MANILA, Philippines - Korean group the Wonder Girls has released their new English single "Like Money" that features collaboration with Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Akon.
The digital single and its music video were released on July 10, showcasing the girls' ease in performing an English song.
"Like Money" will be included in the Wonder Girls' debut American album that is set for release this year.
The song was by Grammy-award winning songwriter Crystal Nicole (aka Cristyle), who has written songs for Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Beyonce.
Nicole also wrote the Wonder Girls' "The DJ is Mine," which was used in the K-pop group's Teen Nick TV movie "The Wonder Girls" earlier this year.
"K-Pop stars the Wonder Girls are banking on a boost from Akon with their new single. The upbeat footage finds the Korean group dancing in metallic, "Tron"-like costumes, with help on the hook from Akon," according to an article on Billboard.com.
Billboard said, "The group turned heads in the U.S. with 2009 single 'Nobody,' making them the first South Korean act to chart on the Billboard 100 -- a success story furthered by performances with Justin Bieber and the Jonas Brothers, as well as a TeenNick hourlong special."
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton described "Like Money" as a "beat-stuffed, dance-inspiring jam."
"Aw... what a sweet sentiment? One of our FAVE K-Pop ladygroups Wonder Girls have unleashed yet another beat-stuffed, dance-inspiring jam, but this time with a little vocal accompaniment from Akon!" Perez Hilton wrote.
He added, "The video features a futuristic, robot fantasy land where the WG's search for love as powerful as the love one has for money! And Cars! And new haircuts! We've strapped ourselves into our time-travelling K-Pop music machine: destination Wonder Girls."
Akon has worked with Eminem, 50 Cent and the late Michael Jackson. He won as Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist in the 2007 American Music Awards.
He also won as Artist of the Year in the 2007 Billboard Music Awards. He was nominated in the Grammy Awards in 2007 and 2008.
The Wonder Girls and Akon will perform at the 2012 Green Groove Festival in Chungnam, Korea on July 21 and 22.
The festival will also showcase other artists including Infected Mushroom and After School.
