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Mnet 프로그램 목록 페이지[KARA/SHINee] 2023 K-POP Wrapped-up ②The 2nd generation idols and retro trend
| Written by Han Seong Hyun (Editor for the music webzine IZM)
At the ＜2022 MAMA AWARDS＞, a highlight event brimming with magnificent stages by many artists, the standout moment was indisputably KARA's return. The performance kicked off with a VCR capturing KARA's journey over the years. This was followed by a brief interlude of ‘Mister’ as the stage door opened. Nicole's rap in the transformed ‘2022 version’ of ‘Lupin’, differing from its original ‘2010 version’, added to the excitement. Yet, the most stirring part was a single line: ‘We've missed you all so much. Are you ready?’ Given the many hardships they endured, alongside their moments of glory, their greeting likely carried a mix of various emotions.
Their subsequent performance of 'WHEN I MOVE', a single commemorating their 15th anniversary, radiated a robust energy that belied the seven-year hiatus. The performance was marked by sharp choreography and consistent live vocals, a testament to KARA's evolution from youthful charm to experienced artistry. This performance stood as a testament to the enduring strength of K-POP across generations.
Due to the emergence of new groups every day and the rapidly changing landscape, the K-POP industry moves faster than any other field. Most teams disband before fulfilling the standard seven-year idol contract. Teenagers in their late teens, called to perform in front of audiences rather than being with their peers, find themselves implicitly pushed out of the glamorous spotlight by their mid-twenties, an age when they are just starting their social lives in other fields. This was a lifecycle well known to both industry insiders and the public until just a few years ago.
Yet, as we reflect on 2023, it stands out as a year where the usual narrative began to shift. KARA made a triumphant year-end comeback, successfully extending their activities to Japan. Heo Youngji, the group's youngest member, debuted her first solo project, [Toi Toi Toi], in September. The enthusiastic endeavors of a group with members aged from twenty-nine to thirty-five, a stark contrast to the age range of current idol groups, have firmly indicated that the previously short-lived careers of girl groups can now be extended much longer.
Return of the “Forever Young” Veterans
The same trend was evident in boy groups. Many new teams bridged the gap with audiences that had grown over time, and with the addition of veteran idol groups, the year 2023 became an exhilarating one for K-Pop. Following the lead of GIRLS’ GENERATION, who grandly celebrated their 15th anniversary with the release of [FOREVER 1 – The 7th Album] in 2022, June this year saw SHINee from SM Entertainment return with their new album [HARD - The 8th Album], marking their comeback after two years.
An interesting aspect to note is the theme of their title track ‘HARD’. Whereas GIRLS’ GENERATION's release seemed to encapsulate and promise eternity by cherishing the joyous moments of the past, SHINee demonstrated an enduring, unwavering spirit. The chorus of “We go/We go/We go hard” in their lyrics conveys a sense of youthful vigor and a forward-looking ambition, tinged with a fond remembrance of the past. This approach mirrors that of KARA’s ‘WHEN I MOVE,’ which also focuses on embracing the present moment, letting go in the rhythm.
The resurgence of other groups that shared their prime in the early to mid-2010s has also caught the attention of K-Pop enthusiasts. Infinite, which had been inactive as a group since releasing the single ‘CLOCK’ in 2019, made a notable comeback on July 31 this year with their seventh mini-album [13egin], ending a hiatus of over four years. Opting for the groovy R&B track ‘New Emotions’ as their lead single, which is a departure from their earlier fast-paced pop hits like ‘Be Mine’ and ‘The Chaser’ produced by Sweetune, signaled their intention to venture into new musical territories despite having established success in a particular style.
The significance of their comeback is further amplified by their harmonious dealings with their former agency. Infinite, which was originally with Woollim Entertainment, regrouped under a new banner spearheaded by member Kim Sungkyu for the preparation of [13egin] following the end of their contract in October 2022. Although there were critical concerns regarding the retention of their group name, the CEO of Woollim Entertainment, Lee Jungyeop, generously transferred the trademark rights, ensuring Infinite's continuous journey. This scenario, when contrasted with other groups that had to start from scratch due to disputes with previous companies and loss of their established names, indicates that the K-POP industry can cultivate relationships that transcend mere financial considerations.
