Jeon Somi marked a significant milestone in the music industry with the release of "Somi Birthday," a track that has since been celebrated worldwide for its refreshing blend of English and Korean lyrics, funky beats, and electronic-pop flair. Not only did the music video for "Somi Birthday" quickly amass millions of YouTube views, but it also showcased Somi's versatility as an artist under THEBLACKLABEL, mentored by notable producers such as Teddy Park. The song's unique tone, which mixes elements of hip-pop with an electronic-pop sound that can truly blow your mind, demonstrates Somi's ability to transcend traditional pop boundaries and chart a new course in the industry.

This article delves into the making of "Somi Birthday," from Jeon Somi's early career and the conception of the track to its extraordinary commercial performance on various charts, including monthly charts. The composition and lyrics analysis reveal how "Somi Birthday" balances Korean and English to produce a global hit, while the music video breakdown offers insights into the creative direction that brought this funky anthem to life. From the initial fan reactions and the cultural impact to behind-the-scenes insights and comparisons with other K-pop hits like "Bang Bang" and "Love Shot," the article provides a comprehensive look at how "Somi Even in the face of fierce competition, "Somi Birthday" stands out as a testament to Jeon Somi's rising stardom and the diverse, dynamic future of K-pop music.

Artist

Somi

B-side

"Outta My Head"

Released

June 13, 2019

Format(s)

Download, streaming

Recorded

2019

Genre

R&B, dance

Length

6:13

Label(s)

The Black Label

Distributor(s)

YG PLUS

Jeon Somi, born Ennik Somi Douma, possesses a diverse heritage as a South Korean-Canadian-Dutch singer-songwriter. Her career in the spotlight began early, marked by her participation in the reality survival show SIXTEEN in 2015, where she finished in 9th place . Somi's prominence rose significantly after her participation in Produce 101 in 2016, where she emerged as the first-place winner, earning her the center position in the girl group I.O.I.

After I.O.I disbanded in January 2017, Somi explored various entertainment avenues, including joining the variety show Sister's Slam Dunk and debuting in the special girl group Unnies. Her journey continued as she showcased her acting skills in the reality-drama Idol Drama Operation Team, and later participated in the formation of another special group, Girls Next Door.

A significant turn in her career came when she left JYP Entertainment in August 2018 and signed with The Black Label, a sub-label of YG Entertainment, in September of the same year. This move marked a new chapter in her career, allowing her to further establish herself as a solo artist.

Somi's background is not just defined by her professional achievements but also by her personal experiences. Born in Ontario, Canada, to a South Korean mother and a Canadian father of German and Dutch descent, she moved to Seoul at six months old due to her mother's homesickness. Growing up, Somi faced challenges due to her mixed ethnicity, which influenced her early life and educational experiences. Despite these challenges, she has fluently mastered both Korean and English, contributing to her international appeal.

Her early exposure to global pop culture, particularly through artists like Rihanna and Park Bom from 2NE1, inspired her to pursue a career in music. Somi's journey is a testament to her resilience and adaptability, navigating the complexities of the K-pop industry while maintaining her unique identity as an artist.

Jeon Somi's transition from a group member to a solo artist was marked by the release of her debut single "Birthday" on June 13, 2019. The song, produced by Teddy and featuring co-composing credits from Somi herself, showcased a blend of energetic pop with sassy lyrics. The music video for "Birthday" quickly captured the audience's attention, amassing over four million views within the first 24 hours on YouTube.

Leading up to the release, there was significant anticipation. After leaving JYP Entertainment, Somi joined The Black Label, and her solo debut was initially set for May 2019. However, internal delays pushed the release to June. During this period, several promotional posters were released, heightening the excitement among fans.

On the day of its release, "Birthday" was accompanied by a vibrant music video that reflected Somi's playful and mischievous character. The track and its B-side "Outta My Head" also made notable entries on the Billboard World Digital Songs Chart. Despite mixed reviews, with some critics pointing out the less favorable aspects of the song's chorus and overall production, "Birthday" established Somi as a promising solo artist in the competitive K-pop industry.

The composition of "Birthday" by Jeon Somi exhibits a vibrant mix of influences, showcasing her ability to blend different musical styles. Critics noted that the opening verse of "Birthday" carries a sunny disposition reminiscent of 2NE1, combined with a pop vibe similar to Meghan Trainor's style. However, the song encounters a notable shift during the chorus, where the production falls into what has been described as "Teddy's beat-drop syndrome," a reference to the producer's tendency for dramatic beat changes that sometimes disrupt the flow of a track.

