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Nxde

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"Nxde"
Single by (G)I-dle
from the EP I Love
Language
  • Korean
  • English
ReleasedOctober 17, 2022 (2022-10-17)
StudioCube Studio
Genre
Length2:58
LabelCube
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s)Soyeon
(G)I-dle singles chronology
"Tomboy"
(2022)
"Nxde"
(2022)
Music video
"Nxde" on YouTube

"Nxde" is a song recorded by South Korean girl group (G)I-dle, released on October 17, 2022, by Cube Entertainment as the lead single of the group's fifth extended play, I Love. The song is written by member Soyeon and co-produced by Pop Time and Kako.

Lyrically, "Nxde" is both sarcastic and prejudiced against celebrities with the message of empowerment and criticism of society's standards that are apparent with straightforward words every woman would stand by. Son Seung-hee of High Quality Fish directed an accompanying music video for the song. It was uploaded onto (G)I-dle's YouTube channel simultaneously with the single's release. The song and music video are inspired by Marilyn Monroe and Banksy in the objectification and hypersexualization of women by the media and public.

Background and release

On September 30, 2022, the group unveiled the artwork poster for the title song to the EP on the group's official SNS accounts and website, revealing "Nxde" as the lead single. The poster is a shot of the members' heads to shoulders, highlighting their individuality with different tones of blonde hair and red lips, raising the expectations for the new song.[1] Simultaneously, the group released I Love sketch film that contains a preview of the EP which begins with the phrase 'How Do I Look?' in the black and white screen as (G)I-dle's photoshoot begins and proceeds to shots of the members' bodies as they slip off their clothes.[2] In particular, it draws attention by foretelling a new challenge for the group with an unconventional and daring direction projecting the concept of power, confidence, freedom, and body autonomy.[3][2]

Music and lyrics

Composition

" The word 'nude' can be perceived as provocative, and people may think, 'Why is it 'nude'? Isn’t it too explicit?' But when I thought of the word 'nude', I thought of my true self, not an undressed version of me. I consider nude not as just being naked, but being bare."

Soyeon on the meaning of "Nxde", [4][5]

"Nxde" was written, composed, and arranged by Soyeon alongside PopTime and Kako for the composition and the arrangement.[6] The song is composed in the key of E minor, 136 beats per minute with a running time of 2:58 minutes.[7] It described as alternative pop that samples an aria from Georges Bizet's 1875 opéra comique Carmen, "Habanera".[8] It features a jazzy instrumental rhythm with grand bass line consisting of shuffle rhythm and sarcasm lyrics on the provocative views on the word 'nude', accompanied by whispering vocalizations by (G)I-dle.[9][10] The song builds around dynamic piano soundscapes, high-pitched strings, and background percussion, and is characterized by its intentional disruptive musical cacophony. Soyeon’s opening hook delivers a powerful melody and is later backed up by her member's vocal-driven chorus.[11] The beginning of the song contains lyrics with the phrase, 'yeppi yeppi', which is Korean slang based on the word 'pretty' (yeppuda).[12] A part of the song mentioned Lorelei, a character Monroe played in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), as a philosophy-obsessed bookworm and self-made woman.[13] The song deliberately uses the term 'Nxde' to tease 'bare' as true self rather than taking off any outer clothing – the song's last verse, 'I'm born nude/the lewd is you/Rude'.[14]

Themes

In I Love interview released on October 14, (G)I-dle gave a glimpse of the comeback concept with a montage-style monochrome video. In the clip, the (G)I-dle spoke in their native languages (Korean, Thai, Standard Chinese, and Taiwanese Mandarin). Shriya Swami of HITC calls it "a very raw and heart-touching experience."[15]

Soyeon explained, "We just wanted to show everything. I mean...To an extent where we don’t have anything on?" Minnie shares how their new era is "beyond people's expectations." The girls almost bared all for the sultry concept; as Miyeon details, "We already know what people like to see us wearing," Yuqi continues, "We will throw away all the shackles and burdens." The members further open up about letting people "see the real side of us." Shuhua expresses how they "don’t have high hopes" and "don’t ever wish for anybody to count on us." Before ending the clip, Soyeon warns the fans as she says, "We are completely nude...even you, will have to get ready for it "

— (G)I-dle speaking of showing their true selves for this comeback, HITC[15]

