There is an ongoing debate around the pressing question of when, if ever, the male idol industry is set to experience a renaissance.
The music world has been witnessing a distinct downturn in the popularity of male idol groups, causing a considerable stir among fans and critics alike.
Waning Popularity: The Contemporary Male Idol Scene
One music enthusiast ruefully commented that the recent performance of the SEVENTEEN's "Super," which ranked highest among all recent releases from male idol groups, made them pessimistic about the future of the industry.
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In their own words, "seeing the highest-ranked male idol song being 'Super' has deflated my hopes significantly."
Shifting Loyalties: The Fan Dilemma
The fickle nature of fandoms, often swaying from one group to another, has also been identified as a contributing factor to this slump.
One seasoned fan, who has supported various groups over time, notes, "Once you've passionately followed a few groups, you'll understand. No matter how much devotion you pour into them, what often follows are stories of betrayal, marriage, or crime-related scandals. That's probably why the fervor for these groups isn't as fervent as it once was."
This fan's sentiment extends to female idol groups as well, stating that even they cannot command the same level of fervor that iconic groups like SNSD or TWICE did.
"Even in the case of NewJeans," they add, "the fandom's passion doesn't come close to the intensity that SNSD's fans exhibited."
The Musical Stalemate: Lack of Public-friendly Releases
Another issue causing concern among fans is the perceived lack of "public-friendly" music released by male idols.
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As one disgruntled listener puts it, "Male idols aren't releasing anything that resonates with the public these days. They only seem to be churning out unusual songs."
The Nostalgia Factor: Yearning for the Glory Days
Despite the widespread disillusionment, many continue to cherish the hope of a revival, yearning for a return to the excitement that male idol groups once sparked.
"Honestly, the scene was so much more exhilarating back in the day. I'm holding onto hope for a revival, hopefully, even this year," reminisces one ardent fan.
The Solution? Clarion Call to SM Entertainment
Several fans see salvation in the form of SM Entertainment, one of South Korea's largest entertainment companies, known for producing numerous successful idol groups.
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A loyal follower of the industry voiced their opinion, saying, "Looking at the male idols debuting today, I don't see much hope for the industry, unless SM Entertainment steps up to create a new male idol group."
The General Public's Awareness: Post Ex-Bang-Wan Era
Interestingly, the decline in popularity is not limited to dedicated fans. The wider public also seems to be less aware of contemporary male idol groups.
"Ever since the Ex-Bang-Wan era, it's hard to find any male group that has significant recognition among the general public," laments one observant critic.
While the discourse around the revival of the male idol industry continues to brew, it is evident that fans and industry insiders alike are clamoring for change.
