Reports on BELIFT LAB’s ILLIT Choreographer’s ‘Forced Retro’ Dig Controversy
A choreographer from BELIFT LAB, who worked on the choreography for the group ILLIT, is drawing attention for remarks that appear to take shots at ADOR’s group NewJeans and ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin.
On the 27th, ILLIT choreographer “A” posted on their Instagram story, writing something to the effect of: “Instead of chasing what’s famous, can’t we follow what’s genuine? Instead of pretending to be trendy, can’t we follow real trends driven by consumption in our current lifestyles? Instead of forced retro, can’t we follow what’s natural?”
He said, “I’m speaking out because I personally couldn’t hold back during a conversation with a hyung who’s been a backup dancer for 30 years, nicknamed Seokgamoni, and [an acquaintance] who’s been a backup dancer for 27 years,” adding, “I’m sick of the forced retro trendiness from bosses born in the ’70s.”
“A” continued, “A hyung who did the choreography for Kim Gun-mo 30 years ago also says he doesn’t like the forced retro being shoved down our throats.”
Sincerity, not just about what is famous. Not faking a trend, but fitting into our individual lives in this current era. Can’t trends driven by consumption become something natural, rather than forced retro?
In the middle of a chat with Brother Sakyamuni*, a backup dancer of 30 years, and me (27 years as a backup dancer) lol.
I’m saying this because I personally can’t stand it anymore. I’m sick of the forced retro ‘trendy’ stuff from the bosses born in the 70s*. ㅠ
*Brother Sakyamuni (석가모니 형): Likely a nickname for a senior dancer (possibly due to his appearance or wisdom). “Hyung” is translated to “Brother” to keep the respectful yet close nuance.
*Bosses born in the 70s (70년대생 사장님들): Refers to the generation currently in power in the K-pop/entertainment industry (e.g., Min Hee-jin, Bang Si-hyuk, Park Jin-young generation). The speaker criticizes their specific taste for nostalgia as being “forced” upon the current generation.
Lol. Even the hyung* who used to dance for Kim Gun-mo** 30 years ago says he doesn’t like this force-fed*** retro. Lol.
*Hyung (형): A Korean term used by males to address an older male, conveying respect and closeness.
**Kim Gun-mo (김건모): A legendary Korean singer who was extremely popular in the 90s. Mentioning a dancer who worked with him emphasizes that even the actual people from that retro era dislike the current “manufactured” version of it.
***Force-fed (주입식): The original Korean word “주입식” (juip-sik) refers to “rote learning” or “cramming” education. In this context, it implies that the retro trend is being artificially forced or crammed down the public’s throat, rather than happening naturally.