In today's K-pop world filled with easy-going, bubbly dance tracks by girl groups, Purple Kiss begs to differ, making “Headway” with a sound stronger, darker and heavier than ever.

The girl group will release its seventh EP, “Headway,” on Tuesday, six months after its previous album “BXX” was released in March — once again with its iconic modern-witch concept that it’s been pushing since its debut.


Lead track “On My Bike” boasts a powerful, deep-bass hip-hop vibe and tells listeners to pursue their own paths regardless of anyone else’s opinion. The bike is Purple Kiss’s modern take on a witch’s broomstick that people can ride to achieve their freedom and goals, according to the members.

“The lead track, ‘On My Bike,’ is about making our very own decision at the crossroads of yesterday’s regrets and tomorrow’s anticipations,” Ireh said at an interview with the Korea JoongAng Daily in eastern Seoul on Thursday, prior to the release of the new album.

“We were given almost 50 songs to choose from for this album,” Dosie said. “We listened to all of them but we came down to ‘On My Bike’ because we wanted to get across a mature witch vibe, and this song seemed perfect for it.”

Members actively took part in making the album, especially in writing the lyrics. Member Swan took part in “On My Bike” and “Light the way,” for which Yuki also took part. Member Goeun even wrote her own song, “Sweet Nightmare.”

“The thing about creativity is that the more you make something, the better the result,” Goeun said. “I can sometimes see myself struggle after I take some time off, but it feels more fun, the more I make something. I had such a good time making ‘Sweet Nightmare,’ and it’s always satisfying to see good results following hard work.”

Opting for a rougher sound at a time when casual laid-back vibes are the thing in K-pop was no easy decision for Purple Kiss, but one that they are glad to have made, according to the members.

“Of course, we had a lot of discussions on whether we were going the right way,” Swan said. “That’s why we went for a relatively softer sound with ‘BBB’ and ‘7Heaven’ [2023], but we ultimately decided that the best way to mark ourselves down in the public’s mind was to show our color as it is. The times have become more welcoming of our sounds, and so I think we made the right choice.”

Purple Kiss has been enjoying better reactions from overseas, likely due to tougher tastes from audiences, which the members said they felt during their “BXX” tour in the United States back in June. But the hope is to appeal to fans of all nationalities eventually.

“We really hope to influence more people with our music,” Chaein said. “But I also know that achieving a goal can actually help when working toward another one. So, my first goal is to do well enough to earn a trip to see the aurora. Then I want to stand there with the members and come up with the next step.”

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]