The Problem With f(x)

[The Dense One]

Now I've heard people say stuff like "f(x) is being treated unfairly by SM" or "how comes they don't have as much comebacks as *enter prolific SM group here*" seemingly forgetting that J-Min hasn't had a comeback since 2011/12 and neither have TRAX.

 

As a matter of fact what was Zhang Liyin doing before SM The Ballad?

 

Anyway, that's beside the point, what I'm getting at is that there are multiple theories behind the reason why that is, and before the f(ans) get mad at me, hear me out this is kind of legit.

 

1. They could not be being treated unfairly at all

 

Now I'm gonna borrow a theory that Kpopalypse from AKF has made famous with an awesome read you should check out if you like grimdark shit or sad endings.

 

http://antikpopfangirl.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/im-in-d-d-d-d-danger-truth-fiction-and.html

 

Basically the premise around this story is the irony of which that maybe f(x) is getting preferential treatment to the other SM groups. They don't need to promote as much, could just rely on sponsorships and CF deals for income and would never have to work as hard or travel as much as the likes of SNSD and EXO, etc.

 

Now this makes you think here, because being an idol is hard and if f(x) were given the option to retain their success and fame not have to lift a finger, they would be fools not to take that chance... I mean who wouldn't (apart from certain workaholics).

 

This theory is the most realistic and grounded out of them all, because honestly the company could do this for f(x) as they aren't going for mass appeal that may shift with public opinion, but rather a niche following of close knit fans in a community that would be completely loyal to the group, thus not needing to fly to Japan ever so often with half-hearted tracks with poorly spoken Japanese on top (not to say that I don't enjoy SNSD's Japanese discography but it is really underwhelming in comparison to their Korean one).

 

The one flaw could be based around the fact that SM wouldn't have much to gain from keeping f(x) around if that was the case, and would just shelve them in terms of music... The fact that they still have a comeback every year is obviously fighting against this theory.

 

Perhaps this is partially true in a sense and that SM isn't completely neglecting them, but rather focusing on other groups that need the attention due to what type of audience they are catering to.

 

2. Their choice of title tracks are poor

 

This one is a bit more of a fact in terms of mainstream appeal.

 

All of f(x)'s title tracks are based around Electro and other genres with distorted synths in general and as a result don't have much range in terms of reaching different audiences.

 

However this has recently changed with the inclusion of Rum Pum Pum Pum to their discography, they had a great deal of success after that as well.

 

Not to say that f(x)'s title tracks are bad, but you cannot deny the similarities between Chu, Nu ABO, Danger, Electric Shock and  Lachata are there.

 

The funniest thing is, all five do not sound like each other, but one of their songs sounds like another which would sound like another.

 

For example; Lachata sounds like Nu ABO, Nu ABO sounds like Chu, Chu sounds like Danger and Danger sounds like Electric Shock.

 

Now while they are not identical, the style of music is somewhat similar and because of that, it limits the marketability of f(x) to people who enjoy that genre.

 

Whereas if you compare "Don't Don" with "Sorry Sorry" or "Run Devil Run" with "Gee" you start to see huge differences between the songs.

 

In their albums, f(x) have proven they are versatile as musicians and honestly songs like "Shadow", "Beautiful Stranger", "Beautiful Goodbye", "Airplane" and "Goodbye Summer" would have been better choices as title tracks.

 

Of course versatility could work against them... Look at Rainbow, their sexy concept did miles better than their cute concepts and they unfortunately flopped because of their change.

 

The last thing that could be working against them could be this...

 

3. They just don't have mainstream appeal

 

Let's break down f(x) shall we?

 

Krystal is Jessica's dongsaeng... But she is considered even more foul-mannered and lazier than her sister (by Netizens, not me.)

 

Amber is a tomboy... Korea is too ass-backwards to accept this in a proper way, look at Invincible Youth if you don't believe me. How many "Eunyoung is a girl" jokes do they need to make before they realize that it might be offensive for any tomboys watching, even if Amber herself isn't affected.

 

Sulli is depicted as completely rude, disrespectful and vulgar (Cao Ni Ma, anyone?) by Korea, and as a result her "face of the group" persona is pretty much tarnished.

 

Victoria is Chinese, therefore she will never truly gain as much respect from Korea as a Korean idol in her position. Darn shame that...

 

Luna is the only one that is "clean" in the eyes of netizens, and even then is that enough to appeal to the general populace? Nope.

 

I could be wrong and be taking some comments from Naver and Nate a bit TOO seriously, but the fact of the matter is that the opinion is still there and it would be extremely hard for f(x) to gain as much support as say, SNSD, with such handicaps put into place.

 

These are just some things that could be stopping f(x) from reaching new heights, perhaps it is combination of these things or maybe it is a completely different reason entirely, all I know is that all f(ans) of f(x) can do is support their group when they need it and keep watching what they do, because they are guaranteed to come out with something good no matter who they are serving it to.

 

Or at least, that's just the way I see it. :P

[kimchi]

Honestly I just think their problem is they were overshadowed by SNSD.

[The Dense One]

Honestly I just think their problem is they were overshadowed by SNSD.

 

Well yeah, that too... But that's a given at this point! XD

[o d w]

I could be wrong and be taking some comments from Naver and Nate a bit TOO seriously

Yes you are lol

[ShawolSONEexo]

Wow a lot of this is sadly true...  Hopefully my queens will get the recognition they deserve... fx fighting! 

[The Dense One]

Yes you are lol

 

I dunno, it's a quite a few upvotes on certain stereotypes about f(x)'s members... :(

[o d w]

I dunno, it's a quite a few upvotes on certain stereotypes about f(x)'s members... :(

- Why are netizens so negative?

Please keep in mind that this blog only focuses on negative content as that is what usually impacts the industry. There are just as much, if not more, articles that receive a positive response on any given day.

 

From Netizenbuzz's FAQ

[The Dense One]

- Why are netizens so negative?

Please keep in mind that this blog only focuses on negative content as that is what usually impacts the industry. There are just as much, if not more, articles that receive a positive response on any given day.

 

From Netizenbuzz's FAQ

 

Even though I was introduced to Naver and Nate from NB, I do frequent the ACTUAL sites myself... XD

[mrfox]

i love sulli's rudeness 

 

 

i like hot summer.

[NayNay]

this has been over thought and complicated......(used to these types of essays now)...lol...seriously~.....

 

 it would help if they did have longer promotional periods when they comeback and without it being clashed by other SM artists. It would also be nice to see them on stage as a 5 without one always being missing.... -_-

 

and when it comes to personality stereotypes....i could careless (people only concentrate on the negative anyway), after watching them on shows like Koala and amazing f(x), I've seen them for who they are a bit better..................unfortunately this shit happens to majority of idols. 

 

And when it comes to their music....i think they're doing a great job, especially Pink Tape....happy Amber is writing music.. .....and Luna...she needs to go back to Immortal song or have a solo.....

[JOYRICH]

Well you're wrong because if f(x) did have more than one comeback every year as a group or even solo/sub-unit activities, they'd be in a much better situation than what they're in now (don't get me wrong because besides SNSD and 2NE1, f(x) is the only other girl group currently to have decent album sales, so they're doing okay). SM just needs to get their shit together with f(x) and promote them properly because it's embarassing when the members themselves know they get the short end of the stick....

 

#LunaSolo2014

[o d w]

Even though I was introduced to Naver and Nate from NB, I do frequent the ACTUAL sites myself... XD

Well you claim Sulli's hated and considered rude etc in Korea but since her scandals nothing has changed for her, she got TWO movie roles (that's more she's ever had since she debuted), more CFs, magazines she had photoshoot for were sold out because of her etc

Krystal's always been liked and she too got more CFs this year. Her popularity was also boosted thanks to Heirs

Victoria is well respected in Korea and also has as many CFs as Sulli and Krystal, plus she's doing incredibly well in China

Luna and Amber are not that well known to the general public but the ones who do know them like them

 

There you are

[Slowpoke X]

about Point 1 - is f(x) really getting a preferential treatment in SM, do they work less than other SM groups; or they do work hard as other SM groups?

 

if they work as hard as other SM groups(maybe an f(x) stan would know this better), then i guess they don't get preferential treatment

 

about Point 3 - but they do have some kind of appeal if people like Victoria (if I heard correctly) are popular in China, and I think other members do have some kind of popularity too

 

 

and my theory: attracting fandom (and fangirls, because you need fangirls for stable popularity) for a girl group is much harder than for a boyband, and SNSD attracted the most fangirls they could; and they don't want for f(x) to be a competition for SNSD so they promote them less

[The Dense One]

this has been over thought and complicated......(used to these types of essays now)...lol...seriously~.....

