Hong Jin-young’s ‘13579’: A Catchy Tune or Just More of the Same?
K-pop singer Hong Jin-young recently dropped a new track called “13579,” along with an alternate version produced by newcomer MC Come On (real name Ryu Sunghyun), a former broadcast reporter making his debut in music. The release drew immediate attention thanks to its quirky concept that integrates odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) with reflections on life. All of this is served over a driving EDM beat, which gives the track a bouncy, modern flair.
The lyrics cleverly tie each number to a piece of life's journey: ‘Even if I’m not No. 1, I never gave up,’ ‘I lived without regrets, not pausing even 3 seconds,’ and so on. The simplicity of the words combined with a suggestive rhythm makes it the kind of tune that stays in your head like that one TikTok song you can't shake.
Released in two versions—one by Hong and one by MC Come On—the song opens itself up to creative interpretation and broader appeal, offering listeners a chance to compare styles while showcasing both artists’ particular strengths.
The Split: Fun Pop or Formulaic?
In Favor: Addictive Hook Meets Clever Concept
Fans are praising "13579" for its catchy hook—a signature of Hong’s previous hits, like “Love Battery” and “Thumb Up.” The bounce from the EDM sound blends easily with the cheeky lyrics, allowing listeners of all ages to sing and dance along. And while the song’s structure is simple, its literary play with numbers adds emotional depth often missing from mainstream dance tracks.
Supporters highlight how Hong once again proves her pop genius, managing to balance novelty and nostalgia. The collaboration with MC Come On, meanwhile, shows her commitment to nurturing new voices in a competitive industry. It’s easy to see their partnership as multi-generational and refreshing—not just musically, but also culturally.
Against: Creativity or Recycled Material?
Still, not everyone is on board the “13579” train. Critics argue that it sounds too much like her old hit “Love Battery” or “Cheer Up,” questioning whether Hong is stuck in a creative loop. Sure, the beat hits, but have we heard this melody before in a slightly different outfit?
There’s also skepticism about the genre choice. While EDM creates momentary euphoria, it may isolate older or mainstream audiences not naturally drawn to club beats. For radio listeners craving variety, “13579” may sound overly engineered for viral success rather than musical substance. One anonymous online critique even labeled it “algorithm music”—built to go viral, not to last.
And then there’s the accusation of over-polish. The intentional crafting—the numerical theme, the TikTok-friendly hooks, and the split-artist gimmick—makes some wonder: is this authentic art or a marketing formula designed by a brainstorming session in a branding meeting?
What It Says About K-pop Today
“13579” is more than just another pop single. It's an example of where parts of K-pop are heading: toward multi-format releases engineered for different audiences, from radio to social media to YouTube reaction videos. In some ways, Hong’s choice to produce the song in tandem with a debut artist democratizes the spotlight—but it also raises the bar for originality in oversaturated waters.
One thing that can’t be denied is Hong’s ability to stay relevant. By pairing up with a younger artist and sticking with a familiar, danceable template, she secures her space in a tough market. Whether “13579” becomes a timeless classic or just this summer’s catchy ringtone remains up to listeners.
In the end, it’s a fun, sugar-loaded burst of audio energy—perfect for fans of quick hits and catchy hooks. But for those hoping for musical evolution or risky experimentation, the track might come up short.
