The Kulture Study: Hwa Sa 'I'm a 빛' MV REACTION & REVIEW

[@nabi2805]

when hwasa was talking to jessi about this she basically said that she was getting really frustrated this year and was struggling to do all the things that she wanted to. because of this she decided that she wouldn't get anything done unless she 'became a bitch' and that feeling was what pushed her to write this song

[@patricialong1714]

This vid is a great explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@maricl5859]

The initial scene can be compared to a birth, plus Hwasa has the same dress used in Maria, connecting the two mvs and themes as Maria was like a rebirth to her and the water (another recurring theme) represents life. Basically this mv is an alternative end for Maria mv, here Hwasa embraces her bad side, "If I don't became a bit*h I can't survive" is what Hwasa thought while working on new music and it's the concept of the title track. When she opens the door the scene is like watching inside that box she came out but as you can see everything is black outside instead inside the box is bright because Hwasa bacame the light who swallowed the darkness. As we will see later there are 2 Hwasa, one watching inside the box and one actually inside of it “there’s no light without shadow” as Hwasa said. The whole mv and lyrics are playing with dark and bright, white and black, you can clearly see it in this part “life is so incredible. Even if I go crazy my sin is beautiful” then “life is now so terrible I can’t cry even if I smile”. Her sin is beautiful because she’s doing what she loves, music, but she feels like she’s sinning because she’s ‘mistreating’ herself and the people she loves. This is her guilty pleasure: pushing herself beyond her limits. We can spot flowers in the whole mv, the pictures in the blue room, she’s wrapped under plastic like a flower in a bouquet and in the room with white furnitures, the only touch of color are the flowers…Hwasa loves flowers and her symbol is a flower. Talking about this room, in Maria mv Hwasa wearing a sort of straitjacket was monitored in a white tiles room, she was cornered by pencils (comments) pointing at her…now she’s free standing bold on those white tiles furnitures, this time she has a pencil in her hand and she’s completing a crossword with ‘Hwasa’ and ‘Crazy’. Basically she’s saying I’m crazy, so what? Again with the lyrics ‘In a word I’m out of my mind so far I’m alive’ like she has to go crazy working on music to really live. In the ending scene there is another recurring theme since Maria, the snake, another symbol of rebirth, transformation. Historically, serpents and snakes represent fertility or a creative life force. Of course that scene is hinting to another mv she will release for another track from Guilty Pleasure album or connect to her next comeback. Hwasa co-wrote and co-composed 2 out of 3 tracks and this is the first time she teams up with non-Korean music producers. With this single album she became the 1st soloist of 2021 to enter on Billboard world digital song sales chart with 2 songs in top10. 'I' a B' topped iTunes in 19 countries and QQ music chart in China. I really appreciate the fact you took your time to analyze the mv and the lyrics because the reason why Hwasa does music is to give a message, to express her artistry not just to look cool. Your reaction was really interesting, thank you

[@amelanasic]

Woww it's a really good interpretation 😍

[@kimberlylewis8603]

Wow, thank you so much for explaining this

[@pandalover1238]

WHY AM I SO EMOTIONAL READING THIS

[@littlepanda4139]

Well said!

[@ctustison]

She has the dress from the closing scene of Maria when she comes out of the box and the flowers that Solar gave her when she is shown under the floor... Very deep.

[@necreolis]

for me, the traditional dance break goes perfectly with her message of evading expectations - maybe the expectations Koreans have regarding women (hence, female idols) and how they should present as? instead of pushing away tradition, she's using it as a tool to redefine those ideas. I love how that entire section felt very artistic, like you're watching an intense theatrical performance, she's playing a character but she's also herself 100%. ALSO that last scene with her laying down on the flowers and everything really made me think of Ophelia (Hamlet), so again, there's femininity and madness. actually there's a bit of a madness feel in the dance break too, I think, it's very powerful but sort of unsettling at the same time. anyway, these are my ideas on that part! thank you for yet another amazing reaction (: I appreciate how you're always taking the time to understand lyrics!

[@camilasuemi6850]

It was good, but in my opinion (please guys, opinions matter don't attack me) that scene was kinda off. Every time that i watch the MV, i can't help myself but skip that part. Hwasa and her crew it amazingly and beautifully, but i can't. If they perform it in a separate ocasion, i'll definitely watch and enjoy. If they perform it on MAMA, holy hell i'll lose it. Edit: Actually, what i found out about myself is that i'm not a fan of dance breaks period. This might be the case here.

[@Haymee]

And the last scene also reminds a lot to a reference to eden and the apple. She's very attached to her religion, so maybe it's a way to mention another transgression from a woman (eating the apple given by a snake).

[@necreolis]

@@Haymee Yes, that too! :) I noticed the biblical references as well through these symbols. thanks for sharing! it definitely feels like a mix of themes which go very well together and it all makes sense coming from someone like Hwasa.

