Rocket Punch: Ring Ring 1st Single Album Review

Rocket Punch has made their long awaited comeback after 8 months with their first single Ring Ring on May 17th, 2021! The title of this album is breaking a couple traditions, the first where it doesn't follow Rocket Punch's past Pink Punch, Red Punch, or Blue Punch, and the second where Rocket Punch's' first single album since the announcement of the group's fandom name isn't named after Ketchy, like with Woollim's other artists prior to Rocket Punch (Infinite's Inspirit, Lovelyz' Lovelinus, and Golden Child's Goldenness).

I preordered the album from Kpoptown, which you can read about my review here. To my utter disappointment, my preorder did not include the preorder first press gift, but I was able to obtain a set from my friend. There is 1 version of this single album, and there is a 6-piece photocard set as the preorder benefit.

The preorder benefit photocard set came in a clear resealable bag. The photocards have a glossy finish.

The backsides of the photocards include the members' printed messages and autographs.

The album itself comes in a clear wrap. The album format and packaging break away from Rocket Punch's 3 previous mini album releases. The packaging and comic book-like design remind me of the photobook from the Ketchy 1st Generation fankit.

The album packaging is a paper booklet, stapled at the spine. There has been a lot of disappointment over this chosen style, which is totally understandable because it certainly does look cheap. However, the biggest perk for me is that you can open up each page fully so that no photo gets cut off in the spine; I really prefer this because it helps to fully see each page, and it won't cut off anything if there is a 2-page spread. The biggest downside for me is that the spine doesn't signify what album this is, so it doesn't look as pretty while on display along with my other albums.

The dimensions of the album are 5.8124" by 8.3125" by 0.8124" (when you flatten the album). Here is a comparison of Ring Ring with Rocket Punch's latest mini album Blue Punch. As a reminder, all 3 of Rocket Punch's previous album releases have the same packaging and dimensions.

The back cover has a carnival tent-like pattern, along with the tracklist where each song has its own fun font.

The album comes with a random photocard, a random square postcard, and a sticker sheet, all of which I'll talk about later.

The photobook includes 60 pages. The first page mirrors the back cover, listing out the tracklist.

There are 3 photoshoots in this photobook. The first section contains photos from this shoot, with a diner setting. It begins with a group photo. Here is a good example of how we can fully see this 2-page spread and no one gets caught in the spine because of the album booklet style.

Next are the individual member photos from this shoot. Each member has 2 consecutive pages, and is in age order starting with Juri. For the individual member photos throughout this entire photobook, there is 1 photo per page.

I really like this diner setting; it fits the retro concept so well!

Between Suyun's and Yunkyoung's pages are 2 group photos.

While the individual member pages always contain 1 photo per page, they do make the page layout interesting. I like how they are able to accommodate a photo in landscape mode here.

As for Dahyun, I feel like it's such wasted space on the left.

Next is another group photo from the diner shoot.

To close out the section is this 2-page spread with "Ring Ring" song credits and lyrics. The style of copying and pasting each member onto the page is similar to the scrapbook style in Rocket Punch's past mini album photobooks.

The next section contains photos from the denim outfit photoshoot. This section begins with a group photo.

Next are the individual member photos from this shoot. There is 1 photo per member, generally in age order starting with Juri, for 6 pages.

Dahyun is so effortless beautiful! And Sohee pulls off blonde really well; she looks more mature with each era!

The next 6 pages are another set of individual member photos, again in age order.

The last pages of this section are the song credits and lyrics for "I Want U Bad!", along with the scrapbook style of the members.

The last section contains photos from the sparkly outfit photoshoot. It begins with a group photo.

Like the first section, this section contains 2 pages per member, again in age order starting with Juri.

The setting of this photoshoot is generally pretty dark, but with Yunkyoung's silver sequined outfit it's nice to have some subtle contrast as opposed to some of the other members' black outfits.

The photo on the left is so pretty; I like how they mixed up the camera angle.

Next are the 2 pages for the song credits and lyrics of "Ride", along with the scrapbook style of the members.

The section ends with 1 last group photo from this shoot.

Next are 4 pages for the "Special Thanks to" along with each member's thanks to message.

The last page contains the album credits. The CD is within the flap of the back cover.

Flipping that back cover flap once reveals the members' printed autographs.

And flipping the flap once more reveals the CD.

The CD design is really pretty! It's meant to look like a record, and there are even clear, embossed lines that do represent the appearance of a record.

Now I'll blog about the inclusions of the album. The random postcard was found in the middle of the photobook.

The random photocard was found further on in the photobook.

And the sticker sheet was found towards the end of the photobook.

