For STAYC’s first-ever unit release, Seeun and J slow things down and take us to a cozy winter wonderland.
Related: For STAYC, Embracing Change And Growth Is A Natural Part Of Life
STAYC has been booked this 2024, but honestly, when aren’t they? Among other things, the K-pop girl group dropped their first studio album, Metamorphic, and charmed many fans with the banger that was GPT. But if that wasn’t enough, STAYC has one more surprise up their sleeve, and that is the drop of their first unit song.
Released last December 24, Over U, Goodbye was not only a surprise Christmas release for SWITH (STAYC’s fandom name), but it also marked the first time STAYC dropped new music as a unit, with members Seeun and J teaming up for the winter-coded song. Lowkey historic if you think about it, but one the duo made as their gift to fans before the end of the year.
A CHRISTMAS GIFT FROM STAYC TO YOU
K-pop groups have been known to drop little surprise gifts for fans over the holidays, such as song covers or new images. But STAYC decided to do one better by treating SWITHs to a unit release. “Please think of this as our Christmas gift to everyone who listens to our music and loves us,” Seeun excitedly shares in an interview with NYLON Manila.
Over U Goodbye sees Seeun and J trade the beats and bpms of Checky Icy Thang and GPT for beautiful guitar melodies. The sentimental folk ballad feels correct for this time of the year as it sees the two reflect on past mistakes and express anticipation for growth and the future. “Since it’s a Christmas song, I remember putting a lot of effort into capturing a warm feeling,” shares J. “I hope that listening to this song helps you spend the final moments of winter in 2024 warmly and happily!” It’s giving sentimental winter ballad, the kind you listen to while walking through the snow as you acknowledge those clumsy days in hope of a better tomorrow.
While this isn’t the first time Seeun and J have done unit songs (their LP, Metamorphic, features unit tracks with the song Find comprising the two and Sieun), the moment still felt exciting for the members with how they have another opportunity to flex their vocals. “We previously showcased a unit track in our first full album, Metamorphic, so it didn’t feel too unfamiliar to work on a song with just our voices,” explains Seeun. “But this is the first time we’ve released a song exclusively as a unit, so it felt fresh and exciting!”
More importantly, the duo sees the track as a treat for the fans. As Seeun puts it, “Since this is the first time J and I are releasing a song together, and it was planned as a surprise release, I felt really happy thinking about how our fans would enjoy this unexpected gift!” Over U, Goodbye made for the best kind of surprise gift for SWITHs and in line with the spirit of the season. But if you ask the STAYC members, they lean more on the practical side of things when it comes to their go-to Christmas gifts. “For me, it’s a scarf! Keeping your neck warm is key to staying warm overall,” reveals J.
It’s been a busy year for STAYC, so Over U, Goodbye served as a nice surprise to cap off the year. And already, the 4th gen girl group is gearing up for big projects in 2025, such as the release of a new album in February and the start of their second world tour in April. If you thought STAYC ate this year, wait for the New Year. As J happily teases, “We also have a concert coming up, and I’m already excited thinking about what kind of setlist will be included this time.”
Photos courtesy of High Up Entertainment
Continue Reading: It’s Golden Hour For ATEEZ, And They’re Making The Most Of All Of It Together