Lyrically, "Birthday" has sparked mixed reactions. While some elements were appreciated for their catchiness, the repetition of certain lines and the inclusion of clichéd phrases were points of criticism. Phrases like "shake it like a polaroid" and "oops, you're not invited" were intended to convey a playful and sassy tone but were perceived by some as overly simplistic and juvenile. This aspect of the lyrics was highlighted as a potential misstep in aligning the song's message with its intended audience.

Overall, "Birthday" represents a bold step in Somi's career as a solo artist, though it illustrates the challenges of striking a balance between catchy pop hooks and maintaining lyrical depth. The song's composition and lyrics play crucial roles in shaping its reception and underline the importance of coherent artistic direction in music production.

In the music video for "Birthday," Jeon Somi captivates viewers with a vibrant display of colors and dynamic set pieces that reflect the song's energetic vibe. The visual elements are carefully crafted to enhance the playful and bold persona that Somi portrays throughout the performance. Each scene is meticulously designed to keep the audience engaged, from the whimsical party settings to the more intimate solo dance sequences. The production team's effort to align these visual elements with the song's lively spirit is evident, creating a memorable and impactful music video experience.

The behind-the-scenes insights reveal the extensive planning and creative direction that went into producing such a visually appealing music video. From the selection of the filming locations to the detailed costume designs, every aspect was orchestrated to complement Somi's charismatic presence and the song's upbeat tempo. This attention to detail not only enriches the viewer's experience but also showcases the artistic vision of Somi and her team.

Furthermore, the music video incorporates various thematic elements that resonate with the song's message of self-celebration and empowerment. The use of bright, bold colors and dynamic transitions between scenes encapsulates the festive mood of a birthday celebration, while also highlighting Somi's youthful and vibrant personality. These visual choices play a crucial role in conveying the song's theme and enhancing its appeal to a global audience.

Upon its release, Jeon Somi's debut single "Birthday" achieved remarkable success on various music charts. Within hours of its release, the track soared to the top of real-time charts on major South Korean music sites such as Bugs, Mnet, Naver, and Soribada, while securing the second spot on Genie and ninth on Melon. This immediate impact highlighted the song's widespread appeal and Somi's strong fanbase.

Internationally, "Birthday" also made a significant mark. It debuted at number 7 on Billboard's World Digital Song Sales chart, selling 1,000 copies in its first week. This achievement not only underscored Somi's global influence but also positioned her as a prominent solo artist emerging from a successful girl group background.

The song's performance on the Gaon Digital Chart further demonstrated its popularity, debuting at number 51 and climbing to number 22 in the following week. It also placed well on the Component Download and Streaming Charts. These chart movements reflect the track's strong digital sales and streaming figures, cementing its status as a hit both domestically and internationally.

Upon its release, "Birthday" by Jeon Somi elicited a wide range of reactions from fans and critics alike. The debut track quickly garnered over 12 million views in just three days, indicating a strong initial interest. Despite this, opinions were mixed, with some praising the song's catchy nature and vibrant music video, while others critiqued it for not fitting well with Somi's image as an artist.

Many fans expressed disappointment, feeling that the song did not showcase Somi's capabilities to the fullest. Criticisms ranged from the song's perceived lack of originality to its heavy use of English, which some felt detracted from its K-pop essence. Phrases like "shake it like a polaroid" were singled out as clichéd, and the overall production was seen as typical of the YG style, which might not have suited Somi's unique persona.

Conversely, the music video was generally well-received, noted for its aesthetics and Somi's visual presentation. The choreography and vibrant color palette were highlighted as elements that aligned well with the song's upbeat and festive theme. However, some fans felt that the choreography and staging lacked the impact expected of a solo debut, suggesting that it resembled other artists' works too closely.

Despite the mixed reviews, "Birthday" succeeded in sparking considerable discussion and debate among K-pop enthusiasts, contributing to the ongoing discourse about what makes a successful solo debut in the highly competitive K-pop industry.

Jeon Somi's debut with "Birthday" was a significant event, marked not only by the song's public reception but also by the personal challenges she faced during its promotion. Somi has openly shared that the initial performances were marred by her nerves and the immense pressure of debuting solo, which prevented her from fully enjoying the experience on stage. Reflecting on these moments, she expressed a desire to perform "Birthday" again, free from the earlier anxieties, to truly embrace and enjoy the celebration of the song.

The creation of "Birthday" was a collaborative effort, with Somi actively participating in the songwriting and composition. She worked alongside notable figures such as Teddy, 24, and Bekuh Boom, contributing to a track that encapsulates her identity as a solo artist. The song combines hip-hop and dance elements, designed to showcase Somi's vocal prowess and dynamic performance style. This behind-the-scenes involvement in the music's creation was crucial for Somi, marking a departure from her previous group activities and highlighting her capabilities as an independent artist.

