A good summer track is harder to come by than one might think. It’s got to have a certain musicality to it; poppy, playful and underscored by a swingy rhythm that catches on instantly. Oh, and don’t forget: it should have lyrics that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yet beyond the current throes of a Charli XCX-induced brat summer or the balmy ‘Espresso’ tune we’ve all come to know and love, there’s no denying that the K-pop industry has long been known to contribute its own fair share of summer tunes, complete with the honey-sweet visuals and captivating choreography that usually also comes with it. The latest bit of fun we’ve got on our hands? (G)I-DLE’s ‘Klaxon’.
Packaged in the girl group’s latest EP I Sway, the title track enters the fray as a feel-good summer anthem—the sort that has you swaying along to its chorus almost instantly. Whilst the summer dance hit that sings of being smitten and harbouring a new crush may seem an unlikely swerve for an octet who’s best known for their distinctively power-fem songs (think ‘Tomboy’ and ‘Lion’), the cheeky lyrics are still definitely still on-brand for (G)I-DLE. It’s still all about the females in charge, just in the romance department this time around.
As with every K-pop comeback—and even more so a summer one—the aesthetics of its music video companion were all set to astound and mesmerise. The biggest visual impact of this particular return? Soyeon’s tangerine-bright hair transformation that screams of summer. There’s also the intense blonde curls Minnie’s pulling off with ease, alongside Shuhua’s deeper crimson delivery. Sans all the delicious new hairdos, there is also no shortage of kaleidoscopic manicures and ecstatic streaks of colour adorning the peepers. Below, some of the most striking summer-approved beauty moments strewn through (G)I-DLE’s ‘Klaxon’ MV.
1 / 7
Y2K flair
Some nods to the aughts are certainly at work here. For her Y2K-inspired look, Minnie adopted a retro perm, one that was intensely heat-set and blown to evoke the airs of the season. Of course, accompanying this is a soft flush of corals that are tonally streaked through her mien.
2 / 7
Beachside babe
Shuhua has certainly got the beachside babe aesthetic down. Her luscious burgundy mane, deep mauve lip, and perfectly smoked out eyeshadow proves to be an irresistible combination.
3 / 7
Summer brights
All eyes are on Soyeon’s bright orange tresses, which conveys a Harley Quinn-esque feel thanks to the high pigtails. To complement her look, a glossy pout and coral-bleached brows.
4 / 7
Catty attitude
A cat-eye flick for Yuqi, since she’s definitely got the attitude to speak for it. Don’t forget that vermillion-washed manicure and scarlet lip too.
5 / 7
Marine splash
Miyeon’s serving up some soft girl edge with her hair pulled back in a chic updo. Meanwhile, an aquatic wash of glitter is applied to her peepers, matched to a similar contact lens shade.
6 / 7
Pastel party
This music video brims with manicures all worthy of envy, and this particular one worn on Shuhua is a definite standout. As if to exact the mood of summer, a colourful abstract of pastels are emblazoned all over her talons.
7 / 7
Sunburnt, but make it cute
The girls are going through every summer scenario possible, from the beach to a drive in the blazing desert. Minnie is cast a radiant glow during the latter; a gradient of orange on her peepers, sunburn-freckled blush and plum pout certainly speak for itself.
