Shinhwa Goes Beyond Golden Earring and West Life

Which music group has the longest history of team work during their entire music activities?

Many will think of 'Golden Earring' as one of many groups. Golden Earring is a Dutch rock band that was formed back in1961 and is still active till now. They have sold millions of albums worldwide, and they are one of the longest existing rock bands in the world that have been performing until recently in the same line up.

Do you also remember 'West Life' (1998-2012), an Irish boy band that hit the world in early 2000’s? 'West Life' has shorter years compared to the years of 'Golden Earring', still they sold over 44 million records worldwide which includes studio albums, singles, video release, and compilation albums.

It's absolutely not easy for one group to exist for such a long period of time. Beyond the disharmony among members, it is natural for each member in the team to have different individual life as time passes by which leads to dissolution of the team.

(The origin of the word 'K-Pop' may seem to be from popular music of Korea. But since K-Pop is more well-known worldwide as idol's dance music, the word of 'K-Pop' will be used below to represent their music.)

K-Pop is really sensitive to trend. It is created centered on idol groups while most of their music is dance music, combined with Hip-Hop and electronic. There may be a slight difference between each entertainment company however it still has same foundation of rap and melody distributed on fast-intense electronic beat. The music from the beginning is first based on how well it fits to the dance rather than the overflowing completion of the song.

There's a big difference in music style between idol groups that were active in 90's such as H.O.T and Sechs Kies, who are called as 2nd generation of idol, compared to Super Junior and 2PM who are called as 3rd generation of idol. Even within 3rd generation of idol, TVXQ's music in 2005-2007 and SHINee's in 2010 shows quiet a big difference. For example TVXQ 's music has more focus on rhythm, while SHINee is more on the beat.

Since the trend of music style changes rapidly, there is a question of how one group can diversify all the different type of music. On top of it, as the group grows and becomes popular it is usually followed by disharmony between group and entertainment company or even among members arise that leads to the team's separation. By the way, the estimated life-span of a K-Pop group is said to be 5years.

Shinwha has released the limited version of their 10th studio album 'THE RETURN' today since their debut in 1998 it was sold out within half day with big interests of their fans.

Even though we can say that it's difficult to estimate and compare the absolute musicianship among musicians, but Shinwha in comparing with album sales wasn’t able to overcome other idol groups such as H.O.T or TVXQ. However now just as the meaning of the group’s name they are to truly remain as a legend in K-pop.

As the artists aim to change there is one thing that is more important to keep is the musicians color beyond trend and the promises made to their fans. There were many reasons why the groups should dissolve within 5 years. And this is why the comeback and return of Shinhwa to release their new 10th album on their 14th anniversary is more beautiful.

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