It’s love against lust in Yugyeom’s latest single “Ponytail,” released January 2, 2023. DAX, GRAY, Yugyeom, and featuring artist Sik-K wrote the R&B and soul track.

The song is easy to listen to with Yugyeom’s soft vocals, which goes hand-in-hand with the elegantly choreographed music video, and a splash of color that shows the premise of the title. Behind that, the lyrics hold a deeper meaning about falling for someone for their “bareface over makeup.” 

Yugyeom playing “love”; he’ll swear to compliment you whether you’re showing off with a skirt in the summer or hiding behind pants in the winter. Hair down or in a ponytail, he’ll express his love everyday with the phrase: “You so fine, my bae.” The “love” side may feel frustrating over his ever-changing feelings about your beauty, but it makes you laugh as Yugyeom can only repeatedly talk about how “pretty” you are.

But when Sik-K takes over as “lust,” those compliments become primal actions as you imagine he’s “pulling your ponytail”—perhaps even more primal in some very NSFW lyrics. But going “hard for real” in a neck massage sounds nice, right? Though still caring, the “lust” side wants you to spill your secrets and ignore others’ opinions. Sik-K will take care of everything as he urges you to rest and look at him instead.

The moral of the story is, don’t be afraid to show your features because whoever you’re with should love you for you.

Edited by Aleena Faisal