Korean pop star HYO, also known as Kim Hyoyeon of Girls’ Generation, released her latest single “Punk Right Now” on Tuesday (Nov. 13). Rather than leaning into the punk inspirations the title suggests, the single is a bombastic dance track built to get the energy rising, and was created with American DJ and producer 3LAU.
The addictive, frenzied song is full of beat drops and quirky instrumentals. “Punk Right Now” was released in two versions — one Korean and one English — each of which received their own music video.
The colorful music video for “Punk Right Now” is a celebration of HYO and her carefree nature. “I do as I’m pleasing,” she sings. “It’s easy as breathing.” Swathed in designer brands and backed by a crew of female dancers as they perform line dance-inspired choreography that would suit “Cotton-Eyed Joe,” HYO — who gained renown as Girls’ Generation’s main dancer — stares down the camera as she makes her intentions clear with a trilling declaration of “I am reckless” and chants of “I’m so punk right now!” during the chorus.
Trending on Billboard
“Punk Right Now” is HYO’s second single this year, following “Sober” with Ummet Ozcan, which was also released in alternate English-Korean versions.
After debuting as part of one of Korea’s most prominent pop acts Girls’ Generation in 2008, Hyoyeon rebranded earlier this year as DJ HYO and has been playing clubs and festivals along with releasing her two tracks. This year also saw HYO partake in a Girls’ Generation unit known as Oh!GG with the song “Lil’ Touch.”
Watch the music video for the English version of “Punk Right Now” here: