Malatanghulu (마라탕후루)

Seo EVE's song "마라탕후루" is a playful and charming exploration of young love and the desire to impress someone special. The lyrics revolve around the protagonist's attempts to win over their senior (선배) by comparing their feelings to two popular foods: tanghulu (탕후루), a sweet candied fruit, and malatang (마라탕), a spicy Chinese hot pot. These food metaphors are used to convey the complexity and intensity of their emotions.

The repeated phrases like "탕탕 후루후루" and "마라탕탕탕탕 후루루루루" create a catchy and rhythmic pattern that mirrors the protagonist's heartbeat and excitement. The protagonist's heart is described as "단짠단짠," a Korean term that combines sweet and salty flavors, symbolizing the mixed emotions of love—sweetness from affection and saltiness from nervousness or uncertainty. The playful tone of the song is further emphasized by the protagonist's direct requests for their senior to buy them tanghulu and malatang, which can be seen as a metaphor for seeking attention and affection.

The song also touches on the theme of breaking out of one's shell, as the protagonist declares their intention to leave behind their single life and make a bold move towards love. The repeated requests for tanghulu and malatang symbolize the protagonist's determination to be noticed and appreciated for their unique qualities, much like the distinct flavors of the foods they mention. Seo EVE's lighthearted and whimsical approach to the subject of love makes the song relatable and endearing, capturing the essence of youthful romance and the courage it takes to express one's feelings.