[Album Review] P1Harmony’s “DUH!”: A Genre-Defying Flex of Confidence, Creativity, and Individuality

The B.E.L.U. Lineup Team

Credit: FNC

​Since their debut in 2020, P1Harmony has steadily carved out a unique space in the K-pop landscape with their genre-blending sound, sharp choreography, and powerful lyricism. Known for seamlessly fusing hip-hop, R&B, and pop with socially conscious themes, the six-member group—Keeho, Theo, Jiung, Intak, Soul, and Jongseob—continues to push musical boundaries. With their latest 8th mini album, DUH!, P1Harmony turns up the volume on their playful, rebellious spirit, delivering a project that’s bold, experimental, and unapologetically themselves. 

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1. DUH! (Ilanna S.)
Like the hook of any good piece of writing, “DUH!” sets out to grab the listeners attention as the opener and title track of P1Harmony’s 8th mini album “DUH!” Written by members Jiung, Intak, and Jongseob alongside Han Seong Ho, the sextet delivers clever lyrical moments unique to P1Harmony. Intak intrinsically raps “Everyone except me is the same potayto potahto tomayto tomahto they all look the same” letting audiences know they’re consistently looking to set themselves apart from anyone else. Jongseob confidently intertwines ingenious word-play and delivery into his verses, introducing this verse with “DUH or minus” with the “duh” sounding like the word ‘plus’ in Korean.


While “DUH!” is heavily rap-centered (something the group does effortlessly), the vocalists give us a masterclass in singing. Keeho, Theo, and Soul perfected the pre-choruses and ad-libs, seamlessly alternating parts. Assuredly singing “Our stage never got any attention. Must be surprising cause I got it like that”, they let their fans (P1ece) know they believe in themselves just as much as them. “DUH!” is the ideal title track for a group who is unafraid to explore different sounds and genres. P1Harmony offers fans an experimental hit with playful beats, dynamic verses, and bold lyrical choices. “DUH!” shows fans old and new who P1Harmony is musically while giving them a glimpse into a future that’s undoubtedly bright. All-rounder Jiung closes out the song declaring “You already know who it is. Not gonna repeat myself. Light work, DUH!” 

​2. Pretty Boy (Deborah R.)
“Pretty Boy” opens with an irresistible Latin-infused beat that immediately sets a lively, infectious tone. Co-written by Jiung, Intak, and Jongseob, and co-produced by Keeho, the track exudes the confident charm P1Harmony is known for. Lyrically, it plays with the idea of standing out, not just in looks, but through undeniable talent and individuality. The group leans into their “pretty boy” persona with swagger, crafting a message that radiates self-assurance and effortless appeal. It’s a feel-good anthem that makes it impossible not to dance along.

3. Murmur (Dyani R.)
P1Harmony kicks off their track “Murmur” with moody, dramatic piano chords that quickly evolve into a hard-hitting beat, laying the groundwork for an explosive opening rap verse from Intak. The energy only builds from there, with the chorus carried by Keeho, Jiung, and Intak. Keeho and Jiung’s smooth, emotive vocals intertwine seamlessly to deliver a powerful melodic hook, while Intak’s signature ad-libs add a dynamic edge.
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Infused with jazz and funk elements, “Murmur” radiates a confident, almost dismissive coolness—one that perfectly matches the song’s lyrical message. Lines like “Don’t even hear it no more” and “Murmuring about me, murmuring about me. Mm, I hate these guys” signal that the group is unbothered by outside noise. They’ve tuned out criticism and distractions, choosing instead to focus on their own path and success.
With “Murmur,” P1Harmony makes it clear: the chatter around them has faded into the background, reduced to nothing more than a murmur.


4. Flashy (Deborah R.)
“Flashy,” is a full-throttle performance piece made for the stage. With writing credits to Jiung, Intak, and Jongseob, and co-production by Jiung, the track blends electronic elements with gritty rock undertones and a pulsing bassline. It’s a bold declaration of P1Harmony’s confidence and authenticity, the very traits that make their performances so magnetic. Each rapper delivers a distinct, impactful verse, but it’s the vocalists who steal the show here, with piercing, siren-like melodies that soar over the high-energy production. You could say that "Flashy" is a statement for P1Harmony.

5. Over And Over (Dyani R.)
“Over And Over,” the fifth track on P1Harmony’s latest EP DUH!, wastes no time grabbing your attention. Blazing horns and pounding drums hit instantly, demanding just two things: listen and move. It’s bold, it’s brassy, and it sets the stage for the group’s signature blend of confidence and charisma. Jiung and Jongseob kick things off with punchy rap verses that set a high-energy tone, staying true to P1Harmony’s dynamic style. As the track shifts into the pre-chorus, Theo and Soul step in to temper the intensity, layering in smooth vocals that ride effortlessly over the driving beat, adding emotional balance to the song’s bold production.
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“Over And Over” thrives on its experimental sound and defiant message. With lyrics like “can’t nobody keep us down,” it positions itself as an anthem for anyone who’s ever had to fight for a second chance. It's a classic underdog narrative—fall down, rise up, and come back stronger every single time. As the title suggests, P1Harmony isn’t going anywhere. No matter the setbacks, they’re ready to rise over and over again.
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6. Work (Maria T.)
Coming in hot with the last track of the album, we hear a familiar cadence that was previously presented in their “A hero should be heroic” video, the first look and sound we got for this upcoming comeback. Previously only hearing a little bit of the pre-chorus song by Theo, Keeho’s opening verse and Jongseob’s pulling tagline “this party you can’t find nowhere”, we get to see how much of a party anthem “Work” is. Leaning more towards the members rap side alongside this hyper-pop track, there’s a mix of fast paced and chilled verses that slide along with the groovy pre-chorus. This track, although very experimental much like the rest of “DUH!” in terms of sound and genre, the cool “superhero” confidence still shines.  With lyrics like, “work it, break it, make it shiny like a diamond” and “i’m going, i’m pulling up to this show no matter what” you get a shining confidence to both work and party with no limits. Co-produced by Jongseob, “Work” keeps the energy lasting perfect for a night out.

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