Each album comes with 1 random square postcard out of 6, and 1 random photocard out of 30. I happened to get Sohee for both! The postcard is just under 4" in both directions and has a glossy front and matte back. There is a printed message on the front. The photocard is glossy on both sides.

Here are the backsides of the postcard and photocard. The postcard is simple and has the album logo at the bottom whereas the photocard matches the backside of the preorder benefit photocards.

Here is a closeup of the sticker sheet. Woollim has consistently included a sticker sheet in each of Rocket Punch's albums. This sticker sheet includes stickers of each member from the diner shoot, each member's name, along with random stars and smiley faces. The front has a glossy finish. The overall sticker sheet is just over 5.125" by 7.0625".

This album also has 2 external first press group posters, which I did not order. 1 poster is from the diner photoshoot while the other is from shoot with the denim outfits.

This single album includes the following tracks:

1. Ring Ring - is the title track, with an 80s synth pop style. It starts off right away with that retro sound, which fits perfectly with this album's retro concept. I absolutely love this song and it definitely falls in a close second
2. I Want U Bad - is co-created by RHEAT, who is a part of CODE 9, and PURAVIDA. CODE 9 and PURAVIDA have also worked together on "BOUNCY" and "TWINKLE STAR". CODE 9 has also worked on "Lucid Dream" and "Do Something" while PURAVIDA has worked on "SUMMER PUNCH!". 
3. Ride - is co-created by 1Take and TAK, who together created Golden Child's "What Happened", "If", "Lately", "No Matter What", "Moment", and "Round N Round". Along with "Ring Ring", the girls also promoted "Ride".

During the release of this era's teasers, I was really excited for the newtro concept and even more excited when I heard the teasers for the title track. When I think of "retro-sounding Kpop song", I immediately think of Snuper's "Platonic Love", which is one of my favorite bops outside of Woollim. However with "Ring Ring", it seems like it's missing something, perhaps a really catchy hook, to replace my favorite retro-sounding Kpop song. Overall, I'm still in love with the title, and the 2 B-sides give a nice variety of genres, showing further growth with Rocket Punch's musical style.

Overall, I'm just so happy Woollim is putting more focus on Rocket Punch following the completion of Ring Ring promotions with the announcement of Rocket Punch's Japanese debut coming up just before their 2 year anniversary, after having so many months between the past comebacks. It's unfortunate that Juri couldn't participate in majority of Ring Ring promotions, but hopefully she can join for any Japanese debut promotions. 

Makestar Lovelyz Special AR Photobook Project Review

It's been a long drought for Lovelyz and Lovelinus since "Obliviate" era back in September 2020, therefore making Woollim's collaboration with Makestar to release another photobook project with Lovelyz even more exciting and much needed. Makestar first announced this "Special AR Photobook Project" on April 16th at 6PM KST on Twitter, along with the link to the project page which contains the various packages and item prices.

Introduction

The physical reward is the special AR photobook, worth $38.60 USD before shipping, and you can choose to enter the physical OT8 fansign event (30 winners) or individual member video call. The product page also indicated that the first 300 purchasers will receive a folded Early Bird Event Poster (it is unclear if it is 1 poster per photobook, per order, or per account). It said that pre-orders begin in "about 20 hrs" but I refreshed the page at about 11:30PM KST on the 16th, and pre-orders had already opened with 248 StarMakers already having participated. I quickly placed my order (DHL shipping was $30.43 USD to the US) and was the 255th StarMaker, hopefully falling within whatever constitutes as the first 300 purchasers.

As always, Makestar held their PR event where posting about the project on your SNS and commenting on the project page will enter you into a raffle for 1 of 8 signed Polaroids. And like with Lovelyz' previous photobook project, with this project there were 4 additional autographed Polaroid events for those who participated within a certain time frame. These can be found within the Updates tab of the project. 

The event was originally supposed to close on May 17th. However on May 11th, Makestar posted a "Project Extension Notice" on the Notice tab that the deadline would be extended to June 7th and that more photoshoots of the members will be released. The Story tab was also updated with the fansign event and 1:1 video call events to be held on June 27th. 100% funding of the project was also achieved, with all participants being rewarded a 100% Achievement Poster which is different from the Early Bird Event Poster. A 150% stretch goal was also announced with the reward being a limited edition postcard set.

By May 27th, the 150% stretch goal was achieved, and a 200% stretch goal was announced with the reward being a limited edition mini poster set (A4 size). I checked on the day of the deadline, and there was a 230% stretch goal that was added and achieved, with the reward being 2 different photocard sets.

