The Kulture Study: LIGHTSUM 'ALIVE' MV REACTION & REVIEW

[@rockthekazb0t]

Unlike some people out there, I actually liked both Vanilla and Vivace for different reasons but it definitely feels like they found a good sound with Alive! Imo, I feel like Alive was what Cube was trying for with Vanilla? But it ended up too sugary bubblegum for a lot people

[@chrislee3601]

Yea Vanilla was too jarring with its hybrid girl crush elements

[@kevinscheeseballhair9720]

Alive definitely reminds me of Vanilla but I prefer Alive

[@skylerk126]

with vanilla the concept wasn’t the problem just the song was bad

[@cheeseoh]

@@skylerk126 cap

[@noahtaeyong]

Totally

[@yerishin5882]

a lot of ppl hated Vivace cause it sounded like an IZ*ONE song but i personally loved it since i love IZ*ONE's discography and theres nothing rlly wrong abt it

[@shime1956]

@SubtoPolecat324 Kinda like how people are "hating" On Class:y's debut 'Shut Down' because it sounds like Loona's PTT but literally has the same producer.

[@vsim9192]

I will never understand the mindset of hating the group and artist for similiar songs when it's the producer/composer is the one who made the song

[@jans9054]

personally i liked vivace bcs it does sounds like izone, but the rap part was unnecessary and pretty random though... i just hope there wasnt any rap part in vivace 😭

[@HuginMunin]

Why hate it? The group disbanded. No one else can ever sound like that? What if you liked that sound and wanted more of it? I really can’t understand kpop fans sometimes.

[@phoenix1826]

Even as a WIZ*ONE, I really don't see how Vivace sounds like an IZ*ONE song lol. I just see Vivace as a LIGHTSUM song; nothing more, nothing less. 😅

[@jiasolia]

this song finally feels like THEM. i felt that their other CBS were empty and devoid of anything truly unique or endearing to them as a group but this is IT!

[@urieommarang]

Let's see what cube makes with it

[@faceyl]

The choreography was definitely a level up this comeback. They all did great!

[@oreos12345]

the thing is, it is impressive how when they make a comeback, they can still execute every concept so well as if it was their concept for years, and they are just rookies, they do have this unique way how all of they tracks were so unique that they all standout in some way

[@eldricke]

the producer for this song is galactika which produced for itzy during their rookie days (and loco). you can hear “action!” at the beginning of the song which is their signature thing, you can also hear it before ryujin’s errybody errybody errybody teaching me in wannabe lol

[@justadaileeething1694]

(this is going off of your second watch through in an attempt to help you out with names) 9:26 is Nayoung with the pink hair 9:34 next is Yujeong with the white beret (it's easy to find her because of her ears that stick straight out) 9:42 is Chowon (though you already seem to know her) 9:50 is Jian with the Blue hair. She's the maknae 10:19 is Hina with hime cut hairstyle 11:01 is Huiyeon with the brown hair 11:25 is Sangah with baseball cap and the blonde/silver/blue-ish hair. (not sure exactly what color it is but i digress) 11:34 is Juhyeon with the Black hair and bangs (she's also the one who tapped the mic just before this) hope this helped somewhat for both PD and anyone else trying to learn the members

[@pey9898]

Hi PD! Chowon, their main vocal is actually a part of the debut lineup of pd48 if it wasnt because of the rigging.

[@marcio05042]

Surely their best comeback, I'm not a fan but this got me really interested on them

[@dynamochi]

Vivace is still their best song for me

[@sanascheesekimbap]

I agree :)

[@nychous]

Their best b-side is Bye Bye Love for me 😭 I play that song nonstop off the mini album

[@gheann2081]

The brown-haired girl you called cool is Huiyeon! She’s a sub vocalist but imo she deserves to be in the dance line

[@zimzalabimdenickimenajzala2003]

He said that about yujeong

[@gheann2081]

@@zimzalabimdenickimenajzala2003 oh really? my bad, I thought he meant Huiyeon on her center part

