START (single)

## ***START***Single by VALKYRIE

***START*** is the debut single released by South Korean girl group VALKYRIE. It was released on March 26, 2018 through Virtual Entertainment. Described as combining traditional Korean instruments with trap beats and pop sounds, the track was written and produced by Max Martin. The single was originally included in ENDLESS - The 1st Mini Album & was later included in VALKYRIE's second studio album titled CHECKMATE - The 2nd Full Album

The single was a global success around the world, charting in the top 10 of every chart in existence. It is currently one of the most viewed music videos by a Korean girl group, alongside the most successful debut by a Korean artist ever. The single is certified Gold by the Recording Industry Of America, Platinum in Latin America, Gold in the UK, Platinum X2 in Europe, Platinum in Oceania, and Diamond in all Asian territories.

Its accompanying music video was uploaded to the group's official YouTube channel on the same day and soon became the most viewed online video, and second most-watched music video of all time within 24 hours, at the time of its release. It has since become the first and fastest music video by a K-pop group to reach 1 billion views, and it is currently one of the most-viewed music video by a K-pop group on YouTube. It was named as the Song of the Year through the public survey conducted by Gallup Korea in 2018 & 2019

## Song Facts

### Composition // Background

Originally, Virtual Entertainment wanted to capitalize on the current trend of Girl Crush elements in K-Pop at the moment, and originally intended for a soft girl group, however it was revealed in January 2018, that following SM's ending of business, Virtual would debut a girl group they pulled from within the trainee program to promote a whole new lore, different from SM Entertainment's "Kwangya" universe. VALKYRIE was intended to open the door to a whole new lore and explore the elements of their battles, referring to their fanbase as VALORANTS in an official tweet.

The song features firely vocals, spiced in with some editing and warping of the vocals to create the illusion of a race starting. RYUJIN was coached in delivering the lyrics reportedly by Dr. Dre himself, and Jay Z on assistance to create a spicey and interesting hook for her verse.

### Music Video

The music video depicts the members, arriving a 2000s themed restaurant with various big box tv's around. They check the news, hearing an invasion arriving of aliens, and as such they showcase their roles within the M/V of their power, with RYUJIN's rapping summoning all sorts of sells, LIA, a nd YUNA's vocals causing the invaders to collapse in awe, and CHAERYONG, and YEJI delivering a unexpected high note around the climax further cementing their vocals but also showcasing their style.

### Commercial Performance

START originally debuted at #1 and #2 respectively in it's first week on various charts, it was the first song by a Korean girl-group to debut at #28 in the US Billboard Hot 100, furthering up to #6 as it's peak on the chart. Elsewhere, the single remained in the Top 5 of most charts. It has since sold over 7 million units around the world, being one of 2018's Best Selling Single and cementing the group as a force to be reckoned with on the charts. It was nicknamed the best song by various outlets for it's impact on K-Pop and Global Westernization of the genre.