While there are many K-pop music videos out there which contain meaningful substances, these 4th gen music videos still managed to join in. These music videos tackled certain contexts ranging from social commentary to topics of self-esteem.
Here are 6 fourth-gen K-pop music videos that contain meaningful themes!
1. 'Ditto' by NewJeans
According to theories, "Ditto" tells a story of a girl in the MV along with NewJeans. The music video explores the parasocial relationship between fans and idols. In the MV, the girl protagonist seems to be struggling with personal problems. She barely gets through daily life, accompanied by her favorite idol group, NewJeans.
Dependent on the group, the girl neglects her harsh reality, causing her to deteriorate along the way. The music video also applies in real life, where fans use K-pop as crutch and leaving all personal conflicts behind, causing more harm than good.
However, the music video ended on a bittersweet note. In the ending, the protagonist has grown up and is shown reminiscing her memories with NewJeans. She didn't regret the experience, since it was a time in her life where the group had helped her emotionally.
2. 'Wannabe' by ITZY
ITZY's "Wannabe" explores the themes of self-esteem, about staying true to oneself and not conforming to others' expectations.
In a world where judgement can be easily projected over the smallest of things, "Wannabe" aims at struggling teenagers and encouraging them to be more confident.
3. 'Nxde' by (G)I-DLE
(G)I-DLE's "Nxde" offers fans a series of throwbacks on several of the world's famous beauty icons. Aside from the glamorous music video, "Nxde" claps back to society's sexual objectification of women and the certain beauty standards formed along with it.
Since the term "Nude" is constantly seen as explicit or inappropriate, the song states otherwise, elaborating how the word doesn't describe an undressed individual, but rather the confident bare inner self of a person.
4. 'Crown' by TXT
The music video of TXT's "Crown" tells a coming-of-age story. According to TXT, the story is about a boy with horns, who met another boy with wings. In their acquaintance, the protagonist learns how to be proud of his own distinct features. It also explores the themes of adolescence and the pain of growing up.
5. 'Maniac' by Stray Kids
Stray Kids' "Maniac" tells how sometimes when life doesn't go its way, there are times that people mustn't subject to ordinary methods and are forced to go all out, outside the box.
While life contains its fair share of quietness, it also has its contribution of unwanted noise, to which most people are intolerable. "Maniac" suggests going against that noise and defy it to collect one's self.
6. 'OMG' by NewJeans
In contrast to "Ditto" where fans are the center of attention, NewJeans' "OMG" are all about the K-pop idols' unwavering devotion to their careers, at the cost of their true personalities.
The cryptic music video opens with a sequence, playing out themes of social media, and mental health. In real life, K-pop idols are dedicated to their fandom no matter what, leading them to be careful of what they say or do.
NewJeans' "OMG" implies that idols are humans too. It highlights their inner struggles in finding their own personalities, which is consistently overshadowed by their persona on cam.
Do you know any other meaningful 4th-gen music videos? Let us know in the comments below!
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