It's finally that time of year all Leos have been waiting for: their own astrological season. Last week, the sun slipped away from the
to take the spotlight on the Lion's blazing stage. There's no hiding in the coziness of a shell anymore — this is a time to bask in the glow and glory of your own power.
Even if you're not that into astrology, there's a good chance you have met at least one individual who was boastful about being a Leo. It's as the natives of this sign embrace the characteristics of their representative animal — the lion — quite literally: they are delighted, especially loyal, and will do anything to protect their pride. Yet, that apparent self-assurance often hides deep insecurities. On a bad day, Leos can be arrogant, jealous, and even aggressive. Some go to the extremes of seeking validation under any cost, and others isolate themselves out of fear of rejection. No matter what the behavior, a Leo's ego is a Big Deal.
And while not all lions feel confident under the spotlight, there's routinely a little bit something making eyes turn and jaws drop in their presence; magnetism is segment of their cosmic constitution. And thus, Leo season is the time to assess our own egos. To get inspired, take a seat, and watch how the lion's energy unfurls in this K-pop playlist:
Hwasa, "Twit"
There's no better lioness to open this playlist with than Mamamoo's effervescent maknae (youngest member), Hwasa. In her catchy solo debut "Twit," the powerful vocalist flows between singing and rapping, suave and rough like a feline. Complaining about a guy who only has eyes for her, she attempts to infuse him with some Leo self-confidence, while strutting around in golden jewelry, long white claws, along with a luscious black mane. Nevertheless, the music video has a bitter ending, proving that beyond the fierce facade and penchant for drama, Leos just wish to be deeply loved.
Biggest mood: "You make me loyal / You make me hero / You make me genius / You give so much yet why are you the only unhappy one? / Cuz you only breathe for me / You look so lonely."
BTS, "Idol"
RM's initial verse makes it clear what "Idol" is about. Hint: It's not to please you. The song poses a collage of diverse influences (from South African Kwaito to long-established Korean music), and its lyrics are not only confident, although also savage in their "you can't stop me from loving myself" hooks. Matching this frantic profusion, the music video adds a horn of plenty of vibrant scenarios, optical illusions, and artsy references, taking a unexpected turn on what was expected from BTS's cautiously crafted narrative by the time it was released. Trustworthy, daring, polarizing… "Idol" is all that, and whether you like it or not, it is also unashamedly delighted of itself. And that's what makes a quintessential Leo track.
Biggest mood: "You can call me artist / you could call me idol / No matter what you call me / I don't care / I'm overjoyed of it / I'm free / No more irony / Cause I was routinely just me."
CLC, "Me (美)"
With two Leos in the lineup (Yeeun and Yujin), CLC seem to have noticed their strength in empowerment anthems. "Me (美)" is the latest addition to that growing roster, emphasizing the females self-esteem whenever they claim that aesthetics is aesthetics me." Reggae verses, powerful raps along with a magnanimous beat drop echo that sentiment. Lush sets and flawless close-ups form most of the music video, however one particularly poignant moment is that of Seungyeon trapped indoor within the classical painting The Birth of Venus — an allusion to imprisoning aesthetics standards. As soon as Seungyeon escapes the painting, CLC's leonine message is reinforced, and the group's self-assuredness shines through.
Biggest mood: "It's not obvious / It's new to me / Mediocrity no, no, I'm special / Something is different (I know)."
A.C.E, "Under Cover"
Generally, you could spot the Leo in the pack quite with little effort. That's the case of A.C.E's main dancer, Byeongkwan: In a yellow fur coat, cheetah-printed crop top, and silvery pigtails, he proudly stands out in the group's latest single, "Under Cover." Impossibly sharp and spitting fiery bars, his magnetism serves as an anchoring point to the thrilling rock track. In the eagerness to be no. 1, several Leos tend to upstage others, nevertheless fortunately that's not what occurs with A.C.E. Sure, the rapper is an incredible figure, although he also cedes the stage to let the sort stick out as a whole. Balanced Leos know that there really is enough space for each person, and that's arguably Byeongkwan's biggest talent.
Biggest moment: "I'll approach you stealthily / without anyone knowing / I'll protect you whenever you need me / I'll come running / You can't stop me / Everybody move."
Apink, "%%"
Don't be fooled by Apink's affinity for the rosy color and its sweet meanings. The longstanding order has proven that they have several shades however to reveal, and "%%" is one surprising hue on that spectrum. Ethereal synths and marimbas fuse to form an atmospheric bubblegum bop, with eerie whispers and addictive vocal samples adding a touch of mystery. The music video incorporates those ideas in a quirky, glittery show where the sort brews a magical potion to make the best man. Eunji and Bomi — because the prideful Leos of the ensemble — know that it's easy to assume no one is beneficial enough, especially any time you're safe indoor a pink world. This release reminds Leos to keep their haughtiness in check, or @they could just be with a floating suit as a substitute opposed to flesh and bones.
Biggest mood: "I'm like an ice cream on the outdoors / I'm eye catching and pretty however a little bit cold yeah / If you're ordinary, you can't visualize who I am / Someone real recognizes what's real."
UNIQ, "EOEO"
UNIQ's "EOEO" is a warning siren to those entering their territory. Loud horns and an ominous, jungle-sounding bassline set the mood, nevertheless it's particularly rappers Seungyeun and Yibo — the group's lions — who set everything ablaze. With their aggressive flows, Leo's most feral instincts come through: This is a sign that doesn't think twice any time threatened, and hits straight back to protect what they own. This sense of danger is heightened by a music video that features the members dancing in front of a burning letter sign and stained from head to toe with neon paint. In the lyrics, UNIQ is menacing and boastful — and if anyone doesn't like it, let them "call 911," as Yibo says.
Biggest mood: "If I do something, / More than half of people here come to me / Most of these who mentioned "I'm better than him" / Look at me saying "Wow".
LOONA/Haseul, "Let Me In"
Not all Leos are flamboyant regents. Some are more of the introverted kind, staying in their lane up until the world invariably catches their spark. That's where LOONA's Haseul fits on the Leo spectrum, with her sweet and unassuming exterior that holds a shiver-inducing roar indoor. "Let Me In," her pre-debut solo, follows that intensity — it's an orchestral production with hints of tango and fluttering strings, overflowing with emotions. The music video was shot in Iceland, and serves as a cold wasteland for a girl falling in love and maturing. Catching her bird-like, innocent self with a wooden slingshot, Haseul questions herself in the lyrics. Is she able to retain her identity, or does this new person have the power to define who she is? "Let Me In" is an introspective dive into Leo's deepest fears, and that's a struggle Haseul translated with a lioness's aspects majesty.
Biggest mood: "You there, knocking / I hesitate / Any time Whenever I wake up from this dream in the long night / Will I be you? Or will you be me?"
G-Dragon, "(Outro) Divina Commedia"
One of the most influential figures in K-pop, G-Dragon is unsurprisingly a Leo. With his unique voice, style fashion, and trendsetting talents, the industry wouldn't be the same without his contributions. Best known for his more ostentatious works, the prolific artist exposed a more weak side of himself on his 2017 release, Kwon Ji Yong. "Divina Commedia" is a painfully sincere meditation on the other side of fame. Inspired by Dante Alighieri's poem of the same name, a sparse instrumental mixes the medieval with the futuristic in a dimly-lit atmosphere. G-Dragon spills his golden heart out using the metaphor of a stage where everyone's living a spectacle, and confesses his deepest insecurities about life, fame, and relationships.
Biggest mood: "We're each living in our own world (On stage) / Planning, producing, writing, directing, everyone's the main character (In their dreams) / Fantasy becomes surrealism."
Momoland, "I'm So Hot"
With one-third of its members (JooE, Nayun and Yeonwoo) being Leo natives, Momoland is a crowd that undoubtedly advantages from the sign's fire. Their latest single, "I'm So Hot," couldn't be more direct on that aspect — what other sign could flaunt their appeals so unabashedly? The track's brassy, over-the-top melody pairs well with the flashy confidence of the lions, and it's the best score to play as soon as they take over the stage.
