As the K-pop industry continues to welcome new girl groups, rookie duo Dodree is quietly carving out their own unique identity. Rather than following the popular girl crush or teen-pop formula, the pair have captivated listeners with an elegant blend of traditional Korean music and contemporary pop, earning praise for both their enchanting visuals and hypnotic sound.
On June 24, dodree released their second single album, HAWWAH, containing three tracks: HAWWAH (title track), Lilac and Seasonal Love Letters.
The title track, HAWWAH, which translates to “summer vortex”, uses the image of a swirling vortex to symbolize the hidden desires and difficult choices buried deep within one’s heart. Built on the duo’s signature K-red pop style, the song introduces more dance-oriented beats by seamlessly blending traditional Korean gayageum with modern synths, creating a captivating balance between tradition and contemporary music.
Dodree’s use of traditional elements extends beyond the instrumentation. Both members incorporate vocal techniques inspired by Korean popular music, including delicate ornamentation and expressive phrasing layered over modern production. This distinctive vocal style has become one of the group’s defining characteristics, setting them apart from many fourth- and fifth-generation rookie girl groups.
The accompanying music video embraces the same artistic vision. Wearing hanbok-inspired clothing along with a modern style, the members perform in dreamlike settings filled with images of water, rippling waves and swirling visual patterns that reinforce the concept of a “summer vortex”. The result is a mystique that has resonated with viewers on social media.
Since its release, HAWWAH has steadily gained attention online due to its innovative concept and distinctive musical identity. Many fans were fascinated by the duo’s elegant images, describing the members as aristocratic heroines straight out of a fantasy novel. Others praised the song’s mysterious atmosphere, saying that its haunting melodies and unique production create an almost hypnotic listening experience.
In online communities, many believe that Dodree deserves much more recognition, arguing that the group possesses both exceptional artistry and a clearly defined identity that is rare among first-time artists.
dodree is a two-member girl group under INNIT Entertainment, a subsidiary of JYP Entertainment. The group consists of Na Yeongjoo (born 2001) and Lee Songhyun (born 2004). They officially debuted on January 21, 2026, with the digital single Just Like A Dream.
Since their debut, dodree has set their musical direction by incorporating traditional Korean sounds into modern pop arrangements instead of chasing prevailing industry trends. Following Just Like A Dream and Born, the duo released Lilac on June 17 as the pre-release track leading into HAWWAH.
One reason Dodree’s concept feels particularly authentic is the members’ artistic backgrounds.
- Na Yeongjoo: Na Yeongjoo specializes in pansori, the traditional art form of Korean narrative singing, which requires exceptional vocal technique and emotional expression. He comes from a family deeply rooted in traditional Korean music, representing the third generation after his grandmother and mother. Surprisingly, he started learning pansori at just three years old.
- Lee Songhyun: Lee Songhyun has received professional training in traditional Korean dance, bringing graceful movements and a refined stage presence to the group’s performances. Before debuting, both members competed in KBS2’s audition program The Ddanddarawhere Lee Songhyun came fourth and Na Yeongjoo fifth, helping them gain recognition before their official debut.
While many up-and-coming girl groups opt for powerful concepts or highly commercial pop sounds, dodree have chosen a different path. Through releases such as Just Like A Dream, Born, Lilac and now HAWWAH, the duo continues to develop a musical universe in which traditional Korean culture coexists naturally with contemporary pop production. Their willingness to experiment without sacrificing accessibility has led many listeners to call them one of K-pop’s most underrated rookie artists.
If Dodree continues to refine this distinctive identity, many fans believe the duo has the potential to become one of the industry’s most unique success stories.
Sources: K14
