Did Somi make a major mistake by not joining ADP?

For what I have seen, it appears likely that in early 2024 the members for Allday Project had been finalized except for the vocalist (now Youngseo). So, Somi knew that a hip-hop focused group with Bailey, Annie, Tarzzan, and Woochan needed a final member to fill the vocalist position at the time.

While Somi was probably not very interested in joining any group, the SB controversy in late 2023 changed things. The controversy was particularly damaging to her due to her mostly casual international fan base (compared to the many other idols suffering from the same cup-induced backlash). Her engagement metrics have fallen significantly as a result, and the comments are far more negative than in the past, hurting Somi's "human-vitamin" brand.

Consequently, in early 2024 it was clear that something drastic needed to take place to revitalize her idol career... like joining a co-ed group with high-profile members.

The high-profiles of most of the other members in ADP would have made it work. Somi wouldn't have completely overshadowed them, avoiding the largest issue people bring up when discussing the possibility of Somi joining a group.

In the past, I have always pushed back against people predicting that Somi will flop due to her long hiatuses. I was proven right in her Dumb Dumb era, then again in her Fast Forward era. But this time is different. Somi's career is in serious trouble. Somi NEEDS a hit (at least in Korea) with either her prerelease "Extra" or her upcoming title single, otherwise she's going to fall into a downward spiral of lower budgets and lower impact (looking at her promo, budgets have already started dropping). The problem is that there is a good chance that neither song will hit, due to the issues Somi is facing.

If her comeback doesn't work out, revitalizing her career by joining a group is no longer an option, and leaving TBL will just make things worse. She will be left without any good options.

Quote from kahei

I don't think Somi would've fit the groups image, anyway. From what I know about her, she's more cutesy/preppy/cheery (whatever term suits your fancy) than cool and whatever else ADP is going for. Also, I think her career is too seasoned, making her being in the group awkward. ADP members are first-time idols (from my understanding), and while some of them are not new to the industry itself, this is their first actual group.

Somi could do mischievous girl-crush/sexy with a touch of hip-hop, which would be close enough. The vocalist having a bit of a different style would work with ADP, and it would push all the members harder to find a unique image that fits with the group, which seems to be Teddy's vision.

Quote from JesseAlex

Her going into a new group is like backpedaling.

And why would she do that when she had creative control, to an extent probably, in deciding what music to release as a soloist. So, I don't think she wants to lose that independence.

In other words, I think she'd rather remain standing out than fitting in again.

If everything was going smoothly with Somi's career, sure. But that is not the case. This comeback is a major risk for her future.

If Somi joined ADP, she would have been able to release solo work again a year or two after debut, so she could have the best of both worlds. TBL is much more open to solo work than other labels, focusing on the unique aspects of their artists and giving them creative freedom.

Quote from StanGIDLE

Was Somi offered to join the group? Does the public react to the group the same way when they've seen Somi for 10+ years. I think the mystery of Youngseo helped ADP because people were curious about a former Illit member joining another group

I fully agree that her being seasoned causes many issues. Outside of her music, she would fit in with the group tbh. However, I think the public is not used to Somi in the ADP image. They view her more as bubbly, and I don't think they would view her as rebellious. I think the latter is what ADP has going for them. People view the group as anti-idols because they're the opposite of what is being produced today. Kpop at the moment is going with safer, youthful, and vibrant groups. While I feel ADP is the opposite of that and Somi somewhat represents the lighter image in kpop.

I guess TBL did try to experiment with Somi going for a hip hop sound. I remember it wasn't viewed that positively

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I think once an idol is viewed with a softer image it's hard for public to buy darker image. I remember some weren't prepared for Yena going with a darker image with Love War. I remember reactions to it was mixed

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That's why I suggested that Somi go with a mischievous girl-crush/sexy with a touch of hip-hop concept. She has no problem with that, and it would work (e.g. Fergie in Black Eyed Peas. Fun fact: will.i.am from BEP named ADP, at least the "Allday" part). Somi's parts would be executed a bit different than Youngseo does them, with a bit more playfulness, but that would arguably work even better and stand out more. Also, Somi wouldn't rap. ADP has 4 rappers that need to contribute.

Quote from OopsEncoreMoi

No, she's actually lucky because she doesn't have to sing "ain't famous" in public

That line, admittedly, wouldn't work as well with Somi in the group.

Could be seen as annoyingly over-humble.

Although, Somi isn't truly famous in some regions, including the West, yet. So it could be interpreted as the group having aspirations of true global fame.