DODREE 'HAWWAH' (2026)

What is dodree HAWWAH?

HAWWAH (夏渦) is the third digital single by female duo dodree, released through various online music platforms on June 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. The single three-dimensionally explores universal emotions of choice and desire, depicting the organic flow from shyly budding affection to intense longing and poignant waiting. The release comprises three songs: the title track "HAWWAH," alongside pre-released tracks "Lilac" and "Four Seasons Romance".

The title track employs the metaphor of "summer whirlpool" to express the moment when hidden desires expand into longing, leading one to choose self-seduction. Musically, HAWWAH showcases dodree's signature K-rossover Pop genre, enhanced with dance elements while blending gayageum riffs and dreamy synth themes to create a captivating atmosphere. The instrumental features traditional percussion combined with electronic dance music elements as the track progresses.

Dodree consists of Na Young-joo, who majored in traditional Korean music, and Lee Song-hyun, who specialized in Korean dance. The duo has established a distinctive identity by merging modern sounds with Korean sensibilities, reinterpreting traditions through a contemporary lens rather than merely replicating them.

HAWWAH music video and concept

Visual themes and imagery

The promotional campaign for the music video incorporated a color countdown sequence across social media channels from June 18 to June 22, featuring the five traditional colors of Korea (obangsaek). The blue segment displayed a celadon vase with butterflies circling around it, while the red segment showcased a danggi (traditional hair ribbon) and norigae (decorative pendant). The yellow portion included a golden objet adorned with the duo's logo, and the white segment depicted a lotus leaf. The final black segment completed the traditional color palette on June 22.

The music video features iconic museum locations, including the Chamber of Reflection and a pavilion by a calm mirror, combining historical architecture with contemporary performance. Visual elements range from 2D jars highlighting artist KIM KYUNGHEE's style to 3D inlaid mother-of-pearl chests, reinterpreting Korean aesthetics through modern visual techniques.

Traditional and modern fusion

The concept merges traditional Korean elements with contemporary sensibilities rather than replicating historical practices. The instrumental composition blends traditional percussion with electronic dance music elements as the track progresses. This approach creates a visual and sonic landscape where classical museum aesthetics meet modern performance art, establishing an immersive experience that bridges historical and current artistic expressions.

HAWWAH reception and review

Critical reception highlighted the duo's distinctive approach to blending traditional Korean elements with contemporary K-pop. The Bias List rated the single 7.5 out of 10 with a Grade C, noting that while the instrumental successfully merged traditional percussion with electronic dance music, the track functioned better as a festival piece tied to visual performance rather than standalone listening. The review assigned individual scores of 7 for hooks, 8 for production, 8 for longevity, and 7 for bias.

Listener responses emphasized appreciation for the unique sonic palette. Multiple fans described the release as "beautiful" and praised the execution of the concept, with some noting all five songs in dodree's discography maintained consistent quality. One reviewer from Album of the Year expressed surprise at discovering the group, describing the concept and sound as "very interesting" for K-pop with strong vocals and production.

The agency articulated the artistic vision behind the single, stating that dodree aims to expand their musical world by reinterpreting traditions with contemporary sensibility rather than merely replicating them. Comparisons emerged linking the track's structure to established K-pop songs, with listeners detecting similarities to SNSD's "Run Devil Run" and Sunmi's "Tail" in the composition's offset rhythm patterns.