Feature: Hey-una!

4/10/2019 08:40:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

When most teenagers hear K-Pop nowadays, they think of popular groups such as BTS, EXO, Red Velvet, GFRIEND etc. These groups are known for breaking records in YouTube. For example, BLACKPINK gained 50 million views (for the first twenty-four hours) in its recent music video (MV) 'Kill This Love'. Their MVs are also capable of topping not only local charts like Mnet and Naver, but also global ones such as iTunes and Billboard. Moreover, their iconic, sassy lyrics do not fail to impress fans, e.g. 'Shy, shy, shy' and 'Me likey, likey, likey' of TWICE.

As a casual K-Pop fan, Angelia does listen to the aforementioned groups. She is familiar with their songs, choreography, and even some personal information of the groups' members she likes. While she was watching a fancam of Red Velvet's Bad Boy, she expressed her contentment, "Ugh! Irene and Seulgi are really killing it in [Red Velvet's] promotions for Bad Boy!"

In spite of this, she admits she is not that much of a "hardcore fan" of the said groups.

In fact, she prefers solo, veteran artists because they are more distinctive in expressing their style. Her opinion is supported in a poll in AllKpop, which found out that most groups nowadays overuse the aegyo (cute-inspired and innocent) one so that they could gain approval of the public. She also believes that K-Pop artists do not always have to follow the norm, "there could be fierce ones, hiphop ones, whatever... as long as they are true to themselves". Moreover, she is curious to know how such artists made K-Pop a global phenomenon and thus "paved the way" for new groups.

For Angelia, the K-Pop artist who satisfies all her standards is no other than Kim Hyun A (김현아), simply known as Hyuna. In fact, she has been listening to her since 2011. "I remember liking Bubble Pop when I was in elementary. Later on, I found out that the artist was actually Hyuna. Since then, I [have] continued listening to her music."

A DESCRIPTION OF HYUNA'S MUSICAL CAREER

Hyuna was born in 1992. Fifteen years later, she debuted as the main rapper of the group Wonder Girls (managed by JYP Entertainment). She decided to leave the group a few months after because she suffered from gastroenteritis. Two years later, she joined the group 4minute (managed by Cube Entertainment), where she would be the main rapper and face of that group for seven years. Some of the most famous hits of the group include Hot Issue (2009), What's Your Name (2013), Crazy (2015), etc.

In 2010, she made her solo debut entitled "Change". Although the song was criticized for being "sexy" and "rebellious", it managed to snatch a spot in the Gaon Digital Chart. This record chart has been managed by the Korea Music Content Association and Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of South Korea for more ten years.

"Grabe talaga [Oh my], it was tough of Hyuna to debut in such an early age. Considering pa noong time na iyon [during that time], K-Pop was a lot more conservative in its aegyo concept. She was brave enough to be herself despite those criticisms," praised Angelia.

A year after, she released her first mini album "Bubble Pop". Millions of fans from both Korea and international countries were addicted by the refreshing chants of the song and Hyuna's healthy-looking visuals. This served as a breakthrough not only for her musical career but also the globalization of early K-Pop. A few months later, she collaborated with Hyunseung (former member of BEAST, now called Highlight) to form the subunit Trouble Maker.

In 2012, she was featured in PSY's viral music video named Gangnam (Oppa is Just My) Style. Her appearance in that video helped her gain more public attention. This was seen in her song "Ice Cream" released two months after that, which had more than twenty million views in ten days. Together with Bubble Pop, it has more than one hundred million views (as of April 8, 2019).

Hyuna's formidable image continued to stand out in her succeeding videos such as Now (2013), Red (2014) and Roll Deep (2015). She received awards such as a Digital Bonsang (Golden Disk Awards 2014), Best Dance Solo (Mnet Asian Music Awards 2015), and an acclamation from Billboard as a "global trend".

Hyuna's solo career had an unexpected turn when 4minute disbanded in June 2016. According to an interview with MBC, the artist was "scared" of promoting her future albums. Rumors spread that the other members of 4minute thought the disbandment of the group was intended to advance Hyuna's solo career. Upon hearing those, she cried, "I am not relieved! How can I do only what I want to do? It’s not something I can decide by myself and it upsets me that those types of things get consumed so easily. After all, [the five of us] are meant to support each other's dreams!” Nevertheless, she still released three more singles, namely "How's This?" (2016), Babe (2017), and Lip & Hip (2017).

Hyuna's iconic appearances in Ice Cream (left) and Roll Deep (right). The photo credits of each MV are from http://www.flickr.com/photos/35380793@N04/8101780139 and http://arcadey.net/2015/08/hyuna-hits-a-wall-with-beige-red-retread-roll-deep/, respectively.

A year after, Hyuna joined a subunit called Triple H. Together with two co-members E-Dawn and Hui, they had songs such as "365 Fresh" and "Retro Future". However, they were not supported by most K-netizens because their songs questioned traditional views of sexuality and romance.

