I tend to really like categorizing stuff lol and k-pop isn’t an exception. I love trying to find patterns in what sounds, concepts, etc. I gravitate towards the most and it led me to want to categorize the general types of performers that (I think) are in K-Pop.
The examples for idols I’ll give will be only from the groups I’m at least somewhat familiar with, so be warned lol. Also, people aren’t one-dimensional, so it’s very likely that most idols will have a mix of at least two performing styles, hence why I’ve added subtypes as well. And now with the categories themselves:
- Powerful (pending name lol: dominant) – these are the type of performers that just have a certain weight when they perform if that makes sense. They tend to shine in harder-hitting choreos where they can show off their power and usually the unbridled power in body language is their most apparent trait. Their aura screams I might stomp on you, bitch regardless of the gender of the idol lol.
- examples: San (Ateez), Karina (aespa), CL (2NE1), Minho (Shinee), Scoups (SVT), Ryujin (Itzy)
- subtypes: pure powerful, powerful-sensual, powerful-charismatic
- Charismatic – these are the type of performers who tend to blend from darker/harder to lighter/brighter concepts and choreographies imo. They usually won’t have the awkward smile or the stiff glare lol or the unmatching body language. For charismatic performers, facial expressions are their “main thing” that draws people (me lol) to them, but the body language is very much still engaging too hence the name charismatic (not that other types aren’t charismatic ofc lol).
- examples: Jungkook, V and J-Hope (BTS), Jennie (BlackPink), Sunwoo (The Boyz), Jihyo, Nayeon (Twice)
- subtypes: pure charismatic, charismatic-sensual, charismatic-powerful
- Sensual – this one is pretty self-explanatory lol, but some idols ooze sensuality when they get to perform certain songs. This type generally has a more covert approach when it comes to facial expressions and body language-but that’s the beauty with this sort of performance style. They don’t need to do much, they just naturally allow for attention to fall onto them, thanks to their graceful movements and sensual aura
- examples: Taemin and all of his sons lol, Ten (NCT/WayV), Kai (EXO), Jimin (BTS), Sunmi, Seulgi (Red Velvet)
- subtypes: pure sensual, sensual-powerful, sensual-charismatic
note: I pretty much mostly chose idols who are considered as generally very good dancers lol (obvi this is an understatement for some) bc they tend to have a more developed sense of performance style
Obviously, this is my take but I’d like to extend the question to others, which categories would you add? Or name any other idols that may fit into the categories I’ve listed or even switch out idols from the category I chose them for lol. Feel free to agree to disagree but let’s all be kind tho 🙂
edit: I hate the title but I forgot to change it and now I can’t :'(
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