Antifragile is the second extended play by South Korean girl group Le Sserafim, released by Source Music on October 17, 2022. It contains five tracks, including the lead single of the same name. Antifragile marks their first release as a quintet, following the departure of Kim Ga-ram in July 2022.

Antifragile
Digital and "Vol.1 Midnight Onyx" version cover
EP by
ReleasedOctober 17, 2022 (2022-10-17)
Recorded2022
StudioHybe Studio (Yongsan, Seoul)[1]
Length13:26
LanguageKorean
Label
Producer
Le Sserafim chronology
Fearless
(2022)
Antifragile
(2022)
Unforgiven
(2023)
Singles from Antifragile
  1. "Antifragile"
    Released: October 17, 2022

The album debuted at number two on the Circle Album Chart and was certified million by the Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) for selling 1,000,000 units. In the United States, it debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200, becoming the group's first entry on the chart.

Background and release

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On September 1, it was revealed that Le Sserafim would be making their first comeback with new music in the fall.[3] Through a short video clip published on September 19, Le Sserafim announced the title and release date of their upcoming extended play (EP).[4] Source Music then shared the EP's physical release details on social media platforms.[5] Three sets of concept photos titled "Midnight Onyx", "Iridescent Opal" and "Frozen Aquamarine" were also revealed in the weeks leading up to the release of Antifragile.[6] The track samplers and track list were released on October 3 and 4, respectively.[7][8] The music video for the lead single was released prior to the EP.

Composition

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The EP contains five songs, including the lead single of the same name, "Antifragile".[8] Member Huh Yun-jin participated in the songwriting process of the third, fourth, and fifth tracks. In addition, member Sakura participated in writing and composing the fifth track.[9]

The record opens with "bass-heavy" intro, "The Hydra". The track references a "mythological creature", where each member speaks in their native language.[10] The second track, "Antifragile", is described as an "Afro-Latin style" pop song with a "heavy" Latin rhythm. The lyrics of the song convey the message that difficult times are stimulus for growth and that with this mindset, they will become stronger.[9] It is followed by "Impurities", which is described as a "sophisticated" R&B track. The fourth track, "No Celestial", is a punk-pop song, characterized with heavy guitar sound. The lyrics are "all about embracing their flaws". The closing track "Good Parts (When the Quality Is Bad but I Am)", is another R&B track, where the members sing about finding "true courage in embracing one's flaws".[10]

Awards and nominations

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Awards and nominations for Antifragile
Year Ceremony Award Result Ref.
2023 Circle Chart Music Awards New Artist of the Year – Physical Nominated [11]
Korean Music Awards Best K-pop Album Nominated [12]

Commercial performance and reception

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Following the commencement of pre-orders on September 19, the album sold more than 400,000 copies within a week.[13] As of October 6, Antifragile had sold 560,000 copies,[14] and as of October 14, it surpassed 600,000 copies.[15]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
IZM     [16]
NME     [17]
AllMusic     [18]

Promotion

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On the day Antifragile was released, Le Sserafim hosted a live showcase on Mnet to introduce the extended play and to communicate with their fans. "Antifragile", "Impurities", "No Celestial", and "Good Parts (When the Quality Is Bad but I Am)" were all performed at the showcase.[19]

Track listing

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All tracks except for track 5 (produced by Sir Nolan and Alex Bilowitz) are produced by 13 (Score, Megatone).

Track listing for Antifragile
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."The Hydra"
  • Score (13)
  • Megatone (13)
  • Hybe
1:44
2."Antifragile"
3:04
3."Impurities"
  • Score (13)
  • Megatone (13)
  • Jonna Hall
  • Danke (Lalala Studio)
  • "Hitman" Bang
  • Huh Yunjin
  • Daniel "Obi" Klein
  • Charli Taft
  • Kim Chae-ah
  • Maggie Szabo
  • Hayes Kramer
  • Blvsh
  • Jaro
  • Nikolay Mohr
  • Park Sang-yu
  • Cho Yoon-kyung
  • Lee Hyung Seok (PNP)
3:16
4."No Celestial"
  • Score (13)
  • Megatone (13)
  • Danke (Lalala Studio)
  • Cazzi Opeia
  • Ellen Berg
  • Kim In-hyung
  • Ronnie Icon
  • YoungChance
  • TK
  • Shorelle
  • Julia Bognar Finnseter
  • Nermin Harambašić
  • Poutyface
  • Park Sang-yu
  • Huh Yunjin
2:46
5."Good Parts (When the Quality Is Bad but I Am)"
2:36
Total length:13:26

