STAYC Staydom Review: Why This K-pop Album Surprised Even Hardcore Fans

STAYC Staydom surprised the K-pop world by debuting at number 9 on the Gaon Album Chart, marking the group's highest chart position yet. Released just five months after their debut, this single album showcased a bold departure from their signature style. Notably, the lead single "ASAP" introduced fans to a more laid-back production approach, contrasting sharply with their previous releases. In fact, the album's commercial success spoke volumes, selling 85,858 copies in South Korea alone. With renowned producers Black Eyed Pilseung and Jeon Goon at the helm, Staydom delivered four tracks that challenged expectations while cementing STAYC's position in the competitive K-pop landscape.

STAYC Staydom Album: A Quick Overview of the Comeback

Following their successful debut, STAYC released their sophomore project "STAYDOM" on April 8, 2021, through High Up Entertainment. This release marked an important step in the group's artistic evolution, arriving just five months after their initial introduction to the K-pop scene.

Release Date and Label Details

STAYC's "STAYDOM" was officially distributed through Kakao Entertainment, under the management of High Up Entertainment. The physical album package offered substantial value for collectors, containing a 72-page photobook, CD-R, random photocard (1 of 12 possible designs), random postcard (1 of 6 varieties), sticker, and an official fragrance card. The album was priced at approximately $24 USD, making it an accessible addition to fans' collections. Additionally, the album was released in a single version format, maintaining a cohesive concept throughout its physical presentation.

What Makes It a 'Single Album'

Despite containing four tracks, "STAYDOM" is classified as a single album—a common format in K-pop that differs from Western single releases. This classification stems partly from the inclusion of "So Bad (TAK Remix)" as the fourth track, which is a remixed version of the group's debut single rather than an entirely new song. Nevertheless, the album represents a complete artistic statement, serving as STAYC's second official release following "Star To A Young Culture". Furthermore, the production approach shifted noticeably from their debut, adopting a more mellowed and stripped-down sound.

STAYC Staydom Tracklist and Runtime

The album features four tracks with a total runtime of 12:56:

"ASAP" - 3:14
"So What" - 2:58
"Love Fool (사랑은 원래 이렇게 아픈 건가요)" - 3:38
"So Bad (TAK Remix)" - 3:05

All songs were produced by the renowned team Black Eyed Pilseung, with Jeon Goon collaborating on "ASAP," "So What," and the original version of "So Bad". The TAK remix of "So Bad" had previously debuted during a special performance on SBS music program Inkigayo before being included on this album, giving fans both new material and a fresh take on their debut hit.

Visual Identity: Album Cover and Concept Photos Explained

The visual aesthetics of "Staydom" offer a striking departure from typical K-pop presentations, highlighting STAYC's unique artistic direction. The album's visuals create an immediate sensory impact through thoughtful color coordination and styling choices.

Staydom Album Cover: Color Palette and Symbolism

STAYC embraced a vivid, candy-colored visual strategy for Staydom, incorporating each member's official colors into a cohesive theme. The album artwork features a palette that mirrors the "ASAP" color scheme: bright yellow (#fff269), coral red (#e06666), sky blue (#6fa8dc), fresh green (#84cf63), and lavender purple (#8e7cc3). These hues create a cheerful, youthful atmosphere that complements the mellower sound production.

The color selection serves as more than mere decoration—it represents the individual identities within the group. Each member has an assigned official color and corresponding object: Sumin (Pink/Water), Sieun (White/Rock), Isa (Black/Shadow), Seeun (Blue/Light), Yoon (Green/Metal), and J (Red/Wind). This color-coding system appears throughout the album artwork, strengthening STAYC's visual brand identity through consistent symbolism.

Concept Photos: Styling, Hair Colors, and Themes

The concept photos divided the six members into paired releases, creating anticipation through a strategic rollout. First came Sumin and Seeun, showcasing "colorful kitsch styling and innocent appearance". Sumin exuded positivity with her "bright sunshine smile," whereas Seeun debuted "a more unique appearance and elegant atmosphere with a change of hairstyle".

Subsequently, Sieun and Yoon appeared in photos emphasizing their "lovely girlish attraction". Sieun transformed her look with vibrant orange hair, drawing comparisons to SNSD's Seohyun. Meanwhile, Yoon demonstrated versatility by effortlessly shifting "from chic and urban styles to lovely styles".

Finally, Isa and J completed the concept photo series, with all six members ultimately appearing together in a group concept photo featuring their distinct hair colors on a "pastel film set". These bold color choices—particularly Sumin's reddish tone and Sieun's orange—signaled a visual reinvention that aligned with their musical evolution toward a more "Teen Fresh" concept.

Track-by-Track Breakdown of Staydom Songs

Each track on STAYC's "Staydom" reveals a distinct musical dimension, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience across its concise four-song structure.

ASAP: 8-bit Hook and Summer Vibes

The lead single "ASAP" stands out with its laid-back instrumental hook and twinkly 8-bit-inspired ringtone melody. This track exists in an intriguing middle ground, balancing between cutesy bubblegum pop production and sensual summer jam energy. Initially described by some fans as "low-key" compared to "So Bad," the song gradually reveals its charm through multiple listens. Time magazine ultimately selected "ASAP" as a "Best K-POP Song," praising how "the members' distinct vocal colors created STAYC's own genre" – from J's deep, dark tones in the opening to Sieun's soft high-pitched delivery completing the chorus.

So What: Auto-tune and Bouncy Energy

"So What" delivers a melodic, infectious bounce that evokes summery feelings even in springtime. The track utilizes auto-tune effects, most notably on J's naturally deep vocals, creating a textural contrast against the other members' voices. Lyrically, the song embraces a carefree philosophy with lines like "Think simply, so what?" and "Empty your thoughts" – a refreshing message about not overthinking life's challenges. Although not making the strongest impact on first listen, the song's straightforward appeal grows steadily.