It is important to take note that most Koreans believe idols should not be "licentious" and thus prioritize their career over their relationships. Hence, dating among idols is considered "taboo".

With regard to Triple H's videos and appearances in reality shows, the K-netizens suspected that Hyuna was breaking the so-called "no dating rule". This is because she was often seen unrestrainedly hugging and flirting with E-Dawn. Their suspicions were confirmed when Hyuna and E-Dawn announced last year that they have been dating ever since the debut of Triple H.

When Cube Entertainment verified the scandal of Triple H, it immediately terminated Hyuna's and E-Dawn's contracts. According to the agency, they "lost the public's trust

and "damaged [Cube's] reputation". It tried to take back the statement when its stocks suddenly dropped the following day. However, Hyuna and E-Dawn decided to part ways with Cube in October 2018.

According to Angelia, "I got really appalled because it was for such a petty reason! I can't believe they did that to one of their biggest idols just because of her love life."

Despite being kicked out of Cube, Hyuna did not cut off her ties with E-Dawn. Thankfully, she was able to convince him to join P-Nation (managed by PSY) in early 2019. Upon knowing so, Angelia expressed her optimism, "I bet she'll do great in her new company now that she left Cube."

Hyuna and E-Dawn smile with gratitude as they are accepted by PSY in his agency P-Nation. Photo credits: https://www.kpopmap.com/fans-react-to-hyuna-and-edawn-addition-to-psy-company-p-nation/.

ANGELIA'S REFLECTIONS

"Three words: Hyuna is amazing."

Angelia marveled at how Hyuna managed to survive the ups and downs of her musical career. Despite the fact that "bad girl" and strong images are strongly disapproved by the Korean public, the artist has shrugged off those spiteful comments. She has pursued building her confident image for more than ten years in the K-Pop industry. Moreover, she has emphasized the importance of setting one's unique style in music.

When she was interviewed by OSEN, a Korean media outlet, she said that she prefers showing off “healthy sexiness”, even if others might not like it.

How Hyuna handled criticism and the challenges in her career turned out to be inspirational for Angelia. Angelia herself faced adversities during her younger years, which lowered her morale. However, she looked up to Hyuna’s confidence and outlook in life so that she could embrace her strengths and talents. Lines such as "Don’t mind the others" (from Change) and "It’s all because I’m the best, it’s because I’m pretty, it’s because they’re all jealous" (from Roll Deep) helped her regain her poise. Eventually, she was able to move on from her degrading experiences and exhibit confidence in her actions.

In connection to that, Angelia was also astounded by Hyuna's messages in her songs. Apparently, the artist is enchanting viewers through her poses and manner of singing. However, as listeners understand the lyrics of her songs, they realize her concepts are not restricted to the typical aegyo concept.

Lines such as "...a killer dance, I'll kill on stage, my confidence reaches the sky" (from Red), "One look at me and they all fall for me" (from Ice Cream) show that Hyuna refuses to conform with the typical Korean girl look – cute, thin, innocent. Through this course of action, she is able to contribute to the originality of the K-Pop industry. Moreover, she inspires aspiring idols to stop overusing the aegyo and thus feel free to experiment other concepts instead. Examples of those Korean groups who followed Hyuna’s path include CLC, (G)-IDLE, etc.

Lastly, Angie is astonished by Hyuna's character as an idol, "Even if she looks very fierce and feisty during performances, she can be sweet and kind on a daily basis." In fact, the artist devotes her time to charity work regularly. She has been participating in an annual fundraising named "Pink Wings" since 2012. According to an interview with Seoul Beats, she models for different outlets. The worn clothing and cosmetic products are sold at "deep discounts". The income is then given to various young adults around the world with the intention of helping them go to college. In 2017, Hyuna was seen donating money for the promotions of Pentagon, an underrated boy group.

Aside from her generous personality, Hyuna's songs are "catchy". According to Angelia, "The lyrics of her songs are upbeat and promote positive vibes. Her dance [practices] is also fun to watch too! But most of all, each of her music videos has a different theme and aesthetic!"

The mentioned characteristics are seen in her favorite song Babe. "It's very amusing! Simple outfits, yet she looks alluringly happy! It takes away my stress!" She feels "pampered" every time she listens to the song. After all, she is addicted with the song's lyric "Pamper me, pamper me!"

Angelia's pose in her photoshoot is inspired by Hyuna's look in Babe, particularly in the line "Pamper me, pamper me." Photo credits: Angelia Albao and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9xndFqGJ4k.

Without a doubt, K-Pop has played a part in Angelia's life. Their meaningful lyrics, amazing visuals, and hardworking personality has motivated her. In particular, veteran idol Hyuna has helped Angelia show her true self to others and continue being kind to others. She has also been credited for making K-Pop known worldwide and challenging the dominance of the strictly imposed aegyo concept.

Even if Hyuna does not break YouTube view records and top the charts anymore, her legacy in the K-Pop industry will never be forgotten. May new K-Pop idols and fans learn her story, respect her as a veteran, and see her as an inspiration in their actions. //by James Tolosa