Credits and personnel

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  • Score (13) – writing (all tracks), production (tracks 1–4)
  • Megatone (13) – writing (all tracks), production (tracks 1–4)
  • Alex Bilowitz – writing (track 5), production (track 5)
  • Sir Nolan – writing (track 5), production (track 5)
  • Blvsh – writing (track 3)
  • Cazzi Opeia – writing (track 4)
  • Charli Taft – writing (track 3)
  • Cha Yubin – writing (track 5)
  • Cho Yoon Kyung – writing (track 5)
  • Daniel "Obi" Klein – writing (track 3)
  • Danke – writing (tracks 2–5)
  • Ellen Berg – writing (track 4)
  • Hayes Kramer – writing (track 3)
  • "Hitman" Bang – writing (tracks 2, 3)
  • Huh Yun-jin – writing (tracks 3–5)
  • Hybe Labels – writing (track 1)
  • Isabella Lovestory – writing (track 2)
  • Jaro – writing (track 3)
  • Jenna Andrews – writing (track 5)
  • Jonna Hall – writing (track 3)
  • Julia Bognar Finnseter (track 4)
  • Kim Chae-ah – writing (track 3)
  • Kim In-hyung – writing (track 4)
  • Kyler Niko – writing (track 2)
  • Lee Hyung-seok – writing (track 3)
  • Maggie Szabo – writing (track 3)
  • Nathalie Boone – writing (track 2)
  • Nermin Harambašić – writing (track 4)
  • Nikolay Mohr – writing (track 3)
  • Park Sang-yu – writing (track 3)
  • Paulina Cerrilla – writing (track 2)
  • Poutyface – writing (track 4)
  • Ronnie Icon – writing (track 2)
  • Sakura Miyawaki – writing (track 5)
  • Salem Ilese – writing (track 5)
  • Shintaro Yasuda – writing (track 2)
  • Shorelle – writing (track 4)
  • Supreme Boi – writing (track 1)
  • TK - writing (track 4)
  • YoungChance – writing (track 4)
  • Kim Ha-nul – assistant direction
  • Jeong Ji-won – assistant direction
  • Nu Kiml – creative direction
  • Atu – direction
  • Gabriel Cho – visual creative
  • Moon Sung-woong – visual creative
  • Cho Yoon – visual creative
  • Kim Yu-joo – visual creative

Charts

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Sales and certifications

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Sales and certifications for Antifragile
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan 72,826[42]
South Korea (KMCA)[44] Million 1,081,332[43]

Release history

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Release history for Antifragile
Region Date Format Label
Various October 17, 2022
South Korea CD
Various October 21, 2022

