Hwasa is Fierce in “I’m a 빛”
Hwasa is back a little over a year later with the release of her new single and music video, “I’m a 빛.” The track is one of three singles featured in her new single album Guilty Pleasure. The single album contains three tracks total: “FOMO,” “I’m a 빛,” and “Bless U.” A list of amazing composers like Gustav Landell, Kristin Carpenter, Simon Jonasson, Musikality, Hae Dayoung, Jemma, and in-house producer from RBW Entertainment Park Woosang participated in composing and writing for this album. Hwasa also gave her expertise in co-writing “I’m a 빛” and “Bless U.”
In June 2020, Hwasa released her first solo mini-album María and a music video for the title track of the same name. You can check out The Kraze’s breakdown of the single here. With her previous releases “María” and “TWIT,” this makes this her third solo single.
With killer visuals and chilling vocals, Hwasa gives us a creative newtro-inspired sound with powerful symbolism and lyricism. “I’m a 빛” is a song that is considered an apology dedicated to the people around Hwasa who she could not pay closer attention to. She stated during an online press conference that the lyrics were made to be witty “...without making a direct apology.” The addictive hook and Hwasa’s hypnotizingly smooth vocals make it feel like you’re going through an elevated audible experience.
Aside from the sound, the self-aware and wise lyrics are worth paying attention to. During the bridge, she sings the line, “If it's meaningless, a patternless zebra, it's frustrating, I wanna breathe, I'm no bra,” tying in metaphors and touching on a moment that caused controversy about her. The line, “Life is so incredible, even if I go crazy, my sin is beautiful, baby,” will stick with you the most because it does have an agreeable statement. Hwasa’s beautiful vocal timbre will have you hooked through this single if you haven’t already been reeled in by her sound.
The music video is breathtaking from start to finish. Hwasa stuns in any outfit that she wears—zebra patterned piece, glitter full bodysuit, red dress, and more—giving such divine feminine energy that we admire. It’s definitely not a typical music video from Hwasa without including aesthetics that showcase her chic style with a fisheye lens, backgrounds that highlight her aura, and creative symbolism throughout the video. Throughout the difficult choreography, she expresses such emotional power and charisma that can only be accomplished by Hwasa. The part that will leave you in goosebumps is during the dance break featuring Park Dawool of the Korean rock band KARDI playing the geomungo to give an audible experience through the traditional sounds of a Korean stringed instrument. Overall, Hwasa shows her goddess-like visual beauty through the flawless execution of the music video.
Hwasa sets the bar higher and higher with each comeback, releasing singles that gain immediate support and addictive flair. Even as a solo artist, Hwasa creates music that gives fans the courage to gain the confidence to speak openly about life through metaphors and symbolism while ignoring the haters. With her art being expressed through self-aware lyrics and visual execution, Hwasa is a household name for the current generation of K-Pop fans.
For more about Hwasa’s recent comeback, make sure to follow her on Instagram and Twitter. Guilty Pleasure is available to stream on Spotify, YouTube Music, and other music streaming services. Watch the music video for “I’m a 빛” below!