Sunshine, beaches, and bright colors are usually popular themes during summertime for K-pop comebacks. However, Dreamcatcher have never been one to stick with trends. Their MVs tend to include darker colors, spooky topics, and an overarching message tying everything together. Their latest comeback, “Justice” is no exception with the use of Judeo-Christian imagery to convey the topic of justice. Unfortunately, the concept for the MV does not have the impact as previous themes due to their lack of cohesiveness with the overall symbols. On the other hand, after their comeback with “OOTD,” “Justice” sounds more like their signature sound. While their usage of religious symbols was poorly utilized, Dreamcatcher continue to simultaneously evolve musically while remaining true to their rock-infused roots.
In the beginning of the MV, the use of Judeo-Christian images starts off strong, but loses its meaning along the way. During their choreography, there are paintings on the wall, but the camera rarely focuses on them to give us a clear view of what is being represented. Probably one of the most powerful images is the snippet of Jesus Christ after His descent from the cross. However, as the MV continues, it seems to just be using random imageries of Christianity without any consideration of whether or not it ties into the MV’s plot. It is always a daring move to use a religion like Christianity within a body of art, so it is a shame they did not fully flesh out the idea.
In their previous comeback with “OOTD,” the crown figure was used to symbolize arrogance within the K-pop industry. In this new storyline, the crown returns as the enemy of their new personas suggesting this is another theme about self-reflection. This idea is supported by the fact that Yoohyeon is shown biting an apple which references the original sin of Adam and Eve. However, the use of angels, archers, and swords seems to be pointing to the “War in Heaven” from the bible. Again, the MV uses too many different imageries of Christianity which ends up muddying up their overall message.
Another drawback is that not every member was given a clear role within this storyline. We already know Yoohyeon bit the apple, and at least three of the members are warriors as implied by their attires. Jiu seems to be tied up without reason, which is more than what they offered Siyeon. She is in a bulky red suit against a beige background which does not give the audience any information about her persona. While she is the one who throws the crown, there could have been more thought put into her outfit to tie her into the theme.
Even in other scenes, the members of Dreamcatcher looked out of place due to their costume design. Normally, a Dreamcatcher MV is only made better by their unique outfits that fit into the concept. Instead, their costume designers decided business casual was the look to go with during their dance routine. Their alternate outfits are not much better, with outfits that look like they were plucked from an 80s mall magazine. Their best outfits were during their solo visuals, with only some fitting into the Christian theme. For example, Handong was dressed in a beaded outfit with intricate wings to represent an angel.
The juxtaposition of their outfits and the overall concept is confusing but possibly leading up to their next comeback. At the end of the MV, Siheyon is holding a cassette tape player which would tie into their 80s-inspired outfits. This would make sense since they brought in the crown from “OOTD” into this MV. However, even if that were the case, there could have been a better way to tie the two comebacks together.
While the themes of religion and war could have been done more effectively, the lyrics and melody of the song still come together. The members’ personas are gearing up for a fight against a common enemy. This ties into the use of percussion with chants in this song that sounds like a marching band heading to war.
The lyrics also point at self-reflection which ties into the imageries of the original sin. The voice of the song speaks of a“stain” which links up with the concept of sin and purity. As such, this part of the song sounds like a prayer with the voice of the song seeking out help from a higher power:
Clean me up, clean me up
Don’t let the stain swallow me up
In a desperate cry
Fight for justice, raise up
The concept for “Justice” had the opportunity to have a thought-out theme, but unfortunately, it did not completely make sense. There could have been more thought into the usage of symbols to bring together the plot and the personas. While the MV could have been better in many ways, musically, this is still one of their best comebacks. It is always impressive how Dreamcatcher manage to keep within the rock genre while still serving their fans something fresh. When it comes to Dreamcatcher, they are not afraid to explore as they did with “OOTD,” and that is what helps keep fans listening.
(Youtube. Lyrics via ColorCodedLyrics. Images via Dreamcatcher Company.)
