that others should be aware of. The first couple scenes of the music video take place in a black-and-white dojo-esque set with a mob of people dressed in black. The mob of people then transforms to reveal the dancers, and the members of A.C.E. distinguish themselves with red harnesses over their clothing. The next parts of the music video flash through several different scenes. The members are each dressed in their own unique costuming that is a mix of both modern and traditional East Asian apparel. Three outfits that stood out were Byeongkwan’s white and red look that used ribbon to draw attention to his physique, Donghun’s all-black ensemble that features a long, wide brimmed hat with hanging tassels, and Chan’s sleek red veiled outfit with matching spiked crown. The members as a unit have several outfits that they cycle through during the choreography scenes; all white with strategic cut outs, red silk and black slacks, and the most eye-catching being the hanboks styled with a modern twist. The choreography scenes take place in the same dojo-esque room seen at the beginning of the music video. Throughout the entire video, red, blue, and black make appearances in various shades. These are colors that are often found in traditional clothing throughout Asia. This small touch adds to the overall feel of the music video. While the music video is a lot to take in, the more it’s viewed, the more the overarching story comes alive.  

Final Thoughts 

A.C.E. never ceases to amaze with their artistry, musicality, and their knack for eye-catching choreography. “Favorite Boys” really shows how talented A.C.E. is. They have the ability to do any concept thrown at them. They are truly shaping up to be this generation's concept kings. 

Step into the jungle with A.C.E. Check out “Favorite Boys” below!