Thoughts: The Future of 2nd Generation K-Pop Groups from Big 3

Happy New Year 2017! Everyone, how is your New Year celebration going on? Did you manage to fulfill your resolutions last year? Hopefully everything went well and you are ready to welcome 2017 with high spirit J

In K-Pop music industry, 2017 would be a prominent year. Many of senior groups from 2^nd generation face issue that could highly affect their future. Some of these groups contract end this year. While other groups have to let their members do military service. With this condition, it’s kind of expected to see them on hiatus, even disbanded this year.

I have a bittersweet feeling looking at these 2^nd generation groups in 2017. These were idol groups who became the gate for me entering K-Pop fandom in 2011. I used to memorize members name in each different group, listen their songs, aware of their choreography, and enjoy their performances. They were really popular during the peak of Hallyu Wave in international scene back then.

Still, nothing lasts forever. These groups have to move on and pursue another goal whether individually or together this year. What can we do as fans just continue supporting them and wishing them the best for future endeavor.

Right now, we don’t know for sure which 2^nd generation groups will stay and which groups will go separately. However, we can still discuss and predict about it right? So, here it is my thought about the future of 2^nd generation groups in Big 3 agencies………..

SM Entertainment

1.     TVXQ

TVXQ will welcome a new era in 2017. Both of TVXQ current members, Yunho and Changmin will finish their military service. That would be no surprise if TVXQ decide to release new single/album to greet back their fans in 2017.

There has been no information about TVXQ new contract after slavery issue in 2009. But, it seemed that Yunho and Changmin had proper contract now because SM Entertainment should learn from the past, right? Beside, TVXQ had higher offer now. They are senior group with thirteen years experience in music industry yet they still SM Entertainment’s biggest moneymaker. Their tour is always successful and their fan base is massive.

Yunho and Changmin also able to maintain high passion and energy in performing throughout their career. It would be win win solution for them to stay as TVXQ in SM Entertainment.

2.     Super Junior

 

Super Junior definitely be back again in 2017. They have announced the release of their eighth album this year as well as established their own exclusive management under SM Entertainment called Label SJ. Super Junior expected to comeback in full force since five of their members, Siwon, Donghae, Eunhyuk, Sungmin, and Shindong finish their military enlistment this year and ready to join the group. With all of their future preparation, there is a high chance Super Junior will become the next Shinhwa, the longest running boyband in K-Pop music scene.

However, Super Junior still needs to sort out their members’ issue this year. The status of Sungmin and Kangin remains undecided. There is a high chance that Sungmin will continue his career in Super Junior after his marriage in 2014. As for Kangin, it would be hard for him to continue because of his second DUI scandal last year.

3.     Girls’ Generation (SNSD)

Girls’ Generation (SNSD) will celebrate tenth year anniversary of their career this year. Members have hinted special project for this anniversary on several occasions. There has been no clue about what kind of special project that SNSD prepare. One thing for sure is they will come out with a bang.

On another note, 2017 is a year when SNSD contract ended. This could be the end of group too. Let’s be honest, their passion as SNSD slowly diminished in the past several years. Most of the members have looked unexcited whenever they performed together. They seemed lacking in energy and synchronization.

SNSD members also more focused on their individual activities nowadays. Members like Taeyeon, Tiffany, and Seohyun fulfill their passion in music through solo debut. While Yoona, Yuri, and Sooyoung branched into acting. It would not be a huge surprise if they decide to go separate ways after SNSD.

JYP Entertainment

1.     Wonder Girls

 

Just like SNSD, Wonder Girls contract end this year on their tenth anniversary too. There have been various reports and speculations about their contract in the media. But, JYP Entertainment and Wonder Girls haven’t officially confirmed it.

There is a chance that Wonder Girls renew their contract in JYP Entertainment. Wonder Girls last two comebacks, I Feel You and Why So Lonely were successful while also set new image for the group. They have shifted their ‘idol who could only sing and dance’ image to ‘band who create their own music and show unusual concept’.

The changing image is a huge benefit for Wonder Girls. They could easily produce any kind of music and offer any kind of concept without have to fit certain idol standard. JYP Entertainment does not have to worry for Wonder Girls release because they can manage themselves. Staying together, both Wonder Girls and JYP Entertainment, seems like the best option for them.

2.     2PM

 

2PM contract ended in 2018, but older members like Jun K and Taecyeon begin enlisting this year. Each 2PM member takes turn in enlisting, so the group will be on hiatus. They have released their last album Gentlemen’s Game in 2016 as well as announced last concert called 6nights on the end of February and early March this year. Both of these dubbed to be their farewell performance before military service.

During this hiatus, each member of 2PM would focus on individual activities. There is a high chance for them to release solo material in music. But currently, members decided to expand other entertainment fields such as Junho and Chansung in acting.