Delivery

On July 5th, I received an email from Makestar that the digital reward delivery is now accessible. I checked my Makestar account, and 2 identical copies of the TALK-PIC User's Guide manuals were available for download, along with my tracking number. The tracking showed that the label was created on July 2nd. On July 5th, the project page status stated "Reward Shipping Start". I checked my account again on July 8th and my StarMaker Certificate was ready for download.

My package arrived on July 7th PT! My package came in a waterproof plastic bag envelope with no bubblewrap lining. All my previous Makestar packages (projects and pre-orders) were always in a cardboard box, so this surprised me.

But opening up the flimsy pink envelope revealed a heavy duty, sealed bubblewrap envelope! This is the same internal packaging that Makestar used for Lovelyz' first photobook project, and I'm happy to see that Makestar is continuing with this high quality packaging. All the contents of the project are inside this bubblewrap envelope.

Opening up the flap reveals the contents of the project stacked neatly inside.

From top to bottom are the pack of stretch goal rewards placed in a clear resealable bag, followed by the early bird poster in its own clear resealable bag, and lastly the photobook in a clear shrinkwrap.

Early Bird and Stretch Goal Rewards

The early bird poster is folded and has a high quality, matte finish. The dimensions of this poster once unfolded are 23.375" by 16.".

Here are all of the stretch goal rewards.

The stretch goal poster has the same high quality and dimensions as the early bird poster. Unfortunately this image is slightly blurry compared to the early bird image.

Here is a general look at the A4 mini poster set, postcard set, and both photocard sets. These are all very high quality. The poster and postcard sets are cardstock and have a matte finish. The photocards have a glossy finish. The photocards are so fresh that they were still stuck together. All these items were in age order from Baby Soul to Yein.

The backsides of most of these goods have a similar design matching the photobook cover.

Here is a closeup of the A4 posters! I love how fun and cute this concept is!

Here is a closeup of the postcards. The dimensions are roughly 3.9375" by 0.875".

And lastly here are the 2 photocard sets. I really like how the stretch goal rewards are photos from a variety of photoshoots, showing various concepts of the girls. The photobook contains 4 photoshoots, and 3 of the photoshoots are included in these early bird and stretch goal rewards.

Photobook

The photobook is titled "Blooming Lovelyz". The cover of the photobook seems like a new design arts student put together, with the random background, photo plopped on top, and hard-to-read text. I am clearly not a fan of the design.

However the quality of the photobook itself is very nice. It is hardcover and very sturdy and quite large and thick overall, with dimensions 8.875" by 12.125" by 1.1875".

One flaw I found was how "MAKESTAR" was misprinted on the spine, which is a bit funny since I'd think they'd want to advertise their company on their product.

Here is the back cover, again continuing the colorful design.

The photobook is broken up into 4 sections, listed on the front cover and on this first page: Sunshine Lovelyz, Sugary Smile, Mono Drama, and Neon Dreams. Each section contains its own photoshoot.

Sunshine Lovelyz

Each section starts with a 2-page spread like the above, and the top left has an icon and states "Pages with this mark have an AR function". This first section is entitled "Sunshine Lovelyz".

There is a group photo starting off this section. The outfits for this photoshoot give off a lovely spring garden party vibe.

Next is another group photo covering 2 pages.

The remaining pages of this section are dedicated to the individual member photos, where each member has 8 pages grouped together and is in age order from Baby Soul to Yein. The first 2 pages of each member's subsection looks like this, where the second page has that AR icon.

And here is the AR clip for Jiae! The app is quite straightforward to use. First, download "Talk-PIC". Once you've opened the app, you can click on the globe icon in the top left to choose your language (English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese). The app will remember your selection. Next, line up the AR image within the box and the clip should play. Above here you can see how quickly the app identified the image and began playing the clip. This section's set of AR clips are generally 7 to 10 seconds long each, use different Lovelyz' instrumental tracks as background music, and show the girls making hearts.

There is generally 1 photo per page, and the layouts are different to keep things interesting. Though of course the best would be if the photos were as large as possible^^ All of the individual photos from this shoot are taking indoors.

Jisoo fits this concept so well! She has this natural radiance to her, and when she smiles subtly like that, it's really beautiful.

Generally the photos are super high quality, but there are a few (like the one of the right) that's lower quality.

Kei looks so elegant and in her own element here! This pure, streamlined look fits her so well.

I like how there are more traditional portrait photos, as well as candid photos mixed in this photobook.

I love how this shoot really captures the natural beauty of the girls! And the composition of that photo on the right with the archway is so beautiful.

That photo on the left is so beautifully taken! I love the symmetry of the windows along with Sujeong's pose, as well as her pointed shoes matching the window frame, creating nice composition.

Yein fits this victorian style so well! I really love her photos in this section.

