ONEUS has not been afraid to explore different concepts and genres since their inception in 2018, and for this new EP La Dolce Vita, we see a full commitment to the Latino influences. Title track “Baila Conmigo” is featured in Korean in the music video, but the EP contains a Spanish version of the track, as well. It feels like it’s been awhile since we’ve gotten such a committed concept from a K-Pop group, but that is something that ONEUS does like no other in their releases. 

“Baila Conmigo” is a contemporary pop track with a reggaeton beat as the main melodic influence. The addition of a subtle trumpet in the verses (which gets more prominent in the chorus) really solidifies the Latino influences and has it remain true to its musical roots. The song opens with rapper Leedo performing a vocal verse rather than rap, which is a consistent difference throughout the song. It is wonderful to see a successful cross-culture musical execution that doesn’t simply take one element of a genre to use, but rather aims to create an authentic sound in that genre while incorporating Korean lyrics. Having a Spanish version of the track rather than an English version is also super refreshing. I feel like we’re being given a release that is more inclusive, as well. These days it seems like K-Pop is far too focused on the English speaking world, so I’m happy to see some diversity in that. 

If there’s one thing you’re definitely going to get from ONEUS, it’s performance. Dance is obviously a very important part of Latino culture, so it is bound to be the focus of the music video as well. Leedo and Hwanwoong perform a breathtakingly beautiful duet as well as solos. That’s not to discredit the full group performance either—there is just something particularly striking about the duet. There is also heavy use of glitter in the outfits and in Leedo’s solo dance performance, but in a way that I find tasteful rather than over-the-top. There’s a certain charm to the yellow-tinted sets and close-up dance shots that add a sophistication to the entire performance. 

Check out the music video for “Baila Conmigo” below.

Edited by Aleena Faisal