“Cupid” by FIFTY FIFTY is a K-pop phenomenon that captured global attention in early 2023. Here’s a breakdown of what makes the original song so special and its backstory:
1. Artist & Release
- Artist: FIFTY FIFTY (a South Korean girl group, originally consisting of Saena, Aran, Keena, and Sio).
- Release Date: February 24, 2023, as part of their single album The Beginning: Cupid.
2. Sound & Genre
- “Cupid” is characterized by its dreamy, bubbly, and light synth-pop sound. It features a catchy, almost whispery vocal delivery from the members, a simple yet infectious melody, and a generally bright, lo-fi aesthetic.
- It stood out from much of the more “girl crush” or high-energy K-pop that was prevalent, offering a softer, more endearing vibe.
3. Lyrical Theme
- The song explores the relatable feeling of unrequited love and frustration with a lack of romantic connection. The lyrics playfully lament Cupid, the god of love, for not doing his job and bringing a partner into the singer’s life.
- Key lines like “Foolish me, my sweet, sweet Cupid” perfectly encapsulate this longing and slight exasperation.
4. Meteoric Global Success
- Viral on TikTok: The song’s success was largely propelled by its “sped-up” version (an unofficial edit often used on TikTok) which became incredibly popular for dance challenges and background music for various videos. This organic virality exposed the song to a massive global audience.
- Chart-Topping Achievement: “Cupid” achieved unprecedented success for a rookie K-pop group from a small agency (ATTRAKT):
- It became the fastest K-pop group song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States (hitting No. 17).
- It also charted highly on the UK Singles Chart (No. 8) and various global Spotify charts.
- At one point, it held the record for the highest-charting K-pop girl group song in US history.
- “Twin Version”: An English version of the song, often referred to as the “Twin Version,” was also released, further expanding its reach to non-Korean speaking audiences.
5. The Unfortunate Controversy & Its Aftermath
- Despite its global success, “Cupid” became entangled in a bitter legal dispute between the members of FIFTY FIFTY and their agency, ATTRAKT.
- The members sought to terminate their contracts, citing various grievances, while ATTRAKT accused external parties (particularly the production company The Givers, led by SIAHN) of attempting to poach the group.
- This dispute ultimately led to the termination of contracts for three of the four members (Saena, Aran, Sio) by ATTRAKT, effectively disbanding the original FIFTY FIFTY lineup. Keena, the fourth member, returned to ATTRAKT and remained with the agency.
- This controversy cast a shadow over the group’s impressive achievements and is a significant, bittersweet part of “Cupid”‘s story.
Legacy
“Cupid” by FIFTY FIFTY remains a testament to the power of organic virality and a unique sound in the K-pop landscape. It’s remembered for its charming melody, relatable lyrics, and groundbreaking chart success, but also for the unfortunate legal battle that cut short the original group’s promising career. It’s a song that brought a fresh, airy sound to the global stage and is a significant, albeit melancholic, chapter in K-pop history.
Youtube Video: Official Music Video above, New concert version below. The official music video features the original members (Keena, Saena, Sio, Aran), while the new concert version below features Keena and the four new members (Chanelle Moon, Yewon, Hana, Athena).