Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s wife – LE SSERAFIM (르세라핌)
The release of LE SSERAFIM’s music video for “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife” brought a fresh, thought-provoking narrative to the world of K-pop. Known for their innovative approach to music and performance, the group continues to push boundaries with this track, blending strong feminist undertones, a story deeply rooted in mythological and literary references, and stunning visual production. As part of their debut album, “UNFORGIVEN”, this song and its accompanying video stand out for their multilayered storytelling and powerful, confident energy.
Song Background and Meaning
“Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife” is not just a typical K-pop track—it’s filled with rich symbolism, as reflected in its title. The song references three famous women from mythology and literature—Eve, from the biblical story of Genesis; Psyche, a figure from Greek mythology; and Bluebeard’s wife, a character from the French folktale of Bluebeard.
Each of these women has been historically associated with disobedience or curiosity, traits that have often been viewed negatively in traditional narratives. Eve defied God’s command and ate the forbidden fruit, Psyche disobeyed her lover Cupid by looking at him in the light, and Bluebeard’s wife unlocked the forbidden room despite her husband’s orders. In LE SSERAFIM’s retelling, however, these characteristics are not portrayed as flaws, but as strengths, symbolizing courage, empowerment, and the pursuit of knowledge despite societal restrictions.
Through the song, LE SSERAFIM reclaims the narratives of these women, transforming them into powerful symbols of independence and resilience. This aligns with the group’s broader message of empowerment, as seen in their previous songs and performances. “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife” thus becomes an anthem of liberation, encouraging women to break free from the constraints imposed on them.
Visual Elements and Symbolism in the M/V
The music video for “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife” is visually stunning, blending contemporary and historical aesthetics with striking symbolism. From the very beginning, the video draws the viewer into a dreamlike world filled with mystery and metaphor. The members of LE SSERAFIM move through various settings that reflect the different stories alluded to in the song’s title.
In one scene, the visual nod to Eve is evident as the members are shown in a lush, garden-like environment. This setting evokes the Garden of Eden, with subtle hints of temptation and rebellion woven throughout the choreography and set design. The imagery of fruits and serpents reinforces the theme of breaking free from imposed rules.
The reference to Psyche is portrayed through ethereal, almost divine imagery, where the members explore themes of love, beauty, and self-discovery. The choreography mirrors the delicate but powerful nature of Psyche’s mythological story, where her quest for identity and freedom is central. The interplay between light and shadow in these scenes emphasizes the tension between conformity and self-empowerment.
The most visually intense part of the video is the segment alluding to Bluebeard’s wife. This section of the M/V is characterized by dark, moody lighting and an eerie, secretive atmosphere. The members are seen unlocking doors and exploring hidden rooms, visually representing the theme of curiosity and defiance. The “forbidden” nature of these actions highlights the video’s central message: the courage to explore the unknown and defy societal expectations.
Throughout the video, the color palette shifts between vibrant, lively hues and darker, more mysterious tones, reflecting the balance between freedom and the challenges that come with it. The use of bold, high-fashion outfits complements the strong, empowered personas of the members, adding to the sense of confidence and fearlessness that runs through the song.
Choreography and Performance
The choreography in “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife” is dynamic and expressive, adding another layer of storytelling to the already intricate narrative. LE SSERAFIM is known for their intense, complex performances, and this music video is no exception. The dance moves are sharp, confident, and at times sensual, conveying the themes of temptation, rebellion, and empowerment that are central to the song.
The dance break, in particular, stands out as a pivotal moment in the video. The members synchronize perfectly, their movements flowing seamlessly between moments of restraint and release, mirroring the internal struggle between submission and defiance. The choreography emphasizes individual strength while showcasing the power of unity when the group performs together.
Themes of Feminism and Empowerment
One of the standout aspects of this song and music video is its strong feminist message. By referencing Eve, Psyche, and Bluebeard’s wife, LE SSERAFIM aligns themselves with figures who challenge authority and reject the notion of passive femininity. In the traditional narratives, these women were often punished for their disobedience or curiosity, but in this song, those same qualities are celebrated as acts of strength and self-determination.