Moreover, the production process for "Birthday" was influenced by her transition to a new management team. After moving from JYP Entertainment to YG's The Black Label, Somi noted significant changes in the style and approach to music production, which were reflected in the final output of "Birthday". Despite facing controversies surrounding YG Entertainment at the time, she remained focused and undeterred, dedicating herself to crafting a debut that would resonate with both her existing fanbase and new listeners.

Jeon Somi's musical journey is richly interconnected with a variety of tracks and albums that both precede and follow her iconic single "Birthday." Notably, her involvement in the music industry deepened with her participation in the creation of other significant works. "Outta My Head" is another song from the "Birthday" single album, which Somi co-wrote and helped compose, showcasing her versatility beyond performing.

Following the release of "Birthday," Somi continued to evolve her musical portfolio. She made a significant comeback with the single "What You Waiting For," which marked her entry into the international market through a partnership with Interscope Records and Universal Music Group. This move was followed by the release of "Dumb Dumb," another single that further defined her unique style in the pop genre. Her musical growth culminated in the release of her first full-length album, "XOXO," which included the lead single of the same name, further establishing her as a solo artist.

In addition to her solo projects, Somi explored different musical styles and themes through various collaborations and special releases. Notably, in 2023, she announced the release of her new extended play album "Game Plan," which was led by the single "Fast Forward". This EP continued to showcase her growth as an artist, experimenting with new sounds and concepts. The year also saw her release a special Christmas track "Ex-Mas" in collaboration with rapper Big Naughty, adding a festive touch to her discography.

Somi's music not only reflects her artistic evolution but also resonates with a broad audience, contributing to the dynamic landscape of K-pop. Her tracks often feature alongside other notable works in the genre, such as ITZY's "IT'z Different" and EVERGLOW's "ARRIVAL OF EVERGLOW," which have also garnered significant attention and acclaim. This interconnection highlights the vibrant and competitive nature of the K-pop industry, where artists continually innovate and influence one another through their musical outputs.

Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm

Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm

Mm, mm, mm, mm, mm

Hey, boy, how you doin'?

Ppeonhan insaneun anhallae

Ttak jallaseo malhalge

Haru haru jiruhae

Nae mal ihae mothamyeon

Haneun cheogirado hae

Nareul wonhaneun neo bodan

Naega wonhaneun geol wonhae

I got all the boys comin' 'round to my yard

I'm shakin' that thing like a pola-polaroid

I'll give you that, ooh

You give me that too

It's always a surprise when I step up in the room, it's like (Ugh)

Ije nae meotdaero maeilmaeil

Jeoldae eopseulgeoya jiruhal teum

Yejeone nal chatjima baby

Saeroun naro dasi taeeonal tenikka

See upcoming pop shows

Get tickets for your favorite artists

(So okay, okay)

Igijeogirajiman eotteokae (Hey)

(So, okay, okay)

I'ma shake it, shake it, shake it like it was my birthday

(Ayy, ayy, da-la-la-la-la-la-la)

I'ma shake it, shake it, shake it like it was my birthday

Oops, you're not invited

Yeah, you're not invited

Oops, you're not invited

Oneureun nae mamdaero hallae

Everyday is my birthday, yeah

It goes bang bang

Eottae love shot

Teotteuryeo fireworks, simjange pangpang

Majuchimyeon da gamtanhae like, uh

Geureom nan baneunghae dangyeonhae like, duh

Well alright, alright, alright, alright

Nan hu hago bulkke, can you blow my mind?

Deodo malgo deoldo malgo ttak oneulcheoreom

Nae mam heundeureojwo, woah

Ije nae meotdaero maeilmaeil

Jeoldae eopseulgeoya jiruhal teum

Yejeone nal chatjima baby

Nega aldeon nan yeogi eopseunikka

(So okay, okay)

Igijeogirajiman eotteokae (Hey)

(So, okay, okay)

I'ma shake it, shake it, shake it like it was my birthday

(Ayy, ayy, da-la-la-la-la-la-la)

I'ma shake it, shake it, shake it like it was my birthday

Oops, you're not invited

Yeah, you're not invited

Oops, you're not invited

Oneureun nae mamdaero hallae

Everyday is my birthday

Naui 365 and 24/7

Il wol hwa su mok geum to

It's my birthday (Yeah)

It's my birthday (Yeah)

Naui maesungan sigan bun cho

Saero taeeonaneun gibuniya, it's my birthday

Naega jal taeeonaseo jallan geol eotteokae

(Da-la-la-la-la-la-la)

Naega jal taeeonaseo jallan geol eotteokae

Oops, you're not invited

Yeah, you're not invited

Oops, you're not invited

Oneureun nae mamdaero hallae

Everyday is my birthday, yeah