Born to Be XX

Born to Be XX is the second extended play (EP) by South Korean girl group Kiss of Life. It was released on November 8, 2023, through S2 Entertainment. The EP contains seven tracks, including the lead singles "Bad News" and "Nobody Knows".^[1]

Born to Be XX
Digital cover
EP by Kiss of Life
Released	November 8, 2023 (2023-11-08)
Genre	Dance-pop R&B Philadelphia soul hip-hop rock pop afro reggae ballad
Length	21:12
Language	Korean
Label	S2
Kiss of Life chronology
Kiss of Life (2023) Born to Be XX (2023) Midas Touch (2024)
Singles from Born to Be XX
"Bad News" Released: November 8, 2023 "Nobody Knows" Released: November 8, 2023

Title

Speaking about the album's name, member Belle explained that the two X symbols in the album's name "signify two different concepts: special things that are not welcomed [by others] and the group's message to reject prejudice, misunderstandings and stereotypes."^[2]

Background

On September 28, 2023, S2 Entertainment released a poster indicating that Kiss of Life would make their comeback in November.^[3][4] On October 13, 2023, the group revealed that they would make a comeback on November 8, 2023, by posting a teaser.^[5][6]

Promotion

On October 16, 2023, a poster was released featuring the members mugshots with the caption 'Who's the villain'.^[7] On October 17, the group released the tracklist of the album.^[8] From October 19 to 25 the group released various concept photos.^[9][10] On October 27, a trailer for the EP was released.^[11] On October 30, the group released the sneak peek of the tracks.^[12]

Composition

The lead single "Bad News" is a groovy mid-tempo that blends elements of pop, hip-hop, and rock, which makes this feel like the most natural evolution of the burgeoning band's sound,^[13] whereas "Nobody Knows" is a slick, upbeat slice of R&B influenced by the 1970s.^[13][14] "TTG" was described as a R&B track which is reminiscent of music from the 2000s,^[15] and "Gentleman" is a song which has a unique sound with an Afro rhythm, reggae patterns, and soul gospel.^[15] "Says It" is a track dedicated to fans written by member Belle, with lyrics that capture the emotions of unrequited love.^[15]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
NME	[13]

Carmen Chin writing for NME described the extended play as "a diamond in the rough" and is a sophomore album, which certainly has some gigantic shoes to fill after their debut which exceeds all expectations.^[13]

Accolades

Awards and nominations for Born to be XX

Organization	Year	Award	Result	Ref.
Korean Music Awards	2024	Best K-pop Album	Nominated	[16]

Track listing

Born to Be XX track listing

No.	Title	Lyrics	Music	Arrangement	Length
1.	"Bad News"	Rick Bridges Jonghan PAPRIKAA Strawberrybananaclub	Strawberrybananaclub Jonghan Rick Bridges	Strawberrybananaclub	2:40
2.	"Nobody Knows"	Jo Yoon-kyung Julie Rick Bridges	PAPRIKAA Im Jungwoo Adora VON MENTZER	PAPRIKAA	3:15
3.	"My 808"	Mia (153/Joombas) Rick Bridges Lee Hyeyum (Jamfactory) Gemma Belle Natty	G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze Tricia Battani TMM	G'harah "PK" Degeddingseze Tricia Battani	2:39
4.	"TTG"	Ondine Rick Bridges BYMORE	BYMORE Ondine Adora Rick Bridges	BYMORE	3:29
5.	"Gentleman"	Jo Yoon-kyung	Thomas Troelsen Lindy Robbins Gabe Saporta Shy Carter	Troelsen	2:58
6.	"Says It"	Belle Rick Bridges	clovd (WSHL:ST) Kwon Deokgeun (WSHL:ST) Young Chance Belle Eunsol	clovd (WSHL:ST) Kwon Deokgeun (WSHL:ST)	3:31
7.	"Bad News" (English version)	Julie Rick Bridges Jonghan PAPRIKAA Strawberrybananaclub	Strawberrybananaclub Jonghan Rick Bridges	Strawberrybananaclub	2:40
Total length:					21:12

Charts

Weekly charts Weekly chart performance for Born to Be XX Chart (2023) Peak position South Korean Albums (Circle)[17] 49

Monthly charts Monthly chart performance for Born to Be XX Chart (2023) Position South Korean Albums (Circle)[18] 36

Release history

Release history and formats for Born to Be XX

Region	Date	Format	Label
South Korea	November 8th, 2023	CD	S2
Various		Digital download streaming