[Kulture Issue] Mixed-gender K-pop groups back in the scene

ALLDAY PROJECT, KARD, JAESSBEE. These groups have something in common. They not only have released new songs or debuted this summer season, but all of them are mixed-gender groups which is not something we see often in the K-pop world as in the past decade or so it's been deemed difficult to succeed in this format. Nevertheless, entertainment companies and producers have not given up and there might be a possibility that co-ed groups could become a trend again. For more on this, we connect to our K-pop expert Jeff Benjamin. Hello Jeff!

Q1. Jeff, let's start with the rookie K-pop group that sings "we ain't even famous" but have become famous in the blink of an eye. It's ALLDAY PROJECT, made up of three female members and two male members. The group debuted less than three weeks ago and have been sweeping the charts. What's behind their successful debut?

Q2. Before ALLDAY PROJECT, KARD were the representative mixed-gender group in the K-pop scene, and just a week ago, they released their 8th mini album. JAESSBEE, a mixed-gender music group created through entertainment contents on YouTube also dropped a digital single late last month. Are mixed-gender groups back in fashion? If yes, why do you think so?

Q3. If we go back to the 1990s, mixed groups were much more common and also successful. Uptown, S#arp, Roo'ra, Cool, Koyote. Why did this format of K-pop group gradually disappear from the scene?

Q4. How is it compared to overseas? Is it just Korea that's seeing fewer mixed-gender bands since the 2000s or is it similar worldwide?

Q5. The members of KARD have mentioned numerous advantages of having a mix of female and male members in their group, with one of them being the diversity they have. They say no matter how you group the members together, you can create a variety of combinations within the group. Jeff, what do you think are the factors that make mixed-gender groups attractive?

Q6. What about the disadvantages? There must be quite a number of them, given the fact that the K-pop industry lacks mixed-gender groups. What's your view on this?

Q7. With ALLDAY PROJECT's arrival, for the first time in years, a newly debuted mixed-gender team is in the spotlight. Do you think this rookie group could spark a new boom in the K-pop industry and co-ed groups won't have to be a rarity anymore?

Thank you very much for your insights Jeff, have a great rest of the week.

Thank you Bella, see you back tomorrow.