[@izzyyjh]

@@zimzalabimdenickimenajzala2003 yujeong doesn't have brown hair this cb 💀

[@jessigato]

@@izzyyjh He was still asking about Yujeong though… the moment Yujeong popped on the screen, he asked who SHE was

[@izzyyjh]

@@jessigato that doesn't matter bc they specified they were talking abt the girl with dark brown hair?? 😭 use your brain i beg

[@melodyuniverse1382]

You are right PDnim she's Yujeong! The pale girl is Hina from Japan

[@kevinscheeseballhair9720]

Everything about this comeback is amazing; the song, choreo, bsides, and styling!! I really hope this could land Lightsum their first win because it’s too good to just pass by without a win!

[@haleighza]

PD…… The B side Bye Bye Love on this album is *immaculate*, you’re gonna love it, it really solidified my love for Lightsum!!!

[@ddzgdt]

PD already knowing Chowon and Juhyeon by name, saying Yujeong, Jian, and Sangah are cool, and liking Hina's eye smile...it's about time for them to stan! 😂

[@TheTaylorlover111]

Cube had the same issue of finding an solid identity for CLC for the longest time (example: pepe to hobgoblin to where are you) and I think it hurt them in the end. I really hope Cube doesn't make the same mistake with LIGHTSUM because they clearly have alot of potential! their debut and first comeback was pretty average to me in my opinion but ALIVE has such weki meki crush/picky picky vibes to me. Really good comeback and I hope cube keeps consistent with them :)

[@independanttrainee39]

I feel like Lightsum is gonna be like CLC 2.0…

[@urieommarang]

@@independanttrainee39 Yeah, I feel like Cube is bad if they need to take care of the music by themselves, besides 4minute. So far non of Lightsums songs really got me but the girls are amazing.

[@sarangfied]

well weki meki doesn’t make songs like that now this song reminds me of dazzle dazzle tho

[@musicalls4all]

Hi PD, Thanks for reacting to ALIVE. Glad you enjoyed it! The blonde hair girl IS indeed YUJEONG! And the grayish hair girl is Sangah, our rapper!

[@bruniferow]

their names with timestamps 😁 3:13 nayoung 3:21 yujeong 3:29 chowon 3:37 jian 3:45 hina 4:08 huiyeon 4:33 sangah 4:41 juhyeon

[@adri7476]

I’m in love with this song and I’m really hooked on each part of the song. This is a hit.

[@ot7biasedmashups]

I personally love Vanilla and didn’t mind Vivace. I felt like they developed a different sound with Vanilla but then didn’t follow up on it. HOWEVER Alive is totally the comeback I needed. I feel like even though the style is very different, it’s what Lightsum sounds like of your exclude Vivace. Vanilla and Alive feel like they go together and I hope that stays for Lightsum now.

[@derrickdavis5390]

Glad you liked it, any chance of a listening party? The mini album, as is typical of Cube artists, has great b-sides.

[@pentagonuniversecubeartistsfam]

YES, this 🔥💙

[@itzzlllill3512]

you're the first person i've seen ever react to lightsum and i'm in love with you now

[@capucines3352]

TBH, Alive sounds like it could be an ICHILLIN’ song. The average person might not make the connection because ICHILLIN’ is relatively unknown in comparison but as a casual fan of both girl groups I think it speaks volumes that despite the two ggs debuting around the same time ICHILLIN’ has already established a sound unique to them while Lightsum is having a bit of trouble finding theirs. I hope CUBE sorts it out soon because the girls are clearly talented.

[@faceyl]

Also the whole mini album is SOLID (Bye Bye Love is my favorite track)

[@cloudybrains]

If I had to guess, one problem I have with the MV is that it never really changes "texture" for dramatic effect, if that term even makes sense for video productyion. Like, it's a good music video throughout but there is never a moment where the cuts slow down or the color/lighting changes dramatically, like you find in a lot of music videos. It's like you took a chocolate chip cookie and blended it until the chocolate chips are completely mixed with the cookie, it still tastes good but you lose that contrasting flavour and texture.

