LIGHTSUM 'HUNTR/X / Golden' [SUMPLY]

Unexpected but not unwelcome. Thanks for letting them out of the basement, Cube.

📁 LIGHTSUM 'HUNTR/X / Golden' [SUMPLY]

Quote from bartkun

nice to see it

also I love the outfits

from modern hanbok to sexy ones

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I'm always happy to see them released from the basement. Usually, I have to wait until the festival period, and that's it, so this was a nice surprise.

On an unrelated note, did you see my posts in your recent STAYC thread?

📁 We're goin' up, up, up ✨🎶 (251009)

Quote from StanGIDLE

Seems to be behind the scene footage that focuses on Sangah

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I was about to post this They sound amazing. Hopefully more people check this out because I think this is one of the best performances of the song.

Yeah, One is a dedicated fansite of Sangah. Thanks for sharing it.

Since we only get to see them once in a blue moon, it was nice that the location was seemingly open to the fans. Cube isn't even doing fan sign events as far as I'm aware, so outside of the very few festival appearances, they really haven't had the opportunity to interact with their fans much this year.

Regarding the Short, they did great. I love the added harmonization.

Quote from StanGIDLE

Agreed, they're so talented. As a fan this frustrating because I want to support them but Cube isn't allowing us to. They have some serious talent in the group, but how can they recover when we haven't had a proper comeback in 2 years? I thought they would have a chance with Pose, but Cube still didn't give them anything for 12 months

Mini rant there.

I loved the harmonization, and if they get a comeback it would be wise to give them something to showcase vocals and choreography. I will die on this hill and I say they're one of the most talented group but they're just not given the stage

I wonder if they would give them a chance if they can self produced. I always go back to this that Juhyeon choreographed. I think that might be a major chance of Cube giving them something. I feel they're hungry but they're not given the chance.

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Rants are welcome here. I'm prone to them myself. In fact, here's my own:

Essentially, it boils down to having all the right ingredients but no chef in the kitchen. I imagine there exists a parallel universe where Soyeon took on the role of their producer, and that version of Lightsum is magnitudes more recognized like they deserve to be. In the last fourteen months, Soyeon could have easily cooked something up for them on the side, but it feels like Cube deliberately keeps the groups separate. With their talent, she could do a lot with their pre-existing sound, or she could just as easily go for a fresh direction. I think it would even be a worthwhile project for her, using it as a chance to explore and experiment with sounds that don't quite fit i-dle. Hell, Cube could have paid Soyeon to give them a crash course on composing and producing during this time, so that they could explore the option of self-producing, like you brought up. Cube has plenty of available resources and options, but they just aren't willing to do anything substantial for the group.

At the end of the day, it's just poor management. How do you fail a group that is not only talented but likable so badly? The girls can only do their best with what they are given, but if they are given nothing... Seriously, it's been five months since Juhyeon's last dance Short was uploaded on YouTube. She's an incredible dancer, and they're doing nothing with that talent. I miss her JJUCHOOM videos dearly.

Quote from StanGIDLE

The Soyeon part is confusing because Nevies would follow Soyeon for whichever project she's involved. I know QWER was already popular but many fans tuned in because of Soyeon's involvement. The same could be said with Baby Don't Cry. So, it makes no sense why Cube didn't ask Soyeon over the 14 month or even after honey or spice to help produce for the group. I'm sure if they made it worthwhile for Soyeon she would help them out. Also both Yuqi and Minnie have been involved with some of Idle's best songs, so why not use them to help Lightsum out and help their growth as producers?

I think your idea of Soyeon helping them to fish would've worked well. Like the video I posted in the thread, Juhyeon seems to have the mind for choreography. That was honestly some very good choreography and she's a very good dancer and I assume could make things work. I believe both her and Sangah have some credits for Lightsum songs, so why not hone their skills to be self-producing. It feels it's much better to do that, then have the group inactive. I'm sure they would be able to find something that works for them, and it's not like they need a crazy budget because I think fans at this point will be fine with them performing new songs. I enjoy watching their performances, but they need more material.

Also, I stand by this that their music isn't bad and they've actually been given some good songs. I just think marketing and timing never worked in their favour. I know they were chasing trends with Pose, but I still think it was one of the better songs that tried to chase 80s-90s bass that was being heavily used last year. I think that's the tough part in music because you can't really chase trends and have to set it.

I truly feel they could improve their standing if they find a sound that's theirs and win people over with performance. If I was in charge I will make sure the mics are on and let them win the crowd over. I truly think they could get people talking if they were given the stage. You have Juhyeon who is one of the best dancers imo, and you have strong vocalist. Let them win people over because I think they could outperform most groups, and I stand by the statement.

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Exactly! Like I said, Cube has plenty of resources but very little vision. Soyeon, Yuqi, and Minnie—any of these talented ladies could inject some life into Lightsum and get them out of the basement. As far as I can tell, in this hypothetical scenario, they wouldn't be the problem. They're lovely girls, take their craft seriously, and would see the value in the opportunity, not just to help a labelmate out, but for their own personal and professional development. Is it risky from a career perspective? Yeah, but most things worth it are inherently risky.

I've always enjoyed their music. Like you, I don't think it was ever their music or sound direction that was the problem. There's a multitude of factors that usually have to align to achieve some form of success, but the key ingredient is missing here. The company just hasn't committed to putting the effort in. They'd rather create new groups than elevate their existing ones. I believe "Pose" was on the right track for them, but Cube killed any momentum they had.

