Is PLAVE the Future of K-pop?

At the end of 2023, I did an episode highlighting five groups I felt deserved more attention 2023. Virtual group PLAVE was on my list, and with their latest comeback, they show staying power that could shake up the K-pop industry.

The five-member boy group is just like other boy groups, except the visuals are virtual. Five real people are behind the voices. The members wear motion-detecting suits when doing choreography, so while watching PLAVE, each virtual member has a real personality instead of simply being an animated character.

The only difference is that we don’t see the faces behind the talent. Instead, fans are treated to out-of-this-world visuals that transport the viewer into another dimension. I find their music videos to be an amazing form of escapism.

More importantly, the music is good! The vocal performance on Asterum: 143-1 showcases seasoned professionals who know how to use their voices. I was blown away by Noah’s opening verse on the album opener, ‘Watch Me Woo.’

In the unforgiving world of K-pop, where “scandals” force idols to sit out of activities far too often, it makes sense from a business standpoint to move in the direction of PLAVE.

This week, they beat Taeyong, LE SSERAFIM, BIBI, and Cravity to win on “Show Champion.” The fans vibe with PLAVE, and so do I.

IU Won Me Over With ‘Shopper’

I have a confession to make. I’ve never been a fan of IU. I understand why people love her; she’s good at what she does, but her voice, which sits in a higher register, isn’t my cup of tea. I tend to prefer lower tones and voices.

On her new EP, however, IU has won me over with the bright and infectious ‘Shopper.’ I’m a sucker for a happy pop song, and it checks all the boxes. It also doesn’t hurt that DPR Ian co-stars in the music video, which he also directed.

This project feels like a huge step forward towards an international pop star compared to Korea’s darling. The song and music video have mass appeal to the general public in a way that feels different from her previous releases.

Did you get a ticket to IU’s tour? When I saw the Ticketmaster waiting room was over 52K for the LA show, I bowed out. I hope you all fared better.

Do K-pop Idols Need To Be Able To Sing?? (I can’t believe this is even a debate)

After a disastrous encore performance from LE SSERAFIM during last week’s M Countdown show, a debate has started among fans on whether or not K-pop idols need to be good singers.

For me, it’s all about the music, so I will NEVER stan a group who can’t sing live. I’ve stuck my neck out debating music industry professionals on how K-pop idols are actually talented. When clips of a group singing off-key, out of tune, and looking terrified to be behind a live microphone come out, my argument isn’t valid.

There are fans who admit they’re not in it for the music. They’re in it for the fandom and the fantasy a group gives them. They should stan dance troupes instead of K-pop groups. Although, with some of the fourth and fifth-generation groups, that’s who they stan anyway.

Scandals, Apologies, and K-pop Fandom

This week, Karina wrote a heartfelt apology to her fans. What did she do? She fell for a handsome actor. They’re dating and happy, except her fans are livid with her. This is part of K-pop fandom I will never support, and it makes me question the world I’m promoting.

Another idol, Hwarang from Tempest, has to sit out of his group’s upcoming comeback because he went to a nightclub with friends. A 22-year-old isn’t allowed to go have a fun night with friends if they’re a K-pop idol.

Idols have zero autonomy, one of the most important factors in healthy psychology. They can’t choose what they do in their daily lives. They’re hyper-controlled by not only their management but also their fans.

It breaks my heart. They bring so much joy to so many of us, but at what cost? By the time they hit thirty, most of them have never been in a healthy romantic relationship or know how to socialize like their peers. Once idol life is over, I imagine it’s a difficult road.

When Karina apologized this week, international fans were upset and shared my sentiment, but some Korean fans think they own their favorite idols and will ruin their careers over the slightest sign of disobedience. Look what happened to Lucas when he spoke out against an unhinged “fan” following WAYV.

The simplest answer is that the labels have to correct this. They can no longer ban dating and socializing and must punish those who invade the privacy of idols or hurl false accusations their way. As long as the company is complicit, this sick trend will continue.

5 Songs I’m Obsessed With This Week

Watch Me Woo - PLAVE

Shopper - IU

From - PLAVE

Universe - EXO

Don’t Go Insane - DPR IAN