[@powbobs]

@@camilasuemi6850 I disagree completely.

[@markmccall7660]

In my opinion the traditional Korean dance break fits well. Hwasa said that she worked with western producers to make guilty pleasure. It was the first time working with a western production team. I think a lot of the criticism headache gets it’s because people think she is trying to behave too much like a western artist. They think she tries too hard to be ‘the Korean Rihanna’ or the ’Asian Beyoncé’. But she is proud to be a an idol. She is proud to be a Kpop artist. Dane just wants to be a different kind of idol. I think this Korean dance break is her way of saying ‘I embrace my culture, I’m not shying away from my Korean identity’. Hwasa is an incredible artist. The fact she wrote these lyrics is very impressive.

[@shreya446]

maybe the traditional break-out dance was her saying that despite her being the revolutionary she is, she respects and adores korean culture and arts. it's only her choice that she rejects the toxic parts of her culture and embraces the beauty of it.

[@ahcaroles]

Ok, here are some random things I noticed that you didn’t mention (in bullet points to make it easier on the eyes lol): - same dress from Maria in the beginning - broken mirrors = what the public see of her is imperfect - the white room: "nothing lasts forever [...] I hope I don't lose them" while she kisses her Moomoo nail. and we know the group is ending soon. that's self-explanatory - there’s a duality in the bathroom scene; she's cornered, surrounded by words that she hears all the time (good and bad). information overload. even if people mean well, she has to look inside herself to find her own truth, self-worth, etc - the “broken” water bottle = she’s thirsty for things she can’t have, even though she has so much in her life now (there’s water in the beginning and on the floor) - Korean dance break = she’s still connected to her roots even if she’s "That Bit*h" in the music industry now. we know she’s close to her family - “sorry I have something on my mind” I love this SO MUCH. so many artists get criticized for speaking up, specially women - the ending scene looks like it’s a reference to a painting of Ophelia from Hamlet, the virgin who killed herself by drowning in the river, going mad after a heartbreak (google it people, it’s called Ophelia by John Everett Millais). she was a victim of a man (Hamlet) who broke up their engagement while pretending to be crazy. - the name Ophelia means “help” but also... SERPENT. And the snakes share the same coloring with some of her own clothes too. it could mean she’s her own enemy and savior? Hwasa’s videos are always SO CLEVER. I don't know how involved she is in the production, but I feel like she has an amazing artistic view, that makes her stand out in this craziness that is the kpop scene. Anyway, thank you for the video, I think you're spot on in many parts!

[@martaroseira1208]

yep. word for word what i think

[@patricialong1714]

This vid is a great explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@i_m_a1634]

A lot of idols from kpop groups struggles with breaking free from their image once they go solo. I'm glad Hwasa didn't have any problem with her, since the beginning , she and the other members of the group have always valued their musicality and individuality above all else. They never cared about popularity, their image, or looking pretty etc. They've honed their skills with being involved in writing their music, choreography, concerts and even their performance stages. That's why Hwasa is able to do the music that she's always want to do.

[@captaincherry413]

lol PD i don't think you're as confused by Hwasa's lyrics as you think! your interpretation seemed pretty spot on to me. i've been listening to Hwasa's lyrics since her debut and she IS really non-linear and metaphorical when she writes! but yeah in all this imagery i can feel her frustration with how she's viewed vs how she feels and what she wants to be. i DO have a theory on the dance break! i think that in spite of all the criticism she gets from more "traditional" people, she still really loves and resonates with her Korean self? she's not rejecting Korea by being this 빛 that she is, she wants to be a NEW generation of Korea. she dances so hard she literally breaks the kayakeum! this woman has so much feeling and so many thoughts to express... i seriously can't wait to see what she does going forward, as a soloist and also as an ADULT idol now. kind of like when Sunmi started solo after WG! look at the discography she gave us lol. Hwasa's gonna do it too, i know it.

[@AnaissN]

I liked your interpretation!!

[@jessiewong125]

It’s called Kayakeum

[@captaincherry413]

@@jessiewong125 thank you so much! now i can edit (and also find videos of people playing it~ ^^)

[@patricialong1714]

This vid is a great explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@danny-lv6wm]

in the bridge she says “i can’t breathe so i go on no bra” she’s referencing her “scandal” where knets were shaming her for not wearing a bra at the airport

[@ebnicnaruto1982]

What I think the representation of Traditional Korean dance break is her roots. When you described how the video could be a response to haters, her internal conflicts with fame, staying true to herself, and society, that portion of the video could mean that although she does tend to push the envelope, she honors her Korean roots. It might be a stretch….🤷🏾‍♀️

[@patricialong1714]

This vid is a great explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@ryzalchung8976]

MooMoo on her nail is everything!! Hwasa yet again with the music break only this time we go way back to the Joseon era with that gayageum... Love it!! This is definitely my Guilty Pleasure!!... The purple dress she's wearing is similar to the end of Maria MV where Solar, Moon Byul & Wheein give her presents..

