Animation has long been a valuable part of visual media such as music videos that adds a lot of uniqueness and artistic edge. It’s fascinating to see how K-pop MVs combine film and cartoon! Here are just a couple of examples of music videos that use both media styles in cool and interesting ways.
1. NewJeans – “New Jeans”
This music video is in collaboration with “The Powerpuff Girls,” a long-running and long-beloved cartoon media franchise. In this music video, you get to see each of the NewJeans members creating their own version of a Powerpuff Girl! The combination of behind-the-scenes footage and storytelling is what makes this MV so special.
2. Stray Kids – “Thunderous”
An amazing combination of old and new, cartoon and film, choreography and storyline – this music video really has it all! Although the animated sections of Stray Kids’ “Thunderous” MV are short, they really set the stage for the unique mishmash of historical and modern aspects of the music video.
3. aespa – “Hot Mess”
aespa is usually known for the group’s unique AI concept, with versions of the members constructed through digital animation. The group went a little more old-school with the music video for their Japanese track “Hot Mess” though, with cartoon versions of their superhero selves. It fits right in with the ’90s and Y2K aesthetics!
4. NCT DREAM – “We Young”
A throwback music video from NCT DREAM, “We Young” introduces an animated character entirely separate from the members. Along with the visual effects that add a nostalgic vibe, the introduction of an animated character adds a completely different atmosphere and charm to the storyline. It’s cute and unique!
5. TWICE – “Candy Pop”
Another Japanese release with a super cute animated MV, TWICE’s “Candy Pop” has adorable anime-style cartoon versions of the members. Combined with some unique camera effects in the live-action portions, it makes for an unforgettable MV with a lot of charm. Even the styling looks like it comes straight out of a cartoon!
6. BTS feat. Lauv – “Make It Right”
Using a beautiful and unique animation style that almost looks like paper cut-out stop-motion, BTS’s MV for “Make It Right” featuring Lauv combines what might otherwise be disjointed behind-the-scenes concert clips into a full story. The animation adds a lot of meaning, developing a full storyline even if it doesn’t directly relate to the clips!
7. (G)I-DLE – “Nxde”
With the vintage flapper aesthetic, throwbacks to the classic black-and-white era of film, and overall cabaret jazz sound, it only seems right that (G)I-DLE’s “Nxde” MV would include some old-school animation! The cartoon almost feels like a reference to the iconic Jessica Rabbit, a character known for her sultry looks. It’s perfect for this MV!
What other MVs belong on this list? Tell us in the comments!