"We Call it the Newjeans Universe"
While the sheer number of music videos produced is impressive, the image that Newjeans portrays within them is uniquely captivating. The music video for 'Cool With You' features an iconic appearance by Yang Zowei from the 1990s Hong Kong noir films, and 'Ditto' incorporates grainy footage shot with a camcorder. The retro-futurism concept of traveling between the past and the future is common these days, but Newjeans' portrayal in their music videos has a distinct, nostalgic touch. This is where the so-called 'Min Hee-jin Sentiment' comes into play, a signature style of Min Hee-jin, the head of Adore.
Formerly the visual art director at SM Entertainment, Min Hee-jin has long been renowned for her intuitive creations. The teaser for f(x)'s second album 'Pink Tape', crafted in the style of an art film, is hailed as a masterpiece that captures the dreamy 'Min Hee-jin Sentiment'. In an interview with 'Beatitude', Min Hee-jin once described her unique aesthetic, recalling a comment from a staff member: "The people in your photos all seem to have a story." She added, "Through my work, I want to convey unique stories that no one could anticipate." Recognized for her prowess as an executive producer, Min Hee-jin was even approached by BTS's V to oversee the production of his solo album 'Layover'.
Source: Woman Donga (Korean)
Stray Kids Conquer the Domes: A Milestone in K-pop's 4th Generation
JYP Entertainment has announced that the K-pop sensation, Stray Kids, is set to light up the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul's Guro District with their 'Five Star Dome Tour 2023 Seoul Special Unveil 13' on October 21st and 22nd.
This isn't the group's first rodeo in Seoul. Following their debut performance at the KSPO DOME for their second world tour's additional Seoul show, 'Maniac Seoul Special Unveil 11' in September 2022, Stray Kids is now expanding their horizons. Just five years after their debut, they're taking on the grandeur of the Gocheok Sky Dome.
But the excitement doesn't stop in Korea. Stray Kids is making history as the first 4th generation K-pop boy group to embark on a massive dome tour in Japan. With a staggering 2.5 million pre-order requests, tickets for the tour sold out in record time. The group has already delivered stellar performances at the Fukuoka PayPay Dome, Vantelin Dome Nagoya, and Kyocera Dome Osaka. Fans are eagerly awaiting the grand finale of the tour, scheduled for October 28th and 29th at the iconic Tokyo Dome.
Source: Culture News (Korean)
ENHYPEN Makes Record-Breaking Entry into Tokyo Dome
In a remarkable feat, the boy group ENHYPEN is set to perform at the Tokyo Dome, marking the shortest time a K-pop boy group has taken to grace this iconic stage.
ENHYPEN is gearing up for their 'ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR ‘FATE’' at the Tokyo Dome on the 13th and 14th. Having kicked off their 'FATE' world tour in Seoul last July, the group swiftly moved to Japan, embarking on their first-ever dome tour in the country. Their recent performances on the 2nd and 3rd at the Osaka Kyocera Dome left local fans spellbound with their dazzling performances and top-notch production.
Now, as they step onto the Tokyo Dome stage, they're set to wrap up their dome tour on a high note. After making their Japanese debut, they held their 'MANIFESTO' world tour at the Kyocera Dome in just a year and a half, setting a record for the fastest 4th generation K-pop group to do so. Now, just 2 years and 10 months after their debut, they're realizing their dream of holding a solo concert at the Tokyo Dome, becoming the fastest K-pop boy group to achieve this milestone.
Source: Chosunilbo Original Source: Osen (Korean)
K-pop's Success: The Unsung Role of Songwriters and Song Selection
At the heart of the K-pop industry lies its music. Given that the essence of a K-pop artist is to be a singer, producing music that complements their high-caliber performances is a crucial factor in the success of K-pop groups. It's becoming increasingly evident to fans and industry insiders alike that behind every great K-pop track, there's a dedicated A&R (Artist and Repertoire) team working tirelessly.
Michelle Cho, CEO of Singing Beetle and a prominent figure in the music industry, shared, "Collaborating with major artists requires a strong network." Interestingly, she noted, "The pandemic, in some ways, worked to our advantage in this regard." A testament to this is the recent inclusion of the song 'Marshmallow' in the album of TWICE's sub-unit 'MISAMO'. This track was crafted by the budding songwriter, Yoo Hyuk, who got his big break through the platform Singing Beetle.
Cho elaborated on the changing dynamics, "Working online with international producers has made us more flexible with our time. This has allowed us to be more receptive to pitches from new songwriters." Indeed, as K-pop continues to dominate global charts, it's essential to recognize the behind-the-scenes heroes who play a pivotal role in shaping the sound that fans worldwide have come to love.
Source: Sedaily.com (Korean)
K-pop's New Challenge: The '7-hour Rule' Barrier
South Korea's National Assembly is currently deliberating a bill that proposes further restrictions on the working hours of entertainers under the age of 19. As per the existing Popular Culture and Arts Industry Development Act, those aged 15 and above can work up to 40 hours a week, while those under 15 are limited to 35 hours. Regardless of age, work is strictly prohibited from 10 pm to 6 am the following day.
The implications of the proposed 7-hour daily limit for young idols and aspiring artists need to be carefully considered. If the law is amended, appearing on broadcast music programs might become a challenge. For instance, while SBS's 'Inkigayo' airs at 3:40 pm, the cast starts pre-recording sessions from the early hours, easily surpassing the proposed 7-hour limit. Established stars might not face many hurdles, as production teams often accommodate their schedules.
While the intention behind the proposed regulations is commendable – to protect young artists, especially given the concerns about some unscrupulous agencies – it's essential to strike a balance. A well-intentioned protective barrier could inadvertently become an insurmountable wall, potentially blocking once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for some. As the K-pop industry continues to evolve, ensuring the well-being of its stars without stifling their potential will be a delicate dance.
Source: Hankyung (Korean)
즐겨찾기 추가
