Fourth generation music videos routinely bless us with complex plotlines, elaborate subplots, and opportunities to fan theory ourselves into oblivion. But do you ever long for simplicity? A story that just makes you feel something? Second generation groups like VIXX were masters of evoking emotions stronger than anyone ever thought K-Pop could. This is especially true of VIXX’s unforgettable 2014 comeback music video “Error.” 

As the lead single from VIXX’s second mini-album of the same name, “Error” received immediate recognition with five music show awards. But even more significant is its long-lasting legacy in the K-Pop industry. 

“Error” tells the futuristic, better-than-Romeo-and-Juliet love story of an inventor (Hongbin) and his girlfriend (Heo Youngji of KARA). When his girlfriend gets sick and dies, the inventor utilizes his knowledge of robotics to bring her back to life as an android. However, government authorities soon discover the inventor’s illegal experiments, and the lovers’ story comes to a bittersweet conclusion that contemplates the meaning of love.

The song itself is equally profound, boasting lyrics by the incomparable Kim Eana, known for penning such famous songs as “Good day” by IU, “Piano Man” by MAMAMOO, and “Hello” by SHINee. In “Error,” she paints a picture of despair and denial—the story of someone who believes they can never move on from their lost love:

I don’t want to let go of myself

I don’t want to ruin myself anymore

Memories that aren’t ending even when it’s over

I have no confidence to win over it

Love, in the end

Is a lie to just one person

Now look at me forgetting you

With your eyes wide open

Don’t ever forget me

The comeback’s influence on audience and industry alike is clear from the way netizens still talk about it to this day, speaking of the acting between Hongbin and Youngji as well as the simplicity of the music video in terms of straightforward storylines and a lack of fandom theories.

Live performances of the song were also beautifully done, with robot-like choreography that instantly reminded viewers of the video and its story. VIXX is known as a theatrical, concept-focused group, and the reasons for that reputation were on full display in every aspect of these stages.

Modern K-Pop has moved away from story-focused videos. Instead, groups often opt for abstract videos or videos with stories that are open to much interpretation. All of these video styles are beautiful in their own ways, but it’s clear that some fans are longing for old styles to make a return. Perhaps new groups, inspired by their second generation predecessors, will start adding simple story videos to their comebacks once again.

Edited by Kelly Sipko