SUNMI - NOIR Explained by a Korean

[@tala270]

I feel noir mv is what everyone with a social media does and the French meaning of noir is black.. you get swept into the darkness of social media..?

[@LittleThings98]

Meee MB yes noir = black, darkness, gloomy, sinister etc... I think you’re right

[@tala270]

effwutade yes especially at 1:18

[@bernadette33911]

And it's really cool that she hid all that behind all those candy colors!

[@muriel8110]

yes i think so too. and she was faking everything she post on social media

[@glittermarshmellowsdiy3685]

I think this is more than just social media Maybe this mv is about how people nowadays can do everything , be something they are not and harm themselves just to get attention ,as in the MV she tries to do bizzare things even after knowing that it can harm her just to get attention and as we can see in the mv whenever she clicks a picture she pretends to be happy and to smile which might depict that how she is being fake just to get attention and is living only through social media as it is only then when people are looking at her and that she is not living in reality and more like living somehere in her own fantasy like a movie. There is also a part in the mv where she eats the tomatoe and things like unfollow or hate are written on her outfit which might mean that she cares so much for attention that it doesn't matter even if it is through a negative way she will take the hate as long as she gets attention and the lyric we are in noir might mean that now people are so fake and care only for attention that they are all living in something dark as noir means black or dark. . (BTW pardon my poor english it is not my 1st language)

[@dogloverrenu]

"attention seekers" *cuts to danny*

[@NoorKhan-sx7jj]

I mean he did technically call him a K-pop star tho 😂😂

[@TwinkleTenshi]

I really lol'd at that 😂

[@marteenyo]

He really is one but it’s alright

[@btsedits8765]

I wheezed at that

[@TeeTop_]

That cracked me up so much!

[@lyannastarkweather]

I really found the final scene with the burning car to be particularly fascinating. Through most of the video, we see her "manufacturing" experiences for the sake of social media likes and attention. However, the last scene she's not staging anything, something bad just simply happens, but she automatically goes to post a photo anyway. I took that part to depict the ways that social media has reached the point where we immediately feel this need to share everything that happens to us, both good and bad. We must automatically tell people what happened as if we need evidence that it happened or validation of the experience. As if we've reached a point where if it's not on social media, it never happened. We've become programmed to overshare.

[@tzuyoda691]

Preach

[@jenalee1907]

👏🏾

[@222fairydust]

this.

[@iandelcastillo4403]

I remember just last month a man died in a motorbike accident here in our place, and there are people on Facebook who took a photo of the man (a close up bloody shot of his face) and I actually saw it because my mom showed it to me. IT'S SICK COZ I THINK THOSE KIND OF THING DOESN'T NEED TO BE SHARED. Those people who shared it even though they captioned it with sympathy seems like they're sharing it for attention like It has this impression of "look this person died and I have a proof, I feel bad for him". Leaving that place (Facebook) is the best thing that I did. It's getting sick and toxic day by day.

[@MomoIsMyHero]

oooh good comment! that totally just reminded me of when the youtuber David Dobrik got his hand severely cut open and was bleeding everywhere, but the first thing he said was "Get the camera!". And all his friends were filming it from different angles first and then worried about his well being after... I thought it was a little eerie.

[@lilyophelia7369]

I also felt that the scene where she pours water over herself represents two things. 1) that she feels like she is drowning in the "noir" or darkness of social media, and 2) it's also a potential reference to the ALS ice bucket challenge which a lot of people did for attention instead of to raise money for the ALS charity, which highlights how Sunmi and everyone else are disingenuous on social media, like her fake "travelling" images.

[@CCC9437]

lily kim thought that represented the asl challenge that was big two or three years ago

[@orekihontarou4653]

@the beginning of my euphoria I thought it was about sexualising yourself for social media!

[@Star-oi6pq]

Or maybe it could be in reference to how idols are meant to have nice bodies and such, once she poured the water over herself the camera panned over her body, nice body = attention right?

[@isaymamamoo9469]

Wow thanks for explaining!

