Last month was full of intricate and creative MVs from artists such as VVS, Hyuna, Xikers, and Fifty Fifty. We have rap-heavy songs like “Tea,” but on the other side of the coin, we have bubble gum pop songs like “Pookie.” No matter the genre, each MV has a unique perspective and execution. For Unsung Artists, we take a look at some of the MVs that did not get a full review, but deserve just as much attention:
VVS, ”Tea”
VVS busts into the K-pop scene with an elaborately choreographed MV. However, this MV does not include any dancing, instead, the members of VVS embrace their personas as assassins. While they likely used stunt doubles, it does not take away from the fact that the fighting choreography is highly intricate. They complete impressive stunts like rolling over a table or fighting someone with a sword. Each member has a unique look and weapon as they work together towards their goal. As the ending hinted, there may be more to the story, which implies that we could be seeing more in upcoming comebacks.
The action-packed MV makes for entertainment, but it would not be a decent debut if not for their memorable song titled “Tea.” Regardless of whether this song is your cup of tea, the repetitive and easy-to-chant chorus is likely to get stuck in your head. The members do a sing-rap style that is mixed with the genres of hip-hop and EDM. As a debut, they are establishing their signature style early, and hopefully, this is a sign of more to come.
Xikers, “Breathe”
The MV for “Breathe” is somehow chaotic but cohesive at the same time. The overall theme relates to the concept of breathing, which is depicted constantly in their imagery. For example, in the beginning, we see some of the members mimic the process of CPR. The concept is even in their dance choreography for the chorus – the members use hand movements to symbolize the up and down movements of breath. What adds to the chaotic part is the fast-changing scenes that are a mix of dance, visuals, and ever-changing backgrounds. Despite its speed, everything remains connected to their overall concept.
The MV is great, but the impressive and quick-speaking rapping takes center stage. Sumin and Yechan handle the second verse of the song, and both of their speeds are incredible. Sumin brings a more chill and low tone to his raps while Yechan balances it out with a higher pitch. Overall, the MV was cohesive and conveyed the symbolism behind their concept well.
82Major, “Takeover”
The members of 82Major do not take themselves seriously when it comes to this lively concept. The MV is focused on their personas who have just escaped their prison cells. While out on the run, the members are wearing cute pink-themed pajamas that match their pink weapons. Of course, the day ends with them dressing up in superhero costumes and going to a rave. All together, the MV is just a lot of mischievous fun with no overarching moral.
The dance choreography is just as amusing as the song. At times, they do a funny march-dance as they are fleeing the police. The fast-paced hip-hop song combines perfectly with the overall theme of joviality. The members show off not just their rapping skills but also their singing abilities. All together, this is a nice and lively song for the spring season.
Chen, “Broken Party”
Chen may have been known for extensive choreography with Exo, but with “Broken Party,” Chen dives deeper into his emotions. The MV expertly conveys the bittersweet feeling of attending a party while you are not in the best mood.
Through the use of blue and yellow tints, we see the contradicting emotions in Chen’s persona. The blue tints symbolize a more frustrated mood, with Chen destroying everything in his room. On the other hand, the yellow tints show the happier side as Chen cheers and dances with confetti in the air. Despite the contradiction, Chen depicts both sides to deliver the concept.
The lyrics of the song further support the concept with the voice of the song yearning for a time before. It is clear from the lyrics that the happier times are in the past, and now they are depressed. As such, it further clarifies that the yellow-tinted moments are in the past when times were better, and now Chen’s persona is simply reminiscing about what once was:
Welcome to my broken party
I remember dancing and singing along
I’m dancing with my broken memories, baby
Always, yeah
Fifty Fifty, “Pookie”
Even with an almost new line of members, Fifty Fifty embraces what made them popular in the first place, keeping their signature sound. The MV is full of bright colors, cute costumes, and an easy-to-dance routine. However, while on the surface it may seem like it is all about the aesthetics, the MV has a deeper meaning.
If you look at the hints, there is an audience who is more focused on recording the performance with their mobile phones. As such, they are not actually enjoying the moment. A camera guy is popping out of frames, and security cameras are everywhere, which means the members are constantly being recorded without their consent. With these events, we see that the MV is about their everyday lives being recorded, regardless of whether or not they may want that.
In the MV, Keena has a moment of self-reflection when she catches someone who scurries away from the lighting. She then realizes that everyone is copying her every move, suggesting that they have no individuality. However, her persona takes the revelation lightly and just continues with the rest of the song. It would have been great if they had taken this concept just a little bit further, but overall, it still is another great hit to add to their discography.
Hyuna, “Mrs. Nail”
With her last comeback, Hyuna returned with a new agency and a new sound. As opposed to her nasally sing-rap style, she instead focused on clearer vocals. However, with Mrs.Nail, Hyuna has decided that her signature is probably best for her career right now.
“Mrs.Nail” is a hate letter to her non-supporters as well as a celebration of her career. Hyuna has had her fair share of scandals, but her latest marriage has stirred up some hate online. In her lyrics, Hyuna calls them out and embraces her marriage with the title “Mrs.Nail.” The symbolism behind the lyrics comes from the cliche of “being tough as a nail” as the voice of the song taunts people to go ahead and hit her harder. She adds that she is not going to go away any time soon:
Call me Mrs. Nail
Talkin’ this and that
Mix my rеd with black
That’s my crimson dress
Rather than being a flower that fades in ten days
Hit me harder, I am the nail
The aesthetics of the MV are reminiscent of Hyuna’s popular single, “Red.” However, the song is more of a hip-hop song that is more comparable to her time with the group, “4minute.” Hyuna dons different outfits and aesthetics that show off her body, and has pops of the color red.
More than anything, the MV is based on the choreography. The dance is casual and sleek, with smooth moves that go with the tempo of the song. In the bridge of the song, Hyuna and her dance crew do a quick hand-to-foot move that adds some more intricacy to the overall choreography. All together, despite that she may not be as popular as before, Hyuna is not going to go down without a fight.
(Youtube [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Lyrics via Genius. Images via Great M Entertainment, INB100, Arista, and At Area.)
