Rating K-Pop Agencies 2020: YG Entertainment

(Side Note: In rating agencies, primary objective is to evaluate agencies’ responses to various issues. Responses are a crucial ingredient for agencies’ and groups’ survival, fame, and profitability.

Communication skills will be added as another criterion to further emphasize the foregoing point. Finally, the following only covers the whole of 2020:)

Quality over quantity has been a philosophy of YG. But while this was true in the golden age of KPop, this is not applicable today.

It came to a point where BLACKPINK members had to throw shade over YG several times. It also came to a point where some Blinks have to do it just to wake the agency from slumber. These things are the norm for YG, and the same method is continuously earning ire from fans.

YG must’ve forgotten to increase both quantity and quality. Just look at the number of lead tracks provided for its groups and soloists, and it’s quite miserable. (As is the case with BIGBANG, even if they renewed contract, still has no releases to date.) Furthermore, YG should’ve aimed for quality > streams as compared to present outlook where quality < streams.

It is to be noted further that some YG stans don’t want to improve this dismal situation. Being fixated on the mindset that Big 3 is only YG-JYP-SM and nothing else, and being hostile on moves to add BigHit to the mix, they’re giving YG impression that it can be complacent on changes in K-Pop scene.

Crucial also to further success of YG and its artists is on giving them power over creativity and content, not stifling them, idling around, or just placing talents on a specific mold. This is apparent over rapper One’s departure, Lee Hi parting ways, Katie Kim leaving the agency after lack of releases, AKMU not fully promoted this year, usual fewer content for Somi, and Rosé not being given solo activity despite pleas from Blinks.

Some good points are also noted. First is on retaining what B.I. left via iKON’s recent comeback. Second point is on involving Lisa as judge in Youth With You. Third is on being receptive to criticisms and shades thrown at them (plus issuing immediately statements for BP and WINNER). Fourth is on giving update on Junhoe and Jinhwan, plus on BP’s solo undertakings. Fourth is on pursuing legal actions on death threats against the Thai artist. Fifth is on making up for mistakes by giving additional content, as is the case with BP and WINNER.

Final positive aspect was on change of leadership. But we’ll have to see how far this new leadership will change the face of YG.

In the end, it’s too early to tell that YG improved, noting their poor performance in prior years. But if they improved substantially next year, we might ditch the term Big 3 + YG in favor of Big 4.

Group(s) Rated: BLACKPINK

Rating: 76.67%
Grade: F
Assessment: Failed
% Change: +5.76%

	Criterion	Points	Base
1	Promotion of groups	5	5
2	Rolling of comebacks	4	5
3	Handling boy groups	3	5
4	Handling girl groups	3	5
5	Assessment as whole	5	10
6	Longevity of groups	9	10
7	Handling issues and responding	7	10
8	Communication skills	5	5
9	Secondary frontline service	5	5

Notes and Reflections on K-Pop for 2020: Updates (Part 6)

As part of improvements with respect to K-Pop, the author hereby announces major changes in its bias list.

There are some groups that will be removed from bias list. Sad as it may seem, but considering present situations, it’s time for them to go. However, others will enter the scene.

Starting November 1 this year, Busters, SATURDAY, and AOA will be removed from bias list, and all biases are removed. In turn, this will bring the present line-up to 25 groups followed as of that date. Groups removed shall trigger reassignment of existing groups that will “handle” others that are not followed.

Busters will now not be followed anymore after nine months. This is due to frequent change of lineups bringing them down to three members. Added to that, even if their agency partnered already with MyDoll for a collab with Pink Fantasy, the future of the group seems to be bleak. Almost the same case goes for SATURDAY after a year and seven months, which also had line up changes and lack of funding for promotions. Given that popularity was not sustained, no choice but to take them off. Lastly, AOA being removed (after a year and nine months) is indirectly attributed to the major scandal they faced, and the lack of activities that resulted after it.

It is hereby assured that in removing these groups, no grudges of any sort are involved. They will not in any way be treated differently. Still the level of following for music and performance, as it was before, will be sustained.

In addition, GWSN and Weeekly will be followed on November. They will be added and biases will be determined only once membership in these groups takes effect. In turn, the future line-up will be increased to 27. Four slots are still open for new groups to be followed.

CNBLUE has been considered for inclusion, but given FNC‘s lack of urgency to provide them a comeback, it will be given up to December this year to produce one (before they’ll be followed). Otherwise, they’ll be off forever from the list.

Please be guided accordingly.

