[Review] HOT – LE SSERAFIM

LE SSERAFIM ended the week with their latest release, HOT, the lead single of their 5th mini-album of the same name. HOT follows their 2024 releases EASY and CRAZY.

Many of my comments in EASY‘s review apply to HOT. The new song is way too consistent for my liking. This contributed to HOT being more like a blur and breezed past quickly. In addition to being too consistent, the blur and quick breeze can also be attributed to HOT‘s short length and lack of anything exciting in the song. The melodies and hooks (not sure if there is one in HOT) didn’t offer much, nor did the members’ vocal focus delivery. They sound quite pleasant and soothing throughout HOT, but the material just wasn’t compelling. When I really pay attention to the song, I liked the atmospheric charm of the instrumental and the song’s bass. But other than that, I don’t have much else to say about the song, aside from the fact it felt like a repeat of EASY from last year.

I don’t know what is happening in the video, but I think there is a darker horror vibe alongside the moments of heat. The imagery of someone melting matches the lyrics, and I assume this forms a storyline of some kind. I do want to know how this all connects with EASY and CRAZY, because apparently, the three releases are a trilogy. Anyhow, the music video does bring on the heat, and the members look stunning throughout the video. My favourite part is the monochrome filter, with the members dressed in chic and sleek outfits.

The choreography for this comeback is definitely the best aspect yet! There is a sexiness and elegance to the moves that LE SSERAFIM pull off really well. Their stage presence was also felt, despite not being expected alongside a song like HOT. I like that moonwalk-like move in the chorus, and the whole routine at the end where Kahuza is in the centre and the members do that spin.

Song – 6/10
Music Video – 7.5/10
Performance – 9/10
Overall Rating – 7.1/10