Critical reception

"Nxde" has received mostly positive critical reception, with most reviewers commenting on its theme of empowerment. Hien Nguyen of The Kraze noted, "By referencing Monroe, (G)I-dle shares the amazing and eye-opening message of how women and their intelligence are often diminished by society and brought down to only their beauty and bodies."[12] Furthermore, Nguyen wrote, "The ending line, "I’m born nude/You’ve got a dirty mind/Rude," ultimately criticizes the over-sexualization of women and that women aren't prompted to be sexualized by merely existing in their natural state. Leaving aside the prejudices and stigma that society has put on women, (G)I-dle empowers women to embrace their true worth".[12] Shriya Swami of HITC wrote: "In their empowering 'blonde' era, the girls are flawless with all the glitz and glamour as they deliver the statement of being more than just their looks."[15] In Medium online publication, Kassy Menke opined that the song "lyrics' are strong and unapologetic. The dancing is flirtatious and full of confidence."[16] Patchsita Paiculsiri from Mirror commended "(G)I-dle in making "Nxde" something that reminds Marilyn and communicates a new look of her to the society around the world."[13] Writing for Genius, Sofia Gomez emphasizes that the album is to "fight misconceptions and stereotypes towards women" and "directly calls out individuals that look up the song for an objectionable" and "those that oversexualize women". The author also affirmed that "(G)I-dle has once again used their privilege as idols to bring awareness to the harm women endure from societal expectations. If you feel offended by their message, feel free to remember the introduction of the song."[17] The Standard Pop's Hathaitarn Chatlertmongkol opined that (G)I-dle attempts to break the framework of gender stereotypes further in "Nxde", terming it a "redefine "Tomboy" in its own right".[14]

Music video

On October 15 and 16, music video teasers were released through the group's official social media.[18][8] On October 17 the official music video was released.[4] Choreography for the song was created by Moon Tae-eun, a member of South Korean boy band The Vish,[19] and Kiel Tutin, who previously choreographed the group's 2022 hit single, "Tomboy".[20] While the music video being directed by director Son Seung-hee (Samsonii) of High Quality Fish production team.[21] Set design for "Nxde" is lead by art director Lee Jungae.[22] On October 15 and 16, music video teasers were released through the group's official social media.[23][8] On October 17 the official music video was released.[4]

Synopsis and reception

The video depicts the members as movie stars in "showgirl-inspired fashion" along with numerous references to "iconic" Marilyn Monroe moments.[4] The music video shows "the ambivalence of a showgirl" who is not what the public wants on stage. It depicts situations where (G)I-dle have become showgirls and get judged biasedly through various scenes.[10] The music video opens with a scene of Soyeon on the piano singing, "Why you think 'bout nude/'cause your view's so rude/Think outside the box/Then you'll like it." Then, a scene of Minnie wearing a pink dress followed by Yuqi wearing Chanel No. 5 which is known that Monroe wore that perfume before going to bed – singing, "Did you think I'd just laugh as if/laugh as if?". The book Soyeon reads Leaves of Grass is a collection of poems by Walt Whitman that Monroe read, and is known for its mysterious and esoteric works.[24] In the video, the group catches the eye of the public by becoming influencers of works whether as statues, or being displayed in a glass box. Scenes such as theatres, museums and press conferences can also be seen in the video.[14][24] In another scene, Soyeon is seen live through her phone, and the screen is full of criticism that they are somewhat incompetent and disrespectful insults.[14] An animated character appeared in the video. The character is a reference to Jessica Rabbit, who is also portrayed badly by the people because of her femme fatale image, contrary to her true self – Like her signature line 'I'm not bad. I'm just drawn that way.'. Lee Hwa-yun from GQ stated in her article: (G)I-dle ultimately goes to the message of 'I will wear the beautiful me', regardless of how the public sees them. The 'luxury nude' they draw is not the erotic work that the public expected, like Jessica Rabbit's shattered nude. It means to wear yourself as you are, even if you are not loved or look good. And, 'Think outside the box/then you’ll like it', [the group] boldly invite the public to a wider world.[24] Some speculated that the character is the group's former member, Seo Soo-jin due to the visual similarity.[25] The video then cuts to a scene of a nude picture of Rabbit being destroyed at a museum, thus portraying a rebellion against social norms and breaking their limits to create something fresher and more awesome.[14] This referenced to Banksy, a street artist who excels at slashing social, economic, and political satire.[14] His Love is in the Bin painting — depicting the infamous self-shredding of the piece after being auctioned off.[17] Sofia Gomez of Genius regarded that "the self-destruction became a performative spectacle that rejected the commercialization of art with its sole intent of humiliation. In connection to (G)I-dle's message, both the painting and music video criticize how as art, they're undermined and reduced to what society gains from them — taking away their worth and significance."[17] Towards the end of the video, it stated in bold red text on a black background that "Marilyn Monroe and Banksy inspire the video. Thank you, and love you".

