2025 sure is full of surprises. LE SSERAFIM is not a group I talk about much on ATK. Not for any other reason other than that I haven’t been super crazy about most of their previous releases. And no one wants to read a middle of the road review. “Impurities” is still my favorite song of theirs. Although the more I listen to HOT, I’ll likely have another contender for fave LE SSERAFIM song.
The visuals for LE SSERAFIM’s releases are always stunning, but something’s in the air with HOT. As a Kpoppie, I know LE SSERAFIM has had nothing but nonsense since their debut and numerous cards against them, but alas they rise.
I’ve just been waiting for the album to really convince me to be on a LE SSERAFIM train. I’ve been a casual fan of Sakura before the group’s debut when she was with IZ*ONE. So I was always going to check out whatever group she was ultimately going to be in. But yeah, other than “Impurities”, I really like the remix of “Eve, Pysche & the Bluebeard’s wife” with Rina Sawayama.
Because I’ve been so unimpressed with LE SSSERAFIM, kinda like with IVE (don’t jump me), I got to a point where I was like, “eh, maybe they’re just not for me”. So I almost didn’t bother with HOT. But something told me to give it a shot, and I love it. So let’s get into it!
“Born Fire” is an intro song, like how ENHYPEN has those speaking intros with amazing instrumentals in the background and spoken in multiple languages. Very cool, but nothing I’m coming back to.
“HOT” is where the magic happens. I do like the transition from the intro to “HOT” on the album. We have a sick bass-line, and it’s my favorite part of the song. It’s soooo smooth. The harmonies are perfect.
The styling and choreo is great. My favorite scenes are the ones where they’re in that orange room dancing. Need a performance version of “HOT” entirely in that scene. I really love the sequin outfits here.
I noticed Yunjin is credited on 3 of the 5 songs on HOT. “HOT”, “Ash”, and “So Cynical (Badum)”. Love that for her. I know she’s known for her writing. But I wasn’t expecting her to be all over the album like that. Big slay.
“Come Over” is great. I love the jazzy yet dance vibe going on. Siren song music. It’s short, 2:17, but it uses the time well. “HOT” is also a pretty short song at 2:23 seconds. This mini album definitely lives up to the name. It’s not even 15 minutes in length. But I like the journey this album takes us. I really love LE SSERAFIM’s voices on this album, omg. Angelic, fr.
“Ash” is on my Deep House/Chill playlist. Another stellar track. I noticed danke is also here. Busy bee, lol.
“So Cynical (Badum)” slaps. Eunchae and Chaewon are also credited on this one, along with Yunjin. These LE SSERAFIM house songs are really hitting for me. Okay, I’m convinced. I think I need to revisit their previous songs again with fresh ears. There’s something here for sure.
I don’t really have much else to say about this album. Although it’s short, it’s such a fantastic listen. Another one added to my fave albums of 2025. And now I feel compelled to revisit their previous catalogue. So a win-win for all parties involved.
I’m curious what y’all think about LE SSERAFIM and “HOT”. Tell me your thoughts below. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Threads, & BlueSky. Take care!
Ash