Love Fool: Emotional Range and Simplicity

Arguably the album's standout track, "Love Fool" (사랑은 원래 이렇게 아픈 건가요) showcases a muted quality miles away from the chirpy pop favored by many of STAYC's peers. Opening with "gorgeous droplets of synth" before gentle percussion kicks in, the track creates a dreamy, bittersweet atmosphere reminiscent of YG Entertainment's more laidback material. The pre-chorus features an emotional "tug" that sells the sentiment effectively, while the diverse vocal tones shine throughout. Many fans consider this their best b-side, describing it as "healing" and "a masterpiece."

So Bad (Tak Remix): Dark Pop Meets EDM

Closing the album, "So Bad (Tak Remix)" reimagines STAYC's debut single through a darker lens. This version blends dark pop elements with EDM and hip-hop influences, offering a slightly slowed-down alternative to the original. The major difference lies in the chorus, where the modified instrumental creates a less frenetic, more refined atmosphere. First performed on SBS music program Inkigayo before its official release, this remix provides a satisfying conclusion to the album while hinting at potential sonic directions for the group's future.

Production and Performance: Behind the Scenes of the Sound

Behind STAYC's distinctive sound stands a powerhouse production team that has shaped K-pop for over a decade. The album's sonic blueprint reveals both meticulous craftsmanship and strategic commercial positioning that catapulted the rookie group to unexpected heights.

Producers: Black Eyed Pilseung and Jeon Goon

Veteran production duo Black Eyed Pilseung (BEP)—comprising Rado and Choi Kyusung—crafted the core sound of "Staydom." This team co-produced both "ASAP" and "So What" with frequent collaborator Jeon Goon, while solely handling production duties on "Love Fool". BEP's involvement extends beyond mere production—they founded High Up Entertainment specifically to launch STAYC, making them both producers and label executives. This dual role reflects their deep commitment to the group's artistic direction. Their production approach for "Staydom" deliberately shifted toward a more mellowed, stripped-down sound compared to STAYC's debut material, allowing the members' individual vocal colors to shine through.

Genre Fusion: From Bubblegum Pop to Future Bass

"Staydom" showcases BEP's expertise in genre-blending, especially on the lead track "ASAP," described officially as a "Teen Fresh" song with "refreshing and charming sound". The album represents a sophisticated fusion of musical styles—bubblegum pop meets future bass with flute-like synths, creating an accessible yet distinctive sonic identity. This approach aligns with BEP's self-proclaimed "Teen Fresh" concept, combining "Teen" and "Fresh" elements to highlight the group's "unique individual vocal colors". Additionally, the album incorporates electro-pop, pluck synth, and R&B influences, establishing a versatile foundation for STAYC's artistic growth.

Chart Performance and Sales Numbers

The commercial impact of "Staydom" exceeded expectations for a rookie group's sophomore release:

Debuted at number nine on the Gaon Album Chart—STAYC's highest chart position at that time
Recorded 35,518 copies sold in its first week (April 8-14, 2021)
Reached 56,198 copies in first-month sales according to Circle
Ultimately achieved total South Korean sales of 106,059 copies
Became the first album by a 2020-2021 female rookie to exceed 50,000 sales

Equally impressive, "ASAP" demonstrated remarkable longevity on music charts. The single entered Melon's 24Hits chart on April 23, climbed to 8th on Melon's real-time chart by June 1, and breached the Melon Daily Chart Top 10 on June 9—a full 63 days after release. This unusual chart trajectory showcased the "sleeper hit" quality of the track, which ultimately secured the 8th position on Melon's monthly chart for June 2021 and landed at 28th on the Gaon Annual Chart.

FAQS

Navigating the wealth of information about STAYC's sophomore release can be overwhelming for both new fans and longtime SWITH (STAYC's fandom). The following frequently asked questions address the most common inquiries about the "Staydom" album.

When was STAYC's Staydom album released? STAYC's "Staydom" was released on April 8, 2021, just five months after their debut with "Star To A Young Culture."

What type of album is Staydom classified as? Despite containing four tracks, Staydom is officially classified as a single album, which is a common format in K-pop that differs from Western single releases.

What items are included in the physical album package? The physical "Staydom" album contains a 72-page photobook, CD-R, random photocard (1 of 12 possible designs), random postcard (1 of 6 designs), sticker, and an official fragrance card.

Who produced the songs on Staydom? All songs were produced by Black Eyed Pilseung, with Jeon Goon collaborating on "ASAP," "So What," and the original version of "So Bad."

What is the total runtime of the album? The album features four tracks with a combined runtime of 12:56.

What are the official colors used in the Staydom concept? The album artwork incorporates bright yellow (#fff269), coral red (#e06666), sky blue (#6fa8dc), fresh green (#84cf63), and lavender purple (#8e7cc3).

Why did "ASAP" become such a popular track? "ASAP" gained momentum gradually, demonstrating unusual longevity on music charts. Unlike instant hits, it entered Melon's 24Hits chart on April 23 and continued climbing, reaching the Top 10 on Melon's Daily Chart 63 days after release.

How did Staydom perform commercially? The album debuted at number nine on the Gaon Album Chart, sold 35,518 copies in its first week, and ultimately achieved total South Korean sales of 106,059 copies, becoming the first album by a 2020-2021 female rookie group to exceed 50,000 sales.

What makes Staydom different from STAYC's debut release? Staydom represents a shift toward a more mellowed, stripped-down sound compared to their debut, embracing a "Teen Fresh" concept that allows the members' individual vocal colors to shine through more prominently.