Classifications of K-Pop Boy Groups in 2014

I saw this image posted on Instiz site, a popular and influential online community in Korea that discusses happenings in the Korean entertainment world. According to the posted image, it's a ranking or level of different K-Pop boy groups for this year, 2014.  I don't know what was the basis for the ranking or the classification but I'll try to explain it based on my understanding of the Korean language and how Koreans explained it to me. Based on the classifications, it only "measured" the groups' popularity in Korea.

 Out of this world (넘사벽): Shinhwa, GOD, TVXQ, JYJ

These groups are considered to be undefeated, incomparable and were able to stood the test of time. No matter what activities they do it will "always" be successful. Other possible translations for the word could be "the best" "second to none."

Nationwide (전국구): Bigbang, Infinite, B2ST, Shinee

This means that anyone in Korea knows something about the group or that these groups exist. Some Koreans, especially those who are not into K-Pop, may not particularly know the names of each member but they would definitely know that these groups are existing in the idol world. So their scope is "nationwide." Many of the comments under this post says Bigbang should be part of "out of this world" level.

Mania Level (마니아층): EXO, B1A4, BAP, Block B, CNBlue

The word mania is commonly used in Korea. It usually means, person who's very passionate in doing one and only thing. So this could mean that the groups in this classification have very strong fan bases or fandom. They are extremely popular but not everyone knows about them yet. Many commented that EXO should be part of "nationwide" category. 

Popularity is in Maginot Line (인기 마지노선): 2PM, Super Junior

This means that the popularity of these groups has gone or going downhill. Many of you may know that Maginot Line was the failed line of defensive fortifications constructed by France before WWII to protect its eastern border. It failed big time as Germany was able to easily invade, outflanking the said line. The term is being used as a reference to something you expected to be effective but turns out to be a failure. 

2%: ZE:A, U-Kiss, MBLAQ

This is saying that only 2% of the Korean population knows they exist. Literally or not, it means that these groups are only known to only few people in Korea.

Rising Star (떠오르는별): VIXX, GOT7, Winner

I think the name of the classification itself is already self-explanatory. Many of the comments on the post says BTS should be included in this category.

Knowing that there are already a gazillion of K-Pop groups in the market, many groups were not even given a chance to be classified. If you were to add groups in each category, which groups would it be? Do you agree with the classifications or labels ? Do you think your favorite groups got "classified" properly? Please write your comments below.

11 K-Pop Male Idols Who Almost Debuted in Another Group

Behind the colorful and exciting glow of K-Pop, the road to stardom for many of your favorite idols has never been easy.  Although, I think these challenges, made them earn respect from fans all over the world and also seemed to have led them to their fated group. Here are some of the male idols I know who were supposed to be part of another team other than their current groups.

 B2ST Hyunseung - Bigbang 

 Block B Jaehyo - B2ST

 B2ST Doojoon - 2AM

Doojoon was part of Mnet's reality show called Hot Blooded Men (Ep.1). The program was like a documentary- reality search kind of show for the debut of JYP Entertainment's male idol groups 2AM and 2PM.

 N-Sonic Minki - B1A4

Fans said he was a WM Entertainment trainee and was supposed to debut as B1A4's leader. 

 Block B B-Bomb - Infinite

 A-Prince Woobin - BAP

If you check girl group Secret's music video for Starlight Moonlight (Link), Woobin is actually one of the boys in the background together with other BAP members. He also joined other BAP members as back up dancers during the promotion of the said song (Link).

 BAP Himchan - CNBlue

 C-Clown TK - BtoB

Before he became TK he was Lee Min Woo. He was set to debut as part of Cube Entertainment's new boy group, BtoB. He was one of the casts of JTBC's I Live in Cheongdamdong (Ep.11 BtoB cut) together with 4 current BtoB members Eungkwang, Minhyuk, Ilhoon and Hyunsik.

 BAP Youngjae - GOT7

Winner Minho -  Block B

Minho did not just train together with Block B members before, he actually already debuted as a member of the vocal group BOM before, together with 2 current BTL members Jisu and YuA. Even before he is already know for his impressive rapping skills. 

Top Dogg Nakta - VIXX

Nakta took part of the search of members for Jellyfish Entertainment's very first idol group later on called VIXX. The search was broadcasted as reality show on Mnet called Mydol. He was using his real name Yoonchul at that time. (Mydol Ep.1)

Do you think they are in the "right" groups already? Can you imagine them to part of other groups? I'm sure there are still many of them out there. If you know some please comment below. The K-Pop idols' community is relatively really small. Almost all idols know each other because they were co-trainees at the same company/ies before. Although they have to part ways to chase their dreams. 

Backstage: Block B and NSonic

After MyName and BoM let me tell you Block B and NSonic's part. Again, this happened in the same location and event, Dream Team Special episode. It's not aired yet but according to how it was publicized, it's a special episode where 40 male local celebrities competed for a big big prize. So, it was kinda hard to know who's who because of the number. In the Korean entertainment industry, somehow there is a clear distinction of who is part of an idol group, drama or movie actor, gag man, model or athlete. Interesting because most Koreans associate these celebrities with this kind of categorization. Anyway so I'll start hehe

Jaehyo (Block B)- I personally think he's extremely kind. So for Block B's fans out there you've made the right choice! hehe It's kinda hard to tell where we talked but we had probably the longest talk. haha. Just like Seyong of MyName he was kinda surprised how I recognized him.
To be honest I've already seen Block B many times but I never knew the names of its members.
So I just told him "you're a member of Block B right?" Then he put a really big smile and answered Wow! How did you know? I mean even the people here (referring to staff and other actors) don't know us. So I also told him that they have many fans abroad. I told him stuff like most of my friends' tweets and FB statuses are about Block B and that there are FB fan pages too and forums.

His facial expression was really something that fans should see. He was very delighted.  From my point of view, Jaehyo is very eager to show what his group can do but it's just that there are relatively few chances for them to do it.

He told me that they're not as strong as other idol groups who already made success abroad.
But he emphasize that Block B hopes to penetrate markets abroad too. So help them! ^^

Lee Bongjun aka Black J (NSonic) He was also with another member Kwon Jaehan aka J.Heart but I didn't really get to talk to them that much. They were sitting on the other end. We just exchange greetings and talk a bit before the the filming started. Just like Block B, I didn't know their names too. But thanks to Dream Team, I was even able to mingle with them.

I think their group has a big potential in the future. They just need more exposure and support from fans out there. They were very kind and polite. Anyway, I hope you also give your support to them!

Next entry would be ZEA, Kim Kyujong, Ricky Kim and more.

If you don't know them yet please watch these videos




NSonic 엔소닉_Super Boy


Block B 블락비_그대로 멈춰라!(Freeze!)