▲ Singer-creator SeoiB appears on this profile photo provided by Pang Star. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Jan. 7 (Yonhap) -- Last spring, a song by a young girl unexpectedly went viral on social media platforms like SNS and YouTube Shorts, setting off a wave of viral challenges. 

 

The lyrics, "Then I'll win the senior's heart / Tang Tang Hoo Roo Hoo Roo! / Tang Tang Tang Hoo Roo Roo Roo!" were somewhat nonsensical, but the mischievous expression and catchy tune struck a chord with viewers. 

 

Coupled with the trending food items of mala tang and tanghulu, the song quickly became one of the most successful challenges of the year.

 

Big names like IVE's Lee Seo, Stray Kids' Changbin, YouTuber Chimchakman, and choreographer Ria Kim soon joined the challenge.

 

The song's star, 2012-born singer and creator SeoiB, who is now 13 and about to graduate from elementary school, recently launched her new song "Adults Don't Know" on the 7th, marking her latest challenge.

 

SeoiB, whom we met at the Yonhap News building in Jongno, Seoul, shared her thoughts on the appeal of mala tang and tanghulu: "The charm lies in the 'sweet and salty' taste combination," she said with a bright smile. "When you eat something spicy, you want something sweet, and when you eat something sweet, you crave spice."

 

She continued, "I tried mala tang for the first time in 4th grade at a local shop and loved it. Since both mala tang and tanghulu have the word 'tang' in them, I came up with the title 'Mala Tanghuru.'"

 

Reflecting on the viral challenge, SeoiB admitted, "At first, I wasn't sure if people would like it, since my friends preferred idol songs. I thought, 'Will this really become a hit?' But it was amazing to see such a great response."

 

When asked about the attention she received, she replied confidently, "I'm an extrovert, so I actually like it when people recognize me. If someone says, 'Hey, it's SeoiB!' I just say 'Hello!' and happily take pictures with fans if they ask."

 

SeoiB finds her charm in her playful and cheeky acting. She explained that her adorable way of asking for mala tang and tanghulu in the song has a lasting appeal that makes people think of her fondly.

 

Since she was 6 or 7 years old, SeoiB has loved dancing and singing, dreaming of becoming a celebrity. Unlike her friends who idolized K-pop stars, she admired the dancers on the show "Street Woman Fighter."

 

Following the success of "Mala Tanghuru," SeoiB made her TV music program debut last summer with her song "Kkung Kkung Tta," and her mother, model and singer Lee Pani, praised her "ending pose."

 

In November, she visited Taiwan, where she experienced the popularity of "Mala Tanghuru" firsthand, attending TV programs, radio shows, and interviews.

 

Her new song, "Adults Don't Know," released today, features lyrics that reflect a child's straightforward thoughts: "Is it enough to only give them designer clothes / Or just the latest phone?" She explained, "It's a 'puberty version' of a children's song, and you could adapt it into versions like 'Bosses Don't Know' or 'Managers Don't Know,' making it fun for everyone."

 

With her new song, SeoiB is now gearing up for appearances on major TV music programs, officially stepping into her career as a singer. "I hope this song does well. I want to start professionally learning music this year and study Japanese and English for international activities. I love cooking, dancing, and singing, and I’m still looking for my dreams."

 

When asked if her busy schedule was tough, SeoiB responded confidently, "I do it because I love it."

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]