Refund Expedition, Debut Confirmed on October 10... Debut Song is 'Don't touch me' (Comprehensive)

Photo by MBC 'Nolmyeon Mwoni'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jeong-ho] The 'Refund Expedition' from 'Hangout with Yoo' has confirmed that they will promote with the song "Don't touch me" composed by producer Rado.

On the afternoon of the 26th, MBC's 'Hangout with Yoo?' aired a segment showing Shinbak Planning's CEO 'Jimmy Yoo' (Yoo Jae-suk), managers Jung Bong-won (Jung Jae-hyung) and Kim Ji-seop (Kim Jong-min), and the 'Refund Expedition' members Man-ok (Uhm Jung-hwa), Cheon-ok (Lee Hyori), Eun-bi (Jessi), and Sil-bi (Hwasa) heading out for their first schedule.

That day, Shinbak Planning CEO Jimmy Yoo held a group profile photo shoot to build teamwork and boost morale among the affiliated artists 'Refund Expedition' and the managers.

The place he took the members to was a sacred site regarded as a gateway every Korean celebrity must pass through, a photo studio steeped in the history and tradition of broadcasting. There, not only Jimmy Yoo but also past images from Man-ok and Cheon-ok’s original personas, as well as Bong-won's photos, were preserved, surprising everyone.

In front of the camera, the 'Refund Expedition' members conducted individual and group shoots, showing a professional transformation as if participating in a fashion pictorial.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Yoo, Jung Bong-won, and Kim Ji-seop of Shinbak Planning radiated strong energy unified by their team uniforms. Jimmy Yoo prepared group T-shirts and conducted a cheerful group photo shoot with the managers and 'Refund Expedition'.

The first schedule for 'Refund Expedition' was the 'TV Chuseok Greeting Spot' shoot, something only the trendsetters of the time could do. Jimmy Yoo managed to secure the schedule through his broadcasting industry connections. Since this was an opportunity to properly introduce 'Refund Expedition' before their full-fledged activities as a girl group, everyone approached the schedule with nervous anticipation.

Once the shoot began in earnest, the site became a minefield of NGs. From the start, a member interrupted the lines, another tangled their words, some members performed physical comedy, and one emitted an aura unfit for Chuseok, causing frustration for Jimmy Yoo and the managers, but bringing laughter to those around.

Then, Jimmy Yoo finally revealed the title candidate song he had found to 'Refund Expedition' for the first time.

Previously, Jimmy Yoo had requested a song from his younger acquaintance in music, Black Eyed Pilseung’s Rado, while searching for a perfect track for 'Refund Expedition'.

Upon discovering a beat in Rado’s secret warehouse, Jimmy Yoo’s 'Top 100 ears' were triggered, and he was so satisfied that he requested additional work. The beat revealed on the broadcast captivated viewers’ ears and hearts, sparking curiosity about future developments.

On that day, Jimmy Yoo unveiled the upgraded song to the 'Refund Expedition' members. Brimming with confidence, Jimmy Yoo said, "The song title is 'Don't touch me'. It’s really good. If you don’t like it, slap me in the face," piquing curiosity.

As the music played, Man-ok, Cheon-ok, Eun-bi, and Sil-bi showed intense concentration. The introduction, starting powerfully with siren sounds, left a deep impression. Jimmy Yoo, fully immersed in the music, danced alone, while the members unknowingly moved to the beat as they listened.

After the music ended, the 'Refund Expedition' members wore meaningful expressions. When asked for their evaluation, Man-ok said, "I didn’t want to admit it, but it’s good. I got goosebumps three times," expressing satisfaction.

Cheon-ok and Sil-bi also said, "The song is really good. It has all the elements to appeal to the public." Eun-bi admitted, "It’s better than I expected." However, the members complained, "It’s annoying that we have no choice but to praise this song," causing laughter.

Ultimately, the members decided by a show of hands to promote with Rado’s "Don't touch me". Jimmy Yoo was pleased and confidently stated, "You can’t help but fall for this song."

Later, composer Rado personally visited the Shinbak Planning office. Rado said, "I wrote it imagining the four of you. It took two hours," and regarding the concept, he added, "I hope it doesn’t go too dark."

Regarding part distribution, Rado said, "I want Eun-bi to start soulfully. Sil-bi will stand out in the chorus. Man-ok noona should sing with a delicate vocal. Cheon-ok noona gave a lot of inspiration to the story."

Jimmy Yoo shared future plans, saying, "After some minor song revisions and lyric work, let’s record next week. The digital release is confirmed for October 10."

Meanwhile, Hangout with Yoo airs every Saturday at 6:30 PM.