mimiirose’s Latest Release Shows Them “FLIRTING” with Danger

mimiirose recently made their first comeback with the second single album LIVE on September 14, 2023. The title track “FLIRTING” takes a different direction from their previous title track, “Rose,” with a calm instrumental and ominous music video. It’s an interesting follow-up that came just a few days shy of the group’s first anniversary. 

Im Changjung and AVGS (어벤전승) wrote and composed the title track. “FLIRTING” sounds less fast-paced and bright than “Rose,” and lays out its own identity. As a song, “FLIRTING” invites listeners in another way through its introductory whistles and gentler instrumental. When experienced with the music video, the meaning of “FLIRTING” extends past the romance-themed lyrics. Unlike “Rose,” whose music video focuses heavily on its choreography, “FLIRTING” focuses heavily on its storyline. The music video’s aesthetic and storyline together present itself as atypical. 

The Thrill of “FLIRTING”

Despite mimiirose’s bright pink outfits, the music video paints a murky environment. Instead of girls seeking romance, mimiirose take roles of girls seeking intel. Yeonjae, Hyori, Yewon, Jia, and Yunju interpret the theme of capturing someone’s attention literally in this fictional story. They hatch a secretive plan to find a hacker. They use the hacker’s talents to do their bidding, then dispose of them. The storyline leaves the hacker’s fate ambiguous, though a shot with a zipped black bag carries darker implications. The song contrasts with the visuals in a thrilling, thought-provoking way.   

The music video for “FLIRTING” wants viewers to rewatch it over and over again. Its opening and closing shots showcase this best. It’s initially unknown why a large crowd of men dressed in suits chase Yewon, so it compels viewers to keep watching. When the same scene ends the video, they should leave with better understanding, more questions, or both. This recontextualization adds greater enjoyment. “FLIRTING” succeeds at getting the audience hooked.

Living for More B-Sides

For those looking for more mimiirose, LIVE luckily contains two more tracks. The first B-side “TIPSY” hits hard. Composers AVGS, Ricky, and Gogur filled the song with many unique elements. The phone vibrations and buzzer sounds, coupled with other noises, make the track unpredictable but fun.  

“A-OK” closes the single album, featuring composing credits of Christian Fast, Henrik Nordenback, Cazzi Opeia, and Ellen Berg. “A-OK” is very upbeat and happy, which contrasts with the other songs on LIVE. It ends the single album on something positive — something welcome after the negative outlook leading up to the comeback. Despite all odds, mimiirose finally delivered their comeback, reinvigorating hope and appearing as lively as ever.