RVBPTLN

The visuals n talent!

SNSD was my ult group since their debut. I think there were multiple reasons why she was kicked out, and there's no way that the 8 could have ousted her without SM agreeing to it. I also don't think they would have kicked her out unless it was a pretty massive issue so I've always taken what she said with a grain of salt. Personally I think that like someone mentioned above, SM's issue was likely due to a conflict between pre-existing contractual obligations and the timelines of her business launching. From the girl's side, I think it had something to do with years of dealing with her work ethic in addition to the business stuff. It was well known that she was pretty much the laziest member of the group. They alluded to it on some variety shows, and iirc she even apologised once to Taeyeon for not singing the chorus parts in performances like she was supposed to as the lead singer. I believe at debut she was basically the second best vocal and second best dancer of the group, but was overtaken throughout the years by other members in both categories. I also feel like that was one of the big reasons between her and Taeyeon not having the best relationship later on. From what I can recall, Taeyeon was known for having a really good work ethic, basically leader, main vocal, face of the group with Yoona, worked hard on her dancing even though she wasn't a natural, always giving it her all on stage etc. She basically was SNSD and the most irreplaceable member, even above Yoona. I think a lot of the conflict there was the age-old hard working person vs lazy natural talent that doesn't reach their potential kinda thing. Mostly speculation on my end of course, but if you followed them during that time then a lot of what I mentioned would make sense.

I don't think SM actually really cares about wins. If they did they'd be much more strategic in their release schedules. With all their connections and diversified businesses they're a part of, their artists will still get so many more opportunities than those from smaller companies who need that win to put them on the map. I'd also think they would know that traditionally most of their groups usually take a few years to hit their stride and they might have underestimated Aespa's early success.

Agreed, and as the fandom grows up and starts working etc you've got more money but less time.

Karina

All pretty much the same, but I had to pick, Karina.

Good stuff!

You're judging a group on less than 3 mins worth of singing. It's very obvious to anyone with ears that they've got strong vocals. Perhaps you should wait until a ballad or a cover of a slower paced song before trying to proclaim their vocals are trash. Your idea of a vocal legend is..... Hyoyeon.... If you can't figure out why you're being clowned..... lol

Fantastic performance, they knocked it out of the park. I'm most impressed by their vocals. You can tell they are all good, even if it's not live.

Seulgi needs a solo release, she's one of, if not the most, all rounded female idols. Vocals, dance, visuals, charisma and stage presence. The whole package IMO. As long as its not some cute/ish concept. She was wasted on Wow Thing and Selfish. Some kind of female Taemin or Blackpinkish concept would be fire.

Aespa!

She's very pretty!

7 or 11. I think I read somewhere that SM has always liked odd-numbered groups, and I think 9 is reserved for SNSD in SM, at least for the near future.

Egoist Love cherry motion Singing in the rain Heart attack New Eclipse Vivid One and only Around you Let me in Everyday I love u Kiss later

She's always been stunning.

They have so many more great songs than just those mentioned. Kingdom come tho.... it's a journey. Headphones, volume up, eyes closed - you won't regret.

Red Velvet Autumn - Seulgi, Wendy Spring - Irene, Yeri Summer - Joy Loona Winter - Olivia, Yves Autumn - Jinsoul, Vivi, Hyunjin, Haseul Spring - Chuu, Gowon, Yeojin Summer - Choerry, Heejin, Kim Lip

blackpink- jennie cosmic girl - chengxiao, xuanyi, bona dia - jueun yebin dreamcatcher - gahyeon, yoohyeon everglow - aisha fromis9 - hayoung gfriend - eunha gidle - yuqi gugudan- sejeong itzy- yeji izone - minju, yena loona- olivia omg - arin red velvet - ALL rocket punch - yeonhee twice - mina, sana wekimeki - doyeon

Boa Taeyeon Krystal Irene Seulgi Wendy Joy Yeri Wait that's 8... oh well. I'd throw in Yoona too, but she's too tall for that group.

I'm sure there's some Red Velvet tracks that fit this criteria. I know there's with Yeri ad-libbing but can't remember which ones.

It was fire!!

Coz most people are mature enough to understand that there is a difference between negative cultural misappropriation where you deliberately set out to cause offense and positive appreciation, inspiration, and sharing of culture (aka multiculturalism). Where does it all stop? Only Asians can use chopsticks? Only Koreans can eat Kimchi? No-one's allowed to dye their hair a non-ethnic colour? Only French can eat croissants? Only monks can shave their heads? No white/blacks allowed to learn martial arts? Guess the English should stop drinking tea then. Only Indian people can watch Bollywood movies too. There's a difference between someone going to Africa on holiday and sharing in the local culture (whether by dress, food, taking part in local traditions and activities), and someone doing the same thing but then taking a video of themselves acting like monkey and posting it online for likes. If you want people to respect and understand your culture, you need to share it and allow others to experience it and appreciate it. If someone has appropriated your culture in an ignorant way that causes offense, then educate them. However, if they have misappropriated it purposefully to mock or denigrate your culture, then by all means, go full blast.

Yeji

Another person of culture here

IMO their music is boring. It's always a similar concept. They've got the skills and talent to switch it up. They're like an early era GFriend.