Do You Know Me? (T-ara song)
| "Do You Know Me?" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by T-ara | ||||
| from the album Again 1977 | ||||
| Language | Korean | |||
| Released | December 4, 2013 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 3:42 | |||
| Label | Core Contents Media | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| T-ara singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| Do You Know Me? on YouTube | ||||
"Do You Know Me?" (Korean: 나 어떡해) (also translated as "What Should I Do?") is a single by South Korean girl group T-ara. Released on December 4, 2013, the track serves as the lead single for the group's reissue of their eighth extended play Again, retitled Again 1977.[1] The song is a modern remake of Sand Pebbles' 1977 single "What Should I Do?".
Background and release
[edit]On, Core Contents Media, announced that T-ara would release a bonus single to promote Again's re-issue, titled Again 1977. The song was confirmed to be a remake of Sand Pebbles' 1977 single "What Should I Do?". which had won the first MBC University Festival in 1977.[2] A ballad version of the song, titled "1977 I Don't Want To Remember", also included in the album. To bring T-ara's vision to life, the group worked with composers Shinsadong Tiger and Polar Bear.
Composition
[edit]Penned by Shinsadong Tiger, T-ara's long-time collaborator, and White Bear, "Do You Know Me" is a vibrant dance-pop track with a retro concept, blending pop and rock influences. The song opens with a playful narration—"Huh? Where have we seen each other?"—that sparks curiosity and sets the tone for the track's excitement. Its chorus and lyrics, paired with a dynamic composition of alternating singing and rapping, create a well-rounded and engaging listening experience.[3]
Creative direction
[edit]The concept of "Do You Know Me?" revolves around a retro, nostalgic theme that blends elements of 1970s pop with modern dance and musical styles sampling Sand Pebbles’ 1977 hit "What Should I Do?", T-ara reinterprets it with updated production and a fresh perspective.[4] At the single's release showcase, Soyeon, the group's main vocalist, explained during a press conference that the group aimed to preserve the essence of the original while infusing it with a modern feel, reflecting their vision of balancing nostalgia with innovation.[5] The choreography complements the retro-modern aesthetic with playful and theatrical movements, such as the "pistol dance" and "diamond step." According to Dong-a Newspaper, the signature moves are aimed to highlight the group's polished synchronization and inject a sense of fun and elegance into the performance.[6] On stage, T-ara added a Broadway-inspired flair with vintage-style outfits and musical-style choreography.[7]
Music videos
[edit]Background and release
[edit]On December 2, 2013, T-ara held a release event for Again 1977 at the MegaBox COEX branch, where they premiered the official music video for "Do You Know Me?".[8] The original singer, Yeo Byung-seop attended the premiere along with actor Son Ho-jun. It was directed by Hong Won-ki. The official music video was released on December 4, 2013. Running nearly seven minutes long, the video features the ballad version of the song, offering an emotional and cinematic presentation. A second version, showcasing the original upbeat rendition of the track, titled "Do You Know Me? (China Dance Ver)", was released on December 17, 2013. Both videos were filmed in China.[9]
Reception
[edit]Commercial performance
[edit]Upon its release, "Do You Know Me?" achieved strong positions on South Korean streaming platforms such as Bugs! and Soribada. The single peaked at number nineteen on Gaon weekly chart and reached the fifteenth spot on Billboard Korea Hot 100. By the end of December, the single had sold nearly 180,000 digital units.[10] Meanwhile, the ballad version of the song charted at number 176 on the Gaon chart.
Critical reception
[edit]"Do You Know Me?" received mixed reactions, with its nostalgic charm and modern reinterpretation sparking discussion. Critics were divided. While the Broadway-inspired performances of Do You Know Me? stood out, the track's retro feel—despite claims of modern sophistication—drew comparisons to T-ara's previous hits like Roly-Poly. Reporter Kim noted the similarities and his expectations of a riskier track from the group, as they usually do. Reporter Choi singled out tracks like It Hurts and Don't Get Married from the album which offered more of the group's their unique tones, but overall, the project felt rushed. Choi remarked that the album relied heavily on T-ara's established style, offering little novelty. While Do You Know Me? showcased T-ara's signature charm and stage presence, StarNMusic critics yearned for more risk-taking. Scores ranged from 55 to 70 out of 100, reflecting recognition of their effort while desiring greater freshness.[11][12]
In a more positive reaction, the original singer of What Should I Do?, Yeo Byung-seop of Sand Pebbles expressed admiration for T-ara's version. While he had reservations about other rearrangements of the song featured on programs like 'I Am a Singer', he praised T-ara's take as “really good” and predicted it would be a hit. He extended an invitation for the group to perform at the University Song Festival Forever concert.
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
Monthly charts[edit]
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Sales
[edit]| Country | Sales |
|---|---|
| South Korea (Gaon)[10] | 177,000 |
Release history
[edit]| Country | Date | Album | Distributing label | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | December 4, 2013 | Again 1977 | Core Contents Media | Digital download |
| Worldwide | ||||
| South Korea | December 14, 2013 | T-ara Winter | ||
| Worldwide |
References
[edit]- ^ "걸그룹 티아라, '나 어떡해' 공개" [Girl group T-ara releases 'What Should I Do']. 메트로신문. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ^ "T-ara crowned with pebbles". Korea JoongAng Daily. November 23, 2013. Archived from the original on February 11, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
- ^ "나 어떡해 / 티아라(T-ara)". 벅스! (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-12-23.
- ^ "티아라 나어떡해 뮤직비디오 공개…이번 컨셉은?" [T-ara's What Should I Do music video released... What is the concept this time?]. 한국경제 (in Korean). 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ^ 기자, 김문석 (2013-12-20). "[경향포토]티아라 '복고풍 나 어떡해'" [T-ara 'What Should I Do With Retro Style']. 경향신문 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ^ "티아라 '나 어떡해' 안무 포인트는 권총춤 "빵야 빵야~"" [T-ara's 'What Should I Do' Choreography Point is the Pistol Dance "Bang ya bang ya~"]. 동아일보 (in Korean). 2013-12-02. Retrieved 2024-12-24.
- ^ "'뮤직뱅크'티아라, '나 어떡해'로 복고 열풍 '후끈'" ['Music Bank' T-ara, 'What Should I Do', Retro Fever 'Hot']. Segye Newspaper.
- ^ Kim Dong-Joo. "T-ara make a comment about releasing their own version of 'What Should I Do'". StarN News. Archived from the original on February 11, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2015.
- ^ "티아라, 中서 촬영한 '나 어떡해' 뮤비 공개 '주요 관광지가 한눈에~" [T-ara, 'What Should I Do' music video filmed in China released 'Major tourist attractions at a glance~']. BNT International (in Korean).
- ^ a b "Circle Download Chart – December 2013" (in Korean). Circle Chart. Archived from the original on April 29, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
- ^ "티아라, 샌드페블즈 '나어떡해' 리메이크…여병섭 호평" [Tiara, Sand Pebbles' 'What Should I Do' Remake... Yeo Byung-seop's Praise].
- ^ 파이낸셜뉴스 (2013-12-06). "[스타엔 음감회] 티아라, 복고의 탈을 쓴 '어게인 1977'" [[Star N Music review] T-ara, 'Again 1977' in Retro attire]. 파이낸셜뉴스 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-12-24.