What Makes the Perfect K-pop Group?

When I start to think about my favorite K-pop groups, I try to recognize the similarities between them. I also try to analyze why I prefer these certain groups to others . After thinking this through, I’ve concluded some pointers on what it is about these groups that I find gravitating.

Firstly, and most importantly, the music the group is putting out has to be impeccable. It doesn’t have to be perfect every time, but there has to be an element within their style of music that is catchy and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Groups that release the same kind of music over and over again don’t ignite that kind of anticipation within the audience. Red Velvet, for example, is one of the most perfect K-pop groups in my humble opinion. They are memorable because of the spontaneity within their music.

Chemistry is key when it comes to K-pop. I can’t imagine stanning a group where I didn’t like the members personalities or I didn’t think they got along. A huge part of being a fan of a group is enjoying the members. There is a massive emphasis put on the lifestyle of K-pop idols. Fans get to see a lot behind the scenes on V-live, social media and even variety shows. So, a lot of what makes a group marketable are the members themselves and how easily they can connect with each other and the audience.

One group that I think embodies tight-knit chemistry is SHINee. There is not a single doubt in my mind when it comes to truth of SHINee’s brotherhood. They treat each other like family and that makes stanning them so much more pleasant because you know these guys really do love each other. Especially after Jonghyun passed away, you felt so hard for them because of the bond they have built over the years.

Another aspect of K-pop groups that I think is important is the music videos. Each time a group has a comeback, fans wait anxiously to see the music video. The music video is so important because it is the marker of a new era and if a K-pop group doesn’t have the right kind of video, then fans will be majorly disappointed. But, it is very rare to find a K-pop music video that doesn’t hit all the right spots.

LOONA is a K-pop group that makes nothing but top-notch quality videos. The Butterfly video is one of my favorites of the year. A music video that is able to stay with you and pull you in is an impressive one. LOONA specifically has been known to make highly aesthetic and visually pleasing videos. Videos like ‘Singing in the Rain’ have sharp blue and purple visuals with water elements. But in ‘Egoist’, we see lots of red and fire visuals. Having this visual diversity constantly keeps fans wanting and expecting more.

Consistency is key to a successful and perfect K-pop group. Fans love to keep being fed content and will let you know if they aren’t getting what they feel they deserve. Although overworking a group to exhaustion is never the answer, I think JYP Entertainment gives Twice an amazing amount of releases every year.

The girls have already had 2 domestic comebacks this year and released multiple Japanese songs. When the public is given plenty of content, then all is well and the group is on the right track.

Concepts are one of my favorite aspects of K-pop groups. Concepts are what keeps things exciting. There are some groups that stick to the same concept and continue to build from it and perfect what they've created. BLACKPINK, for example, is a girl group that has mastered the girl crush concept and keep doing it so well. But, there are groups like CLC that have constantly switched up their concepts and fans love this as well. As long as groups are truthful and have the capabilities to go for different concepts, I recommend they do that. Because, from a fan’s perspective, I enjoy seeing groups try new things and release something unexpected.

Lastly, a group does not have to be from a big company. Obviously it helps to have such support from a large company, financially-wise especially. Also, when a famous company releases a new group there is a lot of attention put on that group. But, there are groups like BTS and Momoland who have both received much success and they are not from super huge companies. It is possible to be a great group and not be from a lot of money. If a group has chemistry appeal and musical appeal, there will be a way the audience can get to them. Just look at BTS, the biggest boy group on the planet, and they didn’t come from anything.

Alright, that is all for today’s entry! Thank you much for reading and I look forward to writing to you all next week. Bye!