Song Review: Hoshi & Woozi (Seventeen) – 96ers

Given their large configuration, Seventeen has already spawned many solos and sub-units. Next up is Hoshi & Woozi: the performer and the songwriter… to boil it down to an overly simplistic description. They’re also the same age, which is where the title 96ers comes from, and will presumably need to start their military service soon. As a gift for fans, the idea of 96ers (동갑내기) is quite welcome. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.

Most of 96ers hinges on an interpolation of the children’s game “The rose of sharon has bloomed” (or “red light, green light” for westerners). Even before Squid Game brought this melody to the forefront once again, the tune had been used to death in K-pop. I can’t imagine sitting down to write a song in 2025 and thinking, “You know what would be a good idea? Using that melody everyone else has already beaten into the ground!” It’s quite an uninspired choice from a duo who are usually nothing but inspiration, and it makes for a cloying track overall.

As if the nursery rhyme melodicism isn’t enough to grind your gears, 96ers‘ production also seeks to poke and tease. The percussion has a squeaking repetition that feels more abrasive than musical, adding to the taunting nature of the track. This is no doubt intentional and from a purely objective perspective I guess you can call 96ers a success. I just can’t fathom wanting to listen to a song that seems intent on annoyance.

Grade: D