Killing Me (Chungha song) explained

"Killing Me" is a song by South Korean singer Chungha. It was released as a special single on November 29, 2021, through MNH Entertainment, and Stone Music Entertainment.

Background

On November 19, 2021, Chungha announced that she will be releasing a special single titled "Killing Me" on November 29.^[1]

Composition and lyrics

"Killing" was written by Chungha and Jo Yoon-kyung, and composed by Musikality, Celine Svanbäck, Jeppe London, Mich Hansen, and Sam Merrifield. It runs for two minutes and forty-four seconds.^[2] The song is up-tempo pop and uses synth to transition to an EDM-heavy chorus. Lyrically it compares the monotony and helplessness of life, particularly that caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, to a tunnel and speaks of the light at the end.^{[3] [4]}

Critical reception

Following its release, music critics gave "Killing Me" positive reviews. Lim Dong-yeop, writing for IZM, commented that the accompaniment and music "capture the overall atmosphere" and said that Chungha successfully conveys hope through "Killing Me". Angela Patricia Suacillo of NME praised the production, particularly the synth transition to an EDM chorus and the "sleek drop" that drives the vocals. Suacillo also wrote that the combination of Chungha's vocals and the music video made for "a powerful track that speaks to the collective hurt for the times."

Music video

The music video was released on November 29, 2021. In the video, Chungha attempts to recover from a breakup, partying with friends. However, she ultimately sits on a couch alone in the middle of the party.^[5]

Credits and personnel

• Chungha – vocals, lyrics
• Kim Yeon-seo – background vocals
• Jo Yoon-kyung – lyrics
• Musikality – composition, arrangement
• Celine Svanbäck – composition
• Jeppe London – composition, arrangement
• Mich Hansen – composition
• Sam Merrifield – composition
• Cutfather – arrangement
• Jeong Eun-kyung (Ingrid Studio) – recording
• Alwan (Alawn Music Studios) – mixing
• Kwon Nam-woo (821 Mastering Sound) – mastering

Charts

Chart (2021)! scope="col"

Peak position
South Korea (Gaon)[6]	102
South Korea (K-pop Hot 100)[7]	69
South Korean Albums (Gaon)[8]	11
US World Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[9]	9

Release history

Release formats for "Killing Me"!Region!Date!Format!Label!

Various	November 29, 2021

Notes and References

1. Web site: Chin . Carmen . 2021-11-19 . Chung Ha announces new special single 'Killing Me' . 2024-06-25 . . en-GB.
2. Web site: Killing Me / 청하 . 2024-06-25 . . ko.
3. Web site: Seo . Sang-hyun . 2021-11-29 . ko:청하, 새 스페셜 싱글 'Killing Me' 발매...독보적 솔로퀸의 귀환 . Chungha releases new special single "Killing Me"... Return of the unrivaled solo queen . https://www.topdaily.kr/articles/86575 . 2024-06-25 . TOP Daily . ko-KR.
4. Web site: Suacillo . Angela Patricia . 2021-12-02 . Chung Ha’s new single ‘Killing Me’ is a powerful ode to the frustration of the times . 2024-06-25 . . en-GB.
5. Web site: Yeo . Gladys . 2021-11-29 . Chung Ha struggles with heartbreak in new ‘Killing Me’ music video . 2024-06-25 . . en-GB.
6. Web site: November 28 – December 4, 2021 . Digital Chart – Week 49, 2021 . July 3, 2022.
7. Web site: December 25, 2021 . Killing Me . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20211221110519/http://billboard.co.kr/chart/week/ . December 21, 2021 . December 21, 2021 . Billboard Korea . ko.
8. Web site: November 28 – December 4, 2021 . Album Chart – Week 49, 2021 . July 3, 2022.
9. December 5, 2021 . Killing Me . subscription . . July 3, 2022.