Plus Magazine

| Written by Jang Jun Hwan (Editor for the music webzine IZM)

As we approach the end of 2023, media outlets are bustling to settle and report on the accomplishments K-POP has made throughout the year. This period is known as the ‘Wrapped Up’ season, dedicated to summarizing and wrapping up the year’s events. While various sectors such as critics, newspapers, and television may focus on different aspects, one undeniable highlight of this year has been the remarkable ascent of HYBE.

The core of it is divided into two. On one hand, there's BTS, who showcased the varied talents of each member through solo endeavors rather than group performances. On the other hand, NewJeans stands out for being pioneers in embracing the breakbeat genre, demonstrating their foresight. What started as a small ripple at the end of last year has grown into a significant wave, overtaking this year completely.

Grasping these two facets is essential for an accurate perception of 2023. Confronted with military service obligations that limited their group activities, BTS navigated this period by variably shining the spotlight on each member. They strategically staggered their release dates, ensuring their presence was felt continuously throughout the year, thereby strengthening their internal structure.

NewJeans, proudly occupying the top ranks of 'the best music of the year' lists and receiving accolades from various critics including Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NME, have once again affirmed their exceptional status in the industry, a distinction they've maintained since their debut. They also emphasized the necessity of a spirit of exploration to other competing idol groups. Indeed, 2023 can be seen as a period when HYBE, a giant corporation, showcased its dominance through a series of victories both within the country and on the global stage.

As Individuals, Not Just a Group of Seven: The Solo Activities of BTS

The definitive nature of [Indigo] gave impetus to this assertion. RM, who had sought to establish his musicality through two mixtapes and across various artistic domains, demonstrated his resolve to add more conviction to his voice in his first full album. By choosing ‘Indigo,’ the basic color of everyday, easy-to-wear jeans, he created a space where he felt most comfortable and calmly infused it with his innermost thoughts. From collaborating with internationally renowned artists like Erykah Badu and Anderson Paak to engaging with indie musicians like Colde and Kim Sawol, he also proved the breadth of his artistic spectrum.

Not long after, another piece of good news arrived. JIMIN made a spectacular solo debut with the track ‘Like Crazy’ from his album [FACE], showcasing his prowess not only as part of the group but also as an individual lead vocalist. His partnership with the veteran producer Pdogg played a pivotal role. JIMIN adopted the popular synth-wave style of the time, while also enhancing his distinct vocal tone, solidifying the rationale behind his solo venture. He successfully made his mark on the charts, distinguished by the album's array of captivating hits and its mesmerizing atmosphere that echoed the wave-like patterns on its cover.

During the transitional phase from summer to winter, SUGA and V played pivotal roles. SUGA, under his alias ‘Agust D,’ launched the regular album [D-DAY], thereby concluding his trilogy that began with [Agust D] and continued with [D-2]. The style of his songs, akin to j-hope's < Jack In The Box >, retained a potent and edgy hip-hop flair while also exhibiting a deeper level of maturity. This evolution in his music is attributed to his consistent commitment and relentless self-improvement since 2016, resulting in significant artistic growth.

V unveiled his ambitions in artistic expression with his album [Layover], using an image of his pet dog 'Yeontan' as the cover. Collaborating with Min Hee-jin, the lead producer at ADOR, home to NewJeans, he also brought in talents like Kim Shimya and FRNK, known for their contributions to Red Velvet and NewJeans, to bolster the album's artistic quality. This marked a commendable beginning. The album ranged from ‘Rainy Days,’ infused with a jazz style reminiscent of Jeff Bernat, to the smooth and assured 'Slow Dancing,' offering a place of respite and reflection for both V and the group.

The finale of their remarkable journey was marked by Jung Kook's album [GOLDEN]. He reinvented himself as an accomplished pop star, crafting a lineup of stellar international collaborations and skilfully adopting a range of songwriting styles. His track ‘Seven (Feat. Latto)’ climbed the charts with its concise yet striking hook, capturing the TikTok audience, and ‘3D (Feat. Jack Harlow)’ brought in the widely admired Jack Harlow, offering a rhythm full of finesse. Also significant is ‘Standing next to you,’ a track that evoked responses reminiscent of the great Michael Jackson.