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Make sure to read the credits on BTS's and LE SSERAFIM's albums". Weverse Magazine. July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  2. ^ "HITS TOP 50". Hits Daily Double. October 28, 2022. Archived from the original on October 29, 2022. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  3. ^ Chin, Carmen (September 1, 2022). "LE SSERAFIM confirmed to make first comeback with new music in the fall". NME. Archived from the original on September 1, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
  4. ^ LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌) DO YOU THINK IM FRAGILE? (Online video). South Korea: Hybe Labels. September 18, 2022. Archived from the original on September 18, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2022 – via YouTube.
  5. ^ Yeo, Gladys (September 26, 2022). "LE SSERAFIM unveil stylish 'ANTIFRAGILE' trailer and upcoming album opener 'The Hydra'". NME. Archived from the original on September 22, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
  6. ^ Jo, Yeon-kyung (October 2, 2022). "새로운 르세라핌 '안티프래자일' 세번째 콘셉트 '청춘 이미지'" [New Le Sserafim 'Antifragile' 3rd concept 'Youth Image'] (in Korean). JTBC. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2022 – via Naver.
  7. ^ Hong, Hye-min (October 3, 2022). ""폭풍이 두렵지 않아"...르세라핌, 베일 벗은 컴백 메시지" ["I'm not afraid of the storm"...Le Sserafim, a comeback message naked] (in Korean). Hankook Ilbo. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2022 – via Naver.
  8. ^ a b Seon, Mi-kyung (October 4, 2022). "르세라핌 'ANTIFRAGILE', 트랙리스트 공개…방시혁 필두 초호화 라인업" [Le Sserafim's 'ANTIFRAGILE', track list released... Super luxurious lineup led by Bang Si-hyuk] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2022 – via Naver.
  9. ^ a b Jinju, Hee (October 4, 2022). "르세라핌, 'ANTIFRAGILE' 트랙리스트 전격 공개" [Le Sserafim unveils tracklist for 'ANTIFRAGILE']. MK Sports (in Korean). Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Gladys Yeo (October 18, 2022). "LE SSERAFIM – 'ANTIFRAGILE' review: ascendant K-pop rookies regroup and find strength in vulnerability". NME. Archived from the original on October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  11. ^ "The Rookie of the Year". Circle Chart Music Awards. Archived from the original on January 18, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2023.
  12. ^ Hicap, Jonathan (9 February 2023). "K-pop group NewJeans bags most nominations at Korean Music Awards". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on February 10, 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  13. ^ Seon, Mi-kyung (September 27, 2022). "'컴백' 르세라핌, 예약 판매 7일만 40만 장 돌파..자체 최고" ['Comeback' Le Sserafim, sold 400,000 copies in just 7 days.. its best] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2022 – via Naver.
  14. ^ Seon, Mi-kyung (October 7, 2022). "컴백 앞둔 르세라핌, 새 음반 선주문량 56만장 돌파" ['Le Sserafim, ahead of comeback, surpasses 560,000 pre-orders for new album] (in Korean). News1. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved October 8, 2022 – via Naver.
  15. ^ Lee, Ha-na (October 16, 2022). "르세라핌, 신보 'ANTIFRAGILE' 선주문량 60만 장 돌파‥놀라운 성장세" [Le Sserafim, new album 'ANTIFRAGILE' surpassed 600,000 pre-orders. Amazing growth]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  16. ^ Baek Jong-kwon (December 2022). "Le Sserafim – Antifragile review". IZM. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
  17. ^ Yeo, Gladys (October 18, 2022). "Le Sserafim – 'Antifragile' review: ascendant K-pop rookies regroup and find strength in vulnerability". NME. Archived from the original on October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 18, 2022.
  18. ^ Yeung, Neil Z.. Antifragile at AllMusic. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  19. ^ Ahn, Jin-yong (October 5, 2022). "르세라핌, 17일 새 앨범 발매 → Mnet서 컴백쇼" [Le Sserafim, new album release on the 17th → Comeback show on Mnet] (in Korean). Munhwa Ilbo. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2022 – via Naver.
  20. ^ "Austriancharts.at – Le Sserafim – Antifragile" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
  21. ^ "Ultratop.be – Le Sserafim – Antifragile" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  22. ^ "Ultratop.be – Le Sserafim – Antifragile" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  23. ^ "Antifragile – Week 46, 2022" (in Croatian). HDU. 22 November 2022. Retrieved November 24, 2022.
  24. ^ "Lescharts.com – Le Sserafim – Antifragile". Hung Medien. Retrieved 31 October 2022.
  25. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Le Sserafim – Antifragile" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  26. ^ "Official IFPI Charts – Top-75 Albums Sales Chart (Combined) – Week: 02/2023" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Archived from the original on January 21, 2023. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  27. ^ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2023. 9. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  28. ^ "Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2022-10-31" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
  29. ^ "Oricon Top 50 Combined Albums: 2022-10-31" (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  30. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums – Week of October 26, 2022". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved October 26, 2022.
  31. ^ "Circle Album Chart – Week 43, 2022". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved October 27, 2022.
  32. ^ "Spanishcharts.com – Le Sserafim – Antifragile". Hung Medien. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
  33. ^ "Swisscharts.com – Le Sserafim – Antifragile". Hung Medien. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  34. ^ "Billboard 200: Week of November 5, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  35. ^ "World Albums: Week of November 5, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
  36. ^ "Oricon Top 50 Albums: 2022-10" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  37. ^ "Circle Album Chart – October 2022". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved November 10, 2022.
  38. ^ 年間 アルバムランキング 2022年度 [Annual Album Ranking 2022] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved December 21, 2022.
  39. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums Year-End 2022". Billboard Japan. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  40. ^ "Album Chart 2022". Circle Chart. Archived from the original on January 13, 2023. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  41. ^ "Album Chart 2023". Circle Chart. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  42. ^ Japan physical sales figures for Antifragile Japan digital sales figures for Antifragile
  43. ^ Accumulated sales for Antifragile:
  44. ^ "South Korean album certifications – Le Serrafim – Antifragile" (in Korean). Korea Music Content Association (KMCA). Retrieved November 9, 2023.