K-Pop Conversion Step 9: Best of Sexy
The K-Pop community continues to grow, reaching as far as the other side of the world. With more acts breaking into the Western music scene, audiences are increasingly becoming aware of K-Pop and are rapidly showing interest. Time and time again, this specific formula for dragging others into the hype of the Hallyu Wave has proven totally successful. The second-to-last step of this process shows the sexy concepts that reign supreme. You’ve been warned.
“Might Just Die” - HISTORY
There really is nothing as legendary and sexy as HISTORY’s 2015 release, “Might Just Die.” I don’t care who you are or who you’re attracted to, if you don’t physically feel the impact of the choreography (especially that killing part on the floor, when the boys flash their abs? Or the grinding on the floor? LORD HAVE MERCY), then you’re definitely asexual. The raw energy that radiates from these boys in their performance is almost too much to handle, and Kyungil’s constant heavy breathing in the chorus doesn’t help tone it down at all. This release is definitely notorious among the K-Pop community and is considered peak sexy concept.
“A.D.T.O.Y” - 2PM
Coming in a close second in the race for legendary sexy, we have 2PM’s intense “A.D.T.O.Y.” Rather than a showcase in sexy through choreography like HISTORY, there are scenes in the music video that heavily imply the not-so-child-friendly side of human nature. The song itself is super intense in that it starts off heavy and never really lets up, adding to the overall tension of the song and music video. Jun.K’s sweet honey vocals added on top of that are a little too much for us, too.
“Fantasy” - JBJ
JBJ’s “Fantasy” has a much more subtle and, dare I say, elegant approach to sexy in comparison to our other boy group choices. While there are killing points in the choreography (I’m looking at you Donghan with that unnecessary center hip thrust, and Taehyun sliding down on your knees center stage), the choreography and lyrics can be interpreted as less blatantly sexual in comparison. The phrasing of the lyrics adds to the overall allure of the song, as it’s clear the boys know exactly what they’re implying. Going for a sexy concept as a debut is a bold move, but JBJ definitely pulled it off with grace.
But I’m definitely not biased at all.
“Hush” - miss A
In their time in the spotlight, miss A definitely made waves not only with their talent, but with their concept versatility as well. “Hush” is legendary in and of itself for the shower room choreography that hadn’t been used previously, adding to the sexy aura the four girls radiated. The 2013 release made waves then and even now, with idols recreating the iconic choreography. There’s no doubt that “Hush” pushed the boundaries on the generally conservative society in Korea.
“Paradise Lost” - Gain
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen anything from Brown Eyed Girls, but vocalist Gain is still out slaying today. “Paradise Lost” is an extremely sensual song from the beginning with its slow jam beat and haunting aura, and Gain herself just adds even more on top of that with her risque choreography and suggestive vocal notes. But still, it’s done very tastefully and portrays sexuality without an overly sexual connotation. We don’t often see open sexual expression from female idols compared to their male counterparts, but those who do it, like Gain, do it well.