The leggy, statuesque eight-member group Nine Muses has made a comeback with a special summer album, “9 Muses S/S Edition,” jumping into the heated summer K-pop scene a mere few days after fellow girl groups Sistar and AOA.

The title track “Hurt Locker” is a throbbing Euro-electronic dance beat, written by Swedish songwriter Erik Lidbom -- who also composed “Genie,” the massive 2009 hit by Girls’ Generation -- British producer Herbie Crichlow and Norwegian songwriter Anne Judith Wik.

The lyrics speak of a brokenhearted woman who, after being wronged by her lover, decides to close her heart shut. The dance choreography for the song includes a finger gesture that depicts turning the key in a lock.

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The towering girls, who average at a height of 172 centimeters, abandoned the cutesy appeal of competing groups for a charismatic performance.

“Our dance routine was so intense, just three rounds would burn calories from a hamburger,” said Hye-mi at a showcase for the album’s release at Club Ellui in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul.

The model-like bunch, however, found time to carry out separate fitness routines in addition to dance practices during their six-month hiatus since their last release, “Drama.”

“I’ve been enjoying EMS training, which I hear is pretty popular these days,” said Keumjo, referring to the newly rising electrical muscle stimulation exercise.

Sojin stated that she had been taking personal fitness training lessons, while Kyungri said she enjoys riding the kickboard along the Hangang riverside boardwalk.

Hyuna, meanwhile, said she enjoys doing handstands.

“They’re very simple and easy to do at home. I hear they help with circulation,” she said.

The members showed off their toned physiques in denim-themed costumes, with tasseled handkerchiefs hung around their shorts to accentuate the waist-churning choreography.

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Regarding the heated summer girl group scene and the competition that might ensue, Nine Muses replied: “We’re honored to be performing alongside such talented groups. We see it more as a festival, not a competition.”

The girls also expressed wishes to become friendlier with fellow girl groups this time round.

“I think a lot of people are intimidated by us and our aggressive image, but we’re open to becoming friends with everyone,” said Euaerin.

Moon Joon-young of boy group ZE:A was also present at the showcase, exhibiting his DJing skills with a remix of Nine Muses’ new songs.

Included alongside the new album’s CD is a hard-cover booklet of summer photos, which features the girls scantily clad in beachwear.

Nine Muses, which debuted in 2010 with single “No Playboy,” consists of members Euaerin, Pyo Hyemi, Park Minha, Moon Hyuna, Park Kyungri, Son Sungah and, as of January 2015, the newly joining Jo Sojin and Lee Keumjo.

By Rumy Doo (bigbird@heraldcorp.com)