NewJeans, ADOR's girl group that debuted in 2022, has taken the music industry by storm with their incredible popularity and brand collaborations. Their recent project with Coca-Cola has stirred up quite the controversy, however.
The famous soda brand teamed up with NewJeans for their song "Zero." But since its release, people have been divided. Do they love it or not?
This article will delve into the reasons behind this widespread debate.
NewJeans' 'Zero': The Unexpected Coca-Cola Reference
The controversy surrounding NewJeans' "Zero" primarily stems from the sudden and obvious reference to Coca-Cola in the chorus. Although the song is an advertisement, the rest of the lyrics are not directly tied to the brand, which has led to confusion and mixed reactions among fans.
The song begins with a catchy, quintessentially NewJeans vibe and has listeners hooked until the chorus disrupts the flow with an unexpected change in tempo and genre.
The lyrics in the chorus include:
"Coca-Cola is Tasty
See you looking, catch it
Here's your Cola"
While fans understand that the song is an advertisement, they have been left baffled by the overtly conspicuous mention of Coca-Cola in the chorus alone, especially given the seamless integration of brand references in the rest of the song.
READ ALSO: NewJeans Becomes The Fastest K-pop Artist To Achieve THIS on Spotify
This sudden shift has sparked discussions on social media platforms like Twitter and YouTube, with many netizens expressing their discontent over the awkward product placement.
Nostalgia as Marketing Strategy
Starting in the 1930s, Coca-Cola managed to reinvent and popularize the image of Santa Claus through their advertising campaigns. By associating the beloved figure with their brand, Coca-Cola successfully established a connection between the magic of Christmas and their product, using nostalgia and brand storytelling to their advantage.
In a similar manner, the brands team up with NewJeans' "Zero" can also be considered a strategic move. Those who came to love the song has been drawn to its nostalgic vibe.
This clever marketing strategy has used the popularity of the 90s amongst the new generation. While the reference to Coca-Cola in the chorus has sparked controversy among fans, you can't deny that somehow it managed to reach fans in a more personal level.
This strategy has been applauded by many as a smart move to engage the audience while still promoting the brand.
However, others argue that the blatant advertising ploy detracts from the overall appeal of the song and alienates global fans who may not be familiar with Coca-Cola's nostalgic significance.
The Double-Edged Sword of Commercial Success
The debate surrounding NewJeans' "Zero" highlights the challenges that artists and brands face when attempting to merge music and advertising. While the collaboration has undoubtedly brought NewJeans and Coca-Cola commercial success, the controversy sparked by the chorus emphasizes the fine line that must be tread when attempting to create a hit song that doubles as an advertisement.
READ ALSO: NewJeans Confirmed As Coca-Cola's Newest Ambassador + To Drop Collab Track 'Zero'
Ultimately, "Zero" could have easily topped the charts as a standalone single for NewJeans. However, the conspicuous incorporation of Coca-Cola in the chorus has turned it into a polarizing marketing tool that has left fans divided.
NewJeans' "Zero" serves as a prime example of the complexities involved in navigating the world of music and advertising collaborations. While the song has undoubtedly brought attention to both the girl group and Coca-Cola, the controversy surrounding its lyrics and chorus has sparked a heated debate among fans.
The unexpected and obvious reference to Coca-Cola in the chorus has left many listeners puzzled, leading to mixed reactions and discussions on social media.
What are your thoughts on this?
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