IMFACT Make an Impact

As one of the biggest K-Pop events in the U.S., KCON LA, draws closer, new artists for the lineup have continued to be announced ranging from TWICE to Dynamic Duo. To get attendees prepared for all of the amazing artists at KCON, we wanted to shine a light on some of the groups who will take center stage at the Staples Center next month. That includes IMFACT, Star Empire Entertainment’s boy group whose members are sweeter and more addictive than candy!

IMFACT debuted on January 27, 2016 with five members: Lee Sang, Na Ungjae, Kim Taeho, Park Jeup, and Lee Jian. The group’s name, IMFACT, is not only a mixture of the words “I’m fact” and “impact,” but also means that they will “put their hearts to music.” And put their hearts into their music they certainly have! IMFACT is known for writing, choreographing, composing, and arranging many of their own tracks since their debut back in 2016. In fact, prior to debut member Jian was a back-up dancer for B1A4 and Juniel!

In 2017, after releasing two mini-albums and participating in a monthly single release project, IMFACT announced that several of its members would participate in KBS’s survival idol reboot television program The Unit. Though none of the four members involved in The Unit ended up in the show’s official lineup, the members quickly caught the attention of new fans all around the world and it’s easy to see why: IMFACT is seriously talented.

Debut - “Lollipop”

Allowing a member of a group to write, compose, and arrange their debut single is almost unheard of, but that’s exactly what IMFACT did with their single “Lollipop” back in 2016. Member and maknae Ungjae received a solo credit for writing and composing “Lollipop,” and worked alongside Jeong Changwook in arranging the track. This isn’t the only song either; nearly their entire first single album was written, composed, and arranged by all of the members within the group too. This trend continues to even IMFACT’s newest releases as well!

Because of the song’s upbeat tempo, “Lollipop” is a rollercoaster of a debut track full of electric guitar, insane high notes, and distinctive use of a funky, jazz brass band sound. It is an exhilarating debut track, and one that can blow the doors off of anyone’s heart with its addictive, ever-changing musical direction. The track’s music video follows the members throughout school as they fawn over a pretty girl in their class, which fits in well with the song’s lyrics about a first love that’s sweeter than a lollipop. The music video also features a cute moment at the end where their school teacher listens to “Lollipop” and has a little dance party all by himself.

IMFACTORY - “Tension Up”

After releasing two mini-albums, IMFACT announced a unique project they called IMFACTORY in January 2017. IMFACTORY was a huge endeavor that consisted of the group releasing new singles every month in addition to holding concerts and fanmeets. Through IMFACTORY, the group released three singles from January to April 2017: “In the Club,” “Please Be My First Love,” and “Tension Up.” With each new song, IMFACT showed a different side of themselves; “In the Club” is a heartbreaking ballad and “Please Be My First Love” is a dreamy R&B track.

IMFACT then returned in April 2017 with the rebellious EDM jam “Tension Up.” The song has a heavy synth melody that swells into an explosive chorus that is way too easy to sing and dance along to. The song’s lyrics are all about enjoying life no matter what difficulties the listener may be facing. There’s a bit of defiance in the lyrics too, affirming that IMFACT will continue to do things their way no matter what others may tell them. The music video for “Tension Up” has one of the most iconic concepts ever: in between performing chic choreography, the members can be seen goofing around in a roller skating rink! Name a more iconic roller skating team in K-Pop, we dare you.  

Digital Single - “The Light”

After appearing on The Unit in August, IMFACT began performing OSTs for popular K-Dramas including Andante, which starred EXO’s Kai! The group didn’t return for an official comeback together until April 17, 2018 with the digital single “The Light.”

“The Light” is a very unique track because of its drum and bass sound. Despite the track’s quick tempo, the lyrics of “The Light” have a much darker, painful meaning. Written by member Jian, the members express their fear of losing someone who has become “the light” in their lives, explaining: “Because I can’t have you, you shine more / Because I can’t touch you, I want you more.” The chorus’ dark, repeated shouts are juxtaposed with controlled, cool dance moves in the song’s music video. If the music video’s cool, grunge aesthetic and flawless choreography weren’t enough to cause the viewer to immediately become a fan of IMFACT, then the end of the video where member Jeup is seen holding a cat will definitely steal your heart.