Seven K-Pop Videos That Should Have Gone Viral But Didn't

The viral Chinese music video “Chick Chick” from Wang Rong has been repeatedly compared to PSY’s “Gangnam Style.” For many viewers who are not K-Pop fans, “Gangnam Style” is the quintessential quirky music video. After two years, “Gangnam Style” has racked up more than two billion views on YouTube, but any fan of Korean pop will tell you that it isn’t the weirdest video.

If you haven’t heard of “Chick Chick,” it is the hottest new viral video which was released by a pop star from mainland China back in October. The video has grabbed the attention of mainstream media throughout the world and is definitely an ear-worm.

What makes a music video go viral? Generally speaking, it is the incorporation of catchy song lyrics, strong visual effects, and dance moves that can easily be replicated by viewers.”Gangnam Style” met all of these criteria and threw in sexiness--thanks to HyunA-for adult viewers. “Chick Chick” includes easy lyrics but lacks a cohesive dance sequence and visuals with a high production value.

Almost acting as a perfect prelude for “Chick Chick” was the Chopsticks Brothers song “Little Apple” which went viral throughout China but did not make it to global dominance. “Little Apple” unlike “Chick Chick” is a solid Chinese pop song which drove men and women dancing in the streets with fervency similar to “Gangnam Style.”

“Little Apple” was so infectious that it was recognized at the American Music Awards on November 23, along with the Chopsticks Brothers. K-Pop girl group T-ARA has also recently collaborated with the Chopsticks Brothers, presenting an hilarious cover video of the hit.

Beyond the music, “Chick Chick” and “Little Apple” provides an opportunity to introduce new audiences to Asian artists.

Is K-Pop totally out of the viral video game? Since “Gangnam Style” was released in 2012 there have been numerous songs and videos that had the potential to go viral but didn’t quite make it. Crayon Pop’s “Bar Bar Bar” came the closest, leading the group to become opening acts for Lady Gaga’s Artpop Tour. “Bar Bar Bar” was also featured on The Ellen Show, thanks to the adorable dance moves of Taiwanese twins Zony and Yony.

In addition to “Bar Bar Bar,” here are videos from G-Dragon, Orange Caramel, Block B, T-ARA and other artists that should have gone viral but didn’t rack up the YouTube views.

1. G-Dragon’s “Michi Go” had masks, wicked subway scenes, and tons of innuendo. 

“Michi Go” is chock full of the avant garde and weird elements that people love to see in music videos. Complete with trippy subway scenes and prosthetic feet, “Michi Go” had a lot going for it but did not achieve viral status.

2. “Very Good” from Block B incorporates the comic book sensibility that YouTube viewers can’t get enough of.

Block B’s 2013 video for “Very Good” has all the visual effects that has made the “Batman” franchise extremely popular. The song is solid and the dance moves are fun. “Very Good” is a song that could appeal to people who are not K-Pop fans, as well as those who are just becoming interested in the genre.

3. Orange Caramel’s “My Copycat” can appeal to any pop culture fan.

After School’s sub unit Orange Caramel has some of the best K-Pop music video concepts. “Catallena” is unique but the incorporation of the “Where’s Waldo?” aesthetic in “My Copycat” is whimsical and deserving of internet acclaim.

4.  HyunA’s “RED” captures everything that is awesome about K-Pop music videos.

HyunA captured the attention of viewers in July 2014 with her sensational video for her solo release “RED.”
“RED” has muscle-bound men wearing monkey masks, plenty of sexual innuendo, and HyunA who drew attention throughout the world as PSY’s “sexy lady” in “Gangnam Style.”

5. ”MAMA” from EXO has all the elements that can attract people who are illuminati conspiracy theorists or classical music aficionados. 

“MAMA” is a pop song that is entrancing due to its musical complexity but the supernatural elements of the assist in making it a must see video for anyone who has developed an interest in K-Pop.

Indie releases that deserved more attention but failed to go full-on viral. 

Two of the strangest indie releases are Norazo’s “Wild Horse” and SM Entertainment producer Hitchhiker’s video for “11 (Eleven).” “11 (Eleven)” could be the highlight of all EDM festivals with its entrancing visuals while “Wild Horse” has everything that makes for laughs on American late night television.

Norazo “Wild Horse”

Hitchhiker “11 (Eleven)”

Which K-Pop video do you think should have gone viral? Comment below. 

Tags
G-Dragon
Block B
Orange Caramel
HyunA
EXO
norazo
hitchhiker
viral videos
Chick Chick
Little Apple
Chopsticks Brothers
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