Secret Details About Jeon Somi's XOXO album Fans Need to Know

With over 240 million YouTube views and nearly 61,000 album copies sold in South Korea, Jeon Somi XOXO has become a milestone in K-pop history. The eight-track debut album, released on October 29, 2021, climbed to number 6 on South Korea's Gaon chart while making waves internationally by reaching number 14 on Billboard's World Albums chart.

Behind these impressive numbers lies a collection of carefully crafted Somi songs, produced through collaborations with industry giants like Teddy, R.TEE, 24, and Pink Sweat$. Notably, the album showcases Jeon Somi's evolution as an artist, featuring four distinct singles: "Birthday," "What You Waiting For," "Dumb Dumb," and "XOXO." The 24-minute musical journey even includes "Anymore," an all-English track that demonstrates her versatility as a performer. From chart-topping hits to hidden meanings, here are 10 fascinating details about this groundbreaking album that fans might have missed.

Hidden Messages in XOXO's Title Track Lyrics

Named after the classic sign-off in messages, XOXO takes an unexpected turn in Somi's interpretation. Rather than representing affectionate hugs and kisses, the title track delivers a sharp message to an unfaithful partner.

XOXO Song Meaning Analysis

The dance-pop track pulses with raw emotion over a vivid trap beat, establishing itself as an anthem for independent spirits. Through powerful lyrics like "Hate you so much but I should let it go / Don't wanna see you again, XO," Somi transforms the traditionally sweet "XOXO" into a sarcastic farewell. Furthermore, the song's structure masterfully combines sung-in-unison choruses with well-timed rap segments, creating a cohesive blend of attitude and catharsis.

Secret References in Lyrics

The track contains several carefully placed musical elements that enhance its impact. The second verse particularly stands out, featuring a clever mix of familiar melodies contrasted with strategic rap segments. Additionally, the song includes a subtle nod to BLACKPINK member Jennie's "SOLO," reflecting Somi's connection to the YG Entertainment family.

Fan Theories About the Song

The music video adds another layer of meaning to the track's narrative. Fans have identified multiple connections between "XOXO" and Somi's previous release "DUMB DUMB," suggesting a continuous storyline. The symbolic representation of the ex-boyfriend in a dog suit throughout the video has sparked discussions about the metaphorical portrayal of betrayal.

The production team made intentional choices in set design and storytelling elements to mirror Somi's emotional journey. Subsequently, this attention to detail created a cathartic experience for listeners dealing with similar heartbreak. The track's accessibility as a "driving song", combined with its deeper thematic elements, demonstrates Somi's growth as an artist.

Through "XOXO," Somi effectively pushes creative boundaries while maintaining her artistic integrity. As she expressed, "This is all mine... It just represents who I am to people". The song serves as both a personal statement and a universal anthem, particularly resonating with those seeking to reclaim their peace after difficult relationships.

Somi's Personal Touches in Watermelon

The fifth track on XOXO, "Watermelon," showcases Somi's growth as a songwriter and producer. Under the guidance of producer Teddy, who deliberately maintained a hands-off approach, Somi crafted a unique perspective on love through this melodic piece.

Songwriting Process

Producer Teddy's mentorship played a crucial role in shaping "Watermelon's" creative direction. Instead of providing direct advice, he encouraged Somi to maintain her authentic vision, stating, "It's really your song, so it has to come out the way you write it". This approach allowed Somi to explore her artistic expression freely.

The song's production involved collaboration with in-house producer 24, who contributed to both writing and composing aspects. Throughout the creative process, Somi developed two versions of the track - first capturing the song's essence in English before adapting it to Korean, a method she consistently employs in her songwriting.

The track features buoyant synths supporting Somi's self-penned line, "So sweet so sweet for you, but you gotta let it grow". This lyrical approach demonstrates her ability to weave metaphorical elements into her songwriting, comparing the complexities of love to the layers of a watermelon that need to be overcome to reach true feelings.

