SUNMI Oh Sorry Ya: Breaking Down The Song That Changed K-Pop

"Oh Sorry Ya" stands as Sunmi's first-ever English digital single, marking a significant milestone in the K-pop star's evolving career. Released on March 8, 2022, this distinctive track was created specifically for Spotify EQUAL, an initiative aimed at fostering equity for women in music and audio.

Additionally, the timing of this release carried special significance as it coincided with International Women's Day. The song showcases a heavy, rhythmic baseline paired with an appealing retro vibe that feels like a more danceable extension of "BORDERLINE" from her third mini-album. Notably, the sunmi oh sorry ya lyrics complement a mysterious sound that many reviewers felt would be perfectly suited as a superhero movie soundtrack. Co-produced by Sunmi herself alongside Los Angeles-based songwriting duo LYRE, the track represented an important moment for the artist. "It's an honour to be part of this meaningful project on behalf of artists from Asia," Sunmi stated about the collaboration.

The Story Behind 'Oh Sorry Ya'

Behind Sunmi's captivating single lies a groundbreaking partnership with Spotify's EQUAL initiative, a global program promoting gender equality in the audio industry. The collaboration emerged as part of Spotify's ongoing commitment to uplift female artists and creators across the globe, an effort formally launched in 2021.

How the Spotify EQUAL project shaped the release

The EQUAL X Spotify Singles project gave Sunmi a unique creative opportunity. Furthermore, this marked her second participation in the EQUAL initiative. What made "Oh Sorry Ya" truly revolutionary was its all-female production team - from writing and composing to producing, mixing, mastering, and even choreography. Sunmi herself acknowledged that "the process of finding all-female teams was difficult" but ultimately "everything else was very easy".

Why March 8 was a meaningful release date

"Oh Sorry Ya" dropped on March 8, 2022, at 2 PM KST - International Women's Day, a global celebration of women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. This timing was deliberate, enhancing the song's message about overcoming personal struggles and growth.

Sunmi's role as a representative of Asian artists

"It's an honour to be part of this meaningful project on behalf of artists from Asia," Sunmi stated. Indeed, her selection as the Asian representative for this global initiative highlighted her status as a successful female solo artist with a unique approach to K-pop.

Breaking Down the Lyrics and Meaning

The emotional depth of "Oh Sorry Ya" lies in its portrayal of internal conflict, presented as a conversation between two versions of Sunmi herself.

Exploring the emotional tone of the verses

The verses convey profound emotional turmoil with lines like "I blacked out" and "Feel dead inside out". This sense of disorientation is reinforced by confessions of feeling "dizzy" and going "up and down like crazy". Remarkably, despite these heavy themes, the song maintains a danceable retro-vibe.

The duality of old vs. new Sunmi

At its core, the track presents a dialogue between past and present selves. "New SUNMI is no longer sick because of Old SUNMI," the artist explained. Her vocals cleverly vary throughout the song, simulating this internal conversation. Essentially, this duality allows listeners to experience multiple facets of Sunmi simultaneously.

Key lines that define the message

The recurring "Oh, sorry, ya" refrain serves as both apology and declaration of independence. "Never knew that I'd feel sorry, yeah / You threw away the night we had" encapsulates the emotional journey from regret to empowerment.

How 'sunmi oh sorry ya lyrics' reflect personal growth

The lyrics demonstrate Sunmi's evolution toward resilience. "Everyone has their own painful memories and scars. However, through this song, I wanted to tell you that you've become much stronger". Above all, this track continues themes from "Borderline," transforming vulnerability into strength.

The Creative Team and Production Style

The production of "Oh Sorry Ya" marks a milestone in Sunmi's career as her first project created entirely by women.

Working with LYRE and all-female collaborators

For this groundbreaking track, Sunmi partnered with Los Angeles-based songwriting duo LYRE, known for composing ITZY's "마.피.아. In the morning". "The collaboration process with the female producer team LYRE was inspiring, and I am happy to present such a good result," Sunmi explained. Although the team never met in person, they worked harmoniously across continents. Finding an all-female production team proved challenging initially, yet once assembled, the creative process flowed smoothly.

Retro synths and dance-pop influences

Musically, "Oh Sorry Ya" features a heavy, rhythmic baseline wrapped in retro-inspired dance-pop. This sound naturally aligns with what many fans call "Sunmi-pop" - characterized by city-pop and retro disco elements. "When I make my own music, I get inspired from the old music that I've admired," Sunmi revealed, explaining why her compositions often feature "a strong retro mood".

Choreography by AURA and visual storytelling

AURA, an all-female dance team, crafted choreography that effectively translates the song's emotional narrative. The performance includes burlesque-inspired movements reminiscent of Sunmi's earlier work "Tail". These elements unfold against neon-lit backdrops that enhance the retro aesthetic while amplifying the song's underlying message of empowerment.

Why 'Oh Sorry Ya' Matters in K-Pop

"Oh Sorry Ya" transcends being just another K-pop release, instead establishing itself as a cultural milestone within the industry.

A shift in how female artists are represented

"Oh Sorry Ya" represents a paradigm shift in K-pop production, as everything—from writing and composing to producing, mixing, mastering, and choreography—was completed entirely by women. This deliberate choice challenged industry norms, consequently placing female creativity at the forefront rather than behind the scenes.

The song's place in Sunmi's discography

As Sunmi's first English digital single, the track holds a unique position in her catalog. The song serves as a thematic continuation of "Borderline," dealing with her personal story. Moreover, it perfectly exemplifies her signature "SUNMI-pop" characteristics with its danceable retro-vibe, solidifying her artistic identity while pushing into new territory.

Fan and critical reception

Critics praised "Oh Sorry Ya" as "extremely solid", with many noting it surpassed expectations for a platform-exclusive release. One reviewer remarked that it "works better for me than most of the recent full-fleshed comebacks", highlighting its mysterious quality that "sounds like it belongs to a superhero movie soundtrack".

How it compares to other Spotify Singles

Within the inaugural EQUALS x Spotify Singles project, Sunmi stood out as the representative for Asian artists. The project also featured artists like Ethel Cain and Mexican rock act Bruses, ultimately creating a global showcase of female musical talent across different genres and cultural backgrounds.