Fifty Fifty: How TikTok's cupid helped K-pop girl group earn fame
Fifty Fifty, a girl group, catapulted to fame in recent weeks by achieving the record of being the fastest K-pop group to make an appearance on the Billboard Hot 100. The fun part is Fifty Fifty wasn't much popular in its home country but gained all the popularity in the US. Their synth-pop track titled 'Cupid' became an instant sensation across the globe following a TikTok video that went viral.
Fifty Fifty's single, 'Cupid,' gained traction on TikTok last month after a sped-up version of the track went viral. The song's popularity on the social media application has now translated into commercial success beyond TikTok, with the track even making its way onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
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Fifty Fifty members react to 'Cupid's success
Following the success of 'Cupid,' Fifty Fifty held a press conference in Seoul on April 14. The group performed the hit track and shared their thoughts on the experience of going viral.
Aran shared her surprise at the song's quick and intense success. She recounted waking up to Sio's message that they had made it to the Billboard chart, saying, "I knew people would one day recognize that it is a good song, but I didn’t expect it to come so quickly and so intensely," Aran told Pickcon. However, the group was somewhat prepared for success, as they had even recorded an English version of 'Cupid' from the beginning.
'That dream has come true'
Keena shared her excitement with Pickcon about fulfilling her dream of hearing her song playing while walking around her hometown. "That dream has come true, and then I realize that all of this is really happening,” she exclaimed. She also added that the press conference felt surreal to her.
During the press conference, Fifty Fifty noted that the overseas success of 'Cupid' has not necessarily translated into recognition in their home country of South Korea. Saena mentioned in the press conference with Pickcon, “I don’t feel as strong of a reaction in Korea yet, but we have been receiving love, and we will continue to grow."
'Cupid' on Billboard Hot 100: #60 (+25), 4 Weeks on @billboardcharts #FIFTYFIFTY #Cupid #TheBeginning #피프티피프티 #큐피드 #JourneyWith #HUNNIES #허니즈 #💯 #🍯 pic.twitter.com/3HJotv0hzH
— FIFTY FIFTY Official (@we_fiftyfifty) April 19, 2023
'Cupid' is a cheerful disco-pop track with a slower tempo that discusses a failed crush and the unpredictable nature of love. It stands out from many K-pop tracks as it has a melodious flow without relying heavily on beats or shouts. The 'Twin Ver.' English version of the song is a sped-up snippet and has become a beloved audio source for TikTok challenges, earning the title of the best pre-chorus of 2023.