[@mariamm5629]

Who's moomoo ?

[@aki6605]

@@mariamm5629 Thats the name of the Mamamoo fandom. Us Mamamoo fans are called MooMoo. And Hwasa is part of Mamamoo

[@ryzalchung8976]

@@mariamm5629 MooMoo is Mamamoo's fandom name...

[@RavenStar16]

I'm a Radish!😉 Hwasa is breathtaking, amazing, I love her. ❤

[@GleeChan]

I love it when artists are allowed to write songs that are layered and forces the listener to actually taken in the words of the song instead of just kinda blindly bop to it. Hwasa definitely falls under this, and it was fun to watch P.D. piece together what she's saying and really dive deep into the song. Soyeon is another one who does this. I know not everyone has it in them to write stuff like this, but it's always nice when we get these gems.

[@patricialong1714]

This vid is a great explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@issaphae9659]

hwasa is easily one of the most thoughtful and creatively involved artists in kpop

[@Vin.i]

In context with the lyrics I personally interpret the traditional scene as her basically saying she's still Korean and she still embraces that side of her, but she also takes that and makes it her own because, just like with everything else that makes her who she is, her Korean side is hers and it's for her to determine what it means to her and how to use it to express herself. Society wants her to be something very specific, very confined within traditional Korean ideals, so she adds a flare of interpretative music and dance to that scene, fighting against such expectations and demands. It's not because it's traditional that it shouldn't be questioned and played with, it's art, it's a form expression, the world doesn't move forward by tying itself so tightly to things and keeping them the same without any sort of change.

[@pialee1475]

This comment section is GOLD. Best one I’ve seen so far. Love all the interpretations

[@Ali-oe6bl]

I love that Hwasa's song lyrics always have deeper meaning than what it seems. If you watch her interview on Mamamoo's channel she explains the contradiction that is depicted in the lyrics. She had so much internal and external pressure on producing this solo after the hit Maria and also her own expectations and standards and that drove her crazy so she realised she had to be a b to survive and just let go. She is glowing in all of her performances and program appearances so she definitely let go and just enjoyed herself, which is great for her after all that hard work!

[@patricialong1714]

This vid is a great explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@kendra4932]

Your interpretation around 11:20 is so interesting! I personally took it as her saying “I’m doing this career because I have so much passion and I take it seriously, while others just do this (or jobs in general) for the money”

[@keonhee]

I love Hwasa's comeback, and I agree with you. Her storytelling in her song are sooo interesting. I also love her lyricism, like the zebra, no-bra part 😳 Also her bsides are incredible! FOMO is all on English and her vocals Bless U are stunning. Her high notes 💕

[@King_Jonghyun]

Hwasa is just doing what she wants and I love to see that

[@why_melli]

definitely my favorite title track, it’s so vibey

[@hitomi272]

So much of this MV let's the viewers decide on what the meaning is There's so much room for interpretation and I love that💕 There are ways to send a single message in MVs but there's also ways to touch on all sorts of topics in MVs and let viewers digest the message in their own way and I feel she chose that route

[@-auj-1587]

I study music and expression of music and From watching a lot of dancing and dancers, the break out dance scene could be something expressive like maybe fighting against something. The fast pace of the of the Gayageum and choreography is making you feel a thrill or suspense, like it’s a action scene. This could signify Hwasa fighting the norms of society or an inner conflict. This is my take on it. Just short summary of it.

[@patricialong1714]

I never thought of that. You may want to see this explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@willkennedy4465]

The lady seen dancing in the traditional break is a famous traditional Korean choreographer and having her was a big deal apparently. She was credited equally with Lia Kim for choreo. I read that somewhere so if it's wrong.....sorry lol

[@aki6605]

Yes yes! I'm so happy you checked this out! It's defintely my favorite song from her so far :3

[@urmajerk]

I was a little sad when you didn't react to Wheein's Watercolor or Mamamoo's mumumumuch or Where Are We Now, but I'm glad you haven't stopped reacting to Mamamoo all together! A great video!!

[@AnaissN]

Thiss, I actually unsuscribed from his channel, I was following only for Mamamoo reactions (they are the only kpop group I love, i casually listen to one or two, but barely listen to them and let alone watch analysis of them). I hope PD doesn't give up on Mamamoo just because they are being barely promoted by the "Mamamoo Company" RBW, who have been sabotaging their comebacks. If reactors like PD also stop reacting to them, Mamamoo will have no promotion at all 😔

[@Mikalerinkinne]

PD really doesn’t like ballads, even from their favorite artists’. I was not surprised by the lack of reaction to WAW. Patreon has a ton more reactions though, including songs like Wheeins solo.