LE SSERAFIM reinterprets these stories through a modern lens, offering a commentary on the role of women in contemporary society. Rather than conforming to expectations, the group encourages listeners—especially women—to embrace their individuality, pursue their desires, and resist societal pressures. This empowering message resonates with many fans, particularly in a time when gender equality and the breaking of traditional norms are important global discussions.
Reception and Impact
Since its release, “Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife” has been praised for its innovative approach to storytelling and its unapologetically bold message. Fans have lauded the group for tackling complex themes and delivering them through a visually stunning and musically captivating package.
The song has gained traction on various music platforms, and the music video has attracted millions of views, further cementing LE SSERAFIM’s reputation as one of the most forward-thinking groups in the K-pop industry. Their ability to merge traditional folklore with modern themes of empowerment has allowed them to stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
Conclusion
“Eve, Psyche & The Bluebeard’s Wife” by LE SSERAFIM is more than just a song—it’s a powerful statement about feminism, empowerment, and self-determination. The music video adds depth to the song’s narrative, blending stunning visuals with intricate choreography and symbolic storytelling. By reimagining the stories of women from mythology and literature, LE SSERAFIM encourages listeners to challenge societal expectations and embrace their strength and individuality. In doing so, they continue to solidify their place as one of the most innovative and influential groups in K-pop today.
I’m a mess, mess, mess, mess, mess, mess, mess
I’m a mess, mess, mess, mess, mess, mess, mess
I’m a mess in distress
But we’re still the best dressed
Fearless, say yes, we don’t dress to impress
괜찮단다 뭘 해도
거짓말인 걸 난 알아
괜찮겠지 뭘 해도
착한 얼굴에 니 말 잘 들을 땐
괜찮지 않아 그런 건
내 룰은 나만 정할래 yeah
볼 거야 금지된 걸
Never hold back 더 자유롭게
Boom, boom, boom 내 심장이 뛰네
Get it like boom, boom, boom
Get it like boom, boom, boom (boom, boom now)
Boom, boom, boom 내 심장이 뛰네
Get it like boom, boom, boom
Get it like boom, boom, boom (push it)
I wish for what’s forbidden
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Get it like boom, boom, boom (push it)
(Oh-oh) I wish for what’s forbidden
Get it like boom, boom, boom
Get it like boom, boom, boom (oh-oh)
I’m a mess, mess, mess, mess, mess, mess, mess
I’m a mess, mess, mess, mess, mess, mess, mess
I’m a mess in distress
But we’re still the best dressed
Fearless, say yes, we don’t dress to impress
웃어, 웃어, 더 인형이 되렴 (ah-ah-ah)
덮어, 덮어, 다 감정 따윈 다
싫어, 싫어, 난 인형이 아냐 (ah-ah-ah)
찡그린대도 그것도 나야
보지 말람 보고 파
날 둘러싼 이 금기들 yeah
그날의 이브처럼
Take it on the chain, I know I like that
Boom, boom, boom 내 심장이 뛰네
Get it like boom, boom, boom
Get it like boom, boom, boom (boom, boom now)
Boom, boom, boom 내 심장이 뛰네
Get it like boom, boom, boom
Get it like boom, boom, boom (push it)
I wish for what’s forbidden
Get it like boom, boom, boom
Get it like boom, boom, boom (push it)
(Oh-oh) I wish for what’s forbidden
Get it like boom, boom, boom
Get it like boom, boom, boom (oh-oh)
What you waiting for?
이게 타락이면 we fall, fall, fall (oh-oh)
What you looking for?
원한다면 now we fall, we fall, we fall
Boom, boom, boom 내 심장이 뛰네
Get it like boom, boom, boom
Get it like boom, boom, boom (boom, boom now)
Boom, boom, boom 내 심장이 뛰네
Get it like boom, boom, boom
Get it like boom, boom, boom (push it)
Girl wanna have fun (girl)
Girl wanna have fun (girl)
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Get it like boom, boom, boom
Girl wanna have fun (girl)
Girl wanna have fun (girl)
Get it like boom, boom, boom
Get it like boom, boom, boom