Notes and Reflections on K-Pop for 2020: KNets’ Attitude (Part 2)

그러나 입에서 나오는 것은 마음에서 나오는 것이다. 이것이 사람을 더럽힌다.
– 마태복음 15:18 (KLB)

LOWERING LIGHTSTICKS, RAISING THE FLAG

Sure, PH has its own faults and is in dire need of sweeping reforms. But when other netizens insult and degrade our country, we have to defend the same even for a minute.

Some Korean netizens still have the audacity to ridicule Filipinos and their present status, even if Bella Poarch earlier apologized over an offensive tattoo sketch.

(Pardon my next statement, but we’ll be frank here:) THIS SHOWS THAT SOME KOREAN NETIZENS STILL DO NOT LEARN THEIR LESSONS, HAVE NO SENSE OF PROPRIETY AND GRATITUDE, AND TEND TO LOOK DOWN ON OTHER NATIONALITIES. THIS ATTITUDE MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED, FOR MOST PEOPLE LIKE US ARE SICK AND TIRED OF THESE INSENSIBLE REPEATED REMARKS.

Sure, Filipinos are one of the most avid fans of Hallyu (K-Pop/K-Drama) wave. But when Korean netizens are not learning lessons from what happened to Sulli and Goo Hara and still go too low, we have to draw the line. That’s the time we have to lower our lightsticks, and raise our flag.

In case we forget, Filipinos fought side by side with international forces during the 1953 Korean War. If not for foreigners’ help, Korea would be a communist country by then. And by that time, these netizens would not be born there. Otherwise, they will endure extreme hardship their compatriots are experiencing in the North.

Pride, in its practical sense, would not lift us from our present status, but even for a minute that we raise it, sends a message that we Filipinos want respect that we deserve. Even just a minute, Filipinos have to assert our equal footing with them.

Because of insensitive remarks, all TweetNewscaster’s activities related to K-Pop will be halted for one month. No more release of videos or publishing of usual K-Pop articles till this period.

So, even for a moment, WE STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH OUR FELLOW FILIPINOS.

#CancelKorea
#ApologizeToFilipinos
#CancelToxicKoreans

 

BLACKPINK (블랙핑크) – How You Like That: MV Review

As part of getting back on track, we will now review BLACKPINK’s first (and only?) song for this year, How You Like That.

Given YG’s tendencies, expect that this will be BP’s only song for 2020. As this is the second time reviewing the MV as a Blink, how will the author rate it?

Review proper

With respect to appearance, Lisa for the first time donned her short hair. Also, Jennie and Rosé changed their hair colors to white.

Let’s talk about visuals. Primarily, Jennie is being shown in a blue background with moving lights, as if she is swimming. On the other hand, Rosé made an effort to “dance” with the nature, as shown in her swaying inside the forest.

How about the Trojan horse shown at near-end? This they ask how do we like being betrayed and being fooled around. As to the oilrigs under the snow, we have to look yet for the deeper meaning behind it.

The chorus of the song is highly noted for its heavy but subtle beats. This is being also mixed with Lisa’s rap lines. Equally notable is on usage of Arabic tunes on second verse.

As compared to their previous comebacks, the music was simplified to the point that they don’t need heaver drops. It’s as if they’re telling us, “No need to make it fabulous or grand, as we will make up for it.”

Overall, How You Like That was quite fascinating. This also holds proof that while the group is taking on mature concepts, they are quite flexible in branching out to other song approaches.

Final Words

It’s good that YG decided to make a change by installing its new CEO. However, it remains to be seen if this will reduce longstanding complaints arising from delays and hiatus of its groups. Simply put, we’ll see if this change will translate to major improvements.

Meanwhile, due to BLACKPINK’s outstanding attitudes, we have to give five extra points in their favor. Also, Jisoo and Rosé will be added to the author’s bias list starting today, rendering all members as my biases.

Further readings: TheBiasList | KPopReviewed

TweetNewscaster’s Overall Rating: 88.00%
Grade: B+
Assessment: Good

Scoreboard

Aspect	Points	Base
Storyline	3	5
Appearance	10	10
Music	4	5
Dance	4	5
Entertainment	18	25
Outstanding attitudes	5

Cherry Bullet (체리블렛) – Hands Up: MV Review

With various unfortunate incidents in K-Pop, we will be strict in MV reviews and dealings in this site.

In cases like this, the Japanese “zero-tolerance” approach will be implemented starting this year.

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Let’s review for now Cherry Bullet, in their comeback Hands Up.

Storyline as whole

The storyline may be interpreted as follows: The girls are in IT research laboratory, doing experiments and research. In this process they are focused on reviewing blueprints and plans. Later on, they used the alley as their experiment place.

Let’s talk about their music. Hands Up utilizes very fast beats in music, and is more on moderate thumping beats and repetitions. Synths of a long chant is heard at the start, which then fades upon playing tunes a la detective. Clapping tunes are later on used along with fast raps at chorus.

