So this is definitely different for me, but since I have been sick and unable to write I decided this was an interesting concept to explore.
I actually was introduced to this on Instagram Reels, which I have been watching to keep myself entertained while quarantined in my bedroom. So to humor myself I decided to give this AI a go at trying to write a fitting post for A Geek Girl’s Guide. So here are the top ten K-Pop groups for new listeners according to artificial intelligence:
1. BTS
BTS have become one of the most popular K-pop groups in the world, having achieved massive success both domestically and internationally. Their catchy music, creative visuals, and strong message of self-love and empowerment have resonated with fans of all ages.
2. BLACKPINK
BLACKPINK is a four-member girl group that has quickly become one of the most popular K-pop groups in the world thanks to their catchy songs and powerful choreography.
3. EXO
EXO is a nine-member boy group that has been consistently producing high-quality music since their debut in 2012. They have also won numerous awards for their music, performances, and albums.
4. TWICE
TWICE is a nine-member girl group that has achieved immense success since their debut in 2015. Their upbeat songs and catchy tunes have earned them a loyal fanbase.
5. Red Velvet
Red Velvet is a five-member girl group that has carved out a unique sound for themselves with their mix of jazz, hip-hop, and pop sounds.
6. MONSTA X
MONSTA X is a seven-member boy group that has gained a dedicated following with their strong vocal performances and intense choreography.
7. Super Junior
Super Junior is an iconic K-pop group that has been around since 2005. They have achieved a loyal fanbase thanks to their catchy songs and performances.
8. BIGBANG
BIGBANG is a five-member boy group that has been one of the most successful K-pop groups since their debut in 2006. They are known for their powerful performances and catchy songs.
9. SHINee
SHINee is a five-member boy group that has been around since 2008. Their music and performances have earned them a dedicated fanbase, as well as numerous awards.
10. Girls’ Generation
Girls’ Generation is an iconic nine-member girl group that debuted in 2007. They have won numerous awards for their music and performances, and have become one of the most successful K-pop groups of all time.
Do I agree with the AI? For the most part, sure. There are some groups that I wouldn’t include because they are necessarily the best representation for what K-Pop is currently, but all of these groups are ones I have listened to numerous times while getting into the genre.
Now the AI just wrote the words, while I did all other formatting and added imagery, which goes to show you that a computer couldn’t do everything. I can believe that at some point an AI could do it all though.
Here is the ultimate criticism I have with the AI’s post: it is pulling the information from pre-existing content. A computer can’t develop these opinions or tastes. It can make some logical conclusions based on what people have said, but its still just regurgitation of existing thoughts. So while this was a fun experiment, it isn’t something I will choose to