I’ve been contemplating creativity recently, pondering its origins, its mechanisms, and how unexpected things can ignite the most thrilling flights of imagination. I’m not the only one fascinated by this topic; it’s a common cliché for people to ask writers and artists where they find their ideas. While some creatives may have more definitive answers, my response usually boils down to “Well, everywhere, I suppose?” I often envision imagination as a dragon amassing a hoard of peculiar and enticing ideas, and I believe that creativity thrives when we approach the world with an open mind, absorbing and contemplating all that it has to offer. This includes snippets of overheard conversations, various forms of artwork, distant memories, mundane television shows, historical events, true crime documentaries, moments spent gazing at a forest pond, and even the eerie statements made by my friend’s son about the imaginary friend residing in their heating vents. Oh, and K-pop music videos. And, I suppose, real life, but mostly K-pop music videos.
Despite being neither a musician nor a filmmaker, I have always had an affinity for music videos. This fondness dates back to the days when I was allowed to stay up late on Fridays to watch Headbangers Ball on MTV. I appreciate how this medium utilizes the creativity within the boundaries it imposes, conveying an array of ideas and narratives in a succinct, flash-fiction-like film. Currently, I am particularly enamored with K-pop videos. The audacious and extravagant theatricality is immensely entertaining and, yes, inspiring. Furthermore, these videos often explore speculative concepts, providing a constant source of thought-provoking material. What if our reality isn’t as it appears? What if there’s no distinction between humans and monsters? What if technology has fundamentally transformed us in incomprehensible ways? What if this isn’t the only universe? What if our existence persists beyond death? What if our survival in the ongoing global apocalypse hinges on mastering some seriously impressive dance moves? Come along with me on a journey through some of my favorite science fiction, fantasy, and horror-themed K-pop music videos. This selection offers a bit of everything, from post-apocalyptic dystopias and cyberpunk futures to ghosts, goblins, murderous girls, aliens, and even a touch of grotesque bodily harm. It’s all excellent fodder for the imagination.
First up is “Halazia” by ATEEZ (2022). In this post-apocalyptic dystopia, we witness a city in ruins, a mysterious masked scarecrow figure worshipped by a hooded crowd, and an enormous floating orb looming over a decimated shopping mall. There’s just enough suggestion of a narrative arc to pique my curiosity, yet I don’t want to know the full story. It’s that enigmatic floating orb that captivates me. Amidst the familiar imagery of post-apocalyptic settings, this singular unexplained element inspires me to fill in the missing pieces with my own daydreams. I don’t seek someone else to provide answers; it’s the unresolved and unanswered aspects that fuel the most thrilling flights of imagination. I must also mention “Sixth Sense” by Brown Eyed Girls (2011), “Day by Day” and “Sexy Love” by T-ara (2012), as they delve into dystopian concepts and deserve recognition.
Next, we have “Error” by VIXX (2014). Sometimes, it’s enjoyable to receive the full story, especially when a video manages to encapsulate an entire science fiction tragedy about love, defiance, and cyborgs in just over five minutes. Scholars of pop culture have surely written extensively about society’s inclination to transform women into cyborgs or robots, but the motivations behind such portrayals in this video are evident: love, loss, and an insatiable desire to conquer death. This premise, the epitome of science fiction, tackles beloved genre themes while maintaining a human core of longing and grief. It serves as a reminder that stories are never solely about what transpires but also explore the reasons behind those events. Even futuristic, technological concepts require a beating heart to resonate. I’d also recommend “Come Back Home” by 2NE1 (2014) for a compelling cyberpunk tale.
Moving on, we encounter “Chase Me” and “Good Night” by Dreamcatcher (2017). It’s not all bleak futures and technological trauma in K-pop; supernatural and paranormal tropes abound as well. Art has perpetually explored the mysteries of the afterlife: Do we persist beyond death? Are we still interconnected with the living world? What if our purpose in the afterlife is to drive men mad for sheer amusement? Ghost stories have always captivated me, with their haunted houses, flickering videos, dark forests, hooded figures, and hands emerging from the ground. However, what intrigues me even more is contemplating these events from the perspective of the entities that go bump in the night. The premise of paranormal stories that explore what makes a monster and how our definitions shift depending on our understanding is an inexhaustible source of fascination for me. Don’t forget to check out the menacing supernatural creatures in K-pop, such as the nice young men of ENHYPEN in their “Drunk-Dazed” (2021) video, where I’m sure everything will be just fine.
Now, let’s discuss “Married to the Music” by SHINee (2015). This iconic video ranks among my absolute favorites. It begins with a vaguely trippy and unremarkable scene, as the members of SHINee relax, vibe, and dance. Then things take a bizarre turn as the music video swiftly transforms into a violent and peculiar low-budget campy horror, set against a vibrant electronic-disco-funk beat. It’s utterly ridiculous in the best possible way. There are countless reasons why I adore this video, but above all, I appreciate the interplay between horror and humor. Horror and comedy often intertwine, relying on the moment of surprise when expectations are upended, that gasp of astonishment when a story shifts gears. Whether it leans towards horror, humor, or a blend of both hinges on how that shift occurs and the emotions it evokes. Within that space, that pivot point where the rules morph and the unexpected takes control, there are infinite possibilities to explore. If you appreciate campy horror, you should also experience the mind-bending horror of “Dear. Rude” by JeA (2019), a video that feels like being plunged into a gritty arthouse horror flick without any warning or explanation.
Lastly, let’s delve into “Peek-A-Boo” by Red Velvet (2017). We’re attending another party, this time a delightful pizza party hosted by a group of lovely young ladies. Here, we encounter one of my favorite premises in horror. Horror often relishes in embracing and subverting familiar tropes. It’s no longer surprising when a seemingly innocent young woman turns out to be the predator rather than the prey. However, what captivates me about “Peek-A-Boo” is the reversal of the classic “house full of innocents” trope, unfolding with an unassuming anticipation that escalates into dread and terror. The video doesn’t disclose the reasons behind these women’s decision to hunt unsuspecting pizza delivery men or offer any clues about the outcome or how pizza places continuously find replacements for their rapidly departing employees. Yet, these missing puzzle pieces don’t diminish the experience. In fact, horror becomes truly delightful when a clear, concise premise is imbued with unanswered questions that allow us to envision our own dreadful answers. As an additional recommendation, “Russian Roulette” (2016) by Red Velvet evokes the impeccable vibes of Heathers through a Wes Anderson lens.
To conclude, art, regardless of the medium, serves as a catalyst for creativity. It enables us to traverse whimsical realms, engage with profound questions, and challenge our perceptions. K-pop music videos, with their visual storytelling and unbounded creativity, offer a wide array of inspiration, reflecting genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Through these videos, we can explore apocalyptic landscapes, futuristic metropolises, supernatural phenomena, and the fine line between horror and humor. They invite us to ponder the mysteries of the afterlife, the shifting definitions of monstrosity, and the boundless possibilities of storytelling. So, immerse yourself in the captivating realm of K-pop music videos, and let your imagination soar. After all, as art eternally reminds us, creativity knows no bounds.