Aesthetic and costume design

File:Singer Minnie dancing wearing pink dress.jpg
A scene in the music video where Minnie is dancing while wearing a pink dress, referencing Marilyn Monroe's scene in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Vogue Hong Kong noted that in the music video (G)I-dle wore 3 group costumes, and each member had at least 2 sets of fashion styles to play the classic style of Marilyn Monroe.[26] Minnie wears a pink turtleneck suede dress from Vetements and a crystal necklace from Alessandra Rich to recreate Monroe's pink dress in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. She appeared with blonde hair with bangs and up-do hairstyles. She accentuated her eyes with pink, red, and brown coloured shadows with a glossy pink lip. Yuqi replaced the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch classic white pleated skirt with a Zimmermann white dress, showing a youthful and energetic side, subverting the sexy stereotype of Monroe in the past. She showed powerful and delicate expressive power by emphasizing her eye makeup with smokey eyeshadow and bold eyeliner and wearing brown coloured. She is the only member to have hair that is close to the colour orange. In a scene where Miyeon's doing a press conference, she showed up with juice-like makeup, sassy over-line red lip and eye makeup that emphasizes brown and gold tones to maximise the sexy feeling. Soyeon's first look for "Nxde" featured a tapered top by Jean Paul Gaultier and Lotta Volkova, emphasizing the feminine aspect. People can't help but recall Madonna's Jean Paul Gaultier infamous cone bra for her 1990 Blond Ambition World Tour. The art sculpture Soyeon appeared in platinum blonde hair fixed in a ponytail. Her fine hair was fixed in a wavy shape and decorated with parts with a motif similar to the dress's intricately crafted pearl embroidery paired with retro silhouette tailoring made by Korean designer Kowgi. Her eyebrows are also matched in the same colour as the hair, and the deep pink-grey smokey eye makeup is finished with a matte pink lip and blush, reminiscent of a well-formed statue. Greek statue Shuhua wore a Retrofête metallic green evening dress. Her transformartion to blonde hair shows a more mature look and is paired with sparkling gold-tone eye makeup, a peach-coloured cheek, and glossy nude coral-toned lip makeup. The concept of 'nude' was directly expressed by wearing a skin-toned top and maxi skirt. Also, wearing a neat black tweed material set-up and layering bold accessories, shows a modern yet glamorous reversal charm.[26][27]

Promotion

Prior to the release of I Love, on October 17, 2022, the group held a live event called "X-Love Show Private Premiere" to introduce the album and its songs, including "Nxde", with the attendance from the media press and one hundred and twelve winners from the Makestar event.[28][29] (G)I-dle will also promote the song on various radio shows, including Naver Now Miyeon's Gossip Idle,[30] San Francisco's radio airplay Now FM on October 18, [31] KBS Cool FM Minhyuk's Kiss the Radio on October 19,[32] and Youngjae's Got7 Youngjae's Best Friend.[33] On October 20, they performed the song for the first time on Mnet's "M Countdown".[34]

Impact

The song's title, "Nxde", positively affected the search function of the social media portal. The word '(G)I-dle's nude' has occupied inappropriate keywords such as child nude and girl nude. The name (G)I-dle '(여자)아이들' in Korean comes from girl '여자' and children '아이들'. Although the song is stylized as 'Nxde', it is still written out in Korean as '누드'. Thus, the inappropriate keywords was pushed down and was replaced with '(G)I-dle Nxde' or '(G)I-dle nude' media article, pictures, videos, stage photos, broadcast captures, album or song information or etc.[14][35] Oh Myung-gi of Dispatch wrote in his article, "One's unembellished, natural state was expressed using the word 'nude.' It shatters the R-rated images one associate with the word."[35]

Track listing

  • Download and streaming[7]
  1. "Nxde" – 2:58

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from album liner notes, High Quality Fish and OH!ArtCrew.[36][21][22]

Location

Song credits

  • (G)I-dle – Vocals
  • Pop Time – Composition, arrangement
  • Kako – Background vocals, composition, arrangement
  • Jenci – Background vocals
  • Kim Ho-hyun – Guitar
  • Park Ji-young – Keyboard
  • Choi Ye-ji – Recording
  • Jung Eun-kyung – Digital editing
  • Koo Jong-pil – Mixing

