Double packed with visual and lyrical meaning, “Maria” tells a tale of crime scenes, resurrections, and metamorphosis.

Stemming from Hwasa’s inner conversations about society criticisms and malicious comments, “Maria” is a complex song about inner conflict with a simple answer.

If you’re too nice, you end up being taken advantage of. But you also don’t want to be a bad person either. It’s about the conflict between picking which side to be. There are times where you don’t want to be too nice or too mean and you’re stuck in this conflict.

Note: For convenience purposes, the English Translation is used and referred to for the entire Song Highlight. Read the English translation of “Maria (마리아)” here.

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Maria, Maria

If I’m gonna live like a fool and get hurt, maybe I should become a b*tch instead.

—Hwasa in the introduction video of her 1st Mini Album [María] Track List

In the music video, there are two Marias. One is black-haired, the other red-haired. Hwasa says of the choice,

I always wanted to express my other ego as Maria and include that in the album.

Alter egos, or other egos, are often created by one to represent a different version of oneself. It can prove to be very helpful for self-expression, especially for artists.

Alter egos can come in many forms. A famous example of an alter ego would be Slim Shady, rapper Eminem’s alter ego. Compared to Eminem, Slim Shady is often disturbingly violent and morbidly humorous. Another example, within K-pop, is AGUST D, rapper SUGA’s alter ego. Compared to SUGA, AGUST D is not as limited in terms of self-expression.

Hwasa’s alter ego is the red-haired Maria, the confident prowess that breaks the internet. Hwasa, or the black-haired Maria, in comparison, is unable to rise above everything like Maria is. This is further cemented by the main sets that the two egos interact in.

Red-haired Maria appears in fancy housing. Black-haired Maria appears in a mental hospital.

Black-haired maria in one of the many rooms of the mental hosptial

Additionally, Maria is also Hwasa’s Baptismal Name, the Latinised form of “Mary,” the mother of Jesus. As a catholic, the name is supposed to give her a sense of identity and guidance.

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Maria, Malèna

Everybody knows this following scene from the famous Italian movie, Melèna.

Once full of rejection towards the men in the village, Melèna dyes her hair red and allows them to approach and light her cigarette

It represents a conflicting turning point of when Melèna succumbs to the spotlight, letting people around fully embrace her beauty. Though, the portrayal of this scene in the film holds darker implications—Melèna is resorting to prostitution for a living.

Unlike Melèna, Hwasa proves to be able to rise above simply being a subject of praise and criticism. She is able to take control of her fate, but not without struggle. This song is a dance between the two personalities.

Like Melèna who dyes her hair, between the two Marias, the red-haired Maria is the one that appears in this scene
In further confirmation of this reference, Hwasa named the two versions of her teasers for “Maria,” “vita,” and “morte;” Italian for “life” and “death.”

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Maria, Maria; this a crime scene set in Korea

i. the Crime Scene

In the beginning scenes of the video, we witness the death of black-haired Maria. Though, there are a few things peculiar about this crime scene.

First, the exhibition-like barricades set up around the pool. People are glorifying her death and displaying it as a public attraction.

Black-haired Maria’s death here can mean a number of things, but based on Hwasa’s presence in the K-pop industry, it’s probably symbolic of a scandal, or something worthy of negative internet buzz. As you may observe, the reporters here only focus on getting pictures and capturing the moment.

Their enthusiasm over taking pictures suggests that they, the press and the general public, are rejoicing at the new opportunity to report on and sit in on something major. It seems like none of them truly care about Black-haired Maria’s well-being, and are excited amidst her demise.

We also see a small number of guards trying to block the cameras, but to no avail. These guards can be representative of Hwasa’s fans and supporters.

On the edge of the pool, we can see a pointy crown made of nails.

This could be a reference towards the crucifixion of Christ, and can subsequently suggest that Red-haired Maria is the resurrected form of Black-haired Maria, whom was crucified. Experienced and seasoned by a life of fame, Red-haired Maria is able to mock the public for reacting so insensitively to her death.

Red-haired Maria behind the crowd of reporters in the Vita Ver. teaser.

