TEMPEST released their new single “Dragon (飛上),” with “飛上” meaning “flying” or “fly up,” alongside their third mini-album ON and ON November 22, 2022, just two months after their previous comeback. The single is the title track of four new songs, written by Lee Jiwon (MUMW), Y0UNG, 72, and TEMPEST’s LEW and Hwarang, composed by Minit, Will Not Fear, Holynn, Jonghan, Untell, and PULLIK (Park Junho), and arranged by Minit and Will Not Fear.

From a rowdy bunch of teenagers to soaring dragons, TEMPEST’s members have grown a lot over the past two months. Is their furious new song “Dragon (飛上)” a metaphor for heaven versus hell, light versus dark? Through effortless choreography, hyped vocals, and a clever bid to make sheets look like clouds, we’re told the tale of how a shy dragon became confident in its battle for freedom. In its battle, people watch above, waving banners, “We fight, we win, and we conquer. Victory is in our hands.”

The lyrics tell the dragon’s thoughts, feeling down as it dreams to fly high and show people its worth. It was once knocked back in a battle, but now soars into the light, no longer nervous, as it says, “Try me again, I won’t fail this time.” It urges others to do the same and not bow to anyone or anything in its way. Not caring about the consequences or what others think, victory prevails as the dragon says, “Let me be known, I’m fearless.” As the music video ends, the members clamp their hands to look like claws as their veins turn either blue or red and their eyes glimmer green. Could we be seeing a ranking of good or bad possessing their body, preparing for another battle? Or could it be that the dragon has morphed into handsome, young idols?

Edited by Rashelle B.