Introducing LOONA's [12:00] Album
In my current journey into "Introducing LOONA, I had focused on the individual girls' debuts, their sub-units, and subsequently focusing in their individual group albums/mini albums, including:
[+ +] (RELEASED August 20, 2018)
[X X] (Released February 2019)
[#] (Released February 5, 2020)
THIS blog-feature is dedicated to their 2020 release [12:00], for which I had by then featured and tracked on TUNESTALK as the news came out, including unboxing all four of the albums! The purpose of THIS blog-feature is to compile all relevant chronological teasers, MVs, making-of and Dance Practise all-in-one (for easier reference, but of course with click-aways to my original blogposts).
ALBUM: [12:00]
Pronounced "Midnight" (Hangul: 미드나잇), [12:00] is considered to be the third mini-album from South Korean girl group LOONA. Released on October 19, 2020, the album featured title track "Why Not?", whose promotions were followed by the release of the music video for "Star (Voice Eng. Ver.)". As listed on loonatheworld.fandom.com, BlockBerry Creative confirmed via Fancafe (on September 17, 2020) that member HaSeul would not be participating in album promotions, due to ongoing health issues.
ABOVE: Teaser for "12:00” (Uploaded "16 Sept 2020") *First featured HERE
BELOW: Preview for Mini Album "12:00" (Uploaded "13 Oct 2020") *First featured HERE
ABOVE: Teaser for "Why Not?" (Uploaded "14 Oct 2020") *First featured HERE
BELOW: Full MV for "Why Not?" (Uploaded "19 Oct 2020") *First featured HERE
LOOΠΔ [12:00]
A destiny discovered between coincidence and fate LOOΠΔ has created a wave of change beyond imagination through [#] and has come to realize their true roles; to be pioneers for all of the LOOΠΔs of the world.
To celebrate the New Moon, LOOΠΔ is expecting a new moon to rise. On this occasion, they will hold a Moonlight festival at [12:00], when the moon shines the brightest—a festival where no girl will feel silenced.
LOOΠΔ makes coincidence when destiny collides with fate, and finds her destiny within coincidence and fate to deliver a new message for the Midnight Festival.
‘With all LOOΠΔs around the world’, all of the LOOΠΔs across the globe will always be together, where all are dignified, equal and worthy of freedom. The united voices of the girls around the world rings loud and clear ahead of the start of the new moon.
Intro for the album which is ’12:00’, it is promised time in the new space, capturing our story of getting into orbit.
The titled track ‘Why Not?’ is an uptempo electronic pop song, with a story of pursuing freedom and individualistic self. The funky and bubbly bass line reminiscent of the Midnight Festival is impressive. The key change in the song, which started with a charismatic introduction, from the chorus to the witty major, it resembles LOOΠΔ who is about to change.
‘Voice’ is an energetic retro song with a low, repetitive beat that evokes addiction. It is meant to enjoy the feelings of love and to venture together in an uncontrollable excitement.
‘Fall Again’ has a story about falling back in love with the one every time fall returns. It is a Pop R&B, a harmonious blend of sentimental vocals and rhythmic instruments by LOOΠΔ. It gives the feeling of the seasonality of autumn abundant.
‘Universe’ is a dreamy up-tempo electronic pop ballad with soft sweltering pads, ambient vocals and steady beat, adding warmth to the beat of love, attraction and temptation with the piano melody, allowing you to feel the song in its entirety.
‘Hide & Seek’ is a cool, bright, poptastic uptempo dance song, which it coolly reveals one’s mind that is not hidden. It is showing confidence to the opponent, like playing hide & seek.
‘OOPS!’ is a multi-groove pop song characterized by a cool, repetitive feeling and Latin undertones. It sends a message that the one will love oneself and live freely without caring about
In addition, ‘Star’ which is an English version of Voice, it is aimed at global fans, will be released at the same time, allowing them to enjoy various music sources.
LOOΠΔs [12:00] album — where LOOΠΔ creates the inevitable through the merging of coincidence and fate.