Black-haired Maria’s funeral scenes also contains a lot of symbolism. First, notice that the chairs are turned away and empty, despite all the public attention her death warranted her.

Again, the scene is set to be very aesthetically pleasing, suggesting that the public and the press are glorifying her death. Despite the fact that Black-haired Maria most likely was pushed to her limits by them, they only shallowly acknowledge the incident by attempting to cover up their faults by throwing her a grand, but empty, funeral.

ii. Korea

Here, it would be important to note the significance of this song being set in the social context of Korea.

In a still relatively conservative country, Hwasa is one of those idols who constantly challenge the social norm.

[…] and I said if I don’t fit the beauty standards, I’ll set my own standards.

Hwasa is well known to not fit the toxic Korean beauty standards and is often shamed for her darker skin complexion and thicker figure. She is particularly known for her famous performance at the 2018 Mnet Asian Music Awards. A popular K-pop forum website, Allkpop, reports “mixed reaction to MAMAMOO Hwa Sa’s revealing outfit at the ‘2018 MAMA.”

The South China Morning Post captions of the night,“K-pop shock over Hwasa’s sexy bodysuit at Japanese award show”

Of a result of K-pop not being used to such bold outfits from female idols, Hwasa was condemned for outfit’s shortness and how it accentuated her bottom. This piece of criticism comes despite the fact male idols have frequently shown off their shirtless figures at MAMA without backlash.

That is second significance of the song being set in a Korean setting: the double standard between female and male idols, and the extra unwarranted hate females idols get for merely existing.

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Maria, Maria; did you have fun tearing down all the Marias?

The scene opens in a mental hospital with Black-haired Maria and her backup dancers. There are two points to unpack here.

First, notice how the other dancers are wearing similar outfits. This can be a reference to one of Hwasa’s conscious intentions for the song,

But it didn’t seem like I was the only one talking about this. I thought that most of the people in this world have these conflicts. So instead of ‘this Maria,’ I wanted to say ‘All the Marias in this world.’

Secondly, the set of a mental hospital holds very evident implications. Fame has taken quite a heavy mental toll on Maria.

[Verse 1]

I’ve been criticized so much,
I got an upset stomach (too much)
It’s sad but what can I do (I do)
Everyone worked hard hating me
If you destroy me
Do I become food?

The Korean idiom for getting cussed out is “욕을 먹다,” which literally translates to “eating insults.” Another food-related idiom appears at the end of the verse, “~하면 밥이 나오냐 떡이 나오냐,” which translates to “if you do this, will it get you meals and rice cakes?” It’s basically asking what good will it bring you.

This explains the items served on the dinner table in the Music Video.

Legos, fake pearls, pills, and cassette tapes, these menu choices show that there is no real benefit to bringing her down. At the end of the day, harmful comments will not and can not buy you meals.

In a direct reference to the rice cake idiom, Red-haired Maria also sarcastically offers her heart for haters to dine on. Her offering of the heart can also be symbolic of Red-haired Maria’s nonchalant attitude towards her criticisms.

Later in the music video, the faces of the malicious haters are covered with red hoods, forks and knifes up, looking ready to pounce.

This shows that because of the anonymity people have on the internet, It is hard to hold them accountable.

Meanwhile, Maria has ended up in a mental hospital.

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Maria, Maria; there's conflict in my area

[Pre-Chorus 1]

I’m lonely, what do I do?
I even swallowed hatred
I have no strength to get mad
No time either uh uh

For optimists, another way of looking at hate is making it a marker of success. In the K-pop industry especially, one of the best indicators of one’s popularity and success is hate.

Here, Maria suggests that in order to counter her insecurity, she started to turn to the hatred for “comfort;” this is obviously an act of Red-haired Maria.

In the music video, Red-haired Maria is seen bathing comfortably at the crime scene, just like how she chooses to “bathe” herself in the insults.

Maria baths herself in a milky solution and rose petals

However, immediately, another side of Red-haired Maria resurfaces and points out the toxicity of her haters. It suggests that perhaps, Maria is unsure of which Maria she should channel at given moments.