[@Kewaaaaa]

The thing is that this feels like a debut, i love this song, but I got mixed feelings bout it since it feels like they’ve debuted like 3 times instead of having two comebacks

[@fl0pZ3]

that’s true, im still confused about their identity and it seemed like vanilla was cute and bubbly, vivace was similar to an iz*one concept, and alive is fresh and has the whole school aesthetic

[@lia_anh]

Right?? It feels as if they debuted three times already… I don’t really know why I have this impression. Personally I liked Vanilla and Vivace (had Vivace on my playlist for a long time) but it seems that Cube kinda tested the waters with this group, and didn’t give them a good song that made people interested enough in the group.

[@stefanoraz27]

THAT'S A GREAT THING FOR ME LMAO

[@stefanoraz27]

@@lia_anh they're going 4minute and CLC road again? 💀

[@yohanediamond4422]

I feel like cube is giving them diffrent concept and see which one fits them more for me its vivace for now that is

[@pjintoy]

i honestly thought Vivace set the bar too high, but they managed to top it off with Alive. Yes, the blonde hair was Yujeong, and the pale-gray hair was Sangah.

[@DioBrandoDaGOAT]

Yes, that blonde girl is Yujeong.

[@pakolee7602]

I hope Lightsum can stay away from dark concept as much as possible and become the brightest idol group one day

[@redcherry471]

yeah im tired with dark concept..and ameen to that

[@luvjenna1547]

Well their group name is called LIGHTSUM so maybe I think they wouldn't really do dark concepts.

[@kerronwalker1589]

I hope they follow the same path as Apink who is a former label mate group. Where they stay light and bubbly and then switch things up later in there careers. But knowing cubes track record there gonna fuck something up 🙄

[@ichiko3473]

I love how you're just so confused with what's bothering you but then you just really like it. HAHAHAHAH thanks for reacting to lightsum again

[@Rixboi_7]

Screentime of each members is fair. I also had high expectations from Lightsum since they are from Cube (masters of stage presence & how they look on camera). Alive did not disappoint. 10/10

[@NiclasKPop]

Both Vanilla and VIVACE were good, but nothing special, lacking identity and that pinch of excitement, ALIVE in my opinion does a much better job of capturing and delivering the energy of the girls, definitely their best release yet, wrapping up an enjoyable debut year!

[@ellohmia]

Think this is my fav song from them right now!!! ❤️❤️

[@YugoFandita]

Thanks so much PD, you've sharp analysis! 11:04 the girl is Huiyeon, she's a former ice skater ⛸️ Oh & also don't worry, the blonde one is Yujeong 😁

[@stephanievgr]

I REALLY LOVED THE SONG!!! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@zsalman38bssaddict3]

they sure have thier sound

[@Sariah_sis]

Hey I love your reactions and videos! Thanks for being my form of therapy

[@stefanoraz27]

this is my second favorite after Vanilla, I really like the EDM post-chorus Oh My Gosh thingy 😍 and I love the post-chorus on this one as well especially the one when Sangah is in the center at final chorus

[@samopaik8695]

Thought it was jarring at 1st but after repeated listening, I GET It. Other 2 songs their vocals were more distinguished but here they all sing the same style in the early Itzy style. Once I got over that I began to love the more equal line distribution and the song just slaps hard. Definitely their best comeback and video, that choreography don't disappoint, same combo of cute and Hard and the music track is brilliant. 10 out of 10. Lightsum rules.

[@pey9898]

Yap. The blonde one is Yujeong!

[@Ml20m01]

The song and dance it really perfect Lightsum fighting

[@Ml20m01]

Lightsum the best

[@zsalman38bssaddict3]

was waiting for ur review

[@ShanReads]

I absolutely love the song but in my opinion the problem w/ the MV isnt the school concept itself, it's that it doesnt fit the vibe of the song. I think an outside or party set would have been better. Their talking about love, a guy, what they like, etc so why set it in school? I think this group has so much potential and I hope CUBE doesn't screw them over by being inconsistent. It seems like they are finding their sound though

[@aprilinaugust99]

Vivace is still easily my favorite. I was a huge IZ*ONE fan and that song reminded me so much of them. I liked Alive, but part of me was hoping we would get something more like Vivace versus a sound similar to Vanilla.

