The world of K-pop is constantly evolving, and trends change in the blink of an eye. One day, it’s all about bright retro aesthetics, and the next, dark and moody gothic visuals dominate comeback stages. But lately, another trend is capturing the attention of fans: fully animated music videos.
The Rise of Animation in K-Pop
While animation has occasionally appeared in K-pop, it’s now being fully embraced by artists and production teams. Whether it’s 2D, 3D, or a hybrid style, more groups are releasing animated music videos that offer a fresh, stylized take on their sound and concept. This shift is especially noticeable in recent comebacks, where artists are using animation to explore storylines that might be hard to convey through live-action or performance-based formats.
Standout Examples of Animated Music Videos
One of the most iconic examples is BTS, with their emotional video for “We Are Bulletproof: The Eternal.” The pastel-toned visuals, paired with a nostalgic narrative, resonated deeply with fans. It wasn’t just a video; it was a tribute to BTS’s journey and their connection with ARMY. Another example is “Make It Right,” which features an earthy color palette and paper-style animation. Both videos offered something visually and emotionally different from typical K-pop releases.
Then there’s PLAVE, a group that takes the animated concept to a whole new level. Their entire brand revolves around their animated identities, with music videos that blend idol fantasy with advanced animation. Every release adds to their world-building, creating a digital universe that feels immersive and unique.
Most recently, RIIZE dropped their music video for “Midnight Mirage”, which features stylized versions of each member in a dreamlike, futuristic setting. The MV doesn’t rely on dance breaks or live footage but instead tells a visually rich story through animation. It’s a creative move that sets them apart during a comeback-heavy month.
Why Animation is Gaining Traction
There’s a growing appetite for concept-driven storytelling in K-pop, and animation opens the door to creative possibilities. These MVs can break the boundaries of time, space, and physics, allowing idols to appear in fantasy landscapes, transform into magical beings, or express more profound symbolism through stylized visuals.
They also offer a break from the choreography-heavy videos that dominate most releases. In animated music videos, the focus shifts from synchronized dance to character development and narrative. Fans get to experience the artist’s message in a more cinematic and often emotional way. Not to mention, the characters are adorable and the worlds are meticulously crafted, making it easy to rewatch and find new details each time.
Is This the Future of K-Pop Visuals?
It’s too soon to say whether animation will become the standard, but its growing popularity is undeniable. As more groups experiment and fans respond positively, we may continue to see this format used not just for special tracks, but also for lead singles and even concept albums.
As K-pop continues to push artistic boundaries, one thing is certain: whether it’s live-action or fully animated, storytelling will continue to evolve. And fans? They’re more than ready for the ride.
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