I've previously featured the Full MV and multiple Showcase Stage performance videos HERE for your viewing pleasures, including the below "MV Making film" ... but the following Dance Practise video is "new" to TUNESTALK!
ABOVE: “Why Not?” MV Making Film (Uploaded "13 Nov 2020")
BELOW: "Why Not?" Dance Practice Video (Uploaded "12 Nov 2020")
Similar to the current promotions and album releases for LOONA's 4th mini album [&], there were a total of FOUR different albums for [12:00], including Concept Photo-reveals, very much like [&] (but without the "Group Photos"). Here are my unboxing/unwrapping videos plus LINKS to Concept Photo reveals:
ALBUM "A": Unwrapping Post-feature / 4th Concept Photo Reveal
ALBUM "B": Unwrapping Post-feature / First Concept Photo Reveal
ALBUM "C": Unwrapping Post-feature / 3rd Concept Photo Reveal
ALBUM "D": Unwrapping Post-feature / 2nd Concept Photo Reveal
This particular era featured a music vibe somewhat similar to their [#] album, and an obvious departure to their earlier sound, under Jaden Jeong - at least in their title tracks. Lee Soo-Man continues to be credited as the "Music Producer" here (as he was for "[#]"), and remains to be seen for [&], and judging by the highlight medley we've heard, I would not doubt otherwise... but as I said, this remains to be seen/confirmed.
Two albums in (with possibly the third with [&] dropping later today), there is no doubt we are and have witnessed the evolution of the LOONA-sound, as much as we had enjoyed and journeyed along with girls of LOONA since HeeJin's debut in 2016...!
The 12:00-era was particularly notable (not just because I had by then jumped neck-deep in coverage) for it's multiple promotions across not just music-related platforms and show, and even "reality-drama"-style situations, including "STRAWBERRY BRICK ENTERTAINMENT" promos with Episodic features on MUPLY, somewhat culminating with a Art Film Teaser for "VOICE", leading to the release of the final track on their album "STAR" (same music as ""VOICE" but with English lyrics), with its own dedicated music video, which essentially further introduced LOONA in the Western-speaking world (via multiple Radio station promotions), which I had felt ushered LOONA into domestic Kpop too...
ABOVE: Teaser for "Star" (Uploaded "15 Nov 2020") *First featured HERE
BELOW: Full MV for "Star (Uploaded "18 Nov 2020") *First featured HERE
And while "WHY NOT?" was the first LOONA music video where we DO NOT see the girls dance together as a group, "STAR" showcased them dancing together as a unified group (alas excluding HaSeul, who was still on hiatus at this time), and within a faux built-up studio environment (compared to the external location-based settings pre-"Why Not"-era), somewhat easing in of LOONA into the trappings of (domestic) Kpop.
If "underdog" had been used to describe LOONA in the past, this current era propels them beyond into the spotlight, as exemplified by the glitz and glamour seen in "STAR", IMHO. The "New Moon" teaser shown below heralds not just the lore shifting into a new era, it seems also the visual end of what we had been seeing before, compared to the new aesthetics for [&], teased thus far. The excitement is real indeed, folks!
ABOVE: "Star" MV Making Film (Uploaded "28 Dec 2020")
BELOW: Teaser for "New Moon” (Uploaded "29 Dec 2020")
Here is a selection of shows LOONA had appeared on, during their "WHY NOT?"-era - ENJOY the performance, the outfits and music memories!
Comeback Stage | M COUNTDOWN 201022 EP.687 on Mnet ("22 Oct 2020")
Suit Dance on 1theK ("22 Oct 2020")
MUSIC BANK on KBS WORLD TV 201023 ("23 Oct 2020")
INKIGAYO 20201025 ("25 Oct 2020")
RELAY DANCE ON M2 ("27 OCT 2020")
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK (28 Oct 2020)
(Why Not? / Fall Again / Voice)
MU:TALK LIVE ("28 Oct 2020)
M COUNTDOWN EP.688 ("29 Oct 2020")
INKIGAYO 20201115 ("15 Nov 2020")
MBC 201231 ("31 Dec 2020")
GOLDEN DISC AWARDS / JTBC 210109 ("9 Jan 2021")
(INTRO + So What + Why Not?)