[@fl0pZ3]

i loved vivace too but im happy about alive because people were getting mad that it was too similar too iz*one lol

[@evanbowden8346]

@@fl0pZ3 Hi Max! Haha! I totally agree with you! I kinda laugh that people had to compare Lightsum's first comeback to thee IZ*ONE in order to find something to nitpick. Like what a bar! Lightsum's first comeback against thee IZ*ONE powerhouse haha! Speaks volumes to how good Vivace really is if people are comparing it IZ*ONE! But also yeah, the parralells to Panorama specifically are totally all obviously there lol! Who's your favourite member of both groups!? If you can even choose they're all so good! Cheers!

[@amirulzarif3678]

the b side 'good news' is so goood bye bye love too

[@bluehawaii30]

I liked this a lot because the song (and its lousiness, kinda messy at times) reminds me of my favorite era of kpop. that phase when many groups released these funny hyper songs, with messy instrumentals shooting at every direction and really addictive hooks below the top tier vocals. (songs that come to my mind from that phase: DIA's Mr Potter, D.Holic's Murphy and Sally, CLC's Friend Lover Zone...)

[@dobbyyoung9529]

“alive” is such a good song!

[@teresasofiagonzalezmorales1854]

I feel like with this comeback they didn't disappoint and somehow it feels like a lightsum song, in the end i really liked it

[@joelanthonylim6792]

They also have an Mnet variety show Do You Lightsum that's available on KZbin if you want to check out their variety stuff!

[@cheonlaxy]

Thank you so much for giving Lightsum's new song and MV a review. I think what's lacking in Lightsum's MVs is like a storyline. It's like they just have a theme and they let the girls sing, dance, and act then that's it. I mean, that's what most groups do. But it wouldn't hurt if they give the viewers a chance to make like theories why this and that is happening in the video. It's like there's no audience interaction like that. At least, that's what I noticed, and also as a fan that's what I was trying to look for. It's a great thing that Lightsum is a bunch of amazing girls, the song is truly a bop, and the choreo is top tier so even if the MV doesn't make sense, it's still forgivable. :)

[@toripu]

yes please shower lightsum with more love

[@finnrogue9435]

the choreo is amazing

[@lovenafeeza9342]

PD's "ABSOLUTELY!!" took me out. I didn't expect it🤣🤣

[@mixxdinary]

this video made me so happy omg.. also the blonde girl is yujeong, the brown haired girl is huiyeon, the silver haired girl is sangah, and the one with the eye smile is hina!

[@karriehalo374]

Loved this comeback!

[@Ninesky1]

The cool one with the hat that you remember from VIVACE is Sangah, PD. I'm not a crazy huge fan of Lightsum music style but I follow their content just because of her pretty much, she's just INSANE.

[@kitsune958]

I love it so much 💖 I'm literally craving for every content they release, because these girls are just so precious and adorable. Can't wait to see them perform in 3 weeks at the 28th Dream Concert. I have had not the chance to see them in person yet, but like I said in the Mwave Meet & Greet in October last year, I hope that I will see them in the future. And the future is now, so I am an incredibly happy Sumit right now. Thank you very much for your reaction video 🌟 Your content is always so wonderful to watch and your calm nature makes me feel so relaxed from daily life 😊

[@thisisJUSTlikestonewall]

i actually loved vanilla a little bit more than vivace, it was super quirky and stood out to me from the rest. and i think alive is AMAZING, the only issue i think i have is it could have been more grand both sonically and visually. although colorful and in-your-face, it could've used at least one much larger set (they're all quite small? it makes me feel kinda claustrophobic) and a quirk to make it more memorable. and my critique of the song is that they couldve used more fun samples--the post-chorus definitely warranted something more explosive, i would’ve loved another crazy synth like in vanilla. but overall i think it's really solid!!

