LE SSERAFIM’s Huh Yunjin Shows a Fluid Mindset in her New Single, “jellyfish”
LE SSERAFIM’s Huh Yunjin returned with another self-composed song, “jellyfish,” on January 10. The group’s main vocalist, who has released her own tracks since 2022, has dedicated her latest single to her favorite animal. “jellyfish” is Yunjin’s fifth solo single following 2022’s “Raise y_our glass,” and 2023’s “ I ≠ DOLL,” “love you twice,” and “blessing in disguise.”
Yunjin has teased “jellyfish” for months. When she’s not posting about her love for jellyfish on social media, she has been dropping hints and spoilers on platforms such as Weverse. In 2024, Yunjin briefly talked about some shocking characteristics of jellyfish, which likely helped inspire her songwriting. “Did you know that when jellyfish die they dissipate in the water and there's no remnants left?” She told NYLON. “They leave no trace behind. That's crazy.” This ability to disappear seamlessly makes its way into “jellyfish,” which uses the traits of the animal to send an uplifting message to keep going.
The Meaning of “jellyfish”
While Yunjin loves jellyfish dearly, she does not sing about this affection directly. Instead, “jellyfish” focuses on the seemingly persistent nature of jellyfish: one where they find themselves swimming in the tough depths of the ocean. Yunjin stated that in finding comfort knowing that jellyfish brave such currents, she noticed that everyone can provide that same feeling to others. “I realized that someone’s daily life of working hard can appear beautiful to others,” Yunjin said through a statement by Source Music. “And just like how the jellyfish was to me, someone’s mere existence can be a comfort to others.”
Produced by Yunjin and divahh (also known as Noh Juhwan), this R&B track feels serene and smooth as coasting on top of water while dealing with thought-provoking messages. The lyrics of “jellyfish” also explore a feeling of jealousy before the realization that everyone is someone else’s “jellyfish.” “Not much meaning to life / Why is there no heart? / I feel it too / Grievously wanting a life like yours / You’ll be a floating soul forever,” Yunjin sings. To her, everyone goes through their own struggles, but they can hopefully find a way to keep moving. The song’s final chorus amends this jealousy in acknowledgment that “we still have a long way to go,” but “I just go with the flow.”
The Aesthetics of “jellyfish”
The “jellyfish” music video features illustrations and animations by Yunjin and 2D animator mareykrap. mareykrap, who has animated videos for other K-Pop artists such as SEVENTEEN, NCT, and OH MY GIRL, translates the drawings into illuminating depictions of jellyfish within the depths of the ocean. Some of the drawings match the “jellyfish” concept pictures shot by OKTO LEE, a photographer Yunjin has “admired for a very long time.”
These photos, which feature real jellyfish, show Yunjin gazing at the creatures curiously. This collaborative effort between Yunjin and other creatives gives “jellyfish” a sincere feeling, one made from Yunjin’s thoughts and creative vision. “jellyfish” is the perfect song for cheering up during the winter blues. The digital single is out now on streaming platforms.
Edited by Clark Royandoyan