While all previous members had 1 photo per page, Yein's is different where she has this 2-page spread.

And the following page contains an extra photo, so that overall she still has 7 individual photos like all the other members.

Sugary Smile

The second section is entitled "Sugary Smile".

This section is broken up into 2 subgroups, with the first including Baby Soul, Mijoo, Jin, and Yein.

It includes 3 photos of this subgroup with various props that will be used throughout this shoot.

Next are the individual member sections, again in age order, for these 4 members. Like the previous section, there are 8 pages per member including this above title page, and the second page contains the AR photo.

The photoshoot from this section is really cute! It's the girls playing with the toy props or munching on snacks.

There is also a retro feel to these photos, with the lawn chair and muted colors.

There is generally 1 photo per page, though there is the occasional 2-page spread or 2 photos on 1 page.

All of Jin's photos are so cute!

I love these set of photos, again how some are candid and others have her gazing at the camera.

Yein's really has the retro feel with that game console and her overalls!

And adding in the colorful slinky really adds to that old school vibe.

Next is an OT8 group photo.

Followed by 3 group photos from the second subgroup, consisting of Jiae, Jisoo, Kei, and Sujeong.

I don't know what it is about shopping carts, but they're always so fun to play around with^^

Jiae playing with Jenga blocks is also very nostalgic! 

The AR clips in this section are about 10 seconds long each, and they show each member cutely playing with their props. I can't get over Jisoo's!

Jisoo's set is definitely my favorite within this section! Her smile is so infectious and she her playful attitude is so adorable.

It's refreshing seeing Kei in a more boyish outfit!

Sujeong is so adorable here^^

Mono Drama

The third section is entitled "Mono Drama" and has a darker, more serious aura.

The section opens with a group photo.

Next are the individual member photos, this time in random order. There are 6 pages per member including this above title page, and the second page contains the AR photo.

This section consists of both black & white and color photos. Each member has 6 individual photos, including 1 page with 2 photos.

There's a bit of an eerie vibe with the flower covering the eye.

I absolutely love Jin's photos here! She gives off such an elegant yet subdued feel here.

I am in love with Sujeong's look here!

The AR clips in this section are about 12 to 14 seconds long each, and show each member posing more dramatically.

I can't get over this look on Yein; it suits her so well!

The formatting of these 2 pages is really pretty.

I love just how different each section is, giving off different images of the girls!

Kei looks absolutely gorgeous; I can't get over her photos here. Honestly, after going through all the photos in this section, the entire maknae line's set of photos are my favorite! I really like the slightly boyish outfits, and the subdued tone is such a contrast from Lovelyz' album concepts.

The last 2 pages are additional group photos from the shoot.

Neon Dreams

The fourth and final section of the photobook is entitled "Neon Dreams".

This section is a bit different, where the members are split into pairs and there are no group photos. Each pair includes the title page plus AR photo page for the first member, followed by 6 additional pages for that member, then 3 photos of the pair spanning 4 pages, then the title page plus AR photo page for the second member, and lastly the 6 pages of the second member.

There is generally 1 photo per page for the individual member photos.

Here is generally how the 2-page spread pair photo looks like. They're generally very up close and at first I thought they were 2 individual member photos.

Here are Baby Soul and Jisoo's additional pair photos.

Jisoo looks so gorgeous here!

The AR clips in this section are about 8 to 9 seconds in length each, and are fun and vibrant, as well as a bit dramatic starting off as black and white and transitioning into color, along with the slow motion.

This photos is so beautiful, and I love the shadow that's created in this photoshoot to add more drama.

If a member has a 2-page spread, they'll also have 1 page with 2 photos.

Here are some of Jiae and Mijoo's pair photos.

Jiae's pink outfit contrasts beautifully with the starking green tone.

I absolutely love that photo on the right! Jin's pose and aura fit so well with this concept.

Here are some of Jin and Sujeong's pair photos.

Sujeong's hairstyle is really pretty! And her playing with her ponytail gives it a nice, sporty vibe.

This 2-page spread is so gorgeous!

The makeup is really pretty, especially with the jewels.

Most of the other 2-page spread pair photos were super up close and looked like individual member photos, so I'm really happy that this one was a bit different!

Again, they're mixing up the layout to keep things interesting.

The last page contains the photobook credits. The first album listed all of the StarMakers names, however this time this was omitted.

Overall, I'm really happy that Lovelyz successfully completed their second photobook project, and the final result is absolutely beautiful! While the cover design is a bit elementary, the inside content is great: the concepts are diverse, the photos, pages, and material are high quality, and the AR clips are nice bonuses. I'm definitely looking forward to Lovelyz' next adventure after this!