What’s so disgusting?
Just go on your way
What’s wrong with you?
You make me sad

The word “Disgusting” specifically, can perhaps be referring to negative comments made about her clothing choices. A similar theme is developed in MAMAMOO’s song, “Hip.”

[EN]

Stained shirt Lips sticking out
Greasy hair If I do it, it’s hip
Stained shirt panty sticking out
Greasy hair I don’t care

A scene from the "Hip" MV that mocks the unwarranted hate Hwasa gets for being in an industry with double standards

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Maria, Maria; I don't feel so good in my Area

The second verse of the song allows Maria’s insecurities to flow to the surface.

[Verse 2]

No frame, no fake
My head hurts

This verse has strong implications in the Korean social context. According to DKDKTV, “no frame, no fake” are what the Korean public often thinks of when they see Maria on the big screen; that Maria is open-minded and shows nothing fake.

Well, this might sound good to some people, but in the Korean cultural context and by the comments Hwasa has received over time, it means that people see her as maybe too liberal or out of the norm and too down to earth.

Koreans, especially on tv or [in] public places, have a certain code of acting. You’re expected to act within this certain code of manners and with a certain amount of pretense or affectation. But since Hwasa is well known to have neither a frame nor fake anything, that became hate towards her, and that’s why she says she has a headache in the next line.

Hwasa’s bare face, as shown on South Korean Variety Show I live Alone; it’s an unusual sight, considering the country’s emphasis on appearance.

This is quite interesting because many male idols, unsurprisingly, are praised for being liberal and open-minded. G-Dragon, K-pop’s resident Fashion Daredevil, for example, is often exemplified for displaying experimental looks and pushing the boundaries of fashion.

Some of G-Dragon’s airport fashion looks

The sky is sky blue, every life is the same

This self-evident line also appears to be a criticism towards the Korean public who sees things as black and white. A common manifestation of this is the way the public reads into an idol’s facial expressions. In public events, if you smile, you’re polite. If you glare, look tired, or frown, you are therefore disrespectful and rude.

I’ll change my way
I’ll change crisis to opportunity
If you really wanna see me cry
Here you go, my tears

Here, Maria adopts her signature carefree attitude and shows that she actually thrives in the face of adversity. However, despite Red-haired Maria putting on a tough act, we can tell that public opinion and commentary have obviously been a great source of insecurity for her.

In the Music video, Black-haired Maria is shown suddenly waking up in the mental hospital after Red-haired Maria responds to her negative comments. This suggests that Red-haired Maria’s presence does not last forever and Black-haired Maria is eventually forced to carry the burden.

[Pre-Chorus 2]

I’m lonely, what do I do?
I even swallowed hatred
I have no strength to get mad
No time either uh uh
Don’t make your mind dirty
It’s too early to be depraved

The last two lines of the second Pre-Chorus are paired with an unsettling imagery in the music video.

Being two of the most personal lines in this song, it reveals Maria’s thoughts about balancing her “double life:”

I thought that I was living a kind and hardworking life. But as I was living at some point. I saw that I was influenced in many ways. I felt that I was changing and my mind was deteriorating. […] I had these lonely internal conflicts.

The imagery of twisted lines can be an indication of Maria losing herself in her mind while fighting those internal battles

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Maria, Maria; perhaps you've got the wrong Idea

[Chorus]

Maria, Maria
I’m saying this for you
It’s a starry night
Don’t torture yourself
Oh Maria, I’m saying this for you
Why are you trying so hard?
You’re already beautiful

The Chorus is a resolution of two identities of Maria. Instead of channeling just one version of herself, both Marias come out to play. The music video also plays along by switching quickly between the Black-haired Maria and the Red-haired Maria.

However, despite this somewhat happy reunion of the two personalities, the lyrics of the Chorus aren’t so positive. This suggests that perhaps differing and separately channeling the two versions of herself, is not the working as well as Maria expected it to be.