[@Luna-xt2cx]

Yes I thought that too and this scene is also sexualized because I think she tries to get even more attention through showing of her body. She used the charity project just because it's a trend and to show off. It's basically just for her own porpuses instead of considering the true meaning behind the challenge

[@armystayengene3148]

I honestly love the way Sunmi keeps coming up with such great songs. Noir is masterpiece on its own, especially the video. The way she described the obsession some people have with social media, isn't that a reality? Some people really go to the extremes just to get more followers and likes, and to be honest social media is all about show off, hardly any people will be there who are showing there true personalities. Anyway I really commend Sunmi for not going for a normal common concept, loved the song and also the mv. Also very nice explanation David, love this series. 👏👏👏 ❤

[@thinkabout288]

well stated Sunmi is pointing out dangers that are hard for people to understand and accept

[@julianelemes4571]

I predicted Sunmi as Queen of solo kpop artists and she's owning the throne!

[@winddragonlundholm1792]

That's why we don't like Logan Poul kids.

[@thinkabout288]

@@winddragonlundholm1792 explain

[@sofiagonzaleziglesias119]

Yesss, like the tidepods trend or the kylie Jenner challenge? People would harm themselves for attention these days

[@sunrise420]

I think in the “I’m not with you anymore” and “feels like nobody else is here” parts she’s talking about losing herself but also referring to the rest of the people in the world too. She’s completely isolated, having her birthday alone and faking having someone with her on the mountain, focused on likes from real people but not actually knowing any of them. People do these things for attention and to feel like someone cares about them because of how many likes they get, but it’s never enough because you’re still ultimately alone and cutting yourself off from community and actual human interaction.

[@Jk-ey7mp]

She lost herself trying to be someone different living the life

[@elizabethtangora4353]

You nailed it. I found the “feels like nobody else is here” to be the most haunting part of the song and vid. Thousands of people are watching/liking her, but she feels completely alone.

[@jaiikoala]

Wait now that you brought up the birthday cake thing does anyone remember how that girl faked a whole situation saying how all her siblings never showed up to her grandfathers birthday and how like those types of posts are growing in numbers or When that girl was celebrating her birthday and she had helium filled birthday balloons behind her and she went to blow out her candles and the whole garage she was celebrating in caught fire because of the helium balloons and nobody helped her they just continued to record for the sake of the party.

[@yeaxjustsmile20]

Elizabeth Tangora also how everyone is always looking at their phones

[@whitneystne2706]

No offense but I see people saying “Do xxxx song explanation too” But not every song group or artist put out there has the message or deep meaning to it. Some are just simple and we can understand without them explaining!

[@Jk-ey7mp]

Yes sis

[@hanibeeez]

Some people depend on social media and zone out of the real world which is pretty scary

[@MoonMoonTM]

Umu Hani Yeah. They pretty much use social media in order to escape reality since you can create a sort of fantasy world online. Make people think you’re “living the dream” Someone can be a total loner and outcast in real life but could have this whole other identity online that’s popular and “loved”

[@eiiesig]

sunmi has quite a unique aspect to her music; you can somewhat automatically identify which artist sang this song because of its earthly beats. and i think it strengthens her authenticity and originality of this song's message of the devastating and attention-seeking social media world we thrive in. you can tell that its her song, her message-something not fabricated by the hands and mind of an irrelevant person, but a song created, sung, and influenced by herself and her musical team. i really admire the soulfulness in this song, probably one of the best songs i've heard so far this year

[@Yo_Vonny]

I also feel like the water bucket was meant to symbolize the ALS challenge and how it got turned into views and had completely flushed out the original purpose of the challenge, helping people. We're turning real problems into cute "aesthetics" and through that we've been completely desensitized to traumatic situations and pain, it's cool to suffer from mental illness so now everyone does and the people who are truly suffering are dying, they couldn't get help because depression is cute now. It's all about the views/likes in today's world, the internet has become so addicting to us that we're willing to go above and beyond dangerous to keep up with the Jones' disregarding all logic and sense of preservation and health. This world is pathetic Edit: Sunmi really did good on this one, the song is a dark bop and the video is cheerfully woeful.

