Jay Park's Boy Group LNGSHOT Challenges K-Pop Norms with Bold Debut

《Songwriter's Perspective by Min-Kyung Lee》
Min-Kyung Lee, a current singer-songwriter, shares insights into the world of music from a musician's viewpoint, analyzing hidden meanings and unheard stories behind the songs.

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Jay Park's newly produced boy group, LNGSHOT, has made waves by directly addressing the 'middle finger controversy' in their music video narrative. Before their official debut, they released a pre-release track 'Saucin', declaring their pursuit of 'raw hip-hop' that defies the conventional norms of K-pop idols.

Set to officially debut on November 13, LNGSHOT released their pre-release digital single 'Saucin' on the 22nd. They first showcased 'Saucin'' at the '2025 Melon Music Awards' (MMA2025) on the 20th, marking their global stage debut. On the 23rd, they unveiled a trailer video for their debut EP 'SHOT CALLERS', featuring five tracks, on their official YouTube channel and social media, signaling the start of their full-fledged activities.

The 'Saucin' music video, released on YouTube on the 20th, has garnered 1.76 million views as of 3 PM on the 23rd. Viewers have praised the video, commenting, "It's so cool. Jay Park's aesthetic is amazing," and "It's clear what Jay Park wanted to show. The raw and honest hip-hop is fantastic."

One netizen remarked, "Idol rap was hard to listen to regardless of skill because it was cringeworthy, but these guys don't have that issue," praising the group's rap skills. With Jay Park, a rapper himself, overseeing the team, LNGSHOT members are noted for their strong rap abilities.

The group consists of four members: rappers Oh Yul and Ryul, born in 2006, Woojin, born in 2008, and Louie, born in 2010. Notably, Ryul showcased his skills last year on TVING's 'RAP:PUBLIC', hosted by Jay Park. Recently, he posted a video applying for 'Show Me the Money 12' on LNGSHOT's official social media. All members are reportedly involved in songwriting and composing.

'Saucin' embraces the Memphis-style hip-hop, characterized by the rhythmic cowbell and amplified 808 bass for a powerful impact. True to the members handpicked by 'rapper' Jay Park, their rap pronunciation and vocal delivery are excellent, with a vocal style that reflects American pop sensibilities rather than typical Korean singing techniques.

The 'middle finger photo' controversy surrounding them in September was reinterpreted in this music video. At the time, photos of LNGSHOT members posing with middle fingers towards the camera were posted on Jay Park's social media, sparking public backlash.

This controversy became part of the music video's narrative. Jay Park humorously portrays an angry reaction to the 'finger controversy' at the beginning of the 'Saucin'' music video, questioning, "Does the finger controversy make sense? How can idols do that?" In the video, Jay Park, dressed as a 'greedy agency CEO', comically demands, "You're idols. No dating, do as I say. Fix your looks to be handsome," while Ryul crashes a car through the office wall, kicking off the music.

This goes beyond mere sensationalism, interpreted as a critique of the strict standards imposed on K-pop artists. It clearly highlights the group's intention to not be bound by traditional moral and formal standards, despite being idols.

Min-Kyung Lee, TenAsia Reporter 2min_ror@tenasia.co.kr