 

 it would help if they did have longer promotional periods when they comeback and without it being clashed by other SM artists. It would also be nice to see them on stage as a 5 without one always being missing.... -_-

 

and when it comes to personality stereotypes....i could careless (people only concentrate on the negative anyway), after watching them on shows like Koala and amazing f(x), I've seen them for who they are a bit better..................unfortunately this shit happens to majority of idols. 

 

I'm just talking about it from a promotional perspective and a social perspective (in Korea of course).

 

These factors are a bit of an issue too, better promotional periods would be more ideal, but there are only so many months in a year and SM has at least 6 active artists on their roster (SNSD, EXO, f(x), SHINee, TVXQ and Super Junior)

 

In an ideal world it would be two months of promotion each, but then you have to account for sub-units, CF deals, dramas and various other activities... So of course f(x) would get shafted in that regard because they are the least popular out of the 6... All of them have monster fandoms.

 

Sones, Cassies, ELFs, Exotics (working title I know), Shawols...

 

And f(x)... don't even have a consistent fandom name, official or otherwise. Affixtion, f(ans) and other variations have been thrown around, but you get my drift, right?

[Jon Snow]

Honestly I just think their problem is they were overshadowed by SNSD.

and the fact that people have the need to compare f(x) to snsd or to other sm boy groups. Like f(x) is no snsd in terms of album sales or fanbase but their album sales are much higher than most girl groups. I think people tend to forget that they're a girl group and garnering a secure and large fanbase is harder than a boy group. 

 

and f(x) can be more public friendly if they did more group promos and not individual promos. A lot of f(x) stans aren't really f(x) stans but f(x) member stans and that is a problem in and of itself.

[NayNay]

I'm just talking about it from a promotional perspective and a social perspective (in Korea of course).

 

These factors are a bit of an issue too, better promotional periods would be more ideal, but there are only so many months in a year and SM has at least 6 active artists on their roster (SNSD, EXO, f(x), SHINee, TVXQ and Super Junior)

 

In an ideal world it would be two months of promotion each, but then you have to account for sub-units, CF deals, dramas and various other activities... So of course f(x) would get shafted in that regard because they are the least popular out of the 6... All of them have monster fandoms.

 

Sones, Cassies, ELFs, Exotics (working title I know), Shawols...

 

And f(x)... don't even have a consistent fandom name, official or otherwise. Affixtion, f(ans) and other variations have been thrown around, but you get my drift, right?

I get what you mean.....but this is a give and take. SM needs to push and promote f(x) musically, so they can showcase their skills and therefore increase the fans. 

 

I mean Amber had to basically apologize for the short promotions during an acceptance speech, which isn't fair. We're not talking about 2 months but more like 4-6 weeks. 

[WON Hallyu]

Agree with some but I hope you're talking about the group not individually with 3. They just don't have mainstream appeal I would agree that f(x)'s concept isn't mainstream.

 

As for individually even with Krystal's so called attitude problems, she is as popular as SNSD members. Her popularity even skyrocketed with The Heirs and her baidu bar already surpassed Yoona's.

 

Victoria despite being Chinese has alot of Korean CFs and been in the most korean variety shows out of the members. It's just that SM is promoting her in China for the $$$.

 

Sulli has been in some controversies which she does have to make up for but still has 2 freaking movies thats going to come out this year.

 

With Lunber, SM needs to promote them better.

[midnightdreams]

 

I could be wrong and be taking some comments from Naver and Nate a bit TOO seriously, but the fact of the matter is that the opinion is still there and it would be extremely hard for f(x) to gain as much support as say, SNSD, with such handicaps put into place.

Yeah that's like using 4chan/yahoo comments seriously

The only people who comment on Fx are haters and fans

 

Although Victoria is Chinese, most Koreans are probably neutral about her. Idols in general don't have much respect. If she were to fuck up, they'd probably jump to her chinese-ness for fault.

Nichkhun was/is popular and he's from South East Asia (probably a worse ethnicity in Korea because SEA is seen as a poor region; sort of like hispanics to americans)

 

Their image is experimental so it's a miracle they're 2nd tier.

