Throwback Thursday: Iconic Duo Sub-units
Photo: Pledis Entertainment
Today, we are going to talk about sub-units, specifically duos. For those who don’t know, sub-units are smaller units of members that create a new group within the group. For example, the SM Entertainment boy group NCT is one huge group. The groups NCT 127, NCT Dream, NCT U, NCT WISH, WayV, and NCT DOJAEJUNG are the sub-units. It’s an interesting concept that many groups utilize, and it’s so cool to see what sub-units we get from the mixture of members. Let's take some time to talk about some duos that changed the way we view sub-units.
NCT U - “Call D”
On August 27, 2023, NCT dropped their collective fourth album, Golden Age. This album is pure gold. The album has multiple songs with different sub-unit tracks, but one duo returned and gave us a track we will never forget. Members Taeyong and Ten took us back to 2018 and dropped a track called “Call D.” This sultry track is so much fun to listen to. It’s an R&B back track, mixed with some electrifying beats. The dial tone effect and the sound of someone dialing add to the concept of “Call D.” The members sing and rap in this lower register, which has an added sense of smoothness to it. It’s a great track that showcases the vocals of both members.
Wonwoo & Mingyu - “Bittersweet (feat. LeeHi)”
On May 28, 2021, SEVENTEEN members Wonwoo and Mingyu came together and dropped one of the most soothing tracks I’ve ever heard. With a more acoustic sound, the members sing over a mixture of soothing instruments. The use of the instruments in this song stands out to me and many others. You can hear the guitar, the drums, and the shakers; they stand out in their own way. Wonwoo and Mingyu both have very soft vocals. Though they are rappers in their group, they are powerful vocalists. The track also features another powerful vocalist, LEE HI. Her voice in this song is lighthearted, soft, and sung in a falsetto. Her addition to this song adds to the track and makes it feel even more sentimental than it already is.
Red Velvet - IRENE & SEULGI - “Naughty”
On July 20, 2020, sub-unit Red Velvet - IRENE & SEULGI dropped their hit track “Naughty.” The track is upbeat, electrifying, and striking. Honestly, this sub-unit was one we didn’t know we needed, but now that we have it, an unknown void is filled. Irene and Seulgi take their different vocal skills and put them together to create a banger. The girls also incorporate house music into this track. In the music video, you can see the members voguing and using striking hand movements that focus mainly on the face. It was a new concept for the girls, and they did an amazing job.
Edited by Bryn Claybourne