Inspiration Behind the Track

The genesis of "Watermelon" stems from an unexpectedly ordinary moment in Somi's daily life. During a casual afternoon, she observed her mother cutting open a watermelon - a simple action that sparked creative inspiration. "I was just looking at the watermelon for like three minutes. I just had a pause. I was like, 'Huh. I should write that into a song,'" Somi recalled.

This moment of inspiration led to a deeper metaphorical exploration. "I was looking at the watermelon I was eating and compared it to love. It's not as funny as it sounds, it's very sweet," Somi explained. The fruit's characteristics - its exterior toughness contrasting with its sweet interior - became a perfect metaphor for love's complexities.

The song reflects Somi's artistic maturation since her debut. As a soloist under The Black Label, she has gained significant creative control over her music, learning from respected producers and songwriters within the company. Her songwriting journey, which began during her middle school years, has evolved considerably, with "Watermelon" representing her growing confidence in crafting personally meaningful narratives.

Behind Dumb Dumb's Production

The dance-pop sensation "Dumb Dumb" emerged through meticulous studio sessions at The Black Label, marking Somi's return after a year-long hiatus. The track garnered impressive success, reaching number eight on the Gaon Digital Chart and accumulating 20 million YouTube views within two days of release.

Studio Recording Stories

Executive producer Teddy presented Somi with two distinct lyrical directions for "Dumb Dumb." Through collaborative discussions, they decided to merge both approaches, creating a unique blend that captured Somi's artistic vision. The original hook contained English lyrics "Imma say it like it is / cut the bullsh*t / you dumb dumb," which later underwent translation to Korean for the final version.

The recording process stretched longer than anticipated as Somi sought perfection in every detail. "I've been steadily preparing new songs over the past year. Some of them are done recording," she shared. This extended timeline allowed for thorough exploration of various musical elements, ultimately enhancing the final product.

Dance Creation Process

The signature choreography for "Dumb Dumb" originated from an unexpected source - Teddy himself suggested the initial move that became the dance's highlight. The routine incorporates:

A distinctive whistle sound paired with specific hand gestures
Body wave movements synchronized with hip motions
Four precise chest rolls combined with coordinated head movements
Complex transitions between cute and fierce expressions

Producer Collaborations

The production team behind "Dumb Dumb" brought together some of K-pop's finest talents. Teddy, as THEBLACKLABEL's founder, led the production alongside R.TEE, 24, and Dominsuk. Somi actively participated in the songwriting process, collaborating with Danny Chung.

The song's structure cleverly combines elements that showcase Somi's versatility. Opening with sweet vocals, it transitions into a hip-hop style drop featuring a whimsical whistle tune, followed by rap-like vocals. This musical arrangement demonstrates the production team's expertise in crafting a track that highlights multiple facets of Somi's artistry.

Throughout the production process, Somi maintained significant creative input. "I've matured both professionally and personally by learning from them and seeing how they do things up close," she reflected on working with the production team. Moreover, Teddy's mentorship proved invaluable in helping Somi develop her songwriting skills, as she noted, "Every songwriter and producer has their own way to express themselves artistically and Teddy is helping me to find my own way".

Easter Eggs in Anymore Music Video

Released as a Christmas gift to fans, the "Anymore" music video unveils a darker side of Somi's artistry through carefully crafted visual elements and symbolic storytelling. Shot at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, this emotional narrative presents a stark departure from her previous upbeat releases.

Hidden Symbols

Throughout the video, subtle references to heartbreak emerge through carefully placed props. Wine bottles and cigarettes appear as visual metaphors for coping mechanisms. The transformation from a gloomy bedroom to a space illuminated by fairy lights symbolizes the journey from despair to healing.

The visual storytelling takes an unconventional approach for K-pop, especially through its bold portrayal of post-breakup struggles. Specifically, the drug use references scattered throughout the scenes sparked discussions among viewers, considering Korea's conservative stance on such themes.