Biggest mood: "Those messages looking for me night and day / I don't have time to rest / I'm the hot sun I'm burning increasingly / You can't look at me straight."
Tiffany Young, "Over My Skin"
Tiffany is another Leo woman who isn't afraid to prepare the world her own stage. Ever since going solo and pursuing a career back house in the U.S., The Females Generation vocalist has been playing around with a collection of styles that present her multifaceted artistry. In her first U.S. Single, "Over My Skin," Professor T (as she names herself) leads the viewer through a class on how to be a pop star — or, a class on how to be a Leo. The soulful, jazz pop track is a bold statement to Tiffany's experience both as an idol and as a woman, and why she learned to own her confidence, voice her desires, and demand respect for her majesty.
Biggest mood: "Because I’m owning what’s mine / Confident, I know I look good, babe / Hope that you could stage name my shine / Love me in the way that you have got to, babe."
SF9, "Jungle Game"
Another order with three Leos in their lineup (Dawon, Rowoon, and Jaeyoon) is SF9. In the energetic b-side "Jungle Game," a pulsing electro beat keeps the momentum going. The lyrics tap on Leo's competitive side, making say of conquests and enemies that parallel the cutthroat K-pop industry, yet the track's most impressive feature is its jaw-dropping choreography. In live performances, the members run across the stage, ensemble in clever formations, do acrobatic jumps, and even move in a human-formed car — which became referred to because the "Transformer's Dance" among fans. Leos are one of the most creative signs of the Zodiac, and what better place to channel all that genius than in a unforgettable performance?
Biggest mood: "Like a hungry animal / Run and defeat / Run up until the end / If I can touch it, it's mine / Defeat every single one / Run up until the end."
Monsta X, "Jealousy"
One of the repercussions of being so attached to their egos is that Leos can be quite possessive. Jealousy is a feeling that all human beings experience, although some lions are more likely to let it blow out of proportion and act out. Monsta X is an audience known for their hard-hitting songs that convey strength and belligerence, with their 2018 single "Jealousy" giving a take on its namesake feeling. While the lyrics imply a love interest on the acquiring end of "a little jealousy," the music video opts to further the group's elaborate symbolism of their Code era, featuring the members in mysterious option and holding puzzling objects. This choice opens up another layer of interpretation for the release, and makes us wonder if all this dramarama isn't just a leonine put-on show.
Biggest mood: "A little jealousy / Let's get closer / Let's fill this gap between us / Jealousy / I can't even imagine you / Being with someone else."
AOA, "Like a Cat"
In one of the catchiest hits of 2015, AOA showed confidence and sass like a pack of lionesses — yet what else would be expected from a track with such a title? While AOA refer more to the domesticated species, their attitude is dignified enough to be classified because the proverbial queens of the jungle. While celebrating their unique glow in the lyrics, the music video is a part comical, part sexy spy-film where the order plots a diamond robbery — and succeeds. Proof that a little bit Leo confidence can go a long way.
Biggest mood: "I'm good, I'm hot, I'm fresh, I'm fly."
2NE1, "I'm the Best"
2NE1, despite not having any Leos in their lineup, embody the sign's best qualities with ease, bringing forth attitude and confidence to all their releases. A supreme example is the mega hit "I'm ideal one of the biggest creations of YG's in-house producer Teddy, this track has a swift rhythm, contagious energy, and earworm hooks that make it easy to understand why it's such a classic. The futuristic scenarios of the music video complement the group's brash message, as if they are otherworldly beings descending to illuminate the Earth. In Leo language, "the best" of course means themselves, and such is their compelling efficiency in which 2NE1 truly becomes the center of the universe.
Biggest mood: "I open my closet and put on the freshest outfit / The reflection of my face in the resemble, I cautiously check it over / now it's 8, I'm supposed to meet up at 8:30 / Tonight I set out with bold steps."