ALICE Shows Up in “SHOW DOWN”
Six months after DANCE ON in October, ALICE returned last week with their newest single album, SHOW DOWN. SHOW DOWN is the group’s third consecutive single since rebranding from ELRIS to ALICE under IOK Company last year. While members Do-A and Yeonje remain on a health-related hiatus, previously announced in March, EJ, Chaejeong, Yukyung, Sohee, and Karin still deliver their best in this latest release. As fans await Do-A and Yeonje’s return, ALICE offers both the title track “SHOW DOWN” and the B-side “DIZZY.” “SHOW DOWN” infuses EDM and moombahton rhythms together in a catchy package about staying unapologetically confident in one’s goals.
The song’s music video presents the members as imaginary social media influencers, as they gain their individual popularity through different avenues. Sohee embodies athleticism by throwing punches as a boxer, EJ explores her musicality by rocking out on stage, Chaejeong displays her dancing skills, Karin sports lavish clothing and luxury items, and Yukyung transforms from a viewer to a “surprise [internet] star” after inspiration from the other members. Although the scenario appears in an universe solely contained within the video, it mirrors the accessible internet stardom commonly seen today.
The internet offers anyone potential fame by broadcasting their interests for a wide audience.
This emphasis on internet prominence arises from the song’s message of “the determination to walk one’s path without fear.” JAM FACTORY songwriters Yang Seongwon, Han Solah, and Kim Suah pen lyrics that feature a strong outlook in spite of opposition. In a medium with inevitable hate, such as online spaces, individuals stay firmly planted in their decisions to produce whatever content they desire. As seen in the music video, genuine praise from audiences helps individuals continue their craft and inspire new creators. Comments that pop up during each member’s streams, such as “I love this concept,” “this song is GREAT,” and “the queens are back,” offer nothing but love and encouragement.
Additionally, the song’s title holds a dual meaning. It presents a surface-level meaning of a showdown — a battle — between oneself and hate. The chorus’s lyrics of “You want me to / Then I will show” feel as if ALICE responds to malicious taunts with an even greater showcase of themselves. With ALICE beckoning their opponent to “look up [at them],” the title also represents the perspective of one inciting hate. The latter opinion appears lesser and will stay “down,” while the others remain unfazed. When people feel above hateful comments, they continue pleasing the audience that truly matters: themselves. As five members or seven members, as ELRIS or as ALICE, “SHOW DOWN” makes it evident that these ladies are far from done carving out their own paths.
Source for song message:
*From Simply K-Pop CON-TOUR Ep. 565 “SHOW DOWN” stage
Source for song lyrics:
ALICE “SHOW DOWN” Suit Dance from 1theK Originals
Source for JAM FACTORY song writers’ names in English:
ALICE “SHOW DOWN” audio on YouTube (official by Kakao Entertainment)
Edited by Omani