Discover Your Destiny in NiziU’s “LOVE LINE”
Photo: JYP Entertainment
NiziU has made their first Korean comeback with the two-track single LOVE LINE. Initially debuting in 2020 as JYP Entertainment’s Japanese girl group, NiziU has since expanded their musical reach. LOVE LINE released on March 31, 17 months after NiziU’s Korean debut in October 2023.
TRACKLIST:
“LOVE LINE”
“What if”
The Title Track: “LOVE LINE”
“LOVE LINE” focuses on the idea of two people destined for each other. The Korean title of the song, “운명선” (運命線), refers to the “fate line” located on people’s palms. In palm reading, the fate line dictates how much uncontrollable “external circumstances” will influence a person’s destiny. The song combines this way of fortune telling with the red string of fate, an East Asian myth where a red thread connects two fated lovers.
The lyrics of “LOVE LINE” directly reference these concepts, like how the chorus speaks of a pair’s “destiny lines” joining to change their future. The following verse wonders, “Could it be that we’re tied together by a red thread?” “LOVE LINE” comes off musically interesting as well. Its city pop instrumental takes some strange turns with unique chord choices and a punchy bass line. This diverse sound makes the song more entertaining in subsequent listens. The NiziU members spend the music video as “cat cupids” trying to spread love through webs of yarn.
The B-Side: “What if”
Packed together with “LOVE LINE” comes “What if.” This J-Rock song showcases intense playing of the drums and electric guitar. “What if” will receive an official track video soon.
Considering the group’s Japanese roots alongside J-Rock and J-Pop’s recent popularity in South Korea, this B-side’s inclusion makes complete sense. This latest affinity for Japanese music in South Korea, who historically did not favor this exchange of pop culture, has allowed more Japanese singers to find success in the market. NiziU’s music show win for their first Korean single, “Heartris,” is a testament to that. Regardless if “LOVE LINE” replicates similar results, this comeback serves as another example of the Japanese and Korean music markets crossing over.
Edited by Lacey Diluvio