[@leahtyrrell1434]

Makes me think of the tourist who died taking photos on the cliffs of Moher in Ireland people really do endanger themselves for good photos

[@user-qs6vr3vs9l]

I LOVE this 'explained by a korean' series! Sometimes looking at the lyrics alone can be deceiving (like this song) & translations don't always make perfect sense to me as an international fan, also not everyone can catch these hidden easter eggs in MVs to completely understand the meaning, like for Noir I knew what the general idea was about but I didn't notice so many hidden clues until you guys pointed it out. GREAT CONTENT DKDK 👏👏

[@eggymoon]

"Noir" is a french word who is the color black but if you had "le"(equivalent for the)before it, it's make "le noir" who can be compared to darkness/night, it can also mean that someone is confused and see nothing (la personne est dans le noir/the person is in the black). Also black is the abscence of color (Actually black is not even a color)

[@DKDKTV]

thank you, i left out the literal meaning of it in the video since sunmi wanted to not restrict in those terms, but nevertheless i think many viewers would not know the actual meaning behind it!

[@mariagalindez1224]

I spilled my cereal when you talked about attention seekers wearing idol stuff and Danny appeared on screen 😂😂 omg

[@TonyKimtheamusementparkfan]

This music video is one of her most thought-provoking yet, I would say, and this song along with the music video match really well, despite their contrast in lyrics and visuals in the video.

[@mine_e]

Also you can see her allergic heart shaped pimples because of addicted and consumed so much instagram like ♡

[@ligma6930]

I've actually experienced how scary social media can be. But not the noir of Putting yourself into danger to get attention but the noir of losing what you really have. Something I have actually gone through was that during a certain period of time, I found friends on social media and we became like an actual family. While doing this I totally forgot about my real life friends and lost connections with them. When I gave up on social media and returned back to my real life, I felt like I was ignored and had no friends. I had cut off with my social media friends to mend relationships with real life friends. It's really a noir.

[@ligma6930]

@LOLeveryDAY OMG that sucks, that time of the year is the worst time to lose yourself. You have gone through a lot and I hope that this time you'll get better marks and universities will be fighting to get you in XD. My alevels are in May month this year and fortunately I avoided social media and studied hard. Let's work hard together, hwaiting!

[@ligma6930]

@LOLeveryDAY Oh so you're already in the second year of uni! It's amazing how you got through all of that and came here. Hang in there, I'm sure there will be an end lol. And yes thanks, I hope to get good results too!

[@heartshacr8538]

this video gave me exactly what I wanted after watching the video. I was interested and I knew you would make a smart and well thought out video about the meaning. Thanks

[@SkyFudgey]

🐥 Lol David, you did Danny dirty with his cute & increasingly weird hats

[@julianelemes4571]

I NEEDED THIS SO BAD!!! Addicted to that song and the music video is a masterpiece!!! Thank you again, Danny and David ♥ What would we do without you? Songs and MVs need to be more appreciated by their messages! You're the only ones doing that out here!

[@bobbyblast1153]

Tbh Sunmi was the first (somewhat only) solo Korean artist that I actually really love. She is what would consider a true artist. She’s not afraid to go out of what is the “normal” especially from what I’ve seen in Korean groups and some singers. That’s what made me fall in love with her as an artist man.

[@Cloud-577]

This message and the mv is very memorable. I have only seen it once when it first came out not knowing it was sunmi (I already know and love sunmi but for some reasons I didn’t recognize her with the long hair). Yesterday out of the blue I remembered the mv. And I went on full mood trying to find the song title. I knew nth besides the events happened in the mv. And now I’m here. Sunmi noir left a huge impact on us and I hope it continues to do so.

[@zenymath]

I was waiting for this ;)

[@anipigs]

There's really an addictive tint to our phones and social media. It has to do with the reward system of the brain, every time you learn something new the brain releases hormones (dopamine) so even if it seems that is nothing important, each time you use your phone your brain rewards you. You can even develope anxiety from receiving notifications and not been able to respond right away or figure out what it is. It's really interesting, and that's why I set timers for my phone usage and apps. It looks like nothing, but it's really hard! I might go full detox this lent...

[@deadsoon]

It is dopamine.

[@anipigs]

@@deadsoon thanks, I just wanted to check if it was the only one.

