A'wesome is the fifth extended play by South Korean singer Hyuna. It was released on August 1, 2016 by Cube Entertainment and distributed by Universal Music. It marks her first released as a solo artist since the disbandment of girl-group 4minute. The EP consists of six Korean-language songs. "How's This?" was released as the lead single.
Background
Girl group 4minute disbanded on June 2016. The four members Jihyun, Gayoon, Jiyoon, and Sohyun parted ways with Cube Entertainment after their contract termination. Hyuna was the only member to renew her contract with the agency, and would continue her career as a solo artist.
Release and promotion
Later in July, Cube confirmed that Hyuna will be returning as a solo artist on August 1 with the release of her 5th mini album A'wesome. On July 25, Hyuna dropped the first teaser images that were taken in Bali, Indonesia. It was also revealed that Hyuna will be promoting with the title track "How's This?". On July 28, Hyuna launched her official YouTube channel, and uploaded a highlight medley of her upcoming EP. On August 1, the EP was released as a digital download on different music portals. A music video for "How's This?" was also released on the same day. It was directed by Hong Won-ki of Zanybros, and was set on a club party that featured a hundred dancers. "How's This?" topped multiple real-time music charts upon its release, and the accompanying music video reached more than 2 million views within 24 hours. Hyuna will be making her first music show performance on Music Bank on August 5. The track "Do It" was deemed unfit for broadcast by KBS because the lyrics contain a vulgar expression. On August 22, 2016, a video for the song "Morning Glory" was released on Hyuna's YouTube Channel, featuring clips from behind the scenes of the album's creation.
Composition
The album tracks ranges from hip-hop to indie music genres. The title track of the album, "How's This?", is a trap hip-hop song played in saxophone riff and 808 bass sound. It is produced by Seo Jaewoo who also produced her previous works like "Red" and "Roll Deep". "Wolf" is an emotional hip-hop track that features rapper Hanhae. "U&Me" is described as a light song in an easy beat. "Morning Glory" is an indie-style music produced by singer-songwriter Seonwoo Jeong-a, and features indie musician, Qim Aisle. "Flirt" is a trap beat track. "Do it!" is produced by Seo Jaewoo, Big Sancho and US songwriter, Brian Lee. EXID's LE and BTOB's Jung Il-hoon also participated in the chorus and rap making.
Commercial performance
A'wesome entered and peaked at number 2 on the Gaon Album Chart on the chart issue dated July 31 – August 6, 2016. In its second week, the EP charted at number 33 before leaving the chart the following week. The mini-album entered at number 12 on the Gaon Album Chart for the month of August 2016 with 9,224 physical copies sold. The lead single "How's This?" entered at number 5 on the Gaon Digital Chart on the chart issue dated July 31- August 6, 2016 with 102,587 downloads sold and 2,201,140 streams.
