#FangirlGuide: 6 K-pop groups that suit the horror concept to a tee
K-pop is more than being cute, quirky, sexy, or loud. The genre can also be mysterious, creepy, and scary—yet only a handful of groups can pull off the horror concert effortlessly well.
Since October is the month of spooks, what better way to spend the month than by fangirling over groups who suit the Halloween concept like a glove? Here’s a fangirl guide on the groups who embody those horror vibes.
Dreamcatcher
Let’s start the list with Dreamcatcher, who we consider the K-pop queens of horror. The girl group initially debuted as “Minx” with a feminine concept in September 2014. The original lineup consists of members JiU, SuA, Siyeon, Yoohyeon, and Dami.
The group then rebranded as “Dreamcatcher” in 2017, and members Handeong and Gahyeon were added. They also shattered their “lovely concept” to embrace the horror genre by incorporating rock-inspired elements to their discography, eerie music box intros, and a gloomy twist to their storyline.
Dreamcatcher re-introduced themselves to the K-pop scene with debut track Chase Me, an ode to seven demonic entities and one “curious George.” Since then, they proved that Halloween is a season that needs to be celebrated all year round. Their latest release, Maison, is proof.
VIXX
Hardcore 2nd Generation K-pop fans would fondly look back at VIXX with wide eyes because of their ghoul-inspired concepts. Formed from the reality show MyDOL, the group debuted in May 2012 with members N, Leo, Ken, Ravi, Hyuk, and Hongbin. Sadly, Hongbin departed in August 2020.
VIXX is known for their ability to be theatrical with their discography, music videos, performances, and storyline. One of their most notable songs, Voodoo Doll, shows the boy group at its best—featuring gruesome visuals and dance moves that are reminiscent of dolls in a horror movie.
The group’s most recent song Walking is a love letter to fans that was released in 2019.
Pink Fantasy
Wearing a mask is slowly becoming a thing in K-pop teaser photos, but Pink Fantasy takes it further by performing in them.
Consisting of eight members, Pink Fantasy debuted in 2018 with the track Iriwa, which show girl crush, mythical, and powerful concepts in one. The group is also notable for having one masked member named Daewang with an identity yet to be revealed. Born on December 25, 2189, the masked member is known for being “The Great King” from the future with an ability to manipulate others for their own gain.
The girl group’s latest single, Poison, embodies femme rock music in all its glory as their choreography shows an image of defeating the unknown.
Pixy
Say hello to the villains of K-pop’s 4th Generation.
Debuted in February 2021, PIXY is a five-member girl group created by ALLART Entertainment and managed by Happy Tribe Entertainment. The group consists of five members, namely Lola, Dia, Sua, Dajeong, and Rinji.
PIXY may be rookies in the K-pop scene but they made a statement with their eerie concepts, especially their creepy intro chants that sets the mood of their songs and music videos. Their latest song Villain is proof as it shows the members hypnotizing the viewer—like a predator ruling over its prey.
Red Velvet
Behold, the queens of dual concepts in K-pop.
Red Velvet was formed by SM Entertainment in August 2014 with members Irene, Seulgi, Wendy, and Joy as part of the original lineup. Their fifth member, Yeri, joined the group in March 2015. They are known for their “Red” and “Velvet” concepts, with the former focusing on a brighter and more energetic image while the latter showing a mysterious and sensual persona.
Despite their concept, Red Velvet always has an element of creepiness as seen in the music videos of Psycho, Russian Roulette, Really Bad Boy, and Bad Boy, among others. For one thing, Peek-A-Boo portrays the members as mysterious women known for murdering pizza delivery guys in the city.
The mysterious concept follows through their first subunit, Red Velvet - Irene and Seulgi, as they portray the role of “little monsters” in their debut.
ENHYPEN
If vampires are as handsome as ENHYPEN, we’ll be glad to sacrifice our souls.
Formed through the survival series I-Land, ENHYPEN debuted on November 2020 and is currently managed by HYBE subsidiary BELIFT. The group is composed of seven members, namely Heesung, Jay, Jake, Sunghoon, Sunoo, Jungwon, and Niki. They are known for their “vampire concept” as seen in their songs Drunk-Dazed, Given-Taken, Fever, and Blessed-Cursed, among others.
The group also released their first webcomic Dark Moon: The Blood Altar in January this year.