“Even if it’s platonic love, a humanitarian love, or even if my relationships with others is unclear, romantic connections with ‘people’ offers the courage to feel life most keenly and to take significant strides forward, even though they might seem pointless. “New Romantic” is my own romantic way of expressing love to someone. I always hope that my non-superficial way of conveying love will succeed.”
— Soyoon Hwang on the band’s new single, “New Romantic”
Today, genre-defying South Korean band, SE SO NEON unveils another dreamy track, “New Romantic”, in both Korean and English versions. Led by producer and multi-instrumentalist, Soyoon Hwang (also known for her So!YoON! solo project), the new track glides with airy, shimmering synths and tender vocals, wrapping you in a warm, wistful glow. Fans can stream the new single HERE.
“I admit that I have a spectrum of quite diverse aspects, but the one that makes me feel awkward and a little embarrassed is when I have tremendous warmth towards others,” recalls Soyoon. Reflecting on the depth of her emotions, she explains that romantic connections—regardless of how clearly defined they are—give her the courage to fully experience life and move forward, even when the path feels uncertain. “New Romantic”, she shares, is her own intimate way of expressing love, born from a hope that her sincere, non-superficial approach will be understood and embraced.
The new track appears on SE SO NEON’s long awaited debut album ”, set for release on August 15th. SE SO NEON have crafted their own brand of lo-fi and vintage sound, displaying a wide spectrum of musical influences varying from blues and psychedelic rock to new wave and synth pop. Sung primarily in Korean, their music is rooted both in the present and in nature, making ” relatable regardless of any language barrier. “People will feel my energy and my soul,” Soyoon proclaims.
After releasing her second solo album, ‘Episode1: Love’ in 2023, Soyoon felt anxiety about the band’s next move. She decided she needed a change of scenery, so she traveled to New York City to work on the next phase of SE SO NEON’s music. Being in different surroundings and spending almost 10 hours a day in the studio proved invigorating and it also made her realise that she needed to worry less about the future and live more in the present. “That’s why the album title is ”,” Soyoon says. “I had been thinking, ‘I’m done. I’m not going to do music anymore.’ But after that New York experience, I felt hope.”
Soyoon’s guitar playing is key to ”, aiming to defy genres to create a wholly unpredictable, yet utterly natural landscape, much like the ones she marvelled at as a child in Korea and as a young adult in Los Angeles. “I love nature—sky, sunshine,” she furthers. “” is about nature, because I’m from nature.”
” Tracklisting:
1. Twit Winter
2. Remember!
3. New Romantic
4. Now
5. Secret Police
6. Small Heart
7. Eden
8. Jayu
9. Kidd
10. Revolution
11. Pandq
12. O
