Never Ever (Jiyeon EP)

Never Ever is the debut extended play by South Korean singer Jiyeon. It was released on May 20, 2014, by Core Contents Media.[1] "1 Minute 1 Second (Never Ever)" was released as the lead single.[2]

Never Ever
Digital cover
EP by
ReleasedMay 20, 2014
Recorded2013–2014
Genre
Length19:46
Label
ProducerKwon Shi-bong
Jiyeon chronology
Never Ever
(2014)
Senpass
(2019)
Singles from Never Ever
  1. "1 Minute 1 Second (Never Ever)"
    Released: May 20, 2014

Release

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On April 2, 2014 it was announced that Jiyeon would have a solo album. Core Contents Media released a statement saying, "Jiyeon’s solo concept is sexy and will be similar to Park Jiyoon's 'Coming of Age Ceremony', but with a modern 2014-esque twist."[3]

On May 20, 2014 the extended play Never Ever was released along with the music video for the title track "1 Minute 1 Second (Never Ever)" and a dance practice video.[2] "1 Minute, 1 Second (Never Ever)" is a medium-tempo song produced by Duble Sidekick. The EP also includes the melancholic "Marionette" and "Yeouido Cherry Blossom", a song by composer Ahn Young-min. On May 23, 2014, it was announced that Jiyeon had been forced to change the dance for "1 Minute 1 Second (Never Ever)" due to the hip dance being deemed too sexy and provocative for the public. A news release from MBK Entertainment said "It is true that we received the call to adjust the mentioned dance from the major broadcast station reps... We added the sexy hip dance to the beginning and middle of the performance dance and music video not to give an erotic feeling, but rather to match the atmosphere of the sensitive dance song '1 Minute 1 Second'... However, we do think that the major broadcast music show reps do have a point, so we have decided to show a modified dance to the viewers."[4][5]

Reception

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Critical reception

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"Never Ever" received generally positive reviews from critics. PopMatters praised Jiyeon's emotional vocals that makes it powerful and relatable. The magazine especially praised the music video and the choreography "but it’s really the music video, with the unique choreography and powerful message that are going to be remembered."[6]

Commercial performance

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The EP reached number 3 on the Gaon Weekly Albums Chart. The title track "1 Minute 1 Second (Never Ever)" made it to number 17 on the Gaon Weekly Digital Chart.[7]

Track listing

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Never Ever
No.TitleLyricsMusicLength
1."1 Minute 1 Second (Never Ever)" (1분 1초; 1 Bun 1 Cho)Duble Sidekick, David KimDuble Sidekick, Radio Galaxy3:30
2."Yeouido Cherry Blossom" (여의도 벚꽃길; Yeouido Beotkkotgil)Ahn Young MinAhn Young Min2:58
3."Marionette" (꼭두각시; Kkokdugaksi)Tenzo & TascoTenzo & Tasco3:25
4."1 Minute 1 Second (Never Ever)" (Instrumental) Duble Sidekick, Radio Galaxy3:30
5."Yeouido Cherry Blossom" (Instrumental) Ahn Young Min2:58
6."Marionette" (Instrumental) Tenzo & Tasco3:25
Total length:19:46

Charts and sales

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Albums chart

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Chart Peak
position
Gaon Weekly Albums Chart[8] 3
Gaon Monthly Albums Chart[9] 11
Gaon Yearly Albums Chart[10] 95

Sales and certifications

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Chart Amount
Gaon physical sales[10] 15,639

Accolades

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Awards and nominations

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Award Year Category Nominated Work Result Ref.
Gaon Chart Music Awards 2014 Social Star Award Never Ever Nominated
Seoul Music Awards Bonsang Award Nominated [11]
Popularity Award Nominated
Hallyu Special Award Nominated
Soompi Gayo Awards Best Female Solo Never Ever Nominated [12]
YinYueTai V-Chart Awards 2015 Best Female Singer - Korea Jiyeon Won [13]
Favorite Artist of the Year Nominated

Listicles

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Year Publication Listicle Recipient Rank Ref.
2014 PopMatters The Best Kpop of 2014 "Never Ever" Placed [14]

Release history

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Country Date Format Label
Worldwide May 20, 2014 Digital download Core Contents Media
KT Music
South Korea May 22, 2014 CD, digital download

References

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  1. ^ "Never Ever on Bugs". May 20, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  2. ^ a b "T-ara's Jiyeon finally kicks off her anticipated solo debut with MV for '1MIN 1SEC' ('Never Ever') + dance practice clip".
  3. ^ "T-ara's Jiyeon Reveals Teaser Image For Sexy Solo Debut, Remains New Princess of Pop".
  4. ^ "티아라 지연, '1분1초' 골반춤 지상파서 못본다..안무 긴급 수정". Osen. May 23, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  5. ^ "Jiyeon to perform a modified version of her choreography for '1MIN 1SEC'". askkpop. May 23, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  6. ^ "K-Pop Roundup – May 2014, PopMatters". PopMatters. June 3, 2014. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
  7. ^ "2014년 22주차 Digital Chart". Gaon (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 10, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  8. ^ "2014년 23주차 Album Chart". Gaon (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 10, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  9. ^ "2014년 5월 Album Chart". Gaon (in Korean). Archived from the original on November 8, 2014. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "2014년 총결산 ALBUM CHART". Gaon (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 10, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  11. ^ "제24회 서울가요대상". December 30, 2014. Archived from the original on December 30, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  12. ^ "Announcing the Results of the 10th Annual Soompi Awards 2014". Soompi. February 17, 2015. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  13. ^ "티아라, 中 시상식 2관왕 영예…대륙서도 대세 입증 | 홈 : 네이트 뉴스" (in Korean). Nate. Retrieved June 26, 2022.
  14. ^ "The Best K-pop of 2014, PopMatters". PopMatters. December 23, 2014. Retrieved October 30, 2022.
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