In an emotionally riveting tribute to her late mother, K-Pop superstar CL released her latest track "Wish You Were Here."
The new track dropped exactly on CL's 30th birthday, February 26, featuring an intimate music video that features video clips of the global artist and former 2NE1 member in her youth, growing up, until her days in the Korean entertainment industry. From her infancy, the video seamlessly weaves in and out of their mother-daughter moments in an acknowledgement of the undeniably large role her mother played in her life. Furthermore, some of the videos - which remained private until being featured in the "Wish You Were Here" MV - were taken by her mother.
Also featured in the 3:44 video is CL's younger sister, Lee Harin, who also works as a fashion model. The song was written and produced by CL herself, together with Boniq, DJ Spinz, MNEK, Rozes and Asia Whiteacre.
"Wish You Were Here": A Loving Tribute
CL wrote the song shortly after her mother, Hong Yoo Ra, passed away due to a heart attack on January 23. She was 53 years old. A statement from Team Very Cherry - CL's current agency - made the public announcement on behalf of the artist, asking people to "send CL messages of comfort and encouragement." Then, the funeral took place for three days starting last February 10, with her mother being buried on February 12.
In her song, CL opens up with a relatably vulnerable side to having lost a loved one: "Lately I've been thinking about us/ Blowing smoke in the air/ Listening to Stevie... Got my mind taking dares, and sleeping ain't easy."
The verses lead to a chorus filled with questions, "Can you still hear my voice now?/ Are you watching down on me?/ When all I see is stars/ What does your life look like/ Without me there?"
In the song, she makes passing references to Stevie, highlighting their shared love for the American singing-songwriting legend Stevie Wonder. On the day before her birthday, CL created the Spotify playlist "The Playlist We Made," which contained songs that they listened to growing up. The 13-track list includes songs from Neil Young, Queen, ABBA, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and more - plus her very own "Wish You Were Here."
About CL
Born Lee Chae-rin, CL first debuted as a member of the girl group 2NE1 back in 2009. The South Korean rapper and singer-songwriter served as the leader and main rapper for the four-piece K-Pop phenomenon, which also included Sandara Park, Minzy, and Park Bom. Shortly after their debut, they dominated the music scene with their first single "Fire," which earned them multiple awards including the 2009 MAMA Best Music Video Awards, as well as the Mnet 20's Choice Awards. In the 2011 MAMA Awards, 2NE1 won the Best Vocal Performance by a Group Award for "Lonely," and a Song of the Year award for "I Am the Best." Shortly after the 2011 ceremony, 2NE1 was additionally recognized for being the female artists with the most grand awards in the prestigious award-giving body's history.
Shortly after the 2NE1 hiatus in 2014, CL soon began her solo career in the United States, starting with her single "Hello Bitches" and followed by her EP "Lifted."
Watch CL's "Wish You Were Here" below:
