The situation
Rookie duo dodree has released their second single album, HAWWAH, featuring a blend of traditional Korean music and contemporary pop. The title track, HAWWAH, uses the image of a swirling vortex to symbolize hidden desires and difficult choices. The duo's use of traditional elements, including instrumentation and vocal techniques, sets them apart from other rookie girl groups.
What the internet did with it
- Many fans praised the duo's elegant visuals and mysterious atmosphere, describing the members as looking like aristocratic heroines and the song's haunting melodies as hypnotic.
- Netizens on Theqoo noted that dodree deserves more recognition, arguing that the group possesses exceptional artistry and a clearly defined identity, with one commenter saying — "they're not just another rookie group, they have a unique sound that's actually interesting".
- The duo's artistic backgrounds, with Na Yeongjoo specializing in pansori and Lee Songhyun trained in traditional Korean dance, add to the authenticity of their concept and have fans hopeful for their future success.
The open question
The question remains whether dodree can maintain their unique identity and continue to refine their sound without sacrificing accessibility, and if they can gain the recognition they deserve in a crowded K-pop industry. Their next move, and how they choose to build on the momentum of HAWWAH, will be closely watched by fans and critics alike, especially as they navigate the *눈치 (nuanchi, or social awareness) of the industry and avoid becoming too *답답해 (dapdaphae, or stifling) in their creative choices.
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