[@sknight2810]

PD doesnt upload songs that they dont like sooo

[@rachellouise1211]

@@sknight2810 you don’t have to be an ass

[@alypamfs]

I tried to research about Korean traditional dances and stumbled upon this ssitkimkut or the shaman ritual for the dead. The music in the dance break was similar to the one played in a ssimkimkut. Maybe there's a connection there.

[@carminzira6234]

Yes , like a rebirth or something, but even the traditional dance from the lady it is very similar to the one use in ssitkimkut

[@thenamefrances]

Hwasa talked about in a interview that I’m a B is a continuation of her song Maria. In Maria last scene she was holding a scissor however Mamamoo members showed up which she chose the good. The member somewhat saved her. Then I’m a B is her “what if she chose the bad”. She’s been perceived as a B by society because she’s unapologetic, doing her thing dont want to be controlled this may come off as her being a B to others. Its a peek into her consciousness when people bash that shes a B she cant do much her mind goes a bit crazy with all the misconceptions about her from the public. Its like its a peek into her mind being frustrated but in the end she embraces her being a B because she’s a bad B and she shine bright because she is artistic and genuine! LOVE HER!!

[@patricialong1714]

Excatly! This vid is a great explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@rajut_lensa]

Hwasa put a lot of messages through her songs, and even the MVs too. She's not only going solo for popularity, money, or to prove that she's a great artist.

[@marcelwannieck]

Really appreciate your insights here. I mostly just consume music without considering what it means but you're getting me to think about the meaning of the video/lyrics. Btw, Mamamoo also had a group comeback back in September with 하늘 땅 바다만큼 (mumumumuch). I don't know if you've seen it but if not, I'd love you to check it out.

[@b_iancs]

im a b is apparently the second installment to maria (her previous comeback) and like an alternate ending to maria and she’s preparing for more installments and that’s why the ending of im a b has the snakes concept.

[@aaelr.740]

The chorus of this song reminds me a lot of WOODZ' Waiting! Both of them are two of my favorite titles this year! 😭 Hwasa left me speechless with this comeback ❤

[@agatahighstein]

To me the lyrics in the beginning felt like she was singing the things that were said about her and showing how contradictory they are, and singing them in a cynical way. It’s as if she’s saying “this is what I am to the world, I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t”. Then I felt at the chorus she was saying excuse me but i’m going to still be myself. Even if I will be hated and loved no matter what I do i’m going to do what I want. And then as the song progressed I felt like she was explaining more about herself and her mind. I felt like she was laughing and yet being angry about the way that the music industry is and how she is portrayed, showing us that she isn’t perfect and yet she will do what she wants and appreciate life despite her hardships. Even the title having a dual meaning, it sends the meaning that you can see her as a bitch or a light, and people will always see her as one or the other no matter what she feels she really is, and maybe she’s a bit of both in the best way. It shows how two people can watch her do the exact same thing and draw completely opposite conclusions from it. People can really live in alternate worlds depending on what they want to see. To me she is a baddass bitch, she THAT bitch, and the brightest light there is, I love her. Every line I read and every scene I look at from this MV and song I find more little meanings and really how much every detail matters. She put so much though into everything. I don’t know if this was a very understandable explanation, but yeah this is what I feel like it is.

[@patricialong1714]

This vid is a great explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@angelc3055]

PD please react to "Bless You" by Hwasa too, it's a really good b side from this album

[@littlepanda4139]

This is why you’re my favorite channel of reactions. You take your time to analyze the lyrics and the mv as well. Even the song somehow is not your favorite but you still give your best to explain it. I really appreciate that! Thank you so much

[@hyacintheribes9507]

