Do you think it's a good thing for a group to be entirely carried by aesthetics and concepts?

95% focus on music and the rest on all the other bullshit

I don't care about aesthetic. I often miss concept photos. Here for music. I don't watch music, i listen to it. Nice aesthetic won't help music sound better or vice versa.

In the end, only songs remain.

Without songs the group remains nothing.

If you're referring to Aespa, the fact that they have some of the biggest hits in kpop both domestically and internationally the last years speaks for itself.. they're clearly mostly carried by good songs. That's why many people listen to these songs and they have stong longevity.

Kpop (+ pop in general) has always had emphasis on aesthetics in addition to the music though. How it's marketed does matter to an extent (but not more than music), that's why companies spend time and money on it. It's good promo to make people check out a song. And a lot of the biggest pop moments ever are memorable partly because of the visual of it and not just the song itself. The aesthetics has always and will always play a part, and it's very emphasized in kpop, but idk what group is entirely carried by them?

Quote from CaraFIMIE

There isn't a group entirely carried by them and it might be simply wrong observation on my part but I've started to see some groups being more appreciated for the aesthetic they bring rather than the actual music they release. That's what I'm getting a bad feeling about and that is the reason behind this thread.

Which groups?

It's definitely not about music.

Everyone on Earth hated on Blackpink's EDM trap calling it noise music, cringe rap, etc. Blackpink worked because of their visuals, aesthetic, Big 4 privilege, and overall uniqueness (they never felt like your average Kpop group).

With Aespa, two things changed them from getting stuffed into a locker by New Jeans into becoming the #1 GG in Korea. Magarina's popularity, literally only second to WY, in all of Kpop, and MHJ imploding her own group. It was never about music. Their music has remained the same from Black Mamba to Next Level to Girls to Supernova.

Aesthetic and concept is a KEY part of Kpop

The novelty and gimmick of a well done concept and a properly aligned aesthetic is hugely important aspect that really seperates Kpop as a genre from Western pop

Yes music and songs are important, but they too really are part of the conceptual side of kpop. A groups music really should tie to their concept and their concept should be reflected in their music. Dreamcatcher were a perfect example of that (but they started losing their way a little).

If anything, I think kpop is starting to lose its focus on concept and aesthetic and its becoming a bit more bland, boring and generic because of it. Look at the 5th gen GG's. None of them have a strong concept. A unique concept. A stand out aesthetic. They are all a blob of generic ass "nostalgia" concept or "dreamy" or "youth". Theres no identity, no uniqueness.

Quote from BlackpinkHouse

Magarina's

dickhead

I like aesthetics but I won't appreciate the music because of it. I really don't think aesthetics only can carry a group.

I will unstan though idols and groups who do not give their best while preforming. I will take mistakes but I want to receive a show for my money. I won't bother other fans though. You stan what you stan, not my business.

Clearly not, look at kiiikiii .

Day6 don't even have any aesthetic or concept other than immaculate music and they are the biggest BG and GG in Korea

I would add tho that aestetics really take the music experience to the next level for me. even if it's minimalistic or just poetic. i just love images. and when i listen to a song, i kinda construct this blurry emotional space/vision in my mind and it's amazing when 'creatives' are able to manifest that emotion through a whole visual representation. it's such an extatic and gorgeous feeling and experience .

Before we continue, you need to stop playing coy, get from behind that bush and actually name the groups you're alleging rely more on concept than music

Stop playing soft ball if you're going to make these kind of threads, or I'll show you how it's done and probably piss everyone off in the process

Quote from ThePhantomThief

dickhead

Relax kid. I'm literally her #1 non My fan on this forum. I've been gassing her up for years now. I WAS LITERALLY THE ONLY ONE WHO DEFENDED HER IN THE THREAD WHERE EVERYONE ELSE WAS CONDEMNING HER for being brave enough to speak her mind even if i disagreed with her politics.

But the nickname is HELLA FUNNY so if you're not an insane unhinged Kpop stan, you'll understand that im not shading her with it. It's literally a term of endearment for me personally.

Quote from CaraFIMIE

I'm not going to name the groups I have in mind because I want this to be about discussing the actual topic and not stupid arguments.

Right, forest and trees and all that

I get ya

Quote from CaraFIMIE

I'm not going to name the groups I have in mind because I want this to be about discussing the actual topic and not stupid arguments.

And fan wars. There can't be fan wars without groups lol

I only like groups that can do both.

Quote from CaraFIMIE

The one time I'm being civilized is when ppl want chaos

I honestly don't know which groups you are talking about. All groups had initial concept and they change it over time

Tbh, I'm falling to think of an example. Usually, the groups who are famous for good aesthetics, makes musics who are pleasant to my ears too. But I'm gonna be honest, if I don't like a group music, the aesthetic can make me at least pay attention to their next comebacks.

Quote from CaraFIMIE

Go ahead..?

Why do you have a problem with pissing people off all of a sudden

You must be talking about LE SSERAFIM

Quote from Yama-Chan

You must be talking about LE SSERAFIM

They are my fave gg, love their music sans antifragile and whatever the last single name was. So it's definitely not only their concept. Also, what is their concept? Fearless, antifragile and crazy don't have the same concept? Perhaps i don't know what concept means

I’m the only 1 who voted yes…

For me, relying on aesthetics and concepts is a perfectly viable route, and great aesthetics and concepts can make mid songs more palatable just like insane visuals can, or talented members can.

I voted it doesn’t matter. I guess why some will say yes for marketing purposes and some will say no as it’s limiting! But honestly as long as you’re successful ( which you can be either way) does it matter

I think this take is nonsenses. Your perception of a group carried entirely about aesthetics and not music is based entirely in your personal taste on music.

I can't think of a group entirely carried by aesthetics and concept so idk how to judge If It's a good or bad thing, I'd need an example