These kinds of "best of the year" lists are always sure to frustrate, divide and even infuriate fans. Artists will always be unjustly included or excluded, in someone else's view.
Like Us on Facebook
So why do we do them?
There is something in our nature as human beings to want to look back, with the year in Korean entertainment being no exception. This is not a list of the top selling, most popular or most discussed K-pop videos of the year, simply the ones I liked the best.
As an editor, it is my job to remain neutral so we can present the news in an unbiased manner. But as a reviewer, all I can do is to provide you with my opinion, as honest and unfiltered as possible. So, without any further ado, here is my list of the best K-pop videos of 2014.
1. Girls' Generation "Mr.Mr."
There has never been a music video quite like "Mr.Mr." Mired in controversy from the start, the clip's February release date was pushed back two weeks reportedly due to an accidental deletion of much of the footage the group had shot. Despite this major production setback, or maybe even because of it, Girls' Generation continued to push the limits of the medium on "Mr.Mr." And, with revered US production team The Underdogs providing the firepower, SNSD set a high water mark for music video in 2014.
2. Epik High "Born Hater" featuring B.I of iKON, Beenzino, Verbal Jint, Bobby and Mino
With a fraction of the budget of the other music videos on this list, Epik High showed that you don't need megabucks to create a clip that is tons of fun. Placing the rappers in a narrow bathroom and shooting in the vertical 9:16 aspect ratio commonly used in cell phone videos, "Born Haters" has a DIY quality that sets it apart from the parade of big budget lookalike videos that dominate the genre. In addition to a beat that pops with a satisfying Beastie Boys-like snap, each individual rapper's scene brings out their distinct personalities. Music and art enhanced by one another--just as it should be.
3. Psy "Hangover" featuring Snoop Dogg
K-pop's most recognizable international star teamed up with West Coast rap's number one playa on "Hangover," putting one final nail in the coffin of predictions he was destined to become a one-hit wonder, in the process. But far in a way the best thing about the "Hangover" video, which went on to receive 170 million YouTube views, is the way Psy and Snoop defy expectations by forgoing lowbrow or misogynist humor in favor of a heartwarming silliness that in the end serves as an homage of the eccentricities and electricity of the city of Seoul. When the beat drops out in "Hangover" and the hook swells to its dramatic build, it's tough not to want to be throwing back bottles of soju with this international odd couple.
4. Sunmi "Full Moon" featuring Lena
Former Wonder Girl Sunmi and rapper Lena embraced K-pop's gothic side in the music video for the Brave Brothers-produced "Full Moon." Though there was no shortage in 2014 of Korean music videos exploring the dark or supernatural side of life, it is both the striking art direction and the personal nature of the performances, spearheaded by a scorching Sunmi, which makes the "Full Moon" video truly something special. Whether it's the former Wonder Girl on a blood red plush couch set atop snow-covered playground or Lena strutting her stuff on the roof of the eerie abode where the recent victim of a vampire awaits his fate beneath a giant full moon (obviously), there are some moments in this video that are nothing short of transcendent.
5. Orange Caramel "Catellena"
Of all the videos to be released in South Korea in 2014, it was the After School side project Orange Caramel that made the most poignant statement about fame and the entertainment business with their innovative video clip "Catellena." With the three members of Orange Caramel portraying mermaids that are caught and sold at a fish market before being transformed into a meal on the conveyor belt of a local sushi bar. With a playful quality that makes its point without beating you over the head, "Catellena" is an encouraging demonstration that larger issues can be confronted on the K-pop stage, as long as it is done with a light touch.
No comments:
Post a Comment