"I'm a B" is a sequel to Maria, the beginning of the mv follows the ending of Maria. In Maria she looked trapped in people's expectations and although trying to stick out for herself, she still was threatened by a lot of things. Many themes you can find again in I'm a B, the kind of mental institution where she used to be threatened by pencils (probably meaning people's opinions or critics) and cornered, she's now squatting in the middle of the room, using the same type of pen to write "crazy" in cross words, as if she simply decided to write her own story and not let others try to define her. It's a recurring theme throughout the whole music video, she drinks water that won't come out as if nothing could be quenching her thirst of wanting recognition when expected from others, or simply for success in her artistry, she's literally thrown out of a box in the beginning, which can be interpreted as a rebirth bc she's wearing the Maria dress but also could literally mean getting her true self out there after having tried to comply to everyone's expectations. I mean I have many more things to say, about the dancebreak being focused on more traditional sounds and having such an intense build-up where the artist breaks the instrument, as it could literally mean that the weight of the traditions is stopping her from actually artistry that represent her and she's going to just do whatever she wants to do, or the whole choice of cutting her hair but keep it long for the scenes where she's still cornered and struggling, which brings back to what you said about her storytelling not being linear but also about how life isn't linear and although you'll be making efforts, sometimes you'll get sent back to square one and struggle again until you manage to get better, the snakes in the end which there used to be only one on her Maria cover album, and now that she's embracing all of the aspects of her personality and presenting it to the public, 7 of them are present (7, you know there are so many symbols with that), but she doesn't look threatened. The album is called Guilty Pleasure which also plays into that 7 deadly sins theme going on. The box she was sent out of, she then sits on top of and looks down on a version of herself which attitude, but that version looks to look up to her, as if she knew all this time that she would become the bad bitch she is now. There's much to say about Hwasa's artistry, she went through so much bc of unrealistic standards that had nothing to do with talent and took so much shit from her company, that I'm truly amazed as to how she still manages to put all those sides in one single video. Thank you for your video it feels so good that there are still people willing to look past the initial play of words and analyse her complex art. You did really great!

[@patricialong1714]

This vid is a great explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@panda_xoxo6595]

What I got from the boxed look isn't exactly a "restricting space" that society put her in, but more of something she made herself to keep people out. Like you mentioned PD some of us have to fight close family or friends for the things we love/enjoy and in those cases we end up pushing people out. To me that void space kind of represents the creative space we make for ourselves, because that scene doesn't exactly feel "restricting" but more so "empowering". The lyrics she mentions in that scene are like "you can do what you want with your standards, this is my rules" basically saying this is my platform where I can do whatever I want! A contrast is the blue room right before where its actually constricting, where the bright red signifies anger, and even her lyrics say "there's a fire in me, excuse me I'm a B" its her saying even if you try to hold me back I know what I want and I'll be a B to get there if I need to, and it cuts to the gold scene with the void where she says "I rule here!"

[@martinasera825]

This mv looks to me like a journey into her psyche.

[@ayrenghrrr8530]

Hwasa tell Jessie on an interview that the title is a world play, it was supposed to be I'm a B*tch. And she says that the song is about her struggles and that to survive she has to be that b*tch. I guess in the lyrics, she was telling that if she gone mad, the world will be beautiful but if she stay sane, the world stays terrible. Also, if you happened to see the first teaser, the opening scene is connected to the Maria MV. But it is somewhat an alternative universe, or alternate ending. Or even maybe either sequel or prequel.

[@aspannas]

yes and the CEO was the one who came up with the wordplay

[@bbsteers]

In my opinion, the dance break was her (in a physical, modeled sense) going "crazy" or "savage" (as seen by the kind of ragged and white-ness of the clothes.) The traditional instrument seens to build up to something (like her going mad) and then the instrument breaks and she poses as if to reinforce "yes, im crazy, I went savage, Im a bitch, and yet im still beautiful, im still going to pose and let you soak in my madness because its who I am." IDK it seemed like a way to show what she had been talking about. Also something I found interesting was that, that scene was the only one where the background didnt represent a closed space. It was black, almost infinite looking, and it was the only part of the MV where she isnt seen caged in, or put in a small space. She even hangs from the rope as if to proove how free she is when she "goes crazy" and does what she wants. I thought it was one of the most impactful moments of the mv, except for the ending!

[@patricialong1714]

I never noticed that. You may want to see this vid explaining the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@dianakr191]

The dance break to me is here is this traditional Korean culture and standard that is beautiful and amazing and super cool but when the instrument breaks at the end and she’s still standing at the center in a very powerful moment, it almost feels like a statement to its a part of me but it will not break me instead I will break it.

[@unadormilona]

I really liked this MV, especially the "birth" scene at the beginning. I didn't quite understand why she used a box until you pointed out that the sets were also boxes. But, did you notice how-unlike when the scene is predominantly white with a black infinity wall-when they're dressed in black, the walls are windows looking out on gardens or forests? It was like, when she becomes bad (in black), the walls open up to new experiences. The dance break with the musician playing a 거문고 contrasting with the contemporary dancer was actually one of my favorite parts. It seems like it was a play between tradition and modernity, where Hwa Sa's making a statement that tradition doesn't have to mean conformity. Instead of confining or limiting the boundaries of modern thought, tradition can be used to inspire new avenues of creativity.

[@lanaaisya]

fun fact: the geomungo player was a contestant in Superband 2. his name is Park Daul/Dawool, his performances in the show are pretty cool! in the show he mainly tries to play geomungo with many genres. I like that Hwasa has him here, it is a great, conscious choice!

[@jackierockers3552]

HWASA! Yesssssssss!