BUY ON AMAZON:
[X X] (Released February 2019)
[#] (Released February 5, 2020)
THIS blog-feature is dedicated to their 2020 release [12:00], for which I had by then featured and tracked on TUNESTALK as the news came out, including unboxing all four of the albums! The purpose of THIS blog-feature is to compile all relevant chronological teasers, MVs, making-of and Dance Practise all-in-one (for easier reference, but of course with click-aways to my original blogposts).
ALBUM: [12:00]
Pronounced "Midnight" (Hangul: 미드나잇), [12:00] is considered to be the third mini-album from South Korean girl group LOONA. Released on October 19, 2020, the album featured title track "Why Not?", whose promotions were followed by the release of the music video for "Star (Voice Eng. Ver.)". As listed on loonatheworld.fandom.com, BlockBerry Creative confirmed via Fancafe (on September 17, 2020) that member HaSeul would not be participating in album promotions, due to ongoing health issues.
ABOVE: Teaser for "12:00” (Uploaded "16 Sept 2020") *First featured HERE
BELOW: Preview for Mini Album "12:00" (Uploaded "13 Oct 2020") *First featured HERE
ABOVE: Teaser for "Why Not?" (Uploaded "14 Oct 2020") *First featured HERE
BELOW: Full MV for "Why Not?" (Uploaded "19 Oct 2020") *First featured HERE
A destiny discovered between coincidence and fate LOOΠΔ has created a wave of change beyond imagination through [#] and has come to realize their true roles; to be pioneers for all of the LOOΠΔs of the world.
To celebrate the New Moon, LOOΠΔ is expecting a new moon to rise. On this occasion, they will hold a Moonlight festival at [12:00], when the moon shines the brightest—a festival where no girl will feel silenced.
LOOΠΔ makes coincidence when destiny collides with fate, and finds her destiny within coincidence and fate to deliver a new message for the Midnight Festival.
‘With all LOOΠΔs around the world’, all of the LOOΠΔs across the globe will always be together, where all are dignified, equal and worthy of freedom. The united voices of the girls around the world rings loud and clear ahead of the start of the new moon.
Intro for the album which is ’12:00’, it is promised time in the new space, capturing our story of getting into orbit.
The titled track ‘Why Not?’ is an uptempo electronic pop song, with a story of pursuing freedom and individualistic self. The funky and bubbly bass line reminiscent of the Midnight Festival is impressive. The key change in the song, which started with a charismatic introduction, from the chorus to the witty major, it resembles LOOΠΔ who is about to change.
‘Voice’ is an energetic retro song with a low, repetitive beat that evokes addiction. It is meant to enjoy the feelings of love and to venture together in an uncontrollable excitement.
‘Fall Again’ has a story about falling back in love with the one every time fall returns. It is a Pop R&B, a harmonious blend of sentimental vocals and rhythmic instruments by LOOΠΔ. It gives the feeling of the seasonality of autumn abundant.
‘Universe’ is a dreamy up-tempo electronic pop ballad with soft sweltering pads, ambient vocals and steady beat, adding warmth to the beat of love, attraction and temptation with the piano melody, allowing you to feel the song in its entirety.
‘Hide & Seek’ is a cool, bright, poptastic uptempo dance song, which it coolly reveals one’s mind that is not hidden. It is showing confidence to the opponent, like playing hide & seek.
‘OOPS!’ is a multi-groove pop song characterized by a cool, repetitive feeling and Latin undertones. It sends a message that the one will love oneself and live freely without caring about
In addition, ‘Star’ which is an English version of Voice, it is aimed at global fans, will be released at the same time, allowing them to enjoy various music sources.
LOOΠΔs [12:00] album — where LOOΠΔ creates the inevitable through the merging of coincidence and fate.