YG Entertainment

1.     Bigbang

 

Bigbang has similar situation with 2PM. They have renewed their contract since 2015 until undisclosed time. However, Bigbang has to face military service this year with T.O.P became the first member to enlist. This condition likely make Bigbang on hiatus and each member will focus on their solo career.

Lucky for Bigbang, each of their members has successfully established name on their own. We see Daesung continue his Japanese expansion by holding concert this year. While Seungri may try various entertainment fields and maintain his business. As for G-Dragon and Taeyang, there is no chance YG Entertainment will put them on hiatus too. It is expected to see them releasing another solo album during Bigbang hiatus.

2.     2NE1

 

Among all groups in this post, only 2NE1 who has officially disband. They have announced disbandment in late November 2016 as three-member group. Their youngest member, Minzy have left the group earlier in the same year.

As farewell, 2NE1 will release their last song together (without Minzy) called Good Bye on January 21^st. This song obviously guaranteed success for them. Public must want to give proper goodbye for one of K-Pop top girl groups with great digital rank.

After disbandment, each 2NE1 member will pursues their own goal in entertainment industry. Minzy prepares for his solo debut in South Korea while CL tries breaking into United States market. Dara also seems to be around in the same field whether as actress or presenter. Bom will have a hard time to bounce back from her drugs scandal. But I can see she still interested in singing. It won’t be shocking to see her release digital singles or simply sing her song composition or cover in social media.

That’s it my thoughts about the future of 2^nd generation K-Pop groups in 2017. Whatever happened, I wish all the best for all of them. I also want to express my gratitude for them because without their effort, K-Pop would not be as big as nowadays. Good luck!!!

Everyone, what are your thoughts about them? What other groups ended their contract this year? Share your thoughts below and feel free to discuss with me!

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5 Surprising Idols

Hello, everyone! How’s the first week of 2016 going for you? Hopefully, you can manage the good spirit until the end of this year J

Last year, I started 2015 posts with the list of next generation boy and girl groups. It turns out to be spot on because most of them manage to become bigger or maintain their popularity in 2015. I guess I have talent on that hahaha.

This year, I will start with another list, but it’s more light and unique. I called it surprising idols. Why is it a surprise? Because in the early days of their career, nobody would have thought these five idols will get it big among their teammates. Also, it’s a surprise because some of them gain recognition in the most unusual way.

So, here is my list of five surprising idols that gain fame in these past several years………

1.     EXID Hani

           

Hani is one of a kind case. People started to pay attention to her when her solo focus fan cam went viral in 2014 and gathered 18 million viewers until now. Her alluring charisma captivated people, which also made them take interest to her group, EXID. The most surprising thing is the song in the fan cam, Up & Down became a massive hit in late 2014 despite released 3 months earlier.

Hani’s popularity skyrocketed too. She scored various endorsement deals like  with video game Clash of Kings, hosted and guested in various shows such as My Little Television, Crime Scene, and Law of the Jungle, and became cameo in drama The Producers. Her smart and funny personality is a reverse charm to her sexy personality on stage.

She started 2016 with a bang through her dating news with JYJ Junsu while also planning to become a regular member in another variety show Sibling Love with her brother.

2.     BTOB Sungjae

It took three years for Sungjae to achieve huge success like today. Since debut, he is one of the active members in BTOB. He appeared and hosted several shows while also acted in some dramas. However, not many people aware of his name.

It was until he showcased his powerful singing voice on King of Mask Singer where people began to know him in 2015. This followed by his appearance in drama Who Are You: School 2015 that created buzz because of his acting and chemistry with Kim So Hyun. Sungjae started to receive endorsement deals and offer to become variety show cast, music show host, and to act in another drama, The Village: Archiara’s Secret. His popularity also helped BTOB where their single in 2015, It’s Okay, topped various music charts upon its release for the first time.

           

2015 is surely a busy year for him and this year, he will continue his appearance in variety show We Got Married with Red Velvet Joy and music show Inkigayo.

3.     Girl’s Day Hyeri

Girl’s Day Hyeri showed that it’s possible to hit it big two times. In 2014, her aegyo video to army instructor in variety show Real Men became a hot topic. It has one million views in three days despite the aegyo only lasted three seconds. Her popularity boosted, even made her fan sign event cancelled because there are too many people who want to see her in 2014.

In 2015, she starred as a female lead in popular drama installments, Reply 1988. Hyeri successfully changed people’s negative views about her acting when she turned into the lovable and funny Deoksun, her character. Thanks to both Real Men and Reply 1988, she is now having 17 endorsement deals. There was still no information about her career plan in 2016, but it would be interesting to see whether she could maintain her popularity this year.

