NCT's Taeyong recently marked his solo comeback after 8 months with the release of his latest song, "TAP." However, the accompanying music video has found itself at the center of a heated debate.
A Musical Blend of Genres
"Tap" stands out as a unique hip-hop track, blending groovy modern drums, an 808 bass track, and guitar sounds reminiscent of rock and blues. Taeyong's addictive rap, flowing over this eclectic mix of instruments, promises a captivating listening experience.
The Music Video's Debut
Upon release, the music video drew immediate attention. However, once unveiled, it quickly became a topic of divided opinions.
In the opening scenes, Taeyong exuded excitement, announcing his first errand in a room adorned with tatami mats. Accompanied by a subtitle reading 'Taeyong's Errand,' the scene was a clear nod to the long-running Japanese program 'My First Errand,' airing since 1991.
Filmed in the bustling streets of Tokyo, the MV showed Taeyong navigating the city, from arcade pitstops to attempting to purchase dango from a traditional bathhouse.
The latter half of the video humorously parodied the common practice of listing sponsors with on-screen captions, akin to many Japanese programs.
The Controversy Unfolds
However, not all viewers found the concept amusing. Critics argue that while the video aimed for parody, the decision to film in Japan felt unnecessary and even offensive.
Particularly, the choice to feature dango, a quintessential Japanese snack, left some questioning why rice cakes (ddeok) couldn't suffice for filming in Korea.
Questions also arose about the abundance of Japanese subtitles, considering the album was not specifically targeted for a Japanese release.
Some questioned the need for a Japanese-style music video, especially considering Taeyong is not of Japanese descent.
In contrast, defenders of the MV argue that the video's setting should be viewed simply as a location choice. They maintain that since the entire concept revolves around parodying entertainment, any perceived issues are unwarranted.
Choreography and Collaborations
Taeyong's new song "TAP" boasts choreography by Lee Jung, with the renowned dance crew Tsubakill, known for their appearance in 'SWF 2', making a notable cameo in the music video.
Netizens' Sound Off
Online reactions to the controversy have been swift and varied:
- "Even articles are out now ㅋㅋㅋ"
- "This timing is a bit... It's almost March 1st (National Independence Day)"
- "Honestly it was bad. If the video was on mute, you'd think it's just a Japanese shooting a Japanese MV"
- "I just wonder... Why"
- "It's true that just watching the MV, you'd think it's a Japanese comeback"
- "This is so wrong"
- "Who cares....?ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ So it's not an issue when they go overseas and shoot with foreigners...? > Japan is not the same thing as overseas"
- "I find Taeyong likable and I watched the MV but I hate Japan"
- "Doing KPOP while filming Japan or doing right-wing stuff is all oba, take down this MV"
- "I thought it was a Japanese person, singing a Japanese song in Japan"
The debate rages on, Taeyong's "TAP" MV continues to polarize fans and critics alike. While some defend the artistic choice as a harmless parody, others find fault in what they perceive as an unnecessary and potentially insensitive portrayal of Japanese culture.
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Written by Cassidy Jones