[@Cmonmanny]

Wow spoiling us so early 😍😍👏🏾👏🏾😎

[@jjjulia127]

*MY PRECIOUS BABY HWASA IS A GORGEOUS QUEEN* *AND MOON BYUL IS COMING IN JANUARY*

[@ProcrasTina]

The single album is titled "Guilty Pleasure" and Hwasa stated that making an album is her Guilty Pleasure. She works so hard on it, to the point of neglecting herself, her health, her friends and family, but she somehow still likes it.

[@jesspersephone]

It’s just a shame it’s not doing well on charts right now when it’s the release I’ve enjoyed the most from her. The charts are just clogged up right now

[@subhasreesatpathy5128]

On a positive note, it did well.

[@AnaissN]

Thank you for this reaction, PD!! I missed your Mamamoo reactions so bad 😭 There's nobody that analyses the way you do! And Hwasa definitely needs your kind of reaction, she wrote those lyrics for a reason and I think you were on the right track, even if you said you find her confusing, you made a very good analysis in the end! You just missed some things fans usually see like the relation with the Maria MV and references (made more explicit with the teasers) and the fandom shotout she made (Moomoo on her nail). But you focused mainly on the lyrics and that's a good way, because Hwasa is an amazing lyricist!

[@viaverde3153]

"Meaning of Traditional Sequence"? Maybe the answer lies in the metaphorical, final strike that breaks the bridges in the instrument? And one more thing. Seven snakes like Seven Sins?

[@barbarasalviano388]

I personally love the wordplay she has on this song, the 빛/bitch part, and also amazes me the part where she goes "I need to breath, no bra", referencing the incident from a couple years ago when she was spotted at the airport and wasn't wearing a bra and knetizens came for her and criticized her a lot for it (in many performances she also touches her breasts at this part and it's just ICONIC)

[@enjuhanz9638]

I'm so early hahaha. Support Hwasa!

[@laur.143]

i think when she says "my sins are beautiful" she might be referring to her flaws, since most of her music tells stories about her journey in a looks-oriented industry, and how she's had to overcome many criticism about the way she looks, so it's like: these grand offenses to people (her sins/flaws) are beautiful to me

[@janellohh]

this just came to me as I was watching your reaction but the traditional dance break might be emphasizing the lyrics "everything is predictable, it's worse than death". she'd rather do something unpredictable that's fully her, than what's expected if it doesn't personally resonate. it reminds me of when she was on Radio Star after her 2018 MAMA performance when they brought up the backlash she got over that red latex bodysuit. she said if she was made to do something ambiguously she'd rather not do it at all. I love the confidence of this dance break, much like one in Maria, but it's interesting to note that unlike Maria this one isn't even in the actual track. I fully believe she did it for the art. this was Hwasa being Hwasa and doing whatever the fuck she wants.

[@kimberly_neville]

Hwa Sa said during her Online Fan Greeting (that was totally worth the $10), she said in "I'm a B*tch" is like her saying, "excuse me, I'm a bitch", or "sorry if I'm a bitch", (but not really sorry at all), if someone thinks she is a bitch because she is a professional and is great at her job, or being so professional that she will keep working hard, and practicing, over and over. Also, in an article for kpopherald she said that she also calls herself bitch with friends all the time in a playful way. (Like a lot of women I know, I do). She said that she had lot struggles this year and she said that, "Unless I become a real bitch, I can't survive here." when she was on Jessi's Showterview. (link below) She also said on Blank Talk (link below) that she fought all the way to the end to try and keep it Bitch, but her CEO wouldn't let her keep it, so it was changed it to Bich. I think it's probably so she didn't have to have a +18 tag on her song title. Hwasa : I'm a B, Come See Hwasa, Unafraid to Say Anything! | BLANK TALK with Hwasa - kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5fco4pvj8qqqMk A witty interview with Mamamoo Hwasa and Jessi! 《Showterview with Jessi》 EP.77 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2qveWubnrd6qtE

[@mayaraalmeida3925]

Hwasa is perfect... QUEEN! 👑❤ Brazil loves this woman! ❤🇧🇷

[@sianerozaka3792]

The background music you added while talking is REALLY appreciated. Thank you so much.

[@phoebedarker]

Hwasa's lyrics always make me think, it's amazing how she manages that always with wordplay and hidden meanings Also the reason why the people who translate her songs, like me, feel like solving a puzzle as well; we try to make sense of her words and translating that meaning articulately to another language

[@dreamergirl173]

I was so hoping you would do this video! I’ve watched your reaction to “Maria” multiple times and was excited to see how you reacted to this. Thank you for doing it! I love lyric analysis like this

[@saur_sop99]

When I first read the title I just straight out read it as I'm a Bitch..the t in bit can be ch in korean if a vowel is connected based on my limited korean language knowledge

[@misanguyen2697]

I think maybe because the dance break is so unpredictable, it fits her message that life is boring when it’s predictable?

