Revisiting Song Jieun’s First EP, 25, in 2025

As 2025 kicks off, there’s no other fitting release to usher in the next quarter of the century than Song Jieun’s 25. This first EP from the former main vocalist of SECRET released on October 14, 2014. 25 also highlighted the controversial pre-release “Don’t Look At Me Like That,” a contrasting concept to the colorful and playful title track “Twenty-Five.” The EP contains five tracks: the aforementioned songs with music videos, an intro, and the B-sides “La Boum” and “Star.” 

Tackling Prejudice in “Don’t Look At Me Like That”

Before releasing the hit that was “Twenty-Five,” Jieun addressed heavier, societal topics with “Don’t Look At Me Like That,” released on September 23, 2014. As reported by former The Kraze writer Dominique J., Jieun’s original management, TS Entertainment, stated the song would contain “controversial” and “experimental” lyrics. This emotional ballad describes the forbidden romances shut out by society. “Don't look at me like that / All we did was love / Stop cursing us,” Jieun pleads in the chorus. Producing team Star Track (스타트랙), consisting of Kang Jiwon and Kim Kibum, infused strings and rock into the song to fit its hearbreaking message.

The music video displays society as a rich, elusive club where its members wear masks to obscure their identities. Jieun escapes from her captors as the scheme metaphorically and visually ends up in flames. She walks away determined, free from her shackles. 

Here’s to Another “Twenty-Five” 

“Twenty-Five” details the sweet situation of turning that age, one where people tend to feel “beautiful, young, and free.” Jieun, who turned 25 in Korean age that year, sang about feeling on top of the world through lyrics by 이단옆차기 (Duble Sidekick) and David Kim. Whereas “Don’t Look At Me Like That” shows a worldview that shares the judgement of society, “Twenty-Five” embraces the positives that come with stepping into society as an adult. 

The music video correlates Jieun’s optimism with splashes of teal, pink, and yellow. These striking colours bring out the brightness in the song’s outlook. Unlike “Don’t Look At Me Like That,” “Twenty-Five” doesn’t follow a storyline; instead, it utilizes closeups and Jieun’s dancing to convey emotion. The song’s brassy and groovy instrumental, composed by producing team Radio Galaxy, plays into the freeing nature. 

Though over a decade has passed since Jieun released 25, she is still active in the entertainment industry. She currently pursues a career in music and acting even after SECRET’s disbandment in 2018. Jieun released her latest single album Confession in February 2024, four years after her previous single album. As an actress, Jieun will play a main role in the drama Thirty, slated for release this year. Jieun currently promotes under WERACLE Factory, a company started by her husband, YouTuber Park We.

Edited by Clark Royandoyan