Virtuous (EP) explained

Virtuous
Type:EP
Artist:Dreamcatcher
Cover:Dreamcatcher Virtuous Album Cover.webp
Caption:Digital cover
Recorded:2024
Genre:
Length:16:55
Producer:
  • Ollounder
  • Tankzzo
Prev Title:Villains
Prev Year:2023

Virtuous is the tenth Korean extended play by South Korean girl group Dreamcatcher. It was released on July 10, 2024, by Dreamcatcher Company, and distributed by Kakao Entertainment. Virtuous features five tracks including the lead single "Justice", and is available in twelve different physical versions (1 limited, 4 regular and 7 "POCA" versions).[1]

Virtuous is the second and last installment of the "Versus" duology.[2]

Background and release

On June 17, 2024, it was reported that Dreamcatcher would be making a July comeback.[3]

On June 21, the official Dreamcatcher X (formerly Twitter) account posted a mystery code image containing times and co-ordinates to several locations throughout Seoul. Fans gathered at the corresponding times to receive an AirDrop at each location, each of which contained a unique mystery code image. Upon collating the images, the mystery code could be solved, revealing the comeback date and album title.[4] [5]

The first official teasers for the album were released on June 24, starting with a comeback schedule, followed by individual and group concept photos, a track list, a highlight medley, a lyric spoiler video, a dance preview, and a music video teaser.[6] [7]

On July 5, it was announced on the official Dreamcatcher online message board that the main vocalist Siyeon would not be participating in the album promotions due to anxiety and poor health and would be going on hiatus.[8]

The album and music video for the title track "Justice" were released on July 10, 2024.

Composition

Songs

The title track "Justice" is a return to the group's signature rock sound and is described as an alternative rock track with a "180-degree change in concept" when compared to the septet's previous release "OOTD".[9] [10] The main concept of the track and music video is a hero fighting against evil, which is in contrast with the themes of temptation and narcissism prevalent in "OOTD".[11]

Commercial performance

Commercially, Virtuous sold more than 100,000 copies in its first month of release, including the "POCA" versions.[12] The EP debuted at number 6 on the Circle Weekly Album charts. The music video has amassed 25 million views on YouTube while the EP has over 6 million streams on Spotify as of August 2024.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2024)! scope="col"
Peak
position
South Korean Albums (Circle)6

Monthly charts

Chart (2024)! scope="col"
Position
South Korean Albums (Circle)[13] 19

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormatLabel
South KoreaJuly 10, 2024CD
Various<--Inclusive of South Korea-->

Notes and References

  1. Web site: DREAMCATCHER OFFICIAL STORE . 2024-07-21 . DREAMCATCHER OFFICIAL STORE . ko.
  2. Web site: Yoon . So-Yeon . December 9, 2023 . [INTERVIEW] With its dark style, Dreamcatcher shines bright ]. 2024-06-24 . m.entertain.naver.com.
  3. Web site: Kim . Hyeon-sik . 2024-06-17 . [단독]마의 7년 넘은 드림캐쳐, '서머퀸' 경쟁 합류…7월 컴백 확정 ]. 7-Year-Old Dreamcatcher Joins 'Summer Queen' Competition... July Return Confirmed . 2024-07-21 . . ko.
  4. Web site: Kim . Sun-woo . 2024-06-21 . '7월 컴백' 드림캐쳐, 미스터리 코드 기습 공개 . 'July comeback' Dreamcatcher suddenly reveals mystery code . 2024-07-21 . JTBC News . ko.
  5. Web site: Rasik . Akarsh . 2024-06-21 . Dreamcatcher confirms their comeback in July . 2024-07-21 . Oneily News - Entertainment and Technology . en-US.
  6. Web site: Ahn . Tae-hyun . 2024-01-14 . 드림캐쳐, 신보 티저 이미지 공개…새로운 서머퀸의 탄생 . Dreamcatcher releases teaser images for new album... and a new Summer Queen is born . 2024-07-21 . 뉴스1 . ko.
  7. Web site: Kim . Sun-woo . 2024-07-04 . '10일 컴백' 드림캐쳐, '저스티스' 리릭 스포일러 영상 공개 . '10 Days to Comeback' Dreamcatcher Releases 'Justice' Lyric Spoiler Video . 2024-07-21 . JTBC News . ko.
  8. Web site: Kim . Ye-eun . 2024-07-10 . 드림캐쳐, '활동 중단' 시연 없이 컴백…"많이 아쉬워" [엑's 현장] ]. Dreamcatcher, A Comeback Without Siyeon... "It's very disappointing" . 2024-07-21 . www.xportsnews.com . ko.
  9. Web site: Kim . Min-ji . 2024-01-14 . '컴백' 드림캐쳐, '버추어스'로 빌런 벗고 히어로 변신 예고 . Dreamcatcher sheds their villain role and transforms into heroes for "VirtuouS" . 2024-07-21 . 뉴스1 . ko.
  10. Web site: Jung-youn . Lee . 2024-07-11 . Dreamcatcher transformed into heroes through 'VirtuouS' . 2024-07-21 . . en.
  11. Web site: Jang . Jung-yoon . November 18, 2023 . "드림캐쳐의 'OOTD' 나르시시즘 끝판왕" . [Dreamcatcher's 'OOTD' narcissism reigns supreme] . 2024-07-21 . m.entertain.naver.com.
  12. Web site: CIRCLE CHART - 써클차트 . 2024-08-09 . . en.
  13. Web site: Circle Album Chart – 2024.07 Month. Circle Chart. ko. August 8, 2024.