Lee Min-kyung, a current singer-songwriter, shares music stories from a musician's perspective, analyzing hidden meanings and unheard behind-the-scenes details.
On the 27th of last month at 2 PM (KST), BLACKPINK returned after a 3-year and 5-month hiatus with their mini-album 'DEADLINE'. The album includes the title track 'GO', pre-released track 'JUMP', 'Me and my', 'Champion', and 'Fxxxboy', totaling five tracks. 'GO', primarily composed by Coldplay's Chris Martin, features a distinctive EDM sound with distorted, tearing low electronic tones.
'DEADLINE' marks the first album produced after the members established their solo careers, showcasing matured vocal styles and excellent harmony. Rosé and Lisa's clear, lyrical voices captivate in the introduction of 'GO', while Jennie and Jisoo's strong lower tones lead the song to its drop, creating an engaging progression. Fans were moved when the members collectively shouted 'BLACKPINK', reminding them of their roots.
Some critics lament the departure from their previous image, noting the absence of Korean lyrics and the traditional 'K-pop' structure with a distinct, repetitive hook.
The song features an unusual structure with multiple hooks and drops, making it unfamiliar to domestic audiences. By abandoning the traditional weight distribution, every part becomes a highlight.
A music producer commented, "It's a bit disappointing how different BLACKPINK has become. It's like a famous Korean restaurant suddenly turning into a Michelin three-star fine dining establishment. It's not about the lyrics; the overall vibe lacks Korean essence. The song is great, but I miss kimchi and ramen."
However, continuous innovation is essential for music to gain widespread love. Bad Bunny, who won the Grammy for 'Album of the Year', is a testament to this. He didn't gain fame solely through pure Latin American music but by blending it with Western pop and hip-hop.
It's been 14 years since PSY's 'Gangnam Style' brought global attention to K-pop, and agencies have since sought to evolve it. The proportion of Korean lyrics has decreased, and the music genre has aligned with Western pop trends. BLACKPINK's attempt to integrate into the pop market visually and musically is natural.
Originally, the so-called 'K-pop' musical traits didn't inherently include 'Korean' elements. They combined Western music styles with Korean lyrics and catchy choruses derived from trot (a genre influenced by Japanese enka and Western instruments).
Moreover, it's incorrect to say BLACKPINK's comeback lacks Korean elements. The music video ends with a depiction of yin and yang harmony, featuring male and female energy forms kissing. The credits are displayed in a Taegeuk pattern, emphasizing their Korean cultural roots.
On the 28th, an online community buzzed about Jisoo's shout of 'Moo-ya-ho' at 2:50 in 'GO'. A fan asked Jisoo about it, and her playful response, "How's my part?", gained attention. Known as a 'Infinite Challenge kid', Jisoo playfully referenced a popular phrase from the past MBC show 'Infinite Challenge', evoking nostalgia among fans.
Lee Min-kyung, Ten Asia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr