LE SSERAFIM’s highly anticipated new single, ‘SPAGHETTI,’ featuring none other than BTS superstar J-Hope, is surprisingly failing to dominate the charts, receiving a lukewarm reception from the Korean public. Despite the massive hype surrounding the collaboration between two HYBE powerhouses, the track has been labeled “good, but too niche for the mainstream.” The song’s performance has been underwhelming, with its music video struggling to hit 20 million views in three days and the single peaking at a modest 21st on Melon’s Top 100 chart, according to a report from MK Sports.
Too confusing for the public?
The song has sparked a fierce debate online, splitting listeners right down the middle. The core of the controversy lies in its unconventional style, featuring a “mumbled rap” and a “stream-of-consciousness” melody that has left many listeners perplexed. Comments like, “The song is too difficult to be a public pick” and “it’s just too confusing,” have flooded social media platforms. Even among the trendy MZ generation, the song is seen as either brilliantly experimental or just plain bizarre, failing to land the decisive hit the group was hoping for.
A global hit, a domestic miss
Ironically, while ‘SPAGHETTI’ struggles at home, it’s a smash hit internationally. The track topped iTunes’ ‘Worldwide Song Chart’ and ‘European Song Chart’ for two consecutive days and charted on ‘Daily Top Song Global.’ This stark contrast has left many in the industry scratching their heads. The prevailing theory is that even the mighty power of BTS’s fanbase, ARMY, wasn’t enough to push the experimental track into the Korean mainstream, raising questions about the group’s musical direction.
A message that saved the meal
Despite the mixed reviews for the song itself, the music video is earning universal praise for its powerful message of diversity and inclusion. The video prominently features people of all races and even includes a drag performer, a bold move in the K-pop landscape. One netizen perfectly captured the sentiment, writing, “The drag appearance fits the song’s message perfectly. ‘Does my existence make you uncomfortable? Then I’ll reveal myself so you can’t possibly look away.‘” It seems while the taste of ‘SPAGHETTI’ wasn’t for everyone, its message was served just right.