4.     SISTAR Soyu

Soyu used to be the least popular member in SISTAR, but now, who doesn’t know her? People began to notice her husky voice after collaborating with Geeks through a remake of Tamia’s song, Officially Missing You in 2012 and with Mad Clown for single Stupid in Love in 2013. But, it was her duet song with JungGiGo, Some that made her well known. Some was a huge hit in 2014 where it won various awards and became the longest chart-topper song in the same year.

The success of Some helped increasing Soyu’s popularity. She made various show appearances, even became the new host of beauty program Get It Beauty in 2015. She also consistently releasing collaboration songs such as The Space Between with Urban Zakapa in 2014 and Closer with 10cm Kwon Jung Yeol in 2015; both of them shared similar success. She also took part in the soundtrack    of 2015 popular drama, She Was Pretty. Currently, Soyu is still resting through her injury. Wishing her speedy recovery, so she can grace us again with her   lovely voice in 2016!

5.     2PM Junho

If we look back to the early days of 2PM, we will never think that Junho will be as big as nowadays. He isn’t as handsome as Nichkhun or as funny as Taecyeon. His vocal and dance often overshadowed by other members too. But, he proved us wrong. He is the hidden gem of 2PM.

His success may seem under the radar for most K-Pop fans since his career focus is in Japan. Apparently, he is the first 2PM member to release Japanese solo album. He has three Japanese mini-albums that topped ORICON daily chart and held Japanese tours for each of his album. He then released his Korean album, ONE, and hold two days solo concert in South Korea last year.

Not only music, he also expanded his career in acting. He has acted in several movies along with popular star such as Cold Eyes with Jung Woo Sung and Han Hyo Joo, Twenty with Kim Woobin and Kang Haneul, and Memories of the Sword with Jeon Do Yeon and Lee Byung Hun. He will try his luck in drama this year through Memory along side Lee Sung Min while also prepare for 2PM Korean comeback and Japan tour.

It’s always exciting to see how these idols find a success in a most unexpected way. I think that is a part of K-Entertainment charm. I will definitely look forward to what they will bring in 2016!

Do you guys have another name, a surprising idol in your opinion?

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[MUSIC VIDEO REVIEW] 2PM - My House (2015)

2PM is the next boy group joining the summer comeback. They had a blast last year with the party anthem, Go Crazy. This year, they go back to their root with sexy R&B track, My House. Check out my review of their newest single below…………………………………………

My House is 2PM second title track with member, Jun K., as the composer. Once again, he proved his capability in creating diverse type of song. In the past, he already made a ballad, electronic, and hip - hop song. With My House, he brought back the R&B genre.

My House is a simple, yet catchy song. It has the usual K-Pop song formula with repetitive words in several parts, making it easier to sing and memorize. But in terms of music, it’s different. Most of K-Pop songs now rely heavily on noisy electronic song. My House takes the opposite way by going simple.

It’s simple because it only has guitar and bass sound in most of the part. This type of sound is refreshing because it’s rare in recent K-Pop songs. Beside that, the guitar and bass sound brought the R&B element of this song. To avoid making the song becomes boring with the guitar sound, Jun K made different melody in each verse. The differentiation added more dynamic to the song flow.

In terms of vocal, all of them nailed their part. What I love the most from 2PM is that each member able to show their strength and cover each other weakness in terms of vocal. Each of them could shine. There is no member who overshadowed others. But still, I wish I could hear more Nichkhun in this song. I also feel that Taecyeon’s rap is awkward in some part of this song.

My House music video is one of 2PM best music videos. It represented the song lyrics where 2PM wants to take the girl to her house. The girl may looks ignorant, but the boys know that she actually wants to go too. To make the music video more interesting, 2PM put a spin of various fairytales on it.

I find the fairytale aspect interesting for boy group with mature image like 2PM. Fairytales often associated with childhood. Beside that, most of the fairytales has female as the main character, which is why only female artists that mostly done this concept. It’s quite unique for a boy group to have this kind of concept.

The music video began with Cinderella references. A girl is running away from the ball because it’s already twelve in the midnight. But then, each of the boys began to approach her and persuade her to go home with them. Each of their scene represented different fairytale.

Taecyeon became a wolf (The Red Riding Hood), Wooyoung let the girl to eat an apple (Snow White), Junho walked through a corridor where the talking rabbit hide (Alice in Wonderland), and Chansung has a monster-like hand (Beauty and the Beast). I am not really sure about Jun K and Nichkhun’s scene, but many have pointed out the Rapunzel and Cinderella references.

The fairytale storyline accompanied by beautiful visual in this music video. I love the color tone, setting, and costumes. It represented the classy and glamour image of the story and 2PM image itself. I also like the fast editing at some part. It added the mysterious aspect to the music video.

Overall, My House is an enjoyable song to listen in the summer. It’s simple and catchy. It also brings back 2PM signature style in sexy R&B music. The music video is one of their best too. It put a twist on classic fairytales.

Rating                         : 4/5

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