[@toyang..]

setting a timer for my phone sounds like it could be pretty helpful... im really scared about how i could be addicted in social media without me being aware with it ;(

[@anipigs]

Really, I first set 1hr per app, annd I used it completely!!! That's terrible! Definitely too much time on my phone.

[@HmLys]

Ana Paula Guevara "develope anxiety from receiving notifications" What do you mean by that ?

[@macandcheese__]

sunmi is an example of how great and beneficial it is to allow our idols time to finish their studies. they come back embodying a deeper meaning and expressing it with their art successfully. 💖

[@vrindasuresh4784]

Thank you. Was waiting for this! Also love it when Danny's face is shown when u mention "attention-seekers" 😂

[@Helica123]

When you don't understand Korean so you understand the 'deeper' meaning first

[@marteenyo]

I love how she continued the themes of addiction and warning signs from her latest mini album. She’s telling us a story, and not one fabricated by her company, but one that comes from her own self.

[@heythere4526]

MY GOD I WAS WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO SO BAD thanks :))))

[@agirlnamedbrett.]

I love this ' series ' sooo much. never stop lol and maybe do some throwbacks. love your work. xoxo love from Maryland

[@bernadetania]

She's undoubtedly one of the kind♡ and TYSM for the explanation! You always help us to understand more than what it seems and you deliver the positive message clearly~

[@renaee_qt]

Sunmi is so iconic and I'm not being a cliche stan, She's truly magical to me

[@ioslugs]

*I think the song noir is potraying how society is today and how people will do crazy things for likes*

[@rin55]

I needed this so much ! Thanks for making a video on this mv and song! Sunmi is really growing her artistry every comeback. Really great mv and song.

[@mia6804]

just came back from sunmi's billboard interview too and now i can really tell how much sincerity she poured into noir its not just ANY single its literally her raw self in song(and mv) form

[@riekichicho]

This is why I love every Sunmi's song. It always has a deep meaning behind the lyric or the MV. Thank you DKDKTV for providing us this. Cheers.

[@shineonmay]

Thank you so much for this video! A lot of people didn't fully understand it and have been getting the meaning of Noir wrong (at least different from what she wanted to convey with this song/MV), so I'll be definitely sharing your video to spread awareness of it. You did an amazing job!

[@LilaBubble]

I'm loving these videos interpreting the MVs. Gives me a whole new appreciation for the artistic intention behind them. Could you make a video on the process of how you go about understanding and interpreting these videos? How much is research and how much your own interpretation? I'd love to learn more about understanding and interpreting art (e.g. MVs)! Also: that "black and white" killed me 😂😂

[@DKDKTV]

thats a good idea. maybe if theres more people interested, we'll do a video like that in the future!

[@LilaBubble]

@@DKDKTV Yess! Would be much appreciated! 😀

[@SivaSiva-oc3jf]

Thank u for ur amazing approaches and explanations. Everyone needs to see this. Now I'm a big Fan of Sunmi and U guys

[@NanaフランスFANTARO]

Thanks for always helping international fans to understand K-pop better, it's only been 3 years of learning Korean and I feel like your videos are helping a lot 😊 I was really surprised when I saw that Sunmi's new song's title is Noir as I'm one of her French fan, I was even more curious to discover the new song, my jaw dropped because the message of the song and mv reminds me my personal experience. Sunmi is a queen and I'm glad she found herself musically speaking, she's truly amazing 💗💗 In 10 years of listening to K-pop, I can say that you're one of the most useful channel for international K-pop fans, thank you for the quality content 💕

[@katiekawaii]

Sunmi ended up being one of the most interesting artists in music. A real-deal artist. So exciting to watch!

[@RMe0t7]

Absolutely love how sunmi highlights issues her songs are like a box of chocolates you keep wanting more and I love how DKDKTV deciphers the music

[@seppylovesflowers]

Sunmi is putting out such bops now that she's with her new company, I'm so happy!! Thanks as always for the explanation video. Your content is much appreciated.