[@aamu3]

good point 🤔

[@jerico6851]

Hwasa is just killing it every comeback 👌 Can you also do a reaction and review on ATEEZ's Turbulence MV? I think you shouldn't miss it.

[@kh4ks927]

Hwasa said this MV is connected with Maria!!! Hwasa: "In Maria the video starts off by Maria dead in a bathtub, that's how Maria looks when she chose ''evil". In the ending scene members of MAMAMOO visit her house and the video ends, so in short, it has a happy ending. This time, it's about what happens to Maria when she chooses "Evil". In I'm a 빛 MV, Maria dies and she is poured out with the water that was in the bathtub, she has entered another realm, it's a realm of "What if Maria chose Evil"

[@vn4934]

In Maria ...she died in the bath tub ...but in i am a bit she shoose evil ...so she came out of the box and as she has choosen evil she calls her self a bitch ... In one of her recent interview Hwasa goes really Deep in explaining the meaning of I am bit and over all guilty pleasure... Hope you all find it ...

[@quimenga]

I just wanna shout out the komungo player (the traditional korean zither) is park da wool - he appeared on Superband 2, and is part of the band Kardi!!! Really awesome! heavy rock with komungo :))))

[@bluaaahhhh]

For me it wasn't that hard to process, first time I heard it I felt the symbolism of the struggles of not being the standard and being a public person, the limit that public eye can put into something that they are not familiar with, can be real burden, either you give a f* about it, or simply it eats you up. She gotta fight for her to be able to be authentic and accepted that way

[@patricialong1714]

This vid is a great explanation of the deeper meaning behind the song and video 😃👍🏾 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKSbenWIbsebfpY

[@poonamallikeerthi6196]

Everyone stream her mv and support her

[@davidsarabia304]

The dance break is perhaps because in Maria she used a Latin theme in the dance break and apparently she was criticized for doing it and accused of cultural appropriation, for me it is like a message to her haters

[@haymondongo]

Hi, I love you videos and I love to hear you discussing the impressions that artists leave on us. Regarding the dancebreak, i think is a subtle yet solid metaphor of Hwasa not denying tradition. It's an allegory of Hwasa exploring that tradition planted deep within her in order to give it a new meaning and a new form. The instrument is used to dance around it and break it in the end. Tradition is the foundation of Hwasa's creative drive but she slays it to become a freer Hwasa.

[@lari_mfreire]

The traditional part is a known ritme of traditional korean songs that represents war, battle, braveness. So she used that to make an statement. Even not agreeing with the traditional expectations she used a traditional song to represent her craziness while battling the kpop industry. The whole song talks about being crazy/being a b to survive in the industry.

[@akintayoeniolapraise7202]

She’s a QUEEN

[@fafvvrfe]

her thought process is deep

[@felizegberink7850]

Thank you!

[@blnuk]

like you said at the end, about "breaking tradition", a traditional instrument is literally broken at the end of the dance break

[@ED-jy1de]

For me, this could be one of the comeback songs of the year. Its different, its got style, its got a fresh style and take on the concept. Also as an aside, your reaction to comebacks is one of only a small handful I really look forward to now. Some of the "bigger" reactors have almost stopped but better, more knowledgeable and more detailed reactors have come to the fore - yourself, reacttothek, gzbkarma, deacs, dezzy - so keep going PD, your views, reactions and expertise are appreciated !

[@morganc5154]

I think these dance breaks where the sound is completely different is going to become her signature sound.

[@serendestiny7574]

I interpreted the traditional dance sequence as an out of the blue moment, something that's not predictable, which is what the song is about ;) I also thought maybe she wanted to show we can be transgressive and reject some social norms while still embracing her culture and the beauty in some of its traditions !

[@mariai.moradei9121]

Hwasa queem 👑❤

[@beepboop-m8]

The dance break is PERFECT there cause it directly opposes the latin dance break in maria...maria where she caters to other ppl’s expectations vs here where I think the dance break is supposed to show how unshakeable she is, how her identity will not change to please anyone anymore and I lobve it like fuck them up girly ❤

[@STAYCBias]

Nice !

[@theAllycat797]

I missed your mamamoo contentttt!!!!

