K-Pop debuts can be tricky things. At times, they’re the best song a group delivers. Sometimes, they’re the only song a group delivers!

But, debuts can also be huge wtf moments in an artist’s career. In this feature, I’ll be looking back at debut songs through the prism of time, re-evaluating how well they hold up and how representative they are of an artist’s eventual singles run.

Debut Date: April 19, 2011

Review:

Apink have the distinction of being one of K-pop’s longest-running girl groups, active for over a decade now. They were reasonably popular right from the start, but not in a way that would infer the kind of longevity they’ve enjoyed. It wasn’t until 2013 that they really took off. But, debut single I Don’t Know (몰라요) quickly established their core sound and energy.

While it’s not my favorite Apink title track, I Don’t Know definitely gets its job done. The song exists in a girl group era that seems miles apart from K-pop’s current landscape. The emphasis here is on innocent energy, ornate production and melody melody melody. The instrumental hinges on its orchestral swell, no doubt influenced by the immense success IU had seen with a similar sound. Its strings are omnipresent, tugging at every moment in the track. This gives I Don’t Know a dramatic presence fit for stage musicals. It’s not particularly “cool,” but the unabashedly big production has stood the test of time.

The song’s melody follows this dramatic arc, building and building until we hit a vocal-heavy climax. I Don’t Know forgoes simple catchphrase hooks, opting for an ever-growing refrain that acts as a compelling through-line. This melodic structure is a great match for the orchestral production. Both share a sense of gradual movement. The chorus may not get you the first time around, but it’ll hit harder each time it sneaks up.

Does the song hold up?
Yes, even if this general sound is no longer trendy.

Is the song stronger or weaker than most of the artist’s title tracks?
I’d put it right in the middle of their discography. It’s a strong debut, but the girls would go on to deliver even stronger material.

Does the song represent the artist’s music going forward?
It represents their general vibe, but they’d soon move onto trendier pop sounds.

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