Find Your Own Groove in Yuju’s “DALALA”

Yuju’s newest single “DALALA” continues to prove that Yuju and digital singles go together perfectly. Released on September 20, 2023, “DALALA” is a funky, disco track accompanied by a serious, yet sometimes silly, music video. Yuju mirrored last year’s release schedule by dropping an emotional mini-album in the year’s first quarter, then following up with a fun digital single. After a sentimental journey in O from March, a message of freedom awaits in “DALALA.”  

The Message of “DALALA”

“DALALA” focuses on living more carefree to their own liking. Yuju wrote the lyrics herself and played a large role in the composition. She worked with Paulina “PAU” Cerilla and Shintaro Yasuda, both individuals she collaborated with on “Full Circle” from her mini-album O. 

 The lyrics of “DALALA” say, “The person you want and the person I want to be / Cannot always be the same.” Viewers see Yuju in the music video trying to find her own rhythm, instead of accepting one laid out for her. The shots of her dancing alone in an elevator feel so relatable — and that includes the ensuing embarrassment when an older gentleman walks in.

While some may not enjoy when storyline elements interrupt a song, others may also welcome that bit of comedic relief. The sequence also reflects another aspect of the song: for many, shaking off the judgment of others proves difficult. Like the lyrics later say, “Words that bothered me and kept me up all night / Keep coming back at me.” Introducing new mentalities often happens gradually.  

If O embodies Yuju’s reflections on her nine-year career in the K-Pop industry, then “DALALA” showcases another step in crafting her image as a solo artist. Many people know Yuju as the main vocalist of GFRIEND, but her reputation in the soloist world is still in its infancy. Her debut mini-album [REC.] introduces her ambition as an artist, O delivers her reflection as an artist, and “DALALA” shows her passion as an artist. “DALALA” stars Yuju in more roles than she’s ever had before, and that should excite everyone.