On May 14, a forum was flooded with netizens discussing aespa’s latest release, which many believe has strayed from the popular easy-listening sound that is currently dominating the K-pop scene. The topic of conversation was the group’s new single “Supernova.”
The post included a screenshot of a comment from the music video, which discussed the successive release of easy-listening songs and the distinct diversity of K-pop.
Please read the comment from the netizen below:
(Photo: Instiz)
“It’s been really diluted nowadays, but K-pop’s original assets were diversity and the group’s unique aura. There are songs that are performed in army style dancing while singing, but at the end of the day, diversity is K-pop’s weapon.
If you look at old groups, can’t you see it? Groups like TVXQ BIGBANG, EXO, SHINee, Girls’ Generation, Wonder Girls, KARA, SISTAR, etc., there are no groups whose concepts and aura overlap. Although they tried different concepts, they clearly maintained the group’s aura.
And aespa, like those groups, is responsible for bringing diversity to K-pop. Easy-to-listen songs are popular these days since they’re armed with nostalgic fashion, relatable lyrics, and are guaranteed to deliver success and popularity.
However, they take away the fun in K-pop because it simply creates uniformity. Any of the major groups these days must continue to try new things and maintain their identities, so K-pop will be richer in the future.
Honestly, if this group had come out with easy-listening songs, I think I would rather only listen to foreign pop music, and with that level of visuals and talent, easy-listening songs would just be a waste of talent.”
The writer also published a subsequent post:
(Photo: Instiz)
“Why should aespa do easy-listening songs, please stop avoiding difficult songs and live a little.”
At the same time, both K-netz and international K-pop fans concurred with the statements. They also commended aespa and SM Entertainment for their efforts in producing songs that showcase individual musical style and core concept, factors that contribute to the diversity of K-pop.
“They’re cool and I agree with the comment.”
“I’m not a fan of aespa but I always listen to whatever they release, aespa really has a unique taste.”
“Agree, honestly that’s why I like SM.”
“I like that SM has its own distinctive colors.”
“This song was released at the perfect timing where people are craving for the signature K-pop sound.”
“Supernova brings back the old K-pop music while adapting to current fashion style and good mv production.”
“Also credits to aespa for making any song sound good. That’s a huge talent itself.”
“Every group needs their own identity and sound. It’s not fun if everyone releases easy-sounding songs but it’d be no fun if everyone only released experimental songs either.”
“Exactly. Music listening has become such a passive thing everyone wants music they don’t really have to pay attention to.”
Do you have any opinions on easy-listening songs? Are you excited for future releases by aespa? Share your thoughts in the comments section!
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