Fashion References

The styling choices reflect the song's emotional progression. In scenes depicting vulnerability, Somi appears in subdued attire, contrasting sharply with her previous "high-teen" aesthetic. The wardrobe selections deliberately move away from her earlier "prom-queen-like" image seen in "DUMB DUMB".

The fashion elements serve as visual markers of her artistic evolution, presenting a more mature and raw perspective. Each outfit change corresponds to different emotional states portrayed in the narrative, creating a cohesive visual journey through her heartbreak.

Set Design Details

The music video's set design alternates between monochrome and colored spaces, drawing comparisons to BLACKPINK Rosé's "Gone" aesthetic. The dramatic contrast between dark, shadowy scenes and brightly lit spaces emphasizes the emotional extremes of post-breakup healing.

The bedroom setting transforms throughout the video, mirroring Somi's emotional state. Initially presented as a gloomy space filled with shadows, it eventually evolves into a brighter environment adorned with fairy lights. This visual progression symbolizes her journey from emotional turmoil to acceptance.

The production team utilized the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul's architectural elements to enhance the storytelling. The location's blend of traditional and contemporary design elements provided a fitting backdrop for the narrative. Each scene carefully balances aesthetic appeal with emotional resonance, as evidenced by fans noting how "every single frame of it is fit to be termed aesthetic".

The video's artistic direction emphasizes pure emotional expression over complicated narratives. This approach aligns with the song's straightforward pop-rock sound, creating a harmonious blend of audio and visual elements.

Giriboy Collaboration Story

Among the eight tracks on XOXO, "Don't Let Me Go" stands out as a unique collaboration between Jeon Somi and South Korean rapper Giriboy. The track, produced by industry veterans Teddy, 24, and Dominsuk, showcases an unexpected musical partnership.

How the Feature Happened

The collaboration emerged as part of The Black Label's strategic vision for Somi's debut album. Despite their limited interactions, with Somi meeting Giriboy only twice before recording, the partnership proved fruitful. The track's inclusion on the album was officially revealed by The Black Label on October 14, 2021, shortly after the release of "Dumb Dumb".

The decision to feature Giriboy aligned perfectly with the album's diverse musical landscape. As the third track on XOXO, "Don't Let Me Go" demonstrates Somi's willingness to explore different musical styles alongside established artists. The collaboration process highlighted The Black Label's commitment to fostering creative partnerships within the Korean music industry.

Recording Session Details

The production team behind "Don't Let Me Go" brought together an impressive roster of talent. Teddy and Danny Chung handled the songwriting alongside Somi and Giriboy. The track's production credits include:

Lead Production: Teddy
Additional Production: 24 and Dominsuk
Track Duration: 2 minutes and 59 seconds

The song's creation process reflected Somi's growing involvement in her music. Throughout the XOXO album, she actively participated in the creative process for all tracks. This hands-on approach extended to her work with Giriboy, resulting in a seamless blend of their distinct musical styles.

The collaboration adds another layer to Somi's artistic journey, following her previous successful partnerships with artists like Choi Yoo-jung, Chungha, and Ki Hui-hyeon. Under The Black Label's guidance, this feature demonstrates her continued growth as an artist willing to push creative boundaries through meaningful collaborations.

Birthday Song Evolution

Jeon Somi's debut single "Birthday" underwent significant evolution from its initial conception to final release on June 13, 2019. The track, crafted under The Black Label's guidance, emerged as a defining moment in her solo career.

Original Demo Version

The song's journey began in late 2018 when News1 reported Somi working on new music for a March 2019 debut. Originally, the demo featured primarily English lyrics, reflecting Somi's multicultural background. The production team, including Teddy, 24, and Bekuh Boom, collaborated closely to shape the track's identity.

Final Production Changes

After several months of refinement, "Birthday" transformed into a dance-hip hop fusion track. The final version incorporated:

Fast-tempo beats with rhythmical rap segments
Powerful vocal arrangements
Dynamic shifts between sung and spoken sections

The production process faced unexpected delays due to internal agency considerations. Although album production was completed earlier, The Black Label postponed the release to ensure optimal quality. Ultimately, these changes proved beneficial as Teddy, Brother Su, Bekuh Boom, and Danny Chung fine-tuned the lyrics alongside Somi's own compositional contributions.

