tripleS 'Rising' (2023)

What is tripleS 'Rising'?

"Rising" is the lead single and title track from tripleS' debut mini-album ASSEMBLE, released on February 13, 2023, by Modhaus. The track served as the official debut song for the group's first 10-member sub-unit configuration, marking the introduction of six new members to the tripleS project while representing the first comeback for four existing members.

The song features members Kim Yoo-yeon, Jeong Hye-rin, Kim Na-kyoung, Gong Yu-bin, Yoon Seo-yeon, Lee Ji-woo, Kim Chae-yeon, Kim Soo-min, Kaede, and Seo Da-hyun. Specifically, the release marked the debuts of SeoYeon, JiWoo, ChaeYeon, SooMin, Kaede, and DaHyun, while serving as the first comeback for HyeRin, YooYeon, NaKyoung, and YuBin. The track was positioned as the third song on the ASSEMBLE mini-album, which also included six additional B-side tracks.

"Rising" was determined as the winner in the main title song tournament gravity, a fan voting system used by tripleS to select their promotional track. The mini-album debuted at number nine on South Korea's Circle Album Chart, while "Rising" as a single peaked at position 110 on the Korean charts.

The song addresses the concept of pursuing dreams during an era characterized by cynicism toward aspirations. The track emphasizes the value and wonder of pursuing goals with full dedication, positioning itself as a narrative about young people running toward their ambitions. Musically, "Rising" incorporates a rhythmic, groovy instrumental foundation with dance pop elements, featuring a subdued yet charming delivery from the members.

tripleS 'Rising' music video and concept

The storyline and lore

The visual narrative depicts the members documenting their daily experiences through vlogging, converging at a basement converted into a dance studio where they execute the choreography. The members subsequently envision themselves performing on stage and observe themselves from both in-person and online fan perspectives. The storyline addresses societal attitudes toward pursuing creative passions, presenting a scenario where the group receives support for their dance aspirations while simultaneously facing judgment from peers, such as other students at bus stops. The nighttime setting suggests parental restrictions that parallel the external skepticism they encounter. The visual employs a circular structure, opening and concluding with the members sleeping on a bus after their activities.

Member abilities and symbolism

The concept centers on invincibility, featuring eight members discovering diamonds and demonstrating supernatural capabilities. These individuals possessing special abilities are designated as s. Meditation sequences within the visual correspond to lyrical themes of confidence and the development of these powers. The superpower motif reinforces the narrative of resilience against societal limitations.

Visual elements and themes

The production incorporates multiple settings including the basement dance studio, bus interiors, and performance venues. The visual demonstrates interconnection among members through their shared aspirations, emphasizing collective pursuit despite external opposition.

tripleS 'Rising' lyrics and meaning

Main themes in the lyrics

The lyrics address societal hypocrisy toward individuals pursuing unconventional aspirations. The opening verse identifies insincere support, with lines acknowledging applause in public while recognizing underlying hypocrisy and jealousy-tinged concerns. The track rejects predetermined societal routes, emphasizing trust in personal ability through the rhythm of dance.

The recurring déjà vu motif represents the manifestation of dreams into reality, with hardships strengthening resolve. The pre-chorus and chorus emphasize rising despite obstacles, comparing personal growth to a flower blooming in wind and a pearl within its essence. The lyrics assert transformation through pain, with stronger adversity producing greater resilience. The phrase "I never let dream go" reinforces unwavering commitment to aspirations despite external judgment.

Verse two demonstrates confident progression toward goals, dismissing those who feign friendship while maintaining false reactions. The outro shifts to a position of leadership, instructing others to follow rather than seeking validation.

Connection to tripleS lore

Within the broader narrative framework, Yooyeon functions as the protagonist representing anxiety. The track's themes of self-judgment and fear of external perception align with her character arc across multiple releases including Generation and Girls Never Die. The lyrics reflect her internal struggle with harsh self-assessment and apprehension about revealing herself to unfamiliar audiences.

tripleS 'Rising' members and performance

The group premiered the track during a showcase on February 13, 2023, at Blue Square in Yongsan District, central Seoul, where the 10-member configuration presented their debut performance. The song received 57,000 votes from fans through the main title song tournament gravity system, securing its selection as the lead track. Following the debut, tripleS released three distinct choreography versions: the Street Dance Version on February 15, the Studio Dance Version on February 27, and the Stage Dance Version on March 13, 2023.

The vocal and rapping delivery demonstrated solid execution with a subdued yet charming quality. However, the choreography received mixed assessments, with observations noting potential for enhanced polish and improved synchronization between members during stage presentations. The performance style emphasized a cool and serious aesthetic, which some analyses suggested resulted in dance movements appearing less powerful than their potential execution. The abbreviated training period among members from diverse backgrounds contributed to coordination challenges, particularly given the 10-member group format.

Member ChaeYeon characterized the showcase as a meaningful and unforgettable moment following extended practice periods. The group continued performing the track through 2024, including an appearance at the Changwon K-POP World Festival.