While the music is slow, their raps are being maintained. These contrasting traits are mixed to make it equally exciting.

They changed their concept drastically – from being that of cutesy-type to mature ones similar to 3YE. And to make it different, some concepts are borrowed from their fellow underrated groups. Examples are the alley from 3YE’s Out of My Mind, and the lighting hall from EVERGLOW’s Adios.

Complaints list

Again, better for FNC not to debut another group.

What happened to Cherry Bullet clearly demonstrates gross negligence on agency’s part. While Kokoro has visa issues, she was not given chance to perform with the rest in Japanese tours. Linlin, on the other hand, “was seen with a fan outside her schedule, which is…not allowed.” Still, no constant updates, clarifications, or apologies from the agency after several months, till the two (plus Mirae) left.

These issues convinced me not to follow Cherry Bullet, and instead follow ITZY.

Major change

More than just review, we will look also on responses from groups and agencies. This is after all the incidents last 2019.

Starting this year, we will add another pull-down factor for every Cherry Bullet comeback, since FNC and the group did not fix this issue for several months. Twenty points are assigned for this. It will be their permanent feature in every review till their disbandment.

This criterion will apply to any group undergoing situations like this. Consequently, any agency doing this will be given a failing grade at year-end. Again, this is a strong reminder for K-Pop to take these issues seriously.

Further readings: TheBiasList | KPopReviewed

TweetNewscaster’s Overall Rating: 68.70%
Grade: F
Assessment: Failed

Scoreboard

Aspect	Criterion	Points	Base
Storyline		9	10
Appearance		30	30
Music		10	10
Dance		10	10
Lessons		8	10
Entertainment		12	25
Other Factors	Completeness of members	0	20

Rocket Punch (로켓펀치) – BOUNCY: MV Review

In our series of reviews, we will tackle again a rookie group called Rocket Punch, in their new song Bouncy.

This song is an attempt for them to stand out amidst so many comebacks this month. The question is: How will a Ketchy rate the group?

(Side Note: Being a Ketchy, all members are my favorites. Juri is my ultimate bias, and Dahyun is my bias wrecker.)

Storyline starts with girls in a room with make-up. As they play, they decide to buy some stuff in a supermarket. They later on don’t know what to do upon knowing that stocks have been depleted. It ends with the group having recollections with goods they bought

Sing and dance

This is the first time that I got startled with sounds at the beginning. Thought of it as if someone shouts at me outside, while it is otherwise.

Nothing different can be heard as the song transitions from first verse to the first part of chorus. Second part of chorus slows down, but is being uplifted by shouts. Overall, it is deemed as a stronger type compared to their debut lead track.

As compared with BIM BAM BUM, this new performance is harder to interpret. Even if I try to do so, it would be very hard for me to perform it complete.

Visuals

The visual aspect is worth nothing, with their improved appearance. In fact, Dahyun may be confused with ITZY’s Yeji. Meanwhile, special effects are used with Juri playing with arrows, and Dahyun throwing a bouncing ball that later explodes. Funny scene is at 1:33 where Yeonhee gets surprised by pile of goods scattered in front of her.

However, various improvements need to be considered: (1) 2:43 – 2:47 is unnecessary, as this can be bridged directly to the girl’s chants without unnecessary twist on voice; (2) Sohee’s very fast raps at 1:26, which the author deems to confuse the listener; and (3) the song must exclude the cheerleading aspect, and place the song directly to the energetic song till the end.

Somehow, this borrowing of strong girl crush concept is considered a step forward. We then wonder what else Rocket Punch will bring to us in the coming months.

Joketime

Bouncy reminds me of another song from TWICE:

Bouncy you, ooh
Nuga meonjeo johahamyeon eottae
Bouncy you, ooh
Jigeum neoegero gallae
Bouncy, ooh!

Further readings: TheBiasList | KPopReviewed

TweetNewscaster’s Overall Rating: 85.26%
Grade: B-
Assessment: Satisfactory

Scoreboard

Aspect	Points	Base
Storyline	9	10
Appearance	29	30
Music	9	10
Dance	8	10
Lessons	8	10
Entertainment	18	25
Other Factors

EVERGLOW (에버글로우) – Dun Dun: MV Review

Reviews for Rocket Punch and Cherry Bullet will be released tomorrow.

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For the second time we will review EVERGLOW in their recent comeback Dun Dun.

The rookie group last year made considerable strides. Even if this is considered as underrated group, they managed to be known in a short span of time. Let’s review what’s in their comeback:

I find the music very exciting. There’s a short, slow, chant of “Dun dun” before shouting again at the chorus. That’s another likeable aspect, as they are contrasting the sweetness of music with their strong chorus. Thumping sounds are heard, and these were rendered as mild.

