REVIEW: STAYC Adopts New Style in Much Anticipated Comeback ‘RUN2U’

On February 21, STAYC dropped their newest EP, YOUNG-LUV.COM, which displays the group’s quick switch in concepts from the bright and bubbly schoolgirl to a chic and charismatic lover. They released a total of six songs ranging in genres and music styles to cater to the distinct music tastes of their fans, SWITHs. It includes the title track “RUN2U” and five other b-sides: “SAME SAME,” “247,” “YOUNG LUV,” “BUTTERFLY,” and “I WANT U BABY.” The comeback received unprecedented reactions from people everywhere, ranging from videos and comments on TikTok to reviews on YouTube. “RUN2U” is certainly a new look for the group, and it leaves much room for growth while also opening the door of possibilities for STAYC to explore concept-wise in future releases. 

Interestingly, STAYC posted much of their promotional material on the website www.young-luv.com. While most other groups release the teasers and concept photos on platforms such as Instagram and VLIVE, they took a less conventional approach. The group very much enjoyed the pre-promotional process as they stated, “It is not common to build a website under the same name, so we and the fans are both amused.” This unique decision also contributes to the techno-EDM concept that is portrayed through the EP’s title track. 

run2u by stayc (2022) pic.twitter.com/TxKjENeHBH

— ً (@kmvfilms) February 21, 2022

Black Eyed Pilseung, the duo, and creator of High Up Entertainment (that formed STAYC) was also the songwriter for STAYC’s past comebacks such as STEREOTYPE. This time, he was in charge of tackling the YOUNG-LUV.COM extended play. Those who preferred STAYC’s girl-crush debut were in luck as Pilseung took the girls down a similar route. While “ASAP” and “STEREOTYPE” diverted their musical style in a direction towards more bright sounds and major notes, “RUN2U” is dependent on its electronic baseline that drives the heart and soul of the track. The song starts off strong, with a fast-paced intro that sets up the tempo and mood for what’s to come. 

Although the producers omitted the group’s infamous “STAYC Girls, It’s Going Down” phrase in the title track (it appears in the b-side “SAME SAME,” however), J kicks off the first verse with her prominent vocals. The verse is confident, powerful, and leaves a resonating impact upon first listen. However, the song changes in speed throughout, especially during the pre-chorus, a section of the song that member Isa is well-known for. By abruptly cutting the groove that the first verse delivers, it creates room for an impactful drop. The whole song is dripping with addictive elements, which is what STAYC is well known for. Despite the group’s legacy beginning with a modern girl crush concept, “SO BAD,” it has established its identity as a bright, pop artist for the past two years due to their previous comebacks. Similar to how Pilseung switched up Twice’s group image with the more mature “FANCY,” it is clear that “RUN2U” is thriving to have the same impact. 

In STAYC’s press conference, the leader Sumin mentioned the pressure the girls felt to execute the concepts of “ASAP” and “STEREOTYPE” properly, especially since they are much more confident with genres like “SO BAD.” It was the perfect strategy to have fans understand the versatility of the group by releasing a variety of music styles, all of which they have been able to master thus far. “RUN2U” proved to the K-pop world the strength and relevancy of STAYC amidst a sea of fourth-generation groups struggling to have their time in the spotlight. The girls have shown time and time again that they can create both catchy and meaningful music, all that align with their main goal—to create songs that convey the voice of their generation through hardships and victories.  

Sieun takes over the beginning of the chorus in “RUN2U” with the single phrase “So I Run to You,” which expresses the main message of the track. The youngest member J explained how she hopes the song inspires people, “I hope we can inspire others that it’s OK to pursue dreams that you have since been young—you don’t need to give up those youthful desires,” which is perfectly shown through the content of their new comeback. She and Sumin sing in-depth about their struggles as adolescents by stating, “They pretend to be my friend, but they don’t get me” in that first verse. These seemingly mundane comments reflect the everyday difficulties of living amongst others who are also trying to discover their meaning and purpose. Furthermore, instead of seeing the meaning of “RUN2U” as a lover’s plea, it can also be an example of one chasing after their goals, disregarding whatever the people around you say. At the end of the day, they enforce that you [as the listener] will pursue that path no matter what, thereby successfully “running” to it. 

The group has addressed these issues in their other songs as well, one of the most prominent being “So What” in STAYDOM, which brings forth the idea of not always being content with oneself. SWITHs appreciate the group’s attention to realistic outlooks and feelings on life, which adds a sparkle to their music. 

Upon discussing the content of their other songs, the group revealed that each song is designed to depict a different love story. The fluctuations in tempo, style, and vocals that appear in their b-sides omit their own aura that exposes which aspect of love they are pinpointing. For example, “SAME SAME” is reminiscent of “ASAP,” in addition to their other peppy tracks. On the other hand, “YOUNG LUV” takes after a more R&B-inspired style that incorporates a lot of the electric guitar. Surprisingly, it stands out among the group’s whole discography and omits inspiring-yet-bittersweet emotions, which are also perfectly conveyed through the song’s lyrics. They address a more mature side to love as they sing, “It’s okay to not understand my complex attitude. It’s okay to leave, it doesn’t really matter,” continuing with, “With only scars left, I’m falling apart, fallin’.” 

STAYC delivers fans with a whirlwind of different emotions through their diverse EP, YOUNG-LUV.COM. Their strength as a group is centered around the overwhelming talents of each of the members (Sumin, Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon, and J), as well as the brilliancy of their producers, Black Eyed Pilseung among others. Though it may be easy to create a catchy tune, it requires hard work and confidence to reproduce the charisma and stage presence that they display at every performance. Continue to support the girls’ comeback by keeping up with their Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube updates.