[@mohammadmurtaza277]

I love how you ended the video with Sunmi's clip. You guys really put a lot of effort into this series and try to explain the most genuine and authentic interpretations of songs with the artist's intention in mind, and really show respect to their artistry and effort. I appreciate this Explained series A LOT, you guys are definitely in your element. DKDKTV will always have my support! :)

[@jkim9783]

Yasss, was waiting for your interpretation . . (/👁️___👁️) / ❤️ ❤️

[@chocosoy8692]

SUNMI is definitely worth to stan 💞

[@bluestation170]

thank you for the explanation. it makes me appreciate the song and the mv even more.

[@kossorihana]

Thank you! When I saw this video on your live, I knew it would be worthy of an Explained. Very good job to both you and Sunmi on your respective videos.

[@ChloeCanary]

Sunmi's MVs are always so brilliant and I love this channel for the analysis!

[@PurpleMoony]

I WAS WAITING FOR THIS VIDEO. Thank you

[@lararox-laursen5973]

Omg I was so hyped for this.

[@Keks8000]

Yessss! I waited for this! I love your vids very much! 😍✨

[@looyee27]

its probably too early but this is by far my most favourite music video of 2019. Its definitely not your usual kpop video.

[@pau4843]

I was waiting for this!! This is my favourite series on youtube. Thank you so much for making these videos!

[@karinamurphy6645]

Sunmi is so talented and I’m so happy she came back to the industry. She is really making her own stamp in this business and I appreciate artists who speak their mind through their music without trying to sensor so much. Reminds me of GaIn breaking boundaries or is it just me? Lol

[@vanphung1189]

I really appreciate the quality of your videos, they help us (non-Korean speakers) a lot to understand the message artists want to deliver.

[@chloeiversen3043]

I'm really glad you made this video. I understood the MV, I think most people did, but I was confused by the lyrics. They didn't seem to have anything to do with the message. But the idea that she's talking to herself is fascinating and really shows how much Sunmi has grown to becomes a true artist, she has quickly become one of my favourite idols

[@zes3763]

This is why I love sunmi every since gashina I have become a fan of hers and it seems like she outsells EVERYTIME with her concepts and music I just love it,, also I understood the meaning but you broke it down even more and went even deeper thank you sooo much I appreciate what you do

[@nanakola4274]

Thank you so much for the analysis I kind of already understood the song and video put together but this clearly defines it for me

[@shaunaesther5315]

Sunmi is such a great person. Her voice really captivates and helps the song but just her music videos the way she expresses of through seeing things and through words. It's amazing how she expressed the dangers of this era in such a way and that she even aknowledged it in the first place. Sunmi is amazing ❣️

[@ashitathakur384]

1:18 I thought she's saying 'Feels no body is sincere'. That goes very well with the rest of her MV and message.

[@aestheticcat8976]

Came here after the LALALAY explanation, these are so well explained and I love it. ❤️

[@k-chill8428]

Another interesting commentary about social media after Dean's Instagram (and admittedly, I only know this because of your video about that song too...)

[@feiflyawayy]

Those noir films you put in give me chills!

[@filipefealves]

I’m in awe at the quality of this channel’s content. Please never let this MV explained series die

[@ty_sylicus]

Just feel in love with this song and MV tonight. First thing I did was share to social media followed by comic here to see if your channel did an Explained video. 😅

[@toyang..]

YAAAAS THANK YOU i've been waiting for this since the mv was released!

[@mysticcocoa8886]

Yess been waiting for this from i saw your tweet. Noir is a masterpiece!

[@DonKJB]

Feel like this channel is re-educating me a WHOLE LOT.

[@vivlodia]

I immediately thought of your channel when I was watching the MV! Thanks for making this!

[@TheAspiringDreamer]

Tbh as much as I love this channels videos & explanations this was maybe one of the view videos I don't think even needed one. The themes and commentary she was showcasing were so expertly crafted by Sunmi herself the language barrier did nothing to hinder it. That's how fantastic an artist she is. I think if you missed the themes or the story she told you weren't really paying attention to begin with or maybe it's even scary that you can't recognize the signs of truly destructive behavior all for what? some social media validations. Anyway that said, great video as always

[@spikeyconstantine]

Like always Sunmi always delivered. Hats off to her and her team for always thinking of something outside the box which we can also relate to it in our daily lives. The message behind this MV is loud and clear- addressing the stigma of social media addiction on how we often lie to show how happy we are in other's eyes when sometimes we just aren't.

