K-pop stans often claim that they love concepts, but seem to have very little understanding of them. Just take a look at the case of LE SSERAFIM and THE BLACK LABEL's first girl group, MEOVV. Even before their debut, the rookie group were hit with plagiarism accusations. Well, here's the hard truth: concepts are more than clothes and props. It's not just about aesthetics. It is a combination of the group's backstory, songs, image and much more. A concept is an overarching theme or identity that literally defines a K-pop artist.
Unfortunately, over the years, every type of girl crush concept has just been clubbed together and groups have been labeled as copycats. Well, let us open your eyes to how two groups can use the girl crush concepts and still have different images.
Let's start off with MEOVV’s concept since it is clearly confusing to many. Why is there a certain lack of clarity about the concept? Well, THE BLACK LABEL should be blamed for this since they barely released any teaser pictures and videos. However, from the few teasers that were dropped, one can easily make out that the girl group’s image is centered around cats. Hence, the cat walking seen in the teasers and the debut show. Contrary to popular belief, MEOVV don’t seem to be opting for the supermodel concept.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpLHg-AsQV0
In fact, time travel or parallel universes seem to be at the core of the girl group's concept. While it isn’t new (Stray Kids, NINE.i, ZEROBASEONE and many more have already done it), MEOVV might just be bringing a new twist to it with an animal-human hybrid world. Are the members cats as well as humans? Maybe. Considering that cats are believed to be multidimensional beings like the Cheshire Cat, this would tie perfectly into the time travel theory.
ALSO READ: Copied Or Inspired: LE SSERAFIM's Eunchae Stole aespa's 'Unique' Promotional Strategy For CRAZY?
Now, moving to LE SSERAFIM. Unlike MEOVV, who will probably roll out their concept one comeback at a time, LE SSERAFIM were clear about their concept and image from day one. Conceptually, the K-pop group embodies fearlessness. In fact, the group's name is an anagram of "I'm Fearless," and implies the self-confidence and strong will to move forward without being swayed by the world's gaze.
LE SSERAFIM 4th Mini Album 'CRAZY'Compact ver. PHOTOhttps://t.co/wFlEIq0zvI2024.08.30 1PM (KST) | 12AM (ET)#LE_SSERAFIM#르세라핌#LE_SSERAFIM_CRAZYpic.twitter.com/1wsmqyWeoi
— SOURCEMUSIC (@SOURCEMUSIC) August 18, 2024
Now, how does LE SSERAFIM illustrate this concept? Through fashion and runways. It's not because they want to emulate the supermodels. If you pay close attention to LE SSERAFIM’s concept, you’ll realize that they use the runway to symbolize society's gaze. By wearing what they want and walking confidently, they prove that they aren't swayed by the world's judgment. This concept also ties perfectly to the image of them being burning angels aka the seraphims. They aren't no freaking angels or goddesses. They do what they want, without any fears, since the world is their oyster.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr6HmcxI2s0
Even in their songs, MEOVV and LE SSERAFIM don't have much in common. While THE BLACK LABEL's group flex their wons, yens and dollars, LE SSERAFIM's songs focus on empowerment and perseverance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vbDFu0PUew
Neither LE SSERAFIM nor MEOVV is going for the supermodel model concept. In fact, that's a rather shallow way to look at the deep vision both groups are attempting to create.
ALSO READ: Copied Or Inspired: LE SSERAFIM Ripped Off Blackpink Not Once, BUT Thrice During UNFORGIVEN Era?
Could one say maybe Teddy Park liked LE SSERAFIM's runway idea and took it for MEOVV? Well, we can’t say no. However, if you say MEOVV copied LE SSERAFIM’s concept, we disagree with you.