OSEN DB.NiziU is officially back with their first South Korean mini album, ‘Sour Grapes’, marking their long-awaited return to the K-pop scene approximately 1 year and 6 months after their second single.
NiziU’s Fresh Take on Aesop’s Fable with ‘Sour Grapes’
The newly released first mini album features the title track ‘Sour Grapes’, which offers a fresh interpretation of Aesop’s classic fable ‘The Fox and the Grapes’. The song captures the bold attitude of diving headfirst into choices that others might hesitate to make. The album is rounded out by four diverse b-sides: ‘Petal’s Song’, ’emoji’, ‘Into The Dawn’, and ‘Lullaby’, presenting five musical fairy tales told through NiziU’s unique perspective.
This comeback follows an impressive year of achievements in Japan. NiziU dominated the Oricon charts with their second local EP, ‘GOOD GIRL BUT NOT FOR YOU’, and earned RIAJ Gold Disc certification with their first best-of album, ‘Portfolio’. Their global status was further solidified through a successful arena tour spanning 5 regions and 12 shows, followed by a second dome tour.
Exclusive Q&A: Thoughts on Returning to South Korea
To celebrate their comeback, NiziU sat down for an exclusive Q&A session discussing the preparation process, new challenges, and heartfelt messages for their global fandom, WithU.
Q1. It has been 1 year and 6 months since your March 2025 single ‘LOVE LINE’. How does it feel to make your Korean comeback?
Mako: “Thank you so much to the fans who waited for us for a long time. We couldn’t wait to see you again. Every time we make a comeback in South Korea, we create unforgettable memories. Through this promotional period, I want to try many new things with WithU that we haven’t done together yet.”
Maya: “We are so excited and happy! Korean promotions always offer new experiences and a chance to communicate closely with fans. We prepared hard, wondering how WithU would like it, and we hope you show us lots of love!”
Riku: “I am thrilled to meet our WithU cheering for us in South Korea again through various content and music broadcasts. We are so excited to return with the sweet and sour track ‘Sour Grapes’!”
Q2. Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories about preparing your first Korean mini album and the title track?
Ayaka: “The choreography for ‘Sour Grapes’ is a style NiziU has never tried before, so I had body aches all over during our first practices. There are so many key points in the dance, so I hope you watch closely!”
Mayuka: “During the jacket photoshoot, I was directed to look at the camera with an intense gaze, which was a fun way to show a new visual side. We also filmed the music video in Taipei, making it a memorable experience.”
Rima: “We prepared a title track with a completely new style and b-sides with different vibes. We paid special attention to making our movements big and powerful during the high-impact choreography.”
Q3. The title track reinterprets ‘The Fox and the Grapes’. What is a bold challenge you have taken recently or want to try?
Miihi: “I recently tried mango for the first time while in Taipei for the music video shoot! It was so delicious, and I’ve since tried dishes like mango bingsu. Small changes feel very refreshing to me.”
Nina: “Every Christmas, I cook with the members, and this year I want to try making ravioli for our Christmas party. It would make me so happy to see the members enjoying it.”
New Performances and Continuous Growth
Q4. What are the key killing parts to look out for in the new performance?
Mako: “The chorus features a gesture representing grapes with your hands as the core point. The repeated ‘Sour Grapes’ lyrics and catchy melody will stick in your head instantly!”
Maya: “Along with intensity, there are many detailed points, especially the hand gesture that looks like eating grapes during the chorus.”
Q5. How would you describe this year and your new album in one keyword?
Riku & Ayaka: “‘Challenge’. From composing our own dome tour setlist to taking on an intense concept for our Korean comeback, this entire year has been a continuous series of new challenges for NiziU.”
Q6. A final message for WithU?
The members expressed deep gratitude to WithU, promising to deliver joy, happiness, and unforgettable memories throughout the ‘Sour Grapes’ promotional period.