Furthermore, the boy group Teen Top, known for hits like ‘No more perfume on you’ and ‘Miss Right,’ unveiled their mini-album [4SHO] in July. Teen Top’s appearance in the first half of the year on the variety program ＜Hangout with Yoo＞, where they revisited memories from their early days, garnered them widespread popularity. This led to the successful commencement of their first activities in three years. Despite undergoing member changes and other events during this period, they actively engaged in numerous performances, creating a memorable 2023 for their fans.
The Nostalgic Wave and Remake Phenomenon in K-POP
In an era where the labels of 4th and even 5th generation idols are prevalent, the revival of groups from the past appears somewhat extraordinary. What prompts the 2020s K-Pop to revisit the heritage of the 2010s? Let's explore a few key reasons.
One major factor is the resurgence of retro trends in various media. Many recall how broadcasters streamed performances from the 1990s television shows online, creating a significant impact. While such content mainly revisited the 1990s music scene, which predates the K-POP era, shows like SBS's
Retro reenactments have become a trend, extending beyond just music. A notable example is the YouTube channel
When considering the roots of this resurgence within K-POP, the prominence of various remakes is undeniable. In December 2021, aespa reimagined the classic song ‘Dreams Come True’ by S.E.S., a senior group under SM Entertainment, while NCT DREAM’s rendition of H.O.T.’s ‘Candy’ also achieved favorable results on music charts, underscoring the enduring appeal of these tracks. These remakes are strategic efforts to reinforce the company's brand value and simultaneously offer consumers a tangible sense of K-POP's extensive history.
The endeavor to unearth hidden musical gems has been underway. NMIXX, in their ‘Summer Vacation Project,’ released ‘Kiss’ in July 2022, casting new light on a track by the preceding girl group Rainbow. ‘Kiss’ was part of Rainbow's debut mini-album [Gossip Girl (EP)], but it was overshadowed by the more prominent tracks ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Not Your Girl,’ and thus didn't receive much broadcast promotion. Nonetheless, the song gained a reputation as a hidden masterpiece among K-POP fans, often performed at various live events. The remade version, enhanced with arrangements by the original composer MonoTree, demonstrates that rediscovering K-POP music can evolve from a traditional top-down method to a more grassroots, upward approach.
To sum up, the first and foremost reason for this resurgence can be seen as the K-POP industry embracing the retro wave that is sweeping across Korean culture as a whole. Additionally, actively remaking songs themselves has further fueled this trend. This process, involving emulation and reinterpretation, ultimately leads back to the originals in a seamless and natural progression.
The Idols Who Were Always Beside Us
Referring to this phenomenon as a ‘return’ might not be entirely precise. It’s more nuanced than simply saying they ‘came back,’ as these idols have consistently been exerting effort in the entertainment realm, even if out of the mainstream spotlight. Teen Top, for instance, was active in the media up until 2021, just before their hiatus due to members' military service. Similarly, SHINee members, including KEY and TAEMIN, actively pursued solo projects alongside their group endeavors. For KARA, which had seemingly paused its activities, the youngest member Heo Youngji diligently maintained the group’s presence by performing their songs at various events. This effort played a crucial role in the eventual reunion of KARA.
While the retro craze continues globally, K-POP's approach to embracing and inviting its past transcends simple nostalgia. It marks a shift from a relentless pursuit of new music and groups to a more reflective appreciation of its own legacy and exploration of its historical depth. K-POP's journey, which started in the late 1990s, is nearing its 30-year mark. If K-POP’s immense adaptive capacity has built its stature in the global arena, it’s now time to focus on its core identity and sustainable consumption patterns that ensure longevity. Though further introspection and questions are warranted, the array of comebacks and revivals seen in 2023 could very well be the initial steps toward this new direction.
※ Manuscripts from outside writers may not reflect the editorial direction of this magazine.