As an avid kpop listener, I wish to step outside the usual drama reviews and present my thoughts on something more current and on-going. Making waves in the kpop industry is a group called SuperM.
Ever since the news of SuperM broke Kpop fans have been divided into two, supporters of multifandom and supporters of mono fandom. SuperM as we know is a recently debuted group comprising of various SM boy band members. Kai and Baekhyun from EXO, Taemin from Shinee, Taeyong, Mark, Ten and Lucas from NCT 127 and WayV.
They are famously called the “Avengers of Kpop” who work well both together and separately. Albeit true, it hasn’t gone down well with many fans who argue that it takes away from their previous commitments. Also, some members are due for their mandatory military services soon enough for the band to not even be able to come together before they depart. One such argument can also be made that a mix of girl group could also be promoted. Consider Girls Generation and Red Velvet. (Avengers includes characters like Black Widow as well.)
One needs to take a closer look at the bands exponential promotions overseas as compared to their home country, South Korea. This is an indication of easy acceptance of multifandom abroad as compared to Korea, where fan wars take a darker turn.
A group like SuperM gives these artists a chance to explore their music and style beyond the groups which was earlier only possibly via solo endeavours. Such groups might allow artists to be a lot more of themselves as they are relatively more restricted in their respective homogeneous groups when it comes to lineup and positions.
My only fear from this outcome is dilution of original groups, in terms of frequency of new songs, albums and appearances. Although the concept of supergroup or even cross company group is great for boosting the kpop industry as a whole, it also means diversion of views on music videos, sharing of revenues, space on music charts for which the companies might not be ready.
Personally, I would love for such collaboration and projects to take place in future, not just within the same company but cross company as well. Such collaboration should not only be restricted to girl-girl groups or guy-guy groups. KARD being a great example of successful coed group.
Introduction of people from different backgrounds and ethnicity was uncommon but SuperM along with group called Zpop might just set the trend.
Formation of co-ed and cross company groups would bring a new depth to Kpop, imagine a very typical but much awaited Black Pink x BTS. Such groups would invite a wider audience, reduce fan wars by not only inducing empathy and tolerance but celebration of uniqueness and differences between groups. They can possibly generate more gender neutral songs and music, ultimately going from ‘she’ or ‘he’ to ‘we’.
Disclaimer
This post is intended solely for information and entertainment purposes and is a representation of author’s opinion. It is in no way an attempt to disregard views of any group or their respective fans. The post does not aim to distort views of any reader. Reader discretion is advised.
The Drama Bone 