Visual credits

  • Moon Tae-eun – Choreographer[19]
  • Kiel Tutin – Choreographer[20]
  • Son Seung-hee (High Quality Fish) – Music video director
  • High Quality Fish – Executive producer
  • Jang Hong-suk, Kim Yong, Jin Young-hun, Lee Dong-hyun, Ahn Hyo-jun, and Park Kyeong-won – Art team
  • Yun Inmo (ATOD) – Director of photography
  • Kim Woo-seok– Digital imaging technicians
  • Jimmy Motion production – Jib
  • Park Jun-hee – Gaffer
  • Jeon Seong-gang (J Show) – Stage lights
  • Lee Jungae – Art director
  • Park Ji-won – 2D animation director
  • Song Ji-yeon – Senior animator
  • Juan Ha, Lee Sung-hwan, Han Da-hye, Choi Hyeon-hye, Seon Ha-jin – Animator
  • Park Chou-young (Dragon) – Special effects
  • Lee Ha-neul – Project manager
  • Kim Laon – Producer

Release history

Release history for "Nxde"
Region Date Format Version Label Ref
South Korea October 17, 2022 Original [37]
Various Cube
United states October 18, 2022 Radio airplay [31]

References

  1. ^ Go (September 30, 2022). (여자)아이들, 비주얼 변신..미니 5집 타이틀곡 아트워크 공개 [(G)I-DLE, visual transformation.. Mini 5th album title song artwork released]. HeraldPop. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  2. ^ a b Afreen, Khan (September 30, 2022). "(G)I-DLE receives incredible response for stunning comeback concept photos for Nxde". Sportskeeda. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  3. ^ Moon, Su-ji (September 30, 2022). [영상](여자)아이들, 파격+과감 '누드' 촬영 현장 담은 스케치 필름 공개 [[Video] (G)I-DLE releases a sketch film of the scene of the shocking + bold 'Nude' shooting]. INews24. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d Yeo, Gladys (October 17, 2022). "(G)I-DLE unveil Marilyn Monroe-inspired music video for 'Nxde' from new mini-album 'I Love'". NME. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  5. ^ Sofia, Gomez (October 21, 2022). "[REVIEW] (G)I-DLE Bares It All in 'I love'". Genius. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  6. ^ "앨범 정보 I Love (여자)아이들" (in Korean). Kakao Entertainment. Cube Entertainment. October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2022 – via Melon.
  7. ^ a b "Key and BPM of Nxde by (G)I-dle". musicstax.com. October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  8. ^ a b c Hong, Hye-mi (October 16, 2022). "하바네라 샘플링"...(여자)아이들, '누드'에 담은 파격 ["Habanera Sampling"...(G)I-DLE's 'Nude']. Hankook Ilbo. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  9. ^ Gladys, Yeo (October 10, 2022). "(G)I-DLE preview title track 'Nxde' and B-sides from forthcoming record 'I Love'". NME. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Jin-ah, Son (October 17, 2022). ""누드=있는 그대로의 나"…(여자)아이들의 'I love' [MK★컴백]" [“Nude = me as I am” (G)I-DLE's 'I love' [MK Comeback]]. MK Sports (in Korean). Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  11. ^ Park, Jun-hee (October 20, 2022). "[Album Review] For (G)I-dle, self-love is not silly. It's how to feel like the otherworldly person you are". The Korea Herald. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c Hien, Nguyen (October 19, 2022). "(G)I-DLE BOLDLY BREAKS PREJUDICES WITH "NXDE" FROM FIFTH MINI-ALBUM I LOVE". thekrazemag.com. The Kraze. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  13. ^ a b Patchsita, Paiculsiri (October 18, 2022). ‘Nxde’ จาก (G)I-DLE เพลงที่ได้แรงบันดาลใจจาก มาริลีน มอนโร ['Nxde' from (G)I-DLE, a song inspired by Marilyn Monroe.]. Miror (in Thai). Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g Hathaitarn, Chatlertmongkol (October 21, 2022). ‘คนลามกคือคุณต่างหาก’ เปลือยตัวตนที่แท้จริงกับเพลง Nxde จาก (G)I-DLE ['The lewd is you' bares its true self with Nxde from (G)I-DLE.]. The Standard Pop (in Thai). Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  15. ^ a b c Shriya, Swami (October 18, 2022). "(G)I-DLE'S NXDE COMEBACK – FROM CHANNELING MARILYN MONROE TO BANKSY INSPIRATION". www.hitc.com. HITC. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  16. ^ Kassy, Menke (October 18, 2022). "Nxde". medium.com. Medium. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  17. ^ a b c Sofia, Gomez (October 21, 2022). "[REVIEW] (G)I-DLE Bares It All in 'I love'". Genius. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  18. ^ Hwang, So-young (October 15, 2022). (여자)아이들, 타이틀곡 'Nxde' 뮤비 티저 공개 '파격' [(G)I-DLE releases MV teaser for title song 'Nxde']. JTBC News. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  19. ^ a b @ta1e_e1un (October 17, 2022). (여자)아이들 - Nxde 뮤직비디오에서 퍼포먼스 안무팀 디렉에 참여했습니다! [(G)I-DLE - Nxde music video I participated in directing the performance choreography team!] (in Korean). Retrieved October 20, 2022 – via Instagram.
  20. ^ a b @kieltutin (October 21, 2022). "NXDE 💃🏼 @official_g_i_dle Love this song and it's message, (G)I-dle's concepts are so refreshing and a joy to create to 🎨 Swipe for probably my most satisfying move ever 🤣". Retrieved October 21, 2022 – via Instagram.
  21. ^ a b c @samsonii (October 17, 2022). I-DLE ‘Nxde’ M/V (in Korean). Retrieved October 17, 2022 – via Instagram.
  22. ^ a b @ohartcrew (October 20, 2022). 🎨 ... OH!ARTCREW. Retrieved October 20, 2022 – via Instagram.
  23. ^ Hwang, So-young (October 15, 2022). (여자)아이들, 타이틀곡 'Nxde' 뮤비 티저 공개 '파격' [(G)I-DLE releases MV teaser for title song 'Nxde']. JTBC News. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  24. ^ a b c Lee, Hwa-yun (October 21, 2022). (여자)아이들의 Nxde 뮤직비디오를 완벽히 이해하는 키워드 [Keywords to fully understand (G)I-DLE's Nxde music video] (in Korean). GQ. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  25. ^ Yoo, Seo-yeon (October 18, 2022). (여자)아이들의 Nxde 뮤직비디오를 완벽히 이해하는 키워드 ["'Leaving' Seo Su-jin, a surprise appearance?"... (G)I-DLE's new song MV 'Eyes'] (in Korean). Top Star News. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  26. ^ a b Katherine, Ho (October 20, 2022). (G)I-DLE《Nxde》向一代性感女神瑪麗蓮夢露致敬! Chanel、Mugler、Jean Paul Gaultier 等多達22套服裝造型 [(G)I-DLE "Nxde" pays tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the goddess of sex! Chanel, Mugler, Jean Paul Gaultier and more than 22 outfits] (in Chinese). Vogue Hong Kong. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  27. ^ Kim, Ga-yeon (October 21, 2022). 기강 잡으러 온 여자아이들, 신곡 Nxde 스타일 분석! [Girls who came to catch discipline, new song Nxde style analysis!] (in Korean). Allure Korea. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
  28. ^ "(G)I-DLE 5th Mini Album [I love] X-LOVE SHOW Private Premiere". Makestar. October 1, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  29. ^ Hak-gil, Kim (September 23, 2022). (여자)아이들, 미니 5집 프라이빗 프리미어 포스터 공개 [(G)I-DLE, 5th mini album private premiere poster released]. TV Daily. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  30. ^ @kr_now (October 15, 2022). #여자아이들 #네이버NOW [#(G)I-dle #OutNow] (Tweet) (in Korean). Retrieved October 17, 2022 – via Twitter.
  31. ^ a b Kwak, Hyun-soo (October 19, 2022). "(여자)아이들, 한국어 노래로 美 라디오 장벽 뚫었다" [(G)I-DLE breaks the US radio barrier with Korean songs]. YTN (in Korean). Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  32. ^ @btob.kiss.the.radio (October 16, 2022). 221019 <원샷 초대석> (in Korean). Retrieved October 17, 2022 – via Instagram.
  33. ^ @mbcbf_ever (October 16, 2022). "[친친 알림] 𝗠𝗕𝗖 𝗙𝗠𝟰𝗨<GOT7 영재의 친한친구> 𝘞𝘌𝘌𝘒𝘓𝘠 𝘎𝘜𝘌𝘚𝘛 (in Korean). Retrieved October 17, 2022 – via Instagram.
  34. ^ Hana, Ahn (October 20, 2022). "(여자)아이들, '엠카'서 신곡 'Nxde'(누드)로 컴백" [(G)I-DLE, comeback with new song 'Nxde' (Nude) from 'Mcar']. MBN Star (in Korean). Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  35. ^ a b Oh, Myung-gi (October 19, 2022). [D-eye] “무엇을 기대했든, 그 이상”…(여자)아이들, 똑똑한 '누드' [[D-eye] “More than what you expected”… (G)I-DLE, smart 'nude']. Dispatch (in Korean). Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  36. ^ (G)I-dle (2022). I Love (booklets). Cube Entertainment.
  37. ^ I love - EP by (G)I-DLE, October 17, 2022, retrieved October 19, 2022

External links