Why don’t male idol groups do this? (re: military service)

[electricm]

Jaejoong’s upcoming album had me thinking about military service and some of the bigger male idol groups.

 

It seems to me that, rather than having members enlist several at a time and promote solos, it would make sense to have everyone enlist at the same time, but during the year before, record enough songs for several mini albums/comebacks.

 

Not only this, but they could record music videos for title tracks and maybe even pre-record a reality show or two that can all be aired throughout the two-year period that they’re in the army.

 

That way, they wouldn’t lose too much momentum, fans would have something new both years, and the enlistment period wouldn’t be horribly dragged out. Obviously, they wouldn’t be able to promote on music shows, and this would require a big upfront investment, but it seems doable for the bigger groups and would be awesome for fans.

 

Has any group done something like this before? Or is it better to make people miss you so that when the group does come back everybody goes crazy for them?

[min_min]

regular people can't work while they are doing service (I assume), so I'm sure there would be backlash if idols are still in the spotlight while in the military

 

better invest in solos and subunits that can still tour while the others finish military service

[STORM]

It takes money and time to do that.

[ethereal]

"Not only this, but they could record music videos for title tracks and maybe even pre-record a reality show or two that can all be aired throughout the two-year period that they’re in the army."

 

 

tbh, there are no groups relevant enough to have extremely successful sales for just any old song that isn't destined to be a hit with the public if they aren't promoting on music shows. and no fansigns means less physical sales. the real money is in concerts anyway. and many variety shows aren't filmed that far in advance so that would be kind of out off the question..

 

but i do agree that they should all just enlist at the same time. but they probably don't because some members have a desire to do solo activities. 

[Park Joy]

1 member at a time helps the group stay stable in terms of income and activities. If the group is all gone, they'd be forgotten by the time they come back. Even if they release songs and music videos, Kpop is not all about the music and the fact no one can do variety shows, dramas, musicals, concerts or other activites will hurt the group. Unless they're some massive physical sellers who barely do any activities anyway, it won't work.

[electricm]

 

tbh, there are no groups relevant enough to have extremely successful sales for just any old song that isn't destined to be a hit with the public if they aren't promoting on music shows. and no fansigns means less physical sales. the real money is in concerts anyway. and many variety shows aren't filmed that far in advance so that would be kind of out off the question..

 

but i do agree that they should all just enlist at the same time. but they probably don't because some members have a desire to do solo activities. 

 

That makes sense, but even if the songs aren't super successful, at least they would keep their name out there, right? And true about variety shows. I guess I was thinking more along the lines of a specific (maybe web-based) reality show for the group itself, similar to what monsta x and got7 are doing now.

 

I didn't think about the fact that the public might react negatively to them "working" during military service, though, even if it was all prerecorded...

[yeokdae]

i don't think many people want to watch a reality show that was filmed two years ago and is being slowly fed to them.

[Joon]

Male idols should just go into the service when they are young debut when 21 or whatever.

[fairweathermoviefan]

I think they can do it but music changes so rapidly that it might be out of date by the time it's released. Also, if they are caught doing music on military leave, it's worse for them.

 

Build a lasting legacy and people will still remember you. Look at Adele. She's been gone for a couple of years and only released that James Bond ost. Comes back slaying.

[wiaraewiwiarae]

- Most groups aren't relevant enough to sell well enough without promotions, so those releases would be a waste of money.

- The groups that are relevant enough don't really need to release anything major, they can afford 2-3 years complete hiatus or separate enlistment with solos.

- Agencies do release some material during the enlistments to keep fans content and to make money (Avex & SM for TVXQ for example), but it's nothing as major as you say.

 

regular people can't work while they are doing service (I assume), so I'm sure there would be backlash if idols are still in the spotlight while in the military

 

better invest in solos and subunits that can still tour while the others finish military service

 

They're not allowed to physically work, there's nothing against their agency releasing pre-recorded material.

[coward]

Male idols should just go into the service when they are young debut when 21 or whatever.

 

the ones that debut after having already serve usually don't get very far.  there's some twin brothers under sm that debuted as a duo after serving (saw them on an old weekly idol) and as far as I know they are now working in china, not korea.  the korean idol fans want oppas that nearer to their age that they can grow up with.  someone who is in their early 20s probably already has a group or two that they are dedicated to.

[Keijiro]

the ones that debut after having already serve usually don't get very far.  there's some twin brothers under sm that debuted as a duo after serving (saw them on an old weekly idol) and as far as I know they are now working in china, not korea.  the korean idol fans want oppas that nearer to their age that they can grow up with.  someone who is in their early 20s probably already has a group or two that they are dedicated to.

 

are you talking about tasty? if you are, they're not from SM. I'm pretty sure they're chinese too unless there's another set of twins i don't know about

[coward]

are you talking about tasty? if you are, they're not from SM. I'm pretty sure they're chinese too unless there's another set of twins i don't know about

 

it's been awhile since I've seen that episode, but I could have sworn they were form sm and said they already did their military service, which they wouldn't have done if they were chinese...but I could be making stuff up.  sometimes I think I remember things that didn't actually happen.  it's not on purpose.  I just get confused sometimes...

[Lilah]

They can't directly promote albums, or promote at all. This means no appearing in music videos and no prerecorded show appearances as well. I mean, they can do it, but what's the point? Unless you're a soloist, or a member of a smaller group, there's really no point if there are other members who can promote the group name while you enlist.

[Shhhhh]

Because of age gaps?

[Sad Pearl ✿]

Male idols should just go into the service when they are young debut when 21 or whatever.

I can't agree more with you  

[electricm]

Male idols should just go into the service when they are young debut when 21 or whatever.

 

Wouldn't that screw up training?

[dlover2005]

 

Jaejoong’s upcoming album had me thinking about military service and some of the bigger male idol groups.

 

It seems to me that, rather than having members enlist several at a time and promote solos, it would make sense to have everyone enlist at the same time, but during the year before, record enough songs for several mini albums/comebacks.

 

Not only this, but they could record music videos for title tracks and maybe even pre-record a reality show or two that can all be aired throughout the two-year period that they’re in the army.

 

That way, they wouldn’t lose too much momentum, fans would have something new both years, and the enlistment period wouldn’t be horribly dragged out. Obviously, they wouldn’t be able to promote on music shows, and this would require a big upfront investment, but it seems doable for the bigger groups and would be awesome for fans.

 

Has any group done something like this before? Or is it better to make people miss you so that when the group does come back everybody goes crazy for them?

 

 

While this is a good idea, I think people prefer something current.  Prerecording would be an outdated thing.