The Pages of Maka `Maka’s Story
Photo: Maka `Maka Official X
Regardless of its reception, Netflix’s XO, Kitty has included a diverse array of K-Pop songs within its soundtrack. Its third season, which came out on April 2, features tracks from the K-Pop industry’s largest acts and hidden gems. Songs by big-name artists like SEVENTEEN, aespa, and ENHYPEN came as expected, but two songs in particular stood out for listeners of lesser-known and underappreciated girl groups: “Burning Power” and “I AM” by Maka `Maka. The two songs feature in the season’s seventh episode, “Best Dressed List.” Though Maka `Maka has not released music as a group since 2023, the surprise inclusion of their music on the XO, Kitty soundtrack has given their songs new life.
“Burning Power”
Heesu, Dia, Chaewon, Daseul, and Eun B debuted under BLUEMOON Entertainment with the single “Burning Power” on August 4, 2020. This song captures positivity through a tropical house instrumental and cheerful summer concept. The soft tones of the music video strengthen the light-hearted sound of the song. “Burning Power” expresses warmth much like the group’s name, which comes from a Hawaiian term meaning “close friend.”
“Hey U”
Maka `Maka pays homage to first-generation K-Pop group Chakra by remaking their song “Hey U.” Released on August 12, 2021, Maka `Maka’s “Hey U” maintains the original’s big-band peppiness. As the song came out as a B-side on Chakra’s self-titled album (also called Come A Come) in 2000, `Maka Maka’s “Hey U” marked the first time the song received a music video. It features an American high school concept where the members get transported to different universes.
“I AM”
Released on September 19, 2022, “I AM” kept a similar big-band sound featured in “Hey U.” With belting vocals to match the loud brass notes, Maka `Maka declares their style through “I AM.” The flashy choreography scenes in the music video show that these girls mean business.
“For You (Go! Go!)”
Maka `Maka switched from big-band to rock band music in their digital single “For You (Go! Go!).” Released on April 6, 2023, this pop-rock song encourages chasing towards dreams. While the song has no official music video, it comes with some behind-the-scenes clips.
Pages of Us
Member Eun B used her birth name for her solo debut earlier this month. As Eunbi, she released Pages of Us, a five-track EP, on April 16, 2026. The synth-pop title track “Good Night Good Morning” depicts a relatable mix of emotions felt by many young adults. According to the track’s YouTube description, the song represents the bittersweet feelings of saying bye to an old life and saying hello to a new beginning. Pages of Us B-sides “Still Here” and “나만의 페이지” feature member Heesu and group Zip.Y, consisting of Eunbi, former BVNDIT member Seungeun, and fashion and beauty influencer Seok Daye. While Maka `Maka has not yet made a group comeback, another member’s contributions on Eunbi’s solo debut EP looks like a good sign.
Edited by Clark Royandoyan