It's no secret that K-Pop MVs are made and designed to the maximum in terms of visual, audio, and performance quality . Depending on the budget available by the label that houses the idol, K-Pop MVs can cost around 50 thousand to 150 thousand US dollars.
Not only the cinematography quality is stunning, generally K-Pop MVs also contain themes to convey meanings and messages that are in harmony with the song's lyrics. One of the themes that are quite often used in K-Pop MVs are stories from Greek Mythology. The following are some of them.
1. BLACKPINK - How You Like That
Broadly speaking, "How You Like That" describes the dark facts of the entertainment industry which are depicted with references to Greek mythology. At the beginning, the members seemed to be trapped in a dungeon and looked sad. Rose is also shown in a coffin decorated with flowers while wearing a wedding dress.
This chapter tells of Persephonem who was kidnapped while taking flowers by Hades, the god and ruler of the Underworld (an underground kingdom for the dead) as a wife. This makes Persephone's wedding day also the day of her death. Sadly, even though she has become the Queen of the Underworld, all decisions in her life are determined by others.
There is also spider symbolism in the scene where Jennie dances with four dancers and when Jisoo sits on a chair in the shape of a giant spider. This chapter tells the story of Arachne, a weaver who turns into a spider after he commits suicide. This can be interpreted as a series of suicides among public figures due to haters , online bullying, and excessive expectations in the entertainment industry.
2. GFRIEND - Apple
You will definitely agree that "Apple" is GFRIEND's most aesthetic MV. In this MV, GFRIEND appears in elegant and more mature clothing and makeup . However, did you know that this MV combines three classic literatures at once?
Apple combines the contrasting themes of heaven and hell (Underworld) through the story of Alice Through The Looking Glass , Adam and Eve in heaven, and the story of Persephonem, the son of Zeus and Demeter who was kidnapped by Hades and brought to the Underworld.
In the beginning, two backgrounds are shown with a background, a green garden and a dark majestic room. After eating an apple from a tree, the members are always tempted by some baits like butterflies. They were finally in the Underworld, dancing in all black and even more gloomy expressions.
3. KARD - Dumb Littly
Although the MV doesn't have a prominent story telling element , "Dumb Litty' has the concept of gods and goddesses from Greek and Scandinavian mythology. Each member appears as two different gods or goddesses, complete with backgrounds and clothing that represent them.
BM became the god Thor and Zeus, while Jseph became the god Dionysus and Ares. Somin became the Goddess Aphrodite and Chloris, while Jiwoo became the Goddess Hera and Athena. With a stunning concept and visuals, this MV matches the vocals and performances of the KARD members without a doubt.
4. gugudan - A Girl Like Me
Gugudan once released the MV "A Girl Like Me" with a cute and colorful concept . After being traced, it turns out that this MV was inspired by the famous mythological story, namely Narcissus. Although the original story ended tragically, Gugudan combined the story with the concept of self-love .
Narcissus is a young man with a handsome level. He always rejects all women who like him because he feels his beauty is not comparable to anyone else. Due to his arrogance, Goddess Aphrodite cursed him for loving his own shadow.
Once, Narcissus, who was at the pond to fetch water, was so fascinated and fell in love with his own reflection. Since then, he never left the pool. Without food, sleep, and water, Narcissus eventually died and turned into a flower that grew closer to the water instead of sunlight.
5. BLACKPINK - Kill This Love
"Kill This Love" tells about the struggles and dilemmas to end a toxic relationship . In the first chorus , behind the members you can see the head of the statue of Aphrodite in a decapitated and shattered condition accompanied by explosions and shooting movements.
Although narrated as a goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite is known to be cruel for often punishing and cursing humans who do not worship her. The followers of Aphrodite are also known to spread a misunderstanding of love and manipulation in the name of love. In conclusion, this song is instructed to turn off excessive, obsessive, and manipulative feelings of love.
What about after knowing the review of the KPop MV that was inspired by the Greek mythology above? Mythological stories are often popular references for pop culture, ranging from literature, music, films, stage shows, to games. Likewise in making MV. Mythological stories are used as symbolism and allegory of the message to be conveyed. Which K-Pop MV is your favourite?
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