 

I do think SNSD hinders them a bit but nothing as bad as The Grace.

 

I think a lot of it is that the two most popular members have attitude image following them.

Krystal should not do variety and she also has anemia that hinders her from exerting her body more (she's not lazy in performing with Fx).

Sulli has become lazy and her previous attitude rumors has triggered more accusations.

Victoria is not a native Korean speaker so it's hard to express herself fully

Amber is also not a native speaker either and her image does not appeal to the broad public

Luna is overshadowed by her other members and I heard she's not good at variety either.

One way or another none of the members are great at representing Fx.

[____shawnee]

#1 somewhat makes sense but if really depends on the members. I don't think people take their feelings into consideration. Maybe they don't want to do CFs and endorsements all year. They're performers after all. Although Krystal doesn't seem that enthused.

 

#2 and #3 just don't make sense because even if they don't have the #1 song or album of the year, they're still one of the top girl groups in Korea. I understand they aren't on the level of their label mates but whose fault is that? Why didn't Pink Tape have a repackage? The album did so well. Their style is unique but it still appeals to a wide variety of people. SHINee also has unique title tracks such as Sherlock, Everybody, and Ring Ding Dong but they still did extremely well. 

 

f(x) are mistreated, because they're underestimated by SM. I think it's starting to affect the girls' morale. 

[✴✧SeoulYoon✧✴]

They just need a better promotional tactics from SM but unfortunately, you can tell SM are not really trying with them. Sure ppl and non-fans always argue by saying they deserved the less than stellar promotions because of the Sulli and Krystal's idgaf attitude during the RPPP promotion perf. But I beg to differ. Because before RPPP, several years ago, the whole group  looked like they care and were enthusiastic while performing (and their relationship with each other is good) but because of  on going SM's mistreatment towards them since the past, I can see why recently the members dgaf anymore and just focus on individual activities.

[The Dense One]

So I've just negstalked for bringing up a topic that most f(x) fans talk about anyway, and I am trying to be civil about it too...

 

The only reason why I talk about this is because I like f(x) and genuinely think they can go places. Here's the sad thing about it too, I honestly do believe that with the right song and with more focus on their promotion they could actually reach past the level of their labelmates, the problem is that their brand has a stigma attached.

 

Right now, in Korea, f(x) is known as the dongsaeng group to SNSD and SHINee. They've been like that since '09 and they need to break out of it... SHINee has broken from their TVXQ comparison and SNSD broke free from their SuJu comparison... in fact, sometimes SuJu are compared to SNSD.

 

EXO will soon break free from their SuJu comparison as well, f(x) seriously need to evolve... no joke! :(

[abra]

However this has recently changed with the inclusion of Rum Pum Pum Pum to their discography, they had a great deal of success after that as well.

 

Not to say that f(x)'s title tracks are bad, but you cannot deny the similarities between Chu, Nu ABO, Danger, Electric Shock and  Lachata are there.

 

 

----

Wasn't Electric Shock much more popular than RPPP though? I actually think their title tracks are pretty good and catchy too.

 

Apart from that I agree that f(x) has areas it lacks in.

Luna as the most talented member is the least popular (along with Amber), Sulli doesn't really do anything except as a visual, Victoria is supposedly a great dancer but doesn't get to showcase it with their choreos, Amber stands out both for good and bad and Krystal there isn't much to criticize really except perhaps her "cold face attitude" but I don't think it matters much.

[The Dense One]

----

Wasn't Electric Shock much more popular than RPPP though?

 

Oh yeah, good point actually! XD

 

But what I've said still stands, f(x) could benefit from expanding a bit more musically.

[Nini Bear]

Maybe f(x) is treated unfairly. Maybe they're not.

 

Fact is, that they still have a comeback at least once a year. They still have other stuff they do. Like the OP said, no one's treated as unfair as SM artists like J-Min, TRAX and until recently, Zhang Liyin. And I also agree on the part that their members aren't exactly favouring them.

 

And while I like their title songs usually, they have tracks on the albums that would do much better imo.

[abra]

Oh yeah, good point actually! XD

 

But what I've said still stands, f(x) could benefit from expanding a bit more musically.

Tbh I think the one reason they're as popular as they are is that they're in SM. While they do have a lot of other stuff going for them (like Luna) that often gets overshadowed for some reason.

 

Also I edited my post a bit.