I've previously featured the Full MV and multiple Showcase Stage performance videos HERE for your viewing pleasures, including the below "MV Making film" ... but the following Dance Practise video is "new" to TUNESTALK!
ABOVE: “Why Not?” MV Making Film (Uploaded "13 Nov 2020")
BELOW: "Why Not?" Dance Practice Video (Uploaded "12 Nov 2020")
Similar to the current promotions and album releases for LOONA's 4th mini album [&], there were a total of FOUR different albums for [12:00], including Concept Photo-reveals, very much like [&] (but without the "Group Photos"). Here are my unboxing/unwrapping videos plus LINKS to Concept Photo reveals:
ALBUM "A": Unwrapping Post-feature / 4th Concept Photo Reveal
ALBUM "B": Unwrapping Post-feature / First Concept Photo Reveal
ALBUM "C": Unwrapping Post-feature / 3rd Concept Photo Reveal
ALBUM "D": Unwrapping Post-feature / 2nd Concept Photo Reveal
This particular era featured a music vibe somewhat similar to their [#] album, and an obvious departure to their earlier sound, under Jaden Jeong - at least in their title tracks. Lee Soo-Man continues to be credited as the "Music Producer" here (as he was for "[#]"), and remains to be seen for [&], and judging by the highlight medley we've heard, I would not doubt otherwise... but as I said, this remains to be seen/confirmed.
Two albums in (with possibly the third with [&] dropping later today), there is no doubt we are and have witnessed the evolution of the LOONA-sound, as much as we had enjoyed and journeyed along with girls of LOONA since HeeJin's debut in 2016...!
The 12:00-era was particularly notable (not just because I had by then jumped neck-deep in coverage) for it's multiple promotions across not just music-related platforms and show, and even "reality-drama"-style situations, including "STRAWBERRY BRICK ENTERTAINMENT" promos with Episodic features on MUPLY, somewhat culminating with a Art Film Teaser for "VOICE", leading to the release of the final track on their album "STAR" (same music as ""VOICE" but with English lyrics), with its own dedicated music video, which essentially further introduced LOONA in the Western-speaking world (via multiple Radio station promotions), which I had felt ushered LOONA into domestic Kpop too...
ABOVE: Teaser for "Star" (Uploaded "15 Nov 2020") *First featured HERE
BELOW: Full MV for "Star (Uploaded "18 Nov 2020") *First featured HERE
And while "WHY NOT?" was the first LOONA music video where we DO NOT see the girls dance together as a group, "STAR" showcased them dancing together as a unified group (alas excluding HaSeul, who was still on hiatus at this time), and within a faux built-up studio environment (compared to the external location-based settings pre-"Why Not"-era), somewhat easing in of LOONA into the trappings of (domestic) Kpop.
If "underdog" had been used to describe LOONA in the past, this current era propels them beyond into the spotlight, as exemplified by the glitz and glamour seen in "STAR", IMHO. The "New Moon" teaser shown below heralds not just the lore shifting into a new era, it seems also the visual end of what we had been seeing before, compared to the new aesthetics for [&], teased thus far. The excitement is real indeed, folks!
ABOVE: "Star" MV Making Film (Uploaded "28 Dec 2020")
BELOW: Teaser for "New Moon” (Uploaded "29 Dec 2020")
Here is a selection of shows LOONA had appeared on, during their "WHY NOT?"-era - ENJOY the performance, the outfits and music memories!
Suit Dance on 1theK ("22 Oct 2020")
MUSIC BANK on KBS WORLD TV 201023 ("23 Oct 2020")
INKIGAYO 20201025 ("25 Oct 2020")
RELAY DANCE ON M2 ("27 OCT 2020")
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK (28 Oct 2020)
(Why Not? / Fall Again / Voice)
MU:TALK LIVE ("28 Oct 2020)
M COUNTDOWN EP.688 ("29 Oct 2020")
INKIGAYO 20201115 ("15 Nov 2020")
MBC 201231 ("31 Dec 2020")
GOLDEN DISC AWARDS / JTBC 210109 ("9 Jan 2021")
(INTRO + So What + Why Not?)
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