[@phoenix1826]

ALIVE is their best title track for me (and I know they only have three lol). It's fun, has the complementing choreography, it's an earworm!

[@arielleanngarcia8322]

They are definitely testing what concept fits them but I don’t think it’s too early to say that they are CLC 2.0 because they are 2 different talented groups. Both produced by the same company but we should not predict things for them. I would say that they weren’t the same as other 4th gen groups but their songs are unique in their own ways. So far, their discography are worth to listen. Even their B sides. So yeah, hoping for more success to these girls ☺️ BTW, thanks PD for this! As usual, I love how you talk and react to these rookie groups ☺️☺️☺️

[@saer0ms]

the girl you said you remembered from vivace, the rapper who you said was cool is sangah !!

[@SYEJ92]

the one you asked about first is Yujeong. she's very cute and talented

[@sanascheesekimbap]

The blonde girl was actually sangah

[@soojinsantos5528]

please don't attack me but i know lightsum can do this..... they need SEVERAL HIGH NOTES (yes i know not every song needed it) but they have nayoung and chowon!!! THIS GIRL'S CAN LITERALLY REACH INCREDIBLE HIGH NOTES,

[@YugoFandita]

I agree with this, one plus thing that maybe they should add in Alive

[@pt_asahi3822]

@@YugoFandita Agree with you, They should add the high notes in the last chorus

[@aswintobing]

where should the high notes be placed?

[@WonderfulBryce]

Vivace is still my favorite, but Alive is a really good song. i'll go check out the albums next.

[@kenz3607]

Its a really good song! But I agree that something was missing. IMO I think the dynamic/fluidity of the song was missing. I feel like they were missing a slow down/pause part. The song was at a constant linear hype from start to finish. That’s just me though. But its honestly their best title to date, the album is a no skip!

[@btobyejiapsa7]

I like this song…. It got that bubbly, edgy sound.

[@Typical.Chaeyoung]

I personally love Vanilla and Vivace a lot. I always find my way back to those songs. For me when I heard alive I just knewn it would be another hit for me. I love alive alot. I like how it fits the concept and the color choices that they picked for this era. So far every era match with the colors that they pick and I am hear for that. It reminds me of how Rocket Punch does their comeback which I really find fun. Overall, this comeback was another hit like I stated for me. I was dancing from start to end. The best part about this was that their b-sides again were great. Every song went right into my playlist. A+ for the girls again. I preorder both albums so I am looking forward to getting the album. 🫧🦋

[@angelysugar9997]

i wasn’t in love when the song came out, but now it has grown so hard on me! 😅💗 it has a touch of cute and a touch girlcrush. the dance is great, the styling is great and I love the music video! 🫶🏻

[@chiaravallini532]

I loved this song!!

[@fredoronce2508]

such a bop

[@atmosphericentry0]

Hands down my fav title track from them. Also side note, Nayoung is such an underrated kpop visual. I always knew she was stunning but she really captivated me this comeback.

[@Takran]

I love the song, very fun and catchy. I agree the MV is almost perfect, my only criticism is that I think maybe the lighting could have been more dynamic. It's pretty much the same soft, neutral white lighting throughout. But that is me being super nitpicky. It's a great package overall!

[@GinaGina999]

11:04 that’s huiyeon!!!

[@izzyyjh]

I GOT SO HAPPY WHEN I SAW THIS ON MY RECOMMENDED

[@caroguerra44]

For anyone wondering why this might sound like an (early) ITZY song: this song was written and produced by TEAM GALACTIKA, who is responsible for ITZY’s “Dalla Dalla” and “Wannabe” (more recently they also did “Loco”).

