First Generation Artists Make Solid Comebacks Amidst One Of The Most Scandalous Years In K-Pop History

2014 has been a rather unusal year for Korean pop music. Popular groups like EXO and Girls' Generation have become the subject of repeated scandals, leading many fans to debate whether K-Pop is in the midst of a decline. While Korean entertainment news has been dominated by negative headlines about younger stars, 2014 has been an excellent year for older artists such as Seo Taiji, g.o.d, and Shinhwa's Eric Mun. 

Seo Taiji, g.o.d, and members of Shinhwa have made comebacks which could be considered more sophisticated than their former concepts or music. The success of these comebacks has started to plant the seed for other first generation artists who were considering a return to K-Pop. On October 10, the English language outlet Soompi reported that Sechs Kies member Eun Ji Won had revealed a possible comeback for the group, during his appearance on the KBS program “Lord of the Ratings.”

Seo Taiji recently delivered a solid comeback, following a five year absence, with his single album “Quiet Night.” “Quiet Night” featured Seo Taiji's version of the musically entrancing synth pop track “Sogyeokdong.” The companion track performed by IU was released prior to the Seo Taiji version on October 6. The version of “Sogyeokdong” which is performed by IU is equally beautiful, with IU contributing cloying sweet vocals.

The concept behind “Sogyeokdong” is brilliantly presented through two music videos which have generated interest in the song, which could possibly be one of the undisputed best K-Pop songs of 2014. “Sogyeokdong” is a far cry from the simplistic beats that were the centerpiece of early Seo Taiji and Boys.

First generation K-Pop male group g.o.d also received increased attention in 2014. g.o.d reunited for their fifteenth anniversary reunion concerts in July 2014, with the group appearing on stage with its five member lineup. In addition to their fifteenth anniversary reunion concerts, g.o.d released the successful album “Chapter 8” which contained the pre-release track “The Lone Duckling.” g.o.d is set to perform in the United States this November, with concerts in New Jersey and Los Angeles.

Kim Tae Woo, the former leader of g.o.d, has experienced increased interest in recent months, beyond the group. Kim Tae was featured on the G.NA track “Us” which was released in September 2014 and he recently appeared on part four of the “My Lovely Girl” soundtrack with the song “Only You.” Kim Tae Woo also made a guest appearance on episode eight of “My Lovely Girl” as the vocalist who would ultimately complete the track written by Yoon Se Na (Krystal Jung) for the fictitious ANA Entertainment.

Shinhwa initially announced a comeback scheduled for October 2014, but reports have stated that the comeback is slated for January 2015. However, Shinhwa member Eric Mun was the center of attention for his acting role as Kang Tae Ha in the KBS2 drama “Discovery of Romance” or “Discovery of Love.” Shinhwa's Lee Min Woo released his third mini album “M+TEN” in February 2014, with the lead promotional track “Taxi.” “Taxi” also featured Eric Mun.

Girl group S.E.S may not have had an official comeback in 2014, but their music was recently revived through SM Entertainment's rookie group Red Velvet. Red Velvet followed up their debut single “Happiness” with a remake of the S.E.S song “Be Natural.”

Red Velvet's “Be Natural” came on the heels of an hilarious cover from EXO member D.O of “I'm Your Girl” for “EXO 90:2014.”

Korean dramas such as “Reply 1997” and “Reply 1994” have helped to introduce new K-Pop fans to many songs from first generation artists. “EXO 90:2014” has enabled fans of EXO to see groups like g.o.d in a whole new light. Although, they are not first generation artists, Rain and former TRAX member No Min Woo have also experienced renewed attention through their K-Drama roles. K-Pop may seem like it is on a decline, but the founding artists of K-Pop are experiencing an unparalleled revival.

Tags
G.O.D.
g.o.d 15th Anniversary Reunion Concert
g.o.d K-Pop
Shinhwa
Eric Mun
Seo Taiji
sechs kies
S.E.S.
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