Red-haired Maria bathes in the pool she died in, but it’s quite the lonely scene

Hwasa has actually commented on this dynamic:

There are times where you don’t want to be too nice or too mean and you’re stuck in this conflict. So the message behind this song is to not waste your energy struggling with all of that. The message is that you’re already beautiful as you are.

No doubt the message is a beautiful one, but if this music video has taught us anything, it’s that this message is a hard one to accept.

In addition, there’s also quite some wordplay regarding the phrase, Maria and its homonyms.

DKDKTV’s David Kim explains the three interpretations of ”마리아“ (Korean for “Maria”) in the Chorus

[KOR]

Maria, Maria
널 위한 말이야
(Trans: Maria, Maria, I’m saying this for you)

We’ve already established the Maria is Hwasa’s baptismal name. In the next line, the phrase “말이야” sounds exactly like “Maria” to a pair of Korean ears.

What’s more is that there’s another colloquial meaning to “말이야,” which roughly translates to “You know what?” in English.

So the first two ‘Maria, Marias’ in the lyrics could mean, ‘You know what Maria?’ And then the following lyrics ‘널 위한 말이야’ would mean ‘These are words for you.’

So as a total these two sentences could mean something like, ‘You know what Maria? I’ve got some words for you.’

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Maria, Maria; we're one and the same Maria

As Lia Kim, one of the choreographers for “Maria,” explains of the bridge and the ending,

You have to look like you’re cursing someone out. Since this part is where the damsel-in-distress becomes the hero, stomp on that — really hit that beat.

1 Million Dance Studio Choreographer Lia Kim (right)

This seems to indicate some kind of synthesis of character between the two Marias.

In the second part of the bridge, much of the instrumental fade away for Maria to have a few seconds of quiet reflection, to which we are subsequently shown this:

Black-haired Maria gazes down into the water and sees the reflected image of Red-haired Maria

The contradictory image of Black-haired Maria’s reflection suggests that they are, in fact, the same Maria.

And while it is okay to have two sides of ourselves or two personas, it would be counter-effective to try and schedule or plan each persona’s appearance. That would only go to show the public that Maria is bothered by the comments. On the contrary, the healthiest way is to go with the flow, despite how unnervingly simple that sounds. It’s the only way to truly let go.

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Maria, Maria; there's a simple answer for you, Maria

There’s an extra ending scene included in the Music video for Black-haired Maria. Hwasa explains that it ultimately stemmed from one of her ideas:

I’ve thought for a really long time about the ending I was writing on the storyboard and thought that why not rewind back to the time before Maria was dead. She wasn’t alone and if someone came to her house to find her, she’d pretended that nothing had happened and that she will be happy.

This is why we see the rest of the MAMAMOO members appear at the end. Her members are no doubt a great source of comfort for her, but at the same time, Hwasa’s words suggest that the underlying problem still remains.

This seems to be quite a meaningful ending. In a string of MAMAMOO’s performances at the 2020 KBS Song Festival, to transition between Hwasa’s “Maria” and the group’s title track “AYA,”, member Wheein is shown giving her fellow member a hand—just like at the end of the “Maria.”

At the same time, this ending is a reminder to us to be responsible and respectful online, as this is evidently, one of the many common but serious consequences caused by malicious comments.

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Closing Remarks

Thank you for reading this lengthy song highlight.

I do hope the message of this song resonated well with you, as verbal abuse is common and unfortunately, quite normalized in our society.

If you enjoyed this and can see yourself writing something similar, you can check out our Forum Articles Initiative.

(This is a bi-weekly column. Please watch out for the next Song Highlight!)

my face throughout this whole article :0 !! wow is all i have to say. outstanding work, every segment of the song and their corresponding MV frames are remarkably dissected. hwasa has endured lots of criticism throughout her career and you’ve really given justice to the overall message of “maria” :)

Such a great analysis! I love how much detail you put into it, super impressive :)

AMAZING ANALYSIS <3 This is super impressive! So amazingly dissected!

this is such a great breakdown! amazing work!!

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initially I thought these flying pencils were the nails from her crown… does it make sense if she somehow turns the pencils (criticism?) into the nails?