EXID hopes new album as successful as 'Up & Down'

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- EXID, whose single "Up & Down" belatedly grabbed the No. 1 spot in music charts in 2014, said Wednesday it hopes its latest studio album only goes up and up.

"At the time, we'd never imagined 'Up & Down' would become so successful," Junghwa, who is one-fifth of the girl group, said at a showcase event promoting the album "STREET" at a performance hall in Seoul. "We showcased 'Up & Down' for the first time at this venue, so we hope our album gets as much attention as the single did."

EXID had remained largely away from the public consciousness until a video clip of member Hani dancing to "Up & Down" went viral three months after the single's release. The act has since produced other hits, such as "Ah Yeah" and "HOT PINK."

The group has set the goal high for "STREET," its first full-length album since debuting in 2012.

"We're hoping at least half of the 13 tracks make it into the top 10," Junghwa said.

Member LE and popular songwriter Shinsadong Tiger produced the album whose "every single track is worth listening to," according to Junghwa.

"We keep telling ourselves that everything is OK as long as we are having fun, and we had fun making this album," member Hani said. "I hope many of you feel the same way listening to it."

The lead single "L.I.E." explores the many emotions a woman feels after she realizes she was lied to by her ex-partner.

"We used to give more emphasis on the chorus, but we decided to change things up a little and create a song that is more melody-heavy," LE said.

The album contains "Hello" and "3%," solo tracks by Hani and Solji, respectively, and a duet by Hyerin and Junghwa, "Nyamnyam Jjeopjjeop."

sojungpark@yna.co.kr
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