Ah, yes. The school concept. A tried-and-true concept for K-Pop groups that’s practically an essential rite of passage in the industry nowadays. With summer winding down, it’s officially back to school season so we here at The Kraze would like to look back at some of  the best school concepts in K-Pop! So pack your lunch and don’t miss the bus, because this week’s Throwback Thursday brings you some of the freshest takes to get your school year in gear. 

“Heart Attack” - AOA 

AOA’s 2015 summer hit “Heart Attack” shows the girls in a western high school setting wherein the members form a lacrosse team. Amidst dance breaks clad in cheerleader uniforms and rowdy classrooms overflowing with teenage love, the plot-driven video’s flirty vibe matches the high-energy song beat for beat. More so than any other video, “Heart Attack” will having you quite literally cheering AOA on as they compete to win against the boys, especially when Choa scores the winning point at the end.

“My First and Last” - NCT Dream 

The lead track off their 2017 single album, NCT Dream’s “My First and Last” is undeniably a bop. For many newer groups, it can take some time to find their concept, but NCT Dream knocked it out of the park immediately with their groovy, refreshing, youthful vibes. “My First and Last” shows the boys as high school students pining after their teacher. Between impressive choreography in a school gym, neon-colored outfits, and a cute story with a plot twist ending, “My First and Last” will have you feeling refreshed and re-energized to tackle the oncoming school year.

“Candy Jelly Love” - Lovelyz 

Lovelyz’s “Candy Jelly Love” from 2014’s comes to us straight out of a shoujo anime. The bubbly, light-pop track served as the title song for the group’s debut album Girls’ Invasion. Complete with cute school uniforms, pastel colors, and bright, airy sets, both the video and song are soft from start to finish. With lyrics that are sweeter than sugar and music video where gummy bears get almost as much screen time as the girls, Lovelyz’s “Candy Jelly Love” is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. 

“What Can I Do” - DAY6

Released as the August track for their 2017 EveryDay6 project, DAY6’s “What Can I Do” is the first music video of the band’s school trilogy where the members all play roles in a high school setting. The video follows several friendships: bad boy Young K as he befriends disinterested heartthrob Dowoon, Jae and the female protagonist who is his best friend, and lastly the eye-brow-raising relationship between best buds Sungjin and Wonpil. Things turn interesting as Sungjin pines after the female protagonist, only to have her fall for angsty and brooding Young K, but the love triangle grows even murkier when Wonpil’s feelings also get thrown into the mix.