"No No No" is a song by South Korean girl group Apink. It was released on July 5, 2013 with their third EP, Secret Garden, and is composed by Shinsadong Tiger and Kupa. It had been 14 months since their last album Une Année was released, and it was the first time the group promoted with six members after Hong Yookyung left the group in April.[1][2] "No No No" was the group's highest charting single, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard K-pop Hot 100.[3] A Japanese version of the song was released on October 22, 2014, with lyrics by Japanese lyricist PA-NON.

"NoNoNo"
Japanese cover
Single by Apink
from the album Secret Garden and Pink Season
B-side"My My" (JP ver.)
ReleasedJuly 5, 2013 (2013-07-05) (KR)
October 22, 2014 (2014-10-22) (JP)
Genre
Length3:40
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Shinsadong Tiger
Apink singles chronology
"Bubibu"
(2012)
"NoNoNo"
(2013)
"Good Morning Baby"
(2014)

"Luv"
(2014)

""NoNoNo"
(ノーノーノー)
"
(2014)

""Mr. Chu"
(ミスター・チュウ)"
(2015)
Music video
"NoNoNo" on YouTube
"NoNoNo"(Japanese Version) on YouTube

Background and release

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On July 3, 2013, it was stated that the title track of Secret Garden was to be named "No No No" in a preview of their upcoming music video for their song.[4] "No No No" highlighted Apink's clean and pure image, a healing song that will appeal across all ages and genders.[5] Instead of going with the trend of sexy concepts, Apink stuck with their "bright and innocent" concept that reminds people of 90's old-school girl groups.[5] Chris Choi from MTV commented "With all the ultra sexy releases we’ve been getting this summer, “No No No" feels like a breath of fresh air."[6]

Japanese version

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On August 4, Apink held their first Japanese showcase at Siganawa Stellar Ball in Tokyo in front of music industry figures, reporters and around 2,000 chosen fans. At this event, Apink announced they would make their official debut in Japan on October 22 with a Japanese version of "No No No".[7] On October 22, Universal Music Japan released "No No No" as a CD single with "My My" as a B-side. Instrumental versions of both songs were also included.[8] The Japanese lyrics were written by Japanese lyricist "PA-NON" who had previously written lyrics for South Korean groups such as Kara and 2 pm.[9] Since the Japanese fans loved the original "No No No" lyrics, the group decided to have the Japanese lyrics be similar to the original lyrics.[10] The Japanese lyrics for "My My" were written by Japanese lyricist MEG.ME who had previously written lyrics for T-ara and B1A4.

Composition and lyrics

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“No No No" was written by Shinsadong Tiger, who had previously worked with the group for "My My" and "Wishlist", and it was also co-composed by Kupa.[5] The song blends the sound of funky guitar rhythm and string melodies that are perfect for the Spring season. In addition, lyrics in the chorus, "Don't be sad no no no, You're not alone no no no", are accompanied by an addictive melody.[5] Jeff Benjamin of Billboard put the song in the bubblegum pop genre, and noted its "unexpected, but much welcomed, funky dance sections".[3]

"No No No" is intended to be a "healing song". The lyrics were written with the thought of giving strength and courage for people who listen to it and to give a positive message to the important person in their life. The lyric are not only intended for lovers but also for family and friends.[5] In an interview with Excite, Hayoung said, "This is a song that can give strength to various people, be it family, lovers or friends. I think it has a healing effect when you're feeling tired. Each and every word of the lyrics has deep meaning. As the way you think of the song will change depending on when you listen to it, when you're a little tired the song might have a sad feel, also if you listen to it at other times it might provide encouragement. There are lyrics have phrases like 'I will absolutely not leave you even if everyone is leaving', and I think it has very good meaning."[11]

Music video

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On July 5, 2013, the original version of the music video was released simultaneously on both A Cube's and CJ E&M's YouTube channel.[12] It was directed by Hong Won-ki of ZanyBros.[13] The music video has a colorful set, and the Apink members can be seen playing together with cupcakes, balloons and flowers in a birthday party.[3] The members can also be seen dancing a cute dance with a lot of hip shaking.[1]

On July 11 a dance version music video was released. In this video, the full choreography for the song is shown, and there are no individual close-up shots or special effects.[14] The dance choreography for "No No No" is not hard and can be easily imitated by anyone. The key point of the dance is during the chorus where the members can be seen putting their hands on their waists and twisting left and right.[10]

Promotion and live performances

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On July 4, 2013, one day before the song's release, Apink performed the song for the first time on Mnet's M! Countdown.[15] This was followed by additional comebacks on music programs including KBS's Music Bank, MBC's Show! Music Core and SBS's Inkigayo.[13] On September 28, 2013, Apink were models for the fashion event, Girls Award 2013, in Japan. "No No No" played in the background as they walked along the runway.[16] On October 7, Apink performed the song at the 2013 Hallyu Dream Concert Special in front of 14,000 people, including 3,000 K-pop fans from overseas.[17][18] On October 20, Apink visited Taiwan and held their first fanmeeting with around 1,500 fans. At the show, they performed "No No No" along with their other hits.[19] A week later, Apink attended Korea Festival 2013 in Singapore, a festival that promotes Korean culture. Apink held a showcase where they performed "No No No" among others songs.[20]

Commercial performance

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The song debuted at number 14 on South Korea's Gaon Singles Chart and peaked at number 3 the week after.[21][22] On Billboard's K-pop Hot 100, "No No No" debuted at no 7 and became Apink's first top 10 single.[23] It peaked at number 2 on the third week, becoming the group's highest charting single.[3][24] On the year-end charts, "No No No" placed at number 12 on the K-pop Hot 100,[25] and number 33 on Gaon's digital chart.[26][27] It was the most streamed song of 2013 in South Korea.[28]

Accolades

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On July 17, 2013, Apink won their first music show award for "No No No" on Show Champion.[29] On July 19, "No No No" won first place on Music Bank; this was Apink's first music show win on public broadcast TV.[30] In January 2014, "No No No" received a "Digital Bonsang Award" at the 23rd Seoul Music Awards and 29th Golden Disk Awards[31][32]

Awards and nominations
Year Organization Award Result Ref.
2014 Golden Disc Awards Digital Song Bonsang Won [32]
Digital Daesang Nominated
Seoul Music Awards Bonsang Won [31]
Music program awards
Program Date Ref.
Show Champion July 17, 2013 [29]
Music Bank July 19, 2013 [30]

Charts

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Track listing

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Japanese single
No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."NoNoNo" (Japanese version)PA-NONShinsadong Tiger, Kupa3:39
2."My My" (Japanese version)MEG.MERado, Shisadong Tiger3:54
3."NoNoNo" (Instrumental) Shisadong Tiger, Kupa3:39
4."My My" (Instrumental) Rado, Shisadong Tiger3:54
Total length:15.06
"CD+DVD A" DVD Tracklist
No.TitleLength
1."NoNoNo" (Music video – Dance version) 
"CD+DVD B" DVD Tracklist
No.TitleLength
1."NoNoNo" (Music Video) 

Credits and personnel

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  • Apink – vocals
  • Shinsadong Tiger – producing, songwriting, arranger, music
  • Kupa – songwriting and music
  • Rado – songwriting and music
  • PA-NON – songwriting (Japanese lyrics)
  • MEG.ME – songwriting (Japanese lyrics)

