It was a long road back for 1st.One, but their long-overdue comeback music video finally came to fruition after a year-long wait. Though they did receive a "road to comeback" music video with "OH," their fans, For.One, had to patiently wait for their idols' return. 1st.One did not disappoint when they released "Shout Out" on January 14, 2022. The video catapulted to 1 million views in only 4 days, and it's no wonder why.
An Explosive Comeback
[Ace] wrote the English-Filipino lyrics as a tribute to the soldiers who risked their lives for a foreign nation during the war and continue to sacrifice for their fellow citizens today.
The explosive comeback after a three-month hiatus highlighted an edgier hip-hop-inspired dance sound for the boy band with a song dedicated to the Philippine Armed Forces. 1st.One leader, Ace, took inspiration from the story of the Philippine Military sending expeditionary troops to South Korea during their civil war. He wrote the English-Filipino lyrics as a tribute to the soldiers who risked their lives for a foreign nation during the war and continue to sacrifice for their fellow citizens today. Members Alpha, J, and Jayson added their own touches to their rap verses to complete the anthem.
The full support of the Philippine Army is evident all through the motivational video. The boys were outfitted in full military gear. Actual tanks and combat equipment were even used as the backdrop for their crisp voices and complex choreography. The behind-the-scenes video also revealed that the outdoor scenes were filmed in an actual military base with active servicemen present for cameo shots while 1st.One performed in the foreground.
Undeniable Commitment
The video reminds us that we should remember the past and be inspired by the sacrifices people continue to make for us.
Among the most charged scenes is
when Joker makes the final decision to commit and shaves his head. It was an act the young performer actually carried out for the filming of the music video. The scene then switches to the boys in full dress uniform before unmarked graves in the jungle before panning to the location of a Philippine-Korean war memorial. Afterward, newsreels from the Korean War are shown, further underlining the touching spoken lyrics. The video reminds us that we should remember the past and be inspired by the sacrifices people continue to make for us.
An Emotional Message
For an idol group, particularly a young one like 1st.One, to honor such a historical event speaks well of their devotion to their country
The ties between the Philippines and South Korea are strong ones. They were cemented during the Korean War when the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) made a historic stand and stopped the Chinese Army from invading South Korea. It's an emotional chapter in history for many Filipinos whose country was still recovering from WW2 at the time. For an idol group, particularly a young one like 1st.One, to honor such a historical event speaks well of their devotion to their country - especially considering their dedication to their craft and the messages read during the newsreel played during the interlude of the video.
"Shout Out" exploded onto the music scene and made waves on local and international levels. It also found its way into the hearts of Filipinos who know and remember the events it portrays. Such a strong message of devotion, support, and nationalism deserves the nearly 1.5 million views the MV has gotten to date. Welcome back, 1st.One! We can't wait to see what you have in store for us next!
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