Throwback Thursday: Retro Concepts in K-Pop Part 1
Yes, K-Pop really has it all! As fans know, there are so many different kinds of concepts for a group or artist to have for their comeback album, music video, and wardrobe—everything from cute, sexy, flower boy, and bizarre (yes “Catallena” by Orange Caramel and “Retro Future” by Triple H, I’m looking at you), and so much more. One concept that has been taken on by mostly girl groups, especially the most distinct examples of the concept, is the retro concept.
“Piano Man” - MAMAMOO
A retro concept is nothing unfamiliar in a MAMAMOO music video, at least the early ones. In the song about the handsome piano player, the composer of the music decided to use real instruments instead of simply making an EDM song. With the main instrument being the piano and the addition of a little jazz-inspired harmony, the retro vibe is complete. The music video is inspired by the 1930s, shown from the start of the music video with the member’s introductions that can be reminiscent of silent movies. The “Piano Man” music video also starrs B1A4 member Gongchan.
“You Don’t Love Me” - SPICA
In this release by the girl group SPICA, there are many different decade styles mixed into one music video, the 1940s, ‘50s, ‘60s, and towards the end, modern style/fashion. There’s the dark colors that were popular in the ‘40s, furniture and hairstyles from the ‘50s and ‘60s, and the pin-up look from the ‘40s til the start of the ‘60s. It is understandable if it was hard to keep up with this description but for any vintage and retro enthusiast, every time you watch the music video there is something new you notice in style and props used.
“I Feel You” - Wonder Girls
Ever since their debut, Wonder Girls has done a huge amount of different retro concepts throughout their career, so it would almost be criminal to not mention a song by them in this article. In “I Feel You,” the girls bring everyone listening and watching back to the ‘80s. The music video and melody are clearly very inspired by the decade, and one could be fooled to think it actually is a song from that period.
“Love It Live It” 1 - YDPP
This ‘80s/’90s-inspired song and music video were released at the start of last year by the collaboration YDPP, as a promotion for Pepsi Cola’s retro packaging comeback. With the ‘80s-inspired tunes and the strong colors of the ‘90s, this release is also packed with other iconic retro items like the Rock-n-Roll bar, record player, the disco dance floor, and much more. The song is fun and makes you want to dance whenever you listen to it.