Various symbolisms of Dun Dun can be seen here: a member floating in the sky, meteors shooting in most parts of the video, and time being swung. Summing up:

We are trying to reach our goals, but some of us fall on and dissipate without touching it. These we do as time is ticking against us.

For the visuals, some aspects are noticed: (1) They incorporate flags at their back, which they copied a bit from ATEEZ’ Wonderland, (2) Use of iconic Everglow whisper, and (3) members wandering on an icy place.

Only thing I disliked is on a member in a jail at 3:03 – 3:18. This can be deleted without any major effect on the MV.

Final notes

Everglow has its own charisma, noted in their performances. This they need to use it fully.

If preferred, this be ranked at par with Bon Bon Chocolat, and a step forward behind Adios. In that case they improved greatly in this lead track.

Further readings: TheBiasList | KPopReviewed

TweetNewscaster’s Overall Rating: 84.21%
Grade: C+
Assessment: Improving

Scoreboard

Aspect	Points	Base
Storyline	8	10
Appearance	30	30
Music	10	10
Dance	10	10
Lessons	6	10
Entertainment	16	25
Other Factors

DKB (다크비) – Sorry Mama (미안해 엄마): MV Review

We will do a review of another boy group called DKB in their song Sorry Mama. For a little info, the group name is a shortened version of “Darkbee.” And they are under Brave Entertainment, which we reviewed their response last year.

At first glance, I find the title funny, as it can be related with a misheard lyric telling that “Sorry Mama, but I make a laundry.” But with Brave “catching up,” would their new group’s performance be worth all? Let’s see:

The storyline may be weaved as follows: A woman was watching over the boys through CCTVs. Fed up, the latter had to cut wires in order to stop it. This is being reinforced with their message that “Sorry, but I’ve had enough of you following me.”

As for the visuals, the boys were throwing guitar, breaking statues, and putting fire over artworks. These they do to express their disgust and desire to be free.

Some aspects need to be improved. For one, the chorus uses echoing tunes, but they should’ve used these noisy tunes to their advantage. Another aspect disliked is on howling “Sorry Mama” at the final chorus of video. Maybe they could find another way to integrate her voice without making an awful finale at end.

Final note

Judging from the way they handled Bigstar and Brave Girls, it’s not surprising if this turns to be another failure. And to put it bluntly, Brave wasted opportunities at this time where competition in K-Pop is now fiercer.

Further readings: TheBiasList

TweetNewscaster’s Overall Rating: 81.05%
Grade: C-
Assessment: Needs Improvement

Scoreboard

Aspect	Points	Base
Storyline	7	10
Appearance	30	30
Music	9	10
Dance	10	10
Lessons	7	10
Entertainment	14	25
Other Factors

BVNDIT (밴디트) – Cool: MV Review

We will touch on BVNDIT in their song Cool. This is their lead track for New.wav project, and is technically their soft comeback like Dramatic. Let’s see how a new Banditbul will review their latest track:

They clearly illustrated what “cool” is, that is being free and enjoying life.

This is their first performance with them featuring others, fully using the freestyle dance. With the visuals they displayed, they are making it more attractive than their previous lead tracks.

BVNDIT utilized special effects to make it different. As can be seen from their thumbnails, I find their filtered cropped faces at 0:24 – 0:28, 1:19 – 1:24, and 2:33 – 2:35 very funny. This is a very refreshing concept that is badly needed, considering that long-cliché concepts are being used in this genre.

Funny scenes

More funny scenes are noted in Cool: (1) 0:39 – 0:41 was funny when he peed, and someone puts a trash beside him; (2) 2:59 was on Yiyeon (?) serving as an outlier to a picture of girls standing upright; and (3) at 2:26 – 2:28, what’s supposed to be a monotonous dance was a bit of fun. Jungwoo out of curiosity leans back a bit to Seunghee (and what is she seeing in my ultimate bias?)

In these funny cases, they are living up to the cool concept they wish to impart.

Others

Mini-clanging sounds are used at start, then it is being joined by mild beats. At any rate, they maintained the light vibe throughout the whole song.

The music video as a whole is direct to the point, and is simplified to warrant a status at par with regular comebacks.

Further readings: TheBiasList | KPopReviewed

TweetNewscaster’s Overall Rating: 89.47%
Grade: B+
Assessment: Good

Scoreboard

Aspect	Points	Base
Storyline	9	10
Appearance	30	30
Music	9	10
Dance	10	10
Lessons	8	10
Entertainment	19	25
Other Factors