“UNFORGIVEN” is the title track from LE SSERAFIM‘s first full-length album of the same name, released on May 1, 2023. It’s a landmark song for the group and in K-Pop for several key reasons:
Here’s a breakdown of what makes “UNFORGIVEN” special:
- Iconic Collaboration with Nile Rodgers:
- One of the most talked-about aspects is the feature by legendary American musician, guitarist, and producer Nile Rodgers. Rodgers is a music icon, known for his work with Chic, David Bowie, Madonna, Daft Punk, and countless others.
- His distinctive, funky, and groovy guitar riffs are instantly recognizable and form a core part of “UNFORGIVEN”‘s sound, adding a layer of sophisticated disco-funk to the K-Pop track. This collaboration was a significant coup and brought a fresh, global sound to the song.
- Sampling Ennio Morricone’s “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” Theme:
- The song famously samples the main theme from the iconic 1966 Spaghetti Western film “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly,” composed by the legendary Ennio Morricone.
- This sample is reworked into a hip-hop/trap beat, creating a unique and unexpected juxtaposition. It gives the song a cinematic, grand, and somewhat rebellious opening, setting a powerful tone. The integration of such a classic Western theme into a modern K-Pop track was innovative and highly praised.
- Lyrical Themes of Defiance and Forging a New Path:
- The lyrics of “UNFORGIVEN” perfectly align with LE SSERAFIM’s core concept of being “fearless” and forging their own path, regardless of others’ opinions or expectations.
- The song expresses a defiant attitude, declaring that the group will not apologize for their choices or seek forgiveness from those who try to hold them back. They are determined to create a “new way” and embark on their own adventure.
- Key phrases like “I’m unforgiven, I have a new way” encapsulate this powerful message of self-acceptance and breaking norms.
- Musical Style & Sound:
- “UNFORGIVEN” is a dynamic blend of K-Pop, dance-pop, disco-funk, and hip-hop elements.
- It features a strong, driving beat, a catchy and anthemic chorus, and the infectious guitar work of Nile Rodgers.
- The song has a confident, powerful, and groovy energy that is both empowering and easy to dance to.
- Music Video and Choreography:
- The music video is visually stunning, featuring cinematic desert landscapes, futuristic cityscapes, and powerful symbolism that reinforces the song’s themes of adventure and breaking free.
- The choreography is sharp, impactful, and expressive, perfectly matching the song’s defiant and confident mood. It quickly became popular for its distinct moves and formations.
- Commercial Success and Impact:
- “UNFORGIVEN” was a massive commercial success, topping charts in South Korea and achieving significant global streams.
- It further solidified LE SSERAFIM’s position as one of the leading fourth-generation K-Pop girl groups, known for their strong concepts and unique sound.
- The album UNFORGIVEN broke sales records, becoming the best-selling debut album by a K-Pop girl group at the time of its release.
In summary, “UNFORGIVEN” is a bold and ambitious track that showcased LE SSERAFIM’s unique musical identity, confidence, and willingness to push boundaries. The collaboration with Nile Rodgers and the inventive use of a classic film score sample made it stand out as a distinctive and memorable song in the K-Pop landscape of 2023.
Music video: Korean version above, Japanese version below