[Review] Algorithm – CHUNG HA

During the week, CHUNG HA returned with a special digital single titled Algorithm. It was out of the blue and sudden, in that we only got five days notice of the single. This comeback comes five months after her grand return with EENIE MEENIE (ft. HONGJOONG of ATEEZ).

Just like how the release was unexpected, Algorithm is an unexpectedly fun and light-hearted dance track. I always wondered what her next release would sound like after she released the more hip-hop-driven EENIE MEENIE. I had no expectations, so I found Algorithm an unexpected pleasure. Algorithm leans more into the pop side of dance and fits right into CHUNG HA’s discography. This instrumental gives the track its ‘fun’ descriptor. But I don’t necessarily think Algorithm is title-track material, especially since I initially thought this was a commercial song. That is why the song is light-hearted to me, as it reminds me of past singles used to promote a product. CHUNG HA’s vocals, while really nice and pretty throughout Algorithm, also add to the lightness of the track. It also added a slight cuteness that bodes well. There isn’t anything wrong with being light. But each listen I have given the song since its release made me desire something to be added to the Algorithm to anchor the song and give it some weight so it isn’t just consistently light. A rap sequence, a heavy instrumental break where CHUNG HA and her dancers can show off their dance capabilities, or even an instrumental that goes harder could have been the answer to this. This isn’t a critique of Algorithm, as I gladly accepted and enjoyed the track. It is just something I thought could have boosted the song a little more.

The song likens the idea of falling in love with the algorithm associated with social media that gives you consistent content you like and want to see. CHUNG HA looks stunning as always in the video, and I like how the video touches on some viral trends, like the awkward dancing at the 1:04 mark of the video and the poses in everyday locations that gives off a magazine-esque vibe trend that follows soon after. Of course, CHUNG HA looks amazing despite the cringeiness these trends entail. The video also features fun cameos from GABEE (who appears as friend of CHUNG HA’s who ends up cursing at her), Hyo Kyum (a model who appears as the DJ) and Uhm Jung Hwa (a legendary KPOP artist known as Korea’s Madonna and famous actress who appeared as the titular character in k-drama Doctor Cha) and Bambi (who, according to the YouTube comments, is CHUNG HA’s dog).

The dance aspect of all of CHUNG HA’s comebacks is always the highlight of the comeback. While we haven’t seen a dance performance for Algorithm yet, what we see in the music video is fun and pretty. Nothing feels like a key move for this release, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great routine overall. I quite enjoyed the flow of it, and I liked how parts of the routine vibe with the music while other parts showcase sharp movements and formations.

Song – 8/10
Music Video – 8/10
Performance – 8/10
Overall Rating – 8/10