Girl groups are more saturated now than ever, so I understand the difficulty in establishing a group identity that is unique or distinct enough to set them apart from the pack. Every company and group deals with this; the difference is Cube doesn't seem to have any creative juices left in the tank. They've grown content with Soyeon carrying the company on her back, benefiting from her creative vision. It just feels like they've washed their hands of their responsibility. It's easy to put a little money behind their new boy group because no matter how underwhelming a boy group may be, there is almost always a demographic for them, and thus the potential for returns.

Lightsum is a talented group. Wasting that talent just doesn't make sense. Between the festivals and the event appearances, they have accrued plenty of performance experience and have great group synergy. As far as I can tell, even if it's over a loud backing track, you don't have to look very hard for instances of their mics being on. They are always well-received during the festival period, and while it's clear there is a larger male demographic appearing at these events for pretty obvious reasons (which could be another discussion altogether), you can very often hear the ladies screaming too, which is always music to my ears. If we're talking about their visuals, I don't really need to say much beyond that they're a beautiful group with a broad range of appeal with very little overlap, making each member easily recognizable, which is always helpful for new fans. While their music may not stand out or have mass appeal like some of the bigger groups, I think I can safely say their music, by and large, is inoffensive and easily digestible. The most important thing, though, is that there is potential here. Just because the status quo hasn't been broken yet doesn't mean it can't be. But it won't if Cube continues to give them nothing.

I feel like most companies would kill for this combination of talent, visuals, and likeability. So, Cube fumbling this group so hard really grates on my nerves.

Sorry, I didn't mean to turn this into a long ranting session, but it just annoys me that I can see CLC playing out again if Cube doesn't get their act together. I'm never getting over the disappointment of Cube's handling of CLC. I'm all ranted out, so apologies if my next post is brief.

Quote from StanGIDLE

NP at all, and I couldn't have said it any better myself. I share the exact same sentiments. I enjoyed their music and I think they have the ingredients to be successful. I think they're the one group that confuses me because I feel they check all of the boxes that people follow a group for like vocals, dancing, visuals, and prior experience on a survival show. So, it just confuses me why they didn't click with the general audience

CLC was a nightmare for me because I loved their music and one of the early kpop groups I gravitated towards. I think same problem here where you have members that can compete against other groups when talking about skills. However, just doesn't seem to click with the public. I guess difference here is CLC had more of an international following and the pandemic killed any hope for them tbh. CLC not connecting with the public always confused me as a newer kpop fan because I thought their music was one of the best and was confused when they disbanded. I didn't really follow charts and sales much back then, so I was left confused.

I find myself that I gravitate towards Cube and JYPE groups because I seem to enjoy output of their groups and group composition the most. However, Cube is the most frustrating for me because they make groups with potential and have quality releases. However, Cube just doesn't do enough to give them a proper push. The major difference between I-DLE and the others is they have Soyeon who is able to take more control and handle the things that Cube is weak at. I sometimes wonder if it would be better if Cube was able to attract a creative director who can find direction and take care of the stuff they're weak at. I find Cube's weakness is the most damaging for a group and maybe a creative director would fill in the gap.

I think Cube just needs to stop playing games and give them a comeback. Maybe they'll give them something after the Miyeon's solo. I just think it's better to take a chance with a talented and seasoned group, then to restart and have the same problems with a new group. Even though Idle is my bias, but it felt very risky at the time to put all of their eggs in one basket rather than pushing Lightsum in case Idle didn't renew. I still think they need to make an attempt and see what could happen. You never know what can happen if you don't try.

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Yeah, the only rotten ingredient in the bunch is Cube, and unfortunately, they're the linchpin.

CLC was dark times. Cube hasn't learned any lessons. They were such a lovely bunch of girls with great music. I'm just glad that they didn't disappear into obscurity and I can still easily see the members.

I remember these videos like it was yesterday:

📁 180311 Diana Hongdae Busking

Talented, likeable, charismatic, and beautiful. But somehow, it just wasn't enough. Or at least it wasn't enough for Cube to do the hard yards. History is repeating itself before our very eyes.

Cube is good at making girl groups, but not great at sustaining them. A creative director or team could work wonders, but that would just be too reasonable. They might not like having to share credit either.

Cube struck gold with Soyeon, but it didn't stop them from taking her for granted. i-dle is so lucky to have her. If there were more idols like Soyeon, or if her skillset was valued enough to be part of the standard training, then maybe some of these smaller or underappreciated groups would have a greater chance, even if their company doesn't have their back.

Like most companies nowadays, Cube would rather create something new and shiny than keep their existing valuables polished and on display. Out with the old, in with the new, regardless of the inherent value of the old. All they really have to do is maintain their golden goose, anyway. In that regard, I feel sorry for all the pressure that has been placed on Soyeon. I'm glad she at least has Yuqi and Minnie to share some of the burden.

Like I said, Cube has options. They just act like they don't. They choose to let Lightsum sit in the basement in the dark. It's such a shame because these girls glow when they are on stage.

Quote from wsoet

Am I the only o‍ne w‍ho doesn't know what "Sumply" is supposed to be?

It's a content tag they attach to their performance/song covers.