[TF Focus] Hanro-ro, The Approach

Hanroro released her new single 'Question Mark' on the 5th.Focusing on the contradictory emotions encountered in relationships.Hanroro released her new single 'Question Mark' on the 5th. She has sung about the anxieties, wounds, love, and solidarity of youth, and this time she focuses on the contradictory emotions encountered in relationships. /Authentic[THE FACT | Reporter Jeong Byung-geun] Hanroro's songs are remarkably full of questions. Why is the world so imperfect? Why do people hurt each other? Yet, why must we love? Hanroro does not offer easy answers. Instead, she unravels these questions in her own language. Her sincere lyrics touch someone's heart and offer comfort. This is how her music reaches listeners.Hanroro released her new single 'Question Mark' on the 5th. She has sung about the anxieties, wounds, love, and solidarity of youth, and this time she focuses on the contradictory emotions encountered in relationships. It's the kind of feeling where you can't easily let go of someone you hate, and despite hurting each other, you ultimately long for love. This feeling becomes clearer when viewed as an extension of her previous works.Hanroro debuted in March 2022 with the single 'Ipchun'. The song likens the feeling of waiting for spring after a cold winter to the anxieties and hopes of youth. Her lyrical melodies, her plain yet powerful voice, and her lyrics that add literary imagination to everyday emotions showcased Hanroro's identity as an artist.What is most impressive is her perspective on youth. Hanroro does not unconditionally package youth as a beautiful and brilliant period. She lays bare the anxious, precarious, and sometimes even shabby moments as they are. Yet, she doesn't dwell in despair but finds a small hope to move forward. That honesty has resonated deeply with those living through similar times.Her first mini-album in 2023, 'Ideal Flight', is a work that fully unfolds this musical world. Through six songs including 'Ideal Flight', 'Seaweed', 'Goldfish', and 'I Will Come to Love You', she depicted the lives of young people who, despite being hurt and shaken, hold onto their own ideals. In particular, 'I Will Come to Love You' conveys the determination to choose love again after passing through pain, regret, and forgiveness.The fact that this song received even greater love after a long time is significant. It is an achievement that demonstrates the power of music that has consistently built its own story rather than following trends.In 'Question Mark', Hanroro's perspective on love has become more complex and specific. While she previously spoke of the necessity of love to live with others, she now confronts moments of being hurt and feeling hatred towards the very person she should love. The photo is a single image. /AuthenticIn her second mini-album 'Home' in 2024, she broadened her scope. While the previous work delved into the ideals and inner world of youth, 'Home' turned its gaze to the reality we live in. She likened the world, crumbling due to violence and selfishness, to a single home and contemplated ways to survive within it. She sharply revealed the cruelty of reality while simultaneously rebuilding the world through love and solidarity.Musical changes were also prominent. Moving beyond the lyrical, guitar-centric sound, she actively incorporated heavy band sounds, rough textures, and dramatic developments. The juxtaposition of her delicate and subtle voice with powerful rock sounds expanded the emotional range. Nevertheless, people have always been at the center of Hanroro's music.Her third mini-album 'Grapefruit Apricot Club', released last year, further clarified Hanroro's direction. It is a work that connects the album with her self-penned novel of the same name, telling the story of four middle school girls with scars who find comfort and salvation through each other. Seven songs, including 'Escape', 'Running at a Different Speed', and '0+0', expanded the novel's narrative through music, delivering each emotion three-dimensionally.This is the moment when Hanroro began to be seen not just as a singer-songwriter with good lyrics, but as a creator who designs a world and realizes it through music and literature.The single 'Love-Hate', released in April this year, marked another turning point. Through the title track 'Game Over ?' and the B-side '1111', Hanroro explored the human emotions of constantly alternating love and hate. It's an attitude of not abandoning love in the end, by accepting even hatred rather than ignoring or denying it. 'You and I', released in July, also reflected on the meaning of being together today and of love.And the new song 'Question Mark' is an extension of that. Her perspective on love has become more complex and specific. While she previously spoke of the necessity of love to live with others, she now confronts moments of being hurt and feeling hatred towards the very person she should love. Hanroro asks what we should do when love and hate coexist.What further clarifies this is the synopsis written by Hanroro herself. The story, released on the 24th of last month, features two friends who met at a swimming academy in their childhood and nurtured dreams together. They drifted apart due to conflicts during their growth, and after an accidental reunion, they face entangled emotions of resentment and apology.Hanroro does not offer grand consolations or hasty promises of hope. Instead, she does not turn away from pain and anxiety, and shows through her music that she is experiencing the same emotions. /AuthenticThe music video, produced based on this, unfolds the cracks and changes in relationships within the lyrics through the story of specific characters.The visual expression has also become bolder. The dark makeup and rough hairstyles in the black and white concept photos contrast with her previous lyrical image. In the performance video, people who were fighting turn into children and embrace each other. By juxtaposing scenes of hatred and violence with moments of pure affection, the song's message is maximized.The change in image is not about shedding her identity, but rather a result of her message of love and solidarity, which she has consistently conveyed, deepening further. The narrative she has built up connects with the current story, delivering a more profound impact, which is the greatest strength of Hanroro's music.Her sincerity has led to tangible achievements. Hanroro was recognized for her musicality by winning 'Musician of the Year' in the general category at the 23rd Korean Music Awards this year. Last year, she performed as the opening act for the Korean concert of the world-renowned band Coldplay. This is the result of adding critical acclaim to the buzz built through chart comebacks and concerts.The change in concert scale is also noticeable. Hanroro, who held her first solo concert in March 2023 at the approximately 400-seat KT&G Sangsangmadang Hongdae Live Hall, expanded her stage from Nodeul Island Live House and YES24 Live Hall in 2024 to Hwajeong Gymnasium at Korea University last year. Approximately 9,000 spectators gathered over two days for last year's Hwajeong Gymnasium concert. This is a remarkable growth compared to her starting point.And on January 2nd and 3rd of next year, she will hold her fifth solo concert 'Question Mark' at the NAVER ARENA at INSPIRE in Yeongjongdo, Incheon. This will be her first time performing on an arena stage since her debut. This is the result of building relationships with fans through music and performances, without relying solely on special broadcast activities or temporary buzz.The reason Hanroro has captured the public's heart is not simply due to her beautiful lyrics or charming voice. She does not offer grand consolations or hasty promises of hope. Instead, she does not turn away from pain and anxiety, and shows through her music that she is experiencing the same emotions. That honest confession becomes a comfort to listeners, assuring them they are not alone.Hanroro's songs, which began in small live halls, now reach more and more people and echo in arenas.[Entertainment Department | ssent@tf.co.kr]kafka@tf.co.kr