After four members’ appearances on CHUANG ASIA: THAILAND this year, CSR have returned with a Korean comeback and a Japanese debut. The septet of Geumhee, Sihyeon, Seoyeon, Yuna, Duna, Sua, and Yeham are back with content promoted towards new audiences. On June 11, they released their single album L’heure Bleue: Prologue with the music video for “Pretty mob.” They followed that up with the Japanese debut EP L’heure Bleue three weeks later. This L’heure Blue pairing is CSR’s first original music release since November. 

Time on CHUANG ASIA: THAILAND

Duna, Seoyeon, Geumhee, and Yeham went on hiatus in December to participate in CHUANG ASIA: THAILAND. This Chinese-Thai survival show aired from February to April, and featured 70 contestants from varying countries. CSR’s members appeared as the only representatives from South Korea. 

While Seoyeon, Geumhee, and Yeham left the show during its first elimination round, Duna made it to the finale. She ranked 14th, a placement outside of the debut lineup. The members returned to CSR afterwards.   

“Pretty mob”

CSR dropped the first of their new releases with the single album L’heure Bleue: Prologue. It contains the title track “Pretty mob” and B-side “HELLO.” In contrast to their last title track “Shining Bright,” “Pretty mob” takes a softer approach. The rhythm of “Pretty mob” flows like relaxing on undisturbed waves: constant with no surprises. Composers Suh Hyuk and Joh! go for something for those lowkey summer days. 

The music video also leans into this lazy day vibe with many indoor solo shots and dance scenes shot at night. The lyrics tell listeners to take a breath and experience good thoughts. “I find ordinary things boring / I want to swim without thinking,” CSR says. These words penned by Lee Hajin and Ymi encourage people to “ride the wave” of positivity.

The Korean title of “HELLO,” “열아홉,” means “nineteen.” It signifies the age of all the members, who were all born in the same year. Their concept plans to evolve alongside the members' stage of life. “HELLO” continues from “Eighteen (Signal)” from their 2023 EP DELIGHT. 

“Higher”

CSR debuted in Japan with the title track “Higher” on July 3. The four-track EP contains “Higher,” a Japanese B-side “Blueway,” and Japanese versions of “HELLO” and “Pretty mob.” In “Higher,” CSR aims for the top. “Never be the girl I was before,” and “L-O-V-E anything I want to be” appear as some of the messages within the lyrics.  

The “Higher” music video focuses on a collective journey with friends. After an intro tease of the members listening to “Blueway,” they embark on a quest. They search for treasure, letters, and coordinates. 

Their destination lands them in a gorgeous grassy field as they sit in the sunlight. CSR will continue Japanese promotions this month during their first Japan tour L’heure Bleue. The tour sees CSR travelling to Kanto, Aichi, Kyoto, and Osaka, before finishing in Fukuoka on July 19.