When it comes to how K-Pop groups are identified, their musical concepts play a role. Groups do change concepts from release to release, but some stick to a certain look or vibe with all of their releases.
For example, ATEEZ‘s concepts have an overlying theme of anarchism, with the group being known as pirates.
Recently, some have reacted to YOUNGPOSSE‘s apparent change in concept with mixed feelings.
From their debut, YOUNG POSSE sparked reactions, first over the suggestive nature of their track “Macaroni Cheese.” More recently, the group has been called out for cultural appropriation in their hip-hop tracks.
YOUNG POSSE Cancels Christmas Song Release Due To Backlash
YOUNG POSSE recently announced a comeback, scheduled to take place on March 2, with the special album Cold. From the initial announcement and scheduler, it was obvious that the group were taking on a different concept, visually.
On February 20, YOUNG POSSE released the mood film for the release, giving a better look at the visuals of their concept. The group are in a somewhat spooky school setting, hinting at their upcoming releases tackling topics like bullying and abandonment.
Some have reacted positively to the change in concept, thankful that the group would seemingly move on from the previous issues of their other releases.
the best and most necessary concept change of all time https://t.co/oH8gI2urGY
— ⋆✴︎ Cricket ???? #HappyRiinaDay (@mccnlightaria) February 19, 2025
Is their company going to release them from the shackles of imitating black culture now omg https://t.co/jjdMUzcDRY
— lead miguel o’hara simp⁷ (@lilaclixieee48) February 18, 2025
i sincerely hope theyre not going for the borderline appropriating concept anymore HAHAHAH i rly wanna support them bc they write their own stuff https://t.co/Nan4OjL2gz
— bobi (@bobranghae) February 18, 2025
The issue was never the concept it was the way they executed it by cosplaying black culture and black people instead of being authentic https://t.co/0PuwrjEZVx
— chasity ⛲️ (@neulfart) February 20, 2025
Others felt that their previous concept made them unique and were less happy with the change.
As the #1 posse up enjoyer I must say I’m a little disappointed with a concept switch but certainly not surprised https://t.co/7YIB0cPzzh
— Frank Honey (@fantafish123) February 19, 2025
quite interesting that a reason for this change being ‘necessary’ was never mentioned, yet many of you seem to be able to identify exactly what that issue is so you can defend it https://t.co/AUxFsPSL50 pic.twitter.com/D55hAfqCFt
— ✨rae will see you in hell✨ (@thebillagefool) February 20, 2025
“We want new kpop concepts!” Until someone different…nasty ass mfs https://t.co/SMlWxXWy4F
— Joey (@geeks4lyfe) February 19, 2025
The mood film has also been compared to NewJeans‘ “Ditto,” resulting in some accusations of plagiarism. Still, others have defended the group, saying that these kinds of concepts have existed for a long time.
the newjeans ditto plagiarism…… https://t.co/kFJQ7boT0n
— etsun is 103.227% amortage =͟͟͞♡ (@rapradiojenlisa) February 20, 2025
they want ditto’s nachos so bad https://t.co/IJOroJcfTk
— mati (@deliriosinfe) February 20, 2025
PSA that school uniforms and candid camera work was a kpop concept long before newje*ns even debuted ???? https://t.co/HK73hF3iJZ
— bees | SAW AESPA 02/13 (@julttycore) February 20, 2025
young posse did NOT just fly to taiwan, snag a film director, a famous taiwanese actor, and 10CM to feature on the tt of the full album that has 2 of the bsides connecting to the main concept that we speculate is about family struggles, suicide, etc to get called nacho stealers.
— sara #COLD ❄️ (@doeunfy) February 20, 2025
What do you think of YOUNGPOSSE’s concept change?
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