[@beepbeep4287]

THE B SIDES.. THEY REALLY GOOD! I SWEAR. I PREFER THEM OVER THE TITLE TRACK

[@ewfjow90uf27]

this comeback EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS-

[@xpolarisx]

Definitely their best single yet

[@darkimatcha]

"Is the blonde girl Yujeong?" Yes. Yes she is

[@nextlifetimebrendan3940]

Omg yes also wanted to see more choreo aka less cuts

[@preciouslynneth]

one thing that i noticed about cube groups' mvs are that they trying to hide the main higlight of the choreo which is not good for me.. coz showcasing the main highlight of the choreo really adds surprising factor to the mv and helps boost the mood of the viewers watching the MV.

[@formoftherapy]

I honestly thought i was being biased when I thought one of my problems was that they didn’t show off their cool choreo

[@isawonderday]

ON POINT

[@princessgrey2744]

The MV is well made, but I think maybe the school concept in this MV is too "classic" if that makes sense. I think they probably should use more dark/cool lighting effect during the "You got me feel alive-lie-lie-live" group choreo just like what they did in Vanilla MV to make it contrast with the bubbly school scenes, and then drop an even crazier ambience for the dance break (the "You got me goin' cray-" part). Anyway, thanks for always reacting to Lightsum MV!

[@itsj_pop]

the one you recognized from Vivace with the gray/blue is Sangah and she's my Chowon bias wrecker

[@alinsofan501]

11:50 that's sangah. the Light of Lightsum.

[@sanakgae78]

pd if you wanna get to know lightsum more they have a reality show called "do you lightsum" >

[@KateCasey18]

yes that is Yujeong brown hair - Huiyeon still fckn cool - Sangah she like smiles with her eyes - Hina

[@nextlifetimebrendan3940]

WE NEED TO ALL WATCH THEIR STAGES AND WHENEVER THEY POST DANCE PRACTICE !

[@Ken-zx4ui]

I felt like the music video was lacking a bit because the song felt more exciting to me. I think having more interesting camerawork in some parts would have helped maybe? I also feel like the song should have exploded a bit more at the end, same with the mv. But overall im obsessed with this song, im gonna listen to it on repeat.

[@Sk88p]

ow wow.. the instrumental and how the play with the production of this song. it's amazing. Don't know this group at all, but im loving this. The Onda (Everglow) look-a-like had my attention too. Loved the grey/silver hair on her.

[@chrislee3601]

Sangah is quickly climbing my bias list

[@sakuta_kun]

imo chowon's visuals, vocals and overall charisma suits concepts like 'rumor' more than alive or vanilla

[@hongsamwine]

I’ve always liked cube’s groups, and it’s definitely not because of the management. But they definitely are very capable at choosing talented trainees who are very easy to like. I hope lightsum will gain more popularity soon, it feels like they’re gradually slipping into nugudom and it’s just too much of a pity?

[@ishicake]

ALIVE is the best song of lightsum for me. It has this very distinct cube sound. And it shows in the vocal and rap style. It's just the music video that doesn't suit the vibe of the song. (They're still in uniforms omg😭) +galactika never fails!!

[@Genshinvn36]

From Việt Nam with love 💔

[@milkytiger87]

yujeong the one with the hat

[@_marissawu]

Not sure if you know, but Juhyeon was actually on the unit! And I think you reacted to the unit g mv (always) where juhyeon was in

[@EnervatedSociety]

Super cute/pretty girls in this group. Sangah (I looked her up) in particular is crazy pretty imo + I like her vibe/the way she moves. Can't say anything about her voice or other possible talents yet. As for the song, it's cute. I like some of the bass work, overall good production. Nothing blowing my mind in the vocals, but it all fits the song well. It's not a song I'd put on my playlist but I enjoyed it with the video. Most Kpop songs I've heard so far fall in this category for me anyways. Only two have made it on my playlist in fact. Dreamcatcher are the reigning queens of Kpop for me so far. The other group to make it on my playlist is Pixy.

[@nextlifetimebrendan3940]

Yesss the only thing i wish was different was maybe a longer pre chorus and a longer / more vocal and extravagant ending. I loved how vanilla had more breathing room but overall this song is much better