References

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  1. ^ a b "Yes Yes Yes! Apink Is Back With "NoNoNo"". MTV. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  2. ^ Choi In-jeong (July 5, 2013). "Apink makes comeback with 3rd EP". The Korea Herald. Archived from the original on February 5, 2015. Retrieved February 2, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d Benjamin, Jeff; Oak, Jessica (July 14, 2013). "Davichi Earns Second K-Pop No. 1 Amid Label Shakeups". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved February 4, 2015.
  4. ^ "Apink says 'NoNoNo' to Sadness in New Teaser". M Wave. Archived from the original on February 22, 2015. Retrieved July 5, 2013.
  5. ^ a b c d e "에이핑크, 걸그룹 시장 세분화되면서 살아남는 예". KpopHerald. July 30, 2013. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  6. ^ "Yes Yes Yes! Apink Is Back With "NoNoNo"". MTV. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  7. ^ "Apink to debut in Japan". KpopHerald. August 5, 2014. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  8. ^ "Apink gains tremendous popularity in Japan". KpopHerald. September 15, 2014. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  9. ^ "PA-NON". Zaza.tv. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "【インタビュー】Apinkが日本デビュー!「待っていてくれたファンの皆さんの力になれれば」". Sanspo. November 18, 2014. Archived from the original on February 28, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  11. ^ "Excite Interview". Excite. Archived from the original on March 19, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  12. ^ "에이핑크, '노노노'로 14개월 만의 성공적 컴백 '요정돌 귀환'". Hankyung. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  13. ^ a b "1년2개월만에 컴백한 에이핑크, 오늘 타이틀곡 'NoNoNo' 음원 공개". Chosun. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  14. ^ "Apink Focuses on the Choreography in Dance Version of 'NoNoNo'". Mwave. July 12, 2013. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  15. ^ "Apink Makes a Lovely Comeback on ′M COUNTDOWN′". Mwave. July 5, 2013. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
  16. ^ "에이핑크, 일본 '걸스어워드'에서 모델로 참가…'이례적'". TenAsia. October 1, 2013. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
  17. ^ "'2013 한류드림콘서트' 에이핑크". October 7, 2013. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
  18. ^ "에이핑크 컴백 "'노노노'(NoNoNo)…히트곡 제조기 신사동호랭이 참여"". July 5, 2013. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  19. ^ "Apink meets fans in Taiwan". The Korea Times. October 21, 2013. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
  20. ^ "A PINK Has A 'Lovely Day' With Singapore Fans At Vizit Korea 2013, Displays Their Flawless Performances And Personalities". KpopStarz. November 2, 2013. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
  21. ^ "Gaon Weekly Chart Week 28". Gaonchart.co.kr. Gaon. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  22. ^ a b "Gaon Weekly Chart Week 29". Gaonchart.co.kr. Gaon. Archived from the original on March 4, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
  23. ^ "Davichi Holds Off 2NE1 for No. 1 on K-Pop Hot 100". Billboard. July 26, 2014. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  24. ^ "Ailee Nabs First Solo No. 1 on K-Pop Hot 100". Billboard. July 26, 2014. Archived from the original on January 19, 2015. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  25. ^ a b c "Billboard Kpop 100 Year End Chart 2013". Billboard. Archived from the original on December 17, 2013. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  26. ^ a b "Gaon Digital Chart 2013" (in Korean). Gaon. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  27. ^ "Gaon Download Chart 2013" (in Korean). Gaon. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2014.
  28. ^ "Gaon 2013 Year-End Streaming Chart". Archived from the original on September 26, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2020.
  29. ^ a b "에이핑크 눈물, '쇼챔피언' 제작진 몰카에 '엉엉'…왜?" (in Korean). Chosun News. July 18, 2013. Archived from the original on May 10, 2021. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
  30. ^ a b "[Video] Apink Receives Its First Win with Ha Young's Birthday". Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
  31. ^ a b "서울가요대상 에이핑크,'본상 수상했어요'". YTN. January 24, 2015. Archived from the original on November 24, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  32. ^ a b "'100만 장의 기적' 엑소, '골든디스크' 음반 대상 수상". dongA.com. January 16, 2014. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
  33. ^ "Oricon Weekly Chart 20–26 October 2014". Oricon. Archived from the original on October 29, 2014. Retrieved February 27, 2015.
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