[@Meryem_HM]

You're genuis .. making it easier for us to understand the true story of every MV, keep going

[@animegirl2245]

I liked your perspective on her video. Thanks so much for everything you guys do! Much love from USA ❤❤❤❤

[@nidhuaferdous2943]

Been waiting for this explanation all day!!! Thanks!! I LOVE THIS SERIES!❤❤❤

[@mine_e]

That's the video i am waiting. Thank you so much 💕

[@maryhodge3163]

Between this and Dean's Instagram you could teach a master class on the effect of social media in modern society and how it influences the people who use it. I also love this song. Sunmi is really fantastic at taking her music/art beyond the superficial.

[@GabiChevalier]

for me the vid also serve as a critic of the music Industry/show business , and how people are kind obsess with visuals and reputation, and how so much shit are happening but people are more attached to the virtual world. we kind of anesthetized and sinking into relationships mediated by perfect images and "perfect people". the music ( for me) talks a lot with Instagram from Dean (sorry for my poor english)

[@zoe-nt9bc]

what i love is that i got an idea of what the song and music video is about even though i barely speak korean. you know the director did a good job if that happens. but this helped me understand it even more. thank you

[@espourtoe]

oh this video has been so helpful!! thank you for breaking it down. it makes me love the song and sunmi even more. (:

[@THK304]

Basically just sunmi cause she a lyrical genius with beauty

[@joyceannnicolas9881]

I’ve been waiting for this before the mv even came out aaaaa!

[@misha745]

I love the whole concept of the song combined with the video. It really makes you think. Thanks for breaking it down.

[@blahblah4990]

I was waiting for you to make an "Explained" video for this song. Thanks for your interpretation!😘💕

[@whatsup968]

Thank you! Also Sunmi is such a smart and talented person! I love her :)

[@gizemsrkive]

I love this freaking channel Thank you for the explanation 💜

[@delilah9185]

the message from the mv is quite explicit and although i managed to understand perfectly, i knew that still had something deeper so i came here. God, i love this series, even if its easy to understand the song there are still many things you miss, thanks so much. btw, i stan only bts, but sunmi is doing something to me, i really appreciate her music and lowkey im stanning

[@thebryan105]

I love Sunmi :3 ♡ as well thank you David for sharing all this explanations :3

[@HlheIIo]

YO! IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!! Thank youuu 😘

[@n2k1official]

Good job DKDKTV. Keep going

[@halaa7119]

When noir came out and when I watched the M/V, I was like DKDKTV HAVE TO EXPLAIN DIS FOR ME! Thank you!

[@xvanna_ro]

I respect sunmi as and artist and love her so much but this just puts her way up there. I'm glad that her mv means something.

[@nadajaja1804]

I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!!!!!!!!

[@vjoon_74]

I love how you explain it in a short and simple way

[@elijah0z109]

Sunmi is such a Legendary Kpop Idol who's always showing the rare side of kpop. I mean most of TRENDING kpop is always been catchy songs, aegyo vocal & significant? dance moves but Lee Sunmi, she always shows the rare side. The lyrics are like just a break up song or about relationships but if you take a deeper look, it's more. I don't care about bop songs or whatever, I care more about the message💭

[@juhi4564]

another insightful Explained video! thank you DKDKTV 💜

[@Gabriel-qw4og]

masking song lyrics by putting on that love song facade is something reaaaaaaaally common in kpop, stellar used to do it all the time. They sounded like love songs but were so much deeper than that

[@dabyduran9039]

I was waiting for this!! Thank you so much 💜

[@motahareyaftiyan453]

Ive been following kpop since 2009 and ..I think kpop songs these days have deeper and more sophisticated meanings .that makes me really proud to choose to listen to them

[@aysenurg5609]

I think the reason of her crying insta live and the photo of the pills is this song. It makes sense now. In her twitter she wrote people do it for attention "and so do i". I like her style since her going solo when she was in jyp. She is not the best vocalist imo but her aura, her art and her stage presence at her live performances are so great. May she make her music for many years to come with appreciation from the public. Good luck with your world tour Sunmi.