Live Performance Variations

The song's live renditions showcased distinct interpretations of its empowerment theme. Somi consistently emphasized key phrases like "I'm a shake it, shake it, shake it like it was my birthday" and "Every moment, minute, second goes I am born again better than before". These performances highlighted the track's versatility through:

First, the song established itself as a funky, clap-happy piece of hip-pop confection. Secondly, the live versions incorporated additional vocal flourishes, particularly around the declaration "I was born a queen in this life what more can I say?". Finally, the performances maintained the original's confident energy alongside Somi's signature playful character.

The track's success validated these creative decisions, as "Birthday" topped multiple real-time charts upon release. Through careful production choices and Somi's active involvement in composition, the song effectively balanced hip-hop influences with pop sensibilities. Consequently, this debut single set a strong foundation for her artistic journey, perfectly capturing her unique identity within the K-pop landscape.

What You Waiting For Production Secrets

Released in July 2020, "What You Waiting For" emerged as a groundbreaking track in Somi's discography through its innovative production approach at The Black Label studios. The song marked a significant milestone as Somi's partnership with Interscope Records commenced.

Musical Elements Breakdown

The track's distinctive sound stems from its unique instrumental choices. Opening with a xylophone-like synth melody, the production team crafted an immediately catchy hook that maintains its freshness throughout the song. The arrangement incorporates:

A subtle synth-pop foundation that evolves into DIY-vibe electronica
A racing, power-pop chorus backed by emotional chord progressions
Elements of trop-house and moombahton beats

The production showcases masterful layering techniques, as evidenced by the simple yet effective bassline supporting Somi's vocals. Furthermore, the track features an oscillating synth that functions both as vocal backing and as a strategic riser.

Recording Process Details

The final version took shape at The Black Label in Seoul, requiring five months of meticulous production before its July 2020 release. Throughout the recording process, BLACKPINK's Lisa played a crucial role in shaping the track's choreography, helping Somi choose between two different dance routines.

The production trio, consisting of Teddy, R.Tee, and 24, introduced several innovative elements. Primarily, they incorporated one-bar instrumental breaks into EDM-influenced K-pop segments, creating dramatic effects that perfectly complement Somi's high notes. Additionally, the team implemented a double-time dance break during the bridge, showcasing the xylophone melody alongside Somi's vocals.

The track's structure presents a fascinating evolution, as the chorus builds upon itself progressively throughout the song. Nonetheless, the production maintains a precise balance, ensuring the heart of the opening verse's melody remains intact even as instrumentation shifts between keyboard and varied strike patterns. This approach keeps the song intriguing yet familiar, demonstrating the production team's expertise in crafting memorable pop moments.

Outta My Head Korean-English Wordplay

First penned during her I.O.I days, "Outta My Head" stands as a testament to Jeon Somi's songwriting journey. The mid-tempo R&B track emerged from a casual humming session at The Black Label, catching producer Teddy's attention.

Lyrical Analysis

The song's structure weaves through emotional phases, starting with "No oxygen, I can't breathe" and progressing to introspective confessions about uncontrollable feelings. Through carefully crafted verses, Somi expresses the overwhelming impact of romance:

Physical manifestations of emotions ("My breathing gets rough, feels like I'm tipsy")
Internal struggles ("Out of my mind, this isn't me")
Repetitive thoughts ("Can't get you out my head")

Language Transitions

In crafting "Outta My Head," Somi employed a unique bilingual approach. She typically records two versions of her compositions - first capturing the song's essence in English, then adapting it to Korean. This method ensures similar pronunciations between languages, as exemplified by transforming English words like "orange" into Korean phrases with matching sounds like "how long".