By December 12th, every member of BTS will have stepped away to serve their military obligations. Yet, they've left behind a year rich in achievements, garnering satisfaction from their fandom and the general public. Their significant efforts ensure that fans remain engaged and hopeful during their absence. In anticipation of their return, a metaphorical time capsule, filled with memories and achievements from their solo journeys, is left for fans to cherish.

The Breakbeat Trend Spearheaded by NewJeans

nlike the widespread festivities of 2022, NewJeans managed to turn heads with their debut song ‘Attention,’ which was noted for its soft and airy quality. This marked the introduction of fresh faces, new feelings, and innovative approaches.

Yet, it was ‘Ditto’ that played a major role in defining and advancing NewJeans' image. The music video, showcasing a mysterious character named ‘Ban Heesoo’ and distinguished by its lo-fi aesthetic, brought about a distinctive nostalgia, reinforcing their Y2K and enigmatic themes. Additionally, they boldly brought breakbeat genres to the forefront, a style not commonly seen in the melody-centric world of K-pop, thereby facilitating the integration of ‘Jersey Club’ and ‘UK Garage’ into their music.

Jersey Club, which emerged from Baltimore, is a genre of dance music known for its distinctive rhythmic feel and prominently short, sharp kick drums. Its straightforward structure and accessible rhythm make it easy for anyone to catch onto and dance to.

On the other hand, UK Garage is a genre born from the adaptation of American garage music in the UK. It's characterized by its innovative beats and an urban, yet profound, ambiance. A notable example is the 2013 hit 'Latch' by DJ duo Disclosure and Sam Smith, which rapidly rose to fame on various charts, including Billboard, becoming a significant trend in the electronic music scene.

Their explorations in music continued beyond this. In their latest title track ‘Super Shy,’ they incorporated ‘liquid drum and bass,’ a genre known for its poetic ambiance, which has gradually been spotlighted in the mainstream charts following trends like PinkPantheress on the TikTok platform and the emergence of bedroom pop. This genre, characterized by rapid segments yet offering an effortless listening experience, not only garnered public favor but also became a distinctive asset for the group by making an otherwise unfamiliar style approachable.

This attribute is prominently featured in the album's opening track, ‘New Jeans’. Although it’s challenging to discern a leading melody due to its brief duration, the song captivates with its unique airy feel and a soft, dreamy tone. Their artistic method prioritizes creating music that emphasizes ‘listening’ and ‘sensing,’ rather than just producing universally appealing hits, aiming for a sound that gently blends into the fabric of everyday life.

Following this, several idol groups including tripleS and IVE began to adopt elements of Jersey Club and drum and bass, ensuring that NewJeans' bold experiment was not just a fleeting anomaly. It was a moment when a singular event transformed into a dominant trend. The release of ‘Ditto’ led to a surge of followers, with many active groups trying their hand at this genre, making breakbeat music a common practice in K-pop.

A notable example is HYBE's own LE SSERAFIM and SEVENTEEN. LE SSERAFIM’s hit track ‘Eve, Psyche, and Bluebeard’s Wife’ from their first full album [UNFORGIVEN] familiarized many with the Jersey Club sound. The song, featuring intricate choreography and a vibrant sound, spawned numerous challenges and created a sensation, firmly establishing them as powerhouses in the music industry.

For SEVENTEEN, their peak achievement came with ‘Super,’ the leading track of their highest-selling album [FML]. This song skillfully utilizes Jersey Club rhythms to modulate its tempo, particularly noticeable in its introductory and climactic parts. The outcome was a track that complemented their extensive choreography and added intensity at just the right moments, earning it enduring popularity throughout the year.

This trend spurred a variety of innovative applications. For instance, ZEROBASEONE's 'In Bloom' adopted drum and bass but with distinct clarity and melodic richness, and triples' ‘Seoul Sonyo Sound’ precisely executed ‘Jazzstep’ with deep bass and string samples. The rapid growth and spread of the trends initiated by NewJeans, observable in real-time, underscored K-pop's evolution into a genre that assimilates and produces a broader spectrum of musical influences.

While it's challenging to narrow down a year as diverse as this to a couple of themes, the focus has been on two major trends emerging around HYBE, particularly through the lens of BTS and NewJeans. This underscores the importance of watching HYBE's future directions, especially considering the innovative contributions and strategic approaches they've introduced to the K-pop industry.

 ※ Manuscripts from outside writers may not reflect the editorial direction of this magazine.