GFriend drops new EP amid much fanfare

Six-member rookie girl group GFriend, which debuted last year, released the new seven-track EP “Snowflake” on Monday. 

The much-anticipated album comes after the group snagged rookie awards with their hit songs “Glass Bead” and “Me Gustas Tu” at major music award cermonies last year, including the Melon Music Awards and SBS Gayo Daejeon last year and this year at the Golden Disk Awards. 

The girls returned this time keeping their signature schoolgirl uniforms and maintaining their innocent image. They also showcased perfectly synchronized fierce and powerful dance moves -- for which they have become known -- in the lead track “Rough.”

Yet, GFriend has become more mature in the year since its debut, the members said. 

“‘Rough’ is similar in style to the past songs, but we feel like we are growing little by little,” leader Sowon told the press gathered at the AX Seoul venue for their first-ever showcase Monday. “The innocent concept is the same, but (the style) is different.” 

She explained that in the past, the girls smiled a lot and showcased a cheerful and bright image, but for this song, their facial expressions have become more serious and sympathetic. “The dance moves are more like ballet,” she added. 

The lyrics of “Rough” reflect a girl’s earnest desire to become an adult quickly and fall in love. But the members, who are mostly still teenagers, had different ideas about growing up. SinB, 17, said she wants to become 20 years old fast and get a driver’s license, while Sowon, 20, said she wants to stop growing up and remain a girl. Nevertheless, the members said their innocent concept won’t change much in the future. 

The members were very confident about all the songs in the new EP. “In this album there are so many good songs,” said Eunha. “There is a song called ‘Luv Star’ and we sang while gazing at the stars shining in the night sky. It’s a very emotional and bright song.” 

“‘Trust’ is the first ballad song,” said Umji. “It’s a song that exposes our hidden sensibility.”

When asked what their goals are for this year, SinB said she wants to rank No. 1 on TV music programs.
“I want all the members of GFriend to become well known,” said Umji. 

“Since our debut, receiving a rookie award had been our goal,” said Sowon. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime award. We are very grateful for receiving this meaningful award three times, and we will work harder.”

GFriend, with the release of new EP “Snowflake” on Monday, have kicked off their album promotions.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)