Cultural References

The track incorporates elements from both Western and Korean musical traditions. The production, guided by in-house producer 24, transformed the initially bright melody into a sophisticated R&B piece. The song's emotional depth resonates across cultural boundaries through universal themes:

Unrequited affection ("Am I in your head too? Or am I just mistaken?")
Daily anticipation ("Everyday waiting all day")
Internal conflict ("This awkwardness does give me butterflies")

Under Teddy's mentorship, Somi discovered her distinct artistic voice. As she noted, "Every songwriter and producer has their own way to express themselves artistically and Teddy is helping me to find my own way". This guidance proved invaluable as she navigated between Korean and English expressions, creating a seamless blend that speaks to listeners across linguistic boundaries.

XOXO Album Artwork Hidden Details

The visual narrative of Jeon Somi's debut album XOXO unfolds through thoughtfully designed artwork that mirrors her artistic evolution. The album's physical version presents itself as a passport-style package, symbolizing Somi's statement about handling her music career "carefully and with responsibility".

Symbol Meanings

The album's visual elements incorporate rebellious undertones matching the title track's cynical interpretation of "XOXO." Through strategic design choices, the artwork transforms traditional symbols of affection into expressions of independence. The mascot representing her former relationship appears throughout the visual elements, serving as a recurring motif that ties into the album's narrative of moving forward.

Color Choices

The color palette carries profound significance throughout the album's visual presentation. Green elements symbolize rebirth and personal growth, appearing in scenes representing new beginnings. Orange tones convey joy and liberation, perfectly complementing the album's themes of breaking free from past relationships. Meanwhile, blue accents represent wisdom and self-awareness, highlighting Somi's artistic maturity.

Design Elements

The physical album package includes carefully curated components:

Two distinct sticker sets
Eight specially designed postcards
A mini note featuring personal touches
Six unique photocards
Two collectible pin buttons

The overall design aesthetic balances feminine elements with edgier undertones, reflecting the album's musical direction. This approach creates a visual representation of Somi's evolution from her earlier "prom-queen-like" image to a more assertive artistic identity. The artwork seamlessly integrates Y2K fashion influences with modern design sensibilities, incorporating elements like tulle textures and beaded accessories that appear throughout the album's visual presentation.

The design team prioritized authenticity, ensuring each visual element aligned with Somi's creative vision. As she emphasized, "This is all mine... It just represents who I am to people". Through these carefully chosen design elements, XOXO's artwork successfully captures both Somi's personal growth and artistic independence.

Unreleased XOXO Era Content

Behind the scenes of XOXO's production lies a treasure trove of unreleased content that offers fascinating glimpses into Somi's creative process. Through careful examination of studio recordings, alternate takes, plus deleted footage, fans discover new dimensions of this groundbreaking album.

Deleted Scenes

The original "XOXO" music video contained several scenes that ultimately didn't make the final cut. A significant portion focused on Somi's character development, depicting her transformation from heartbroken to empowered. The initial storyboard incorporated scenes showing her late grandmother's influence, complete with purple-haired character references that resonated deeply with Somi's personal history.

Alternate Versions

Prior to finalizing the album tracks, multiple versions underwent consideration. The title track "XOXO" competed with "Dumb Dumb" for the lead single position. After thorough deliberation, the production team opted for a strategic approach - pre-releasing "Dumb Dumb" first, followed by "XOXO" as the album's cornerstone.

Bonus Materials

The physical album release included exclusive content beyond the standard tracks. Each copy featured:

A special photocard set highlighting Somi's artistic evolution
Limited first-press editions containing exclusive photo cards
A collection of behind-the-scenes polaroids documenting the recording process

Interestingly, certain items from the initial album planning phase were discontinued in subsequent reprints. The album's development process spanned nearly a year, as Somi revealed practicing plus recording numerous songs alongside "Dumb Dumb". Furthermore, the creative team captured extensive footage of Somi's songwriting sessions, offering intimate glimpses into her artistic process.

The album's production phase yielded numerous English-first demos, as Somi typically recorded initial versions in English before adapting them to Korean. This approach allowed her to perfect the emotional delivery across both languages, ensuring authentic expression regardless of the chosen medium.