K-pop sensation AleXa has officially released her latest single, “ENEMY,” a hard-hitting track that delves deep into themes of betrayal, empowerment, and liberation. Marking her first K-pop release of the year, “ENEMY” is a poignant return to her roots, crafted as a powerful gift to her dedicated fan base before she shifts gears to her highly anticipated full English album, set to drop
in early 2025.
AleXa, originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the daughter of a Korean adoptee and a passionate dancer. Her journey kicked off with a win in Soompi’s “Rising Legends” competition, which got her a deal with ZB Label. She got more attention on Mnet’s “PRODUCE 48.” Her debut track, “Bomb,” dropped in October 2019 and quickly hit the Top 10 on Billboard’s “World Digital Song Sales Chart.” Elle spotlighted her as an artist breaking K-pop norms. In 2022, AleXa won NBC’s American Song Contest with “Wonderland,” which climbed to #38 on Billboard’s Pop Airplay Chart, making her the 6th most-played Korean artist on U.S. radio. She was the first female Korean act to present at the Billboard Music Awards. In 2024, AleXa made her debut at KCON in Los Angeles, and Forbes praised her English single “distraction” as a "rock banger." She made history as the first solo Korean artist at iHeart Radio's Jingle Ball, receiving kudos from Billboard, Grammy, People Magazine, MTV, and more.
“ENEMY” delves deeply into the intricate and often tumultuous journey of breaking free from a toxic relationship, a theme that resonates with many who have experienced similar struggles. AleXa, with her powerful and evocative lyrics, captures the multifaceted emotions that accompany such a difficult transition, revealing both the profound pain endured and the remarkable strength that emerges in the aftermath. Through striking lines like “Always be that bitch, and you’re just my Enemy,” AleXa’s character boldly confronts the individual who has inflicted emotional harm, unequivocally establishing them as an adversary in her narrative. This declaration serves not only as a moment of defiance but also as a crucial step in her healing process, marking a pivotal shift in her perception of the relationship. The refrain of the song reinforces her determination to view this former connection through a lens of clarity, recognizing it as nothing more than a painful chapter in her life, now firmly relegated to the past. This acknowledgment is not merely an act of dismissal; it is a powerful affirmation of her growth and resilience. Throughout the song, AleXa articulates a tumult of emotions—betrayal that cuts deep, exhaustion from the emotional toll, and a simmering resentment that lingers in the shadows of her memories. Yet, as the lyrics unfold, they reveal a profound transformation as she grapples with these feelings, ultimately reclaiming her strength and independence. The journey depicted in “ENEMY” is not linear; it is a raw and authentic exploration of the psychological landscape following a toxic relationship. AleXa’s ability to convey the intensity of her emotions allows listeners to connect with her experience on a personal level. Each verse serves as a testament to her resilience, illustrating the gradual but powerful emergence of self-empowerment. The song embodies a message of liberation, reminding us that while the scars of the past may linger, they do not define us. Instead, they can become a source of strength, propelling us toward a brighter, more empowered future.
In this powerful song, AleXa dives into self-liberation, sharing the journey from pain to healing. Lines like “니가 없어 편해졌어 숨을 쉬었어” (I became comfortable and could breathe without you) show off her new confidence and the relief of breaking free. This year's releases have highlighted AleXa’s growth as an artist and give a glimpse of what's in store for 2025. With "ENEMY," AleXa builds on the success of her previous English single, "Joy of Missing Out," which got a lot of praise. UPROXX praised her versatility, saying, “Nobody can question AleXa’s versatility. ‘Joy Of Missing Out,’ AleXa’s fourth English-language song of 2024, is a far cry from K-pop, but the Oklahoma native seems right at home in a pop-punk palette.” Teen Vogue shared the excitement, mentioning, “Part of her upcoming debut English album slated for later this year, 'Joy of Missing Out' is a Y2K-ish pop-rock anthem that turns FOMO on its head.” Rolling Stone also featured the track in their Songs You Need To Know This Week roundup.
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