[@armym.3600]

Here's my brief take on the traditional dance break part: First there's a woman solo dancing, well I don't know much info about this traditional type of dance and moves but as a viewer I see her struggling and trying to "break free" as the music is getting more intense.. Then hwasa appears and now she's in the center where the first dancer initially was and she's surrounded by people Now it seems like a dance fight but of course a symbolism of hwasa fighting for herself against society who's attacking her and trying to contain her.. Then suddenly when the music "hits peak" we see Hwasa in the center and all the "people" (dancers) back off and form a circle around her and sit down on the floor like ancient asian royalty would sit and bow their heads to her which implies that she won this battle and now they respect her.. Back to the first part of the woman dancing: If we want to stretch this analysis a little bit more we can say: this could also be a reference to other women who are struggling with society's stereotypes and here specifically with the korean culture standards of a woman and maybe - to be more specific - a female artist (and by artist I mean the word as it is which includes any form of art not just music and dance) Or maybe it's just a reference to Hwasa herself not anyone else If u made it this far & read the whole thing then thanks to u for ur interest, have a great day★

[@dumpling2975]

Finally ♡♡♡

[@elfhchan]

*The way I can interpret the traditional scene in this MV would be simply Hwasa taking some elements back from her ethnicity. She has been shunned for the way she looks and acts, mostly by the Korean public so while every other scene she's in, looks calm but slightly westernized, the traditional scene is the one that gives her her power. It provides a dark intermission where Hwasa sheds what others see as her skin to reveal what's underneath.* *This is where she lets her true self rise to the top, simply stating that even though she may take a lot of 'foreign' elements as her trademarks, the one trademark that makes her, her, is her heritage, her country, the traditions and the way she grew up to be powerful and unyielding!* I hope I am making sense, lol! Thank you for your reaction, as always it was a joy to watch!

[@JazzyPuppyB]

If i remember correctly didn't Maria also have a dance break thats music was very different? Maybe hwasa just really likes throwing in a different style. Just for choas or to keep people guessing whats next?

[@dinnie.cookie]

But in Maria the dance break part is included in the studio version while I'm a B isn't

[@a-8996]

omgg finallyy more mmmoo plz

[@hirohiwo]

for me, the traditional part sounds and looks like a war cry that signals she's decided to go all through the way and be that B.

[@sabrinakadirova7084]

Now I hope to see DPR on your channel again😂 they did really great job in their last albums. Hope to see your reaction and know your thoughts.

[@sabrinakadirova7084]

Thank you so much for your reaction. I have been waiting for that!😭 I love the way you interpreted the song and I also was confused by the traditional part of the mv. Other comments say that current perception on how women have to behave in society goes down to old traditions, and what Hwasa did is that she basically hitted those traditions with her own craziness and creativity without which she see no meaning in life. She kinda shows those traditions in the way that might seem sinful but also beautiful. Hope I could express my thoughts correctly😂 english is not my native language.

[@sabrinakadirova7084]

Also, the way she did it relates to her past scandal - she appeared in public without bra, and you can see in the traditional part of the mv that women dancers were only in bra, leaving the rest of the body naked.

[@sabrinakadirova7084]

After that scene, she mentions in lyrics that she wants to breath freely and it is kinda better to do without bra. Bra squeezes you and doesn't let to breath freely, exactly what society does to creative artists. Correct me, if I am wrong

[@cayslemon]

Juraba que decia "life is not so terrible", me acabo de dar cuenta que dice "now"

[@melissamaga]

i love evreything about it yes but GOD i just can't let go the fact the it could've easily be ''cause i'm a b'' instead of ''excuse you, im a b''

[@mylenehazel]

I kind of think that her saying “Tell me I’m crazy” - my sins are beautiful - might be because of people around her who lets her get away with things and maybe she wants to be freed from those ass kissers - which can pertain also to the line about gold diggers, that there might be a lot of people who tell her everything she does is fine.

[@katya.g524]

yes omg

[@MochiSims]

WE LOVE A BAD BITCH STAN HWASA pls ive been begging for days pls watch changer by ace 💀💕

[@roanjemimah2062]

loved this!!! still waiting for your reaction on watercolor by wheein :((

[@gonosoi]

So what i grasped from the interview and commentary from Hwasa, there's a side about the MV when it's a what if if Maria didn't have Mamamoo at the end of she didn't have Mamamoo then the other part of what she's feeling these days it's about her having to be a bitch to survive this music ambient or that other makes her a bitch so around the sense you where making, i always love your reaction 🥰

[@moonchaser_ae]

while she may be non-linear and a little confusing, i think it says a lot that a song is intriguing enough to warrant multiple playbacks to dissect the lyrics & visuals versus just vibing with the song (which you can do here, too, so this is just a masterful work imo)

[@sabrinakadirova7084]

Please, can you also react to other Hwasa's songs? I really would like to hear your opinion about them.

[@phiehub234]

im not a big fan of this song but the b sides are rlly good hope you'll check them out too

[@Cloudedx]

thank you for reacting to hwasa!! i love your videos and i'm a huge mamamoo fan so i appreciate it a lot! i also really love this video and it's very fun and interesting to see what other people think and interpret outside the fandom.. looking forward to moonbyul's next! (if it ends up being an mv)

[@rutuparnasonna7205]

❤️