[talk] The secret to Hani's 'Blue Coral Reef' craze revealed by CEO Min Hee-jin

The solo stage of member Hani (20) that was performed at New Jeans' first Tokyo Dome concert on the 26th and 27th is causing a huge stir in both Korea and Japan. It was met with rave reviews for her perfect performance of the famous song "Blue Coral (1980)" by the legendary Japanese Showa Era (1926-1989) female singer Seiko Matsuda. In this concert, which achieved the shortest period of time in K-pop history to enter Tokyo Dome, the members also received great responses from the local audience with solo stages where they covered other Japanese singers' hit songs, such as "Dancer (Minzy)" by Boundy and "Plastic Love (Hyein)" by Mariya Takeuchi. The songs were personally selected and directed by Min Hee-jin, the CEO of New Jeans' dedicated producer and agency Adore.

On the 2nd, CEO Min Hee-jin told our paper, “I did expect (this kind of response). But no matter how much I expected it, I was really surprised when even Matsuda Seiko’s (heyday) cheering came out at the scene.” Usually, CEOs of music agencies do not directly direct their agency’s singers’ solo concerts or fan meetings or decide on the detailed song selections. However, CEO Min said, “(For this Tokyo Dome) I was in charge of overall performance direction and planning, and the fan meeting I had in mind was something that could ‘actually’ satisfy the fans,” and “I wanted to plan the entire performance concept, including Producer 250’s DJ set and the harmony direction of the (live) band set, to feel like a festival that anyone, regardless of age or gender, could enjoy.”

The secret to the popularity of Hani's Blue Coral Reef stage, as personally chosen by CEO Min, was the "unexpected catharsis experienced by the audience." He said that he thought the solo stages of the members, including Hani, were "stages where we could fully demonstrate a different charm from before." "Since it was our first showcase-style fan meeting in Japan, I thought it needed to leave a clear impression. I really like surprise events. I thought it would be fun to create an atmosphere that you wouldn't see from other contemporary groups, and in that regard, the song that came to mind without hesitation was 'Matsuda Seiko's' Blue Coral Reef.' I expected that the catharsis of actually encountering an unexpected song on a big stage like Tokyo Dome would be tremendous."

Representative Min also said, “More than anything, I thought Hani’s image and the blue coral reef would go really well together. I also thought it would be a choice that would embrace both the new and old generations (in Japan) in terms of balance with the solo songs chosen by the other members.”

Even during the Tokyo Dome performance that our reporter attended in person, many in the audience responded, “The image of Hani and the Blue Coral Reef is surprisingly perfect.” There was also a lot of praise for Hani wearing a short-haired wig to recreate the stage style of Seiko Matsuda during her prime, and wearing an A-line skirt and a striped T-shirt reminiscent of beachwear. However, CEO Min said, “We didn’t focus on simply recreating it, but rather on reflecting Seiko Matsuda’s symbolic characteristics while reinterpreting it in a style that suits Hani.” CEO Min also said, “The reason we were able to get such a response was because of Hani’s overwhelming talent in performing the song.” In fact, “Blue Coral Reef” is considered one of the most difficult songs to sing along to even in Japan. It’s not a song that overwhelmingly requires high-pitched singing or a rich vocal range, but it’s essential to maintain the balance that subtly maintains the atmosphere of the song, which depicts Seiko Matsuda’s refreshing tone and refreshing and lively summer scenery. In fact, many Japanese idols have often received harsh criticism when they have tried to recklessly perform this song. This is why Japanese audiences have left comments such as “This is the best Matsuda Seiko cover I’ve ever seen” and “It’s not an easy song, but I was really surprised” on every video of Honey’s Tokyo Dome performance shared on social media.

The representative said, " I think the hot response was possible because Hani perfectly embodied the song, understood it, and digested it, " and "On the first day on the 26th, Hani had to run (while singing) due to the stage flow, and I was amazed when I saw the details." "I thought that they were born-from-within artists. In fact, all the members of New Jeans are really smart and talented. As a producer, I'm happy that we could actually showcase all the members' very special talents in front of an audience of 91,000 people, and I want to give endless praise and encouragement to our members who fully displayed their talents on the big stage."

Representative Min and the members of New Jeans are currently preparing a world tour that will expand the scope of their performances to countries other than Korea and Japan, aiming to hold the tour next year. Representative Min said, “I personally wanted to show everyone who was unable to come to the concert hall a fresh experience based on cultural respect for the countries where we are performing, and I am glad that it has come true.” He added, “We are also planning special stages that fit each country, city, and location for the world tour that we are preparing for next year, so please show lots of interest and support.”