Every Sunday I look back at the preceding week in kpop and pick out a music video or performance that I have particularly liked. This week I have chosen STAYC – Beautiful Monster.

Although this concert took place more than a week ago, this video has only recently been uploaded. The song itself is much older, being a title track from two years ago. I haven’t looked at the sales figures, but I do know that it was less successful than their previous title tracks. Perhaps STAYC were overshadowed by the emergence of New Jeans, or possibly the group’s breaking with the “teen fresh” sound explains the relative lack of success. I love it; like so many pop songs I enjoy, it has a bittersweetness to it. Yoon has said it remains a favourite with the group themselves.

I find the song well suited to live performance, because the electronic aspect of the production is not absent, but what stand out are the distinct acoustic elements like the guitar and flute. In addition, the vocals carry an emotional weight for which a live stage is appropriate. I remember criticism of Yoon’s singing, but I love her distinctive voice here. I also thinks she looks so stylish in those flared pants and boots.

https://youtu.be/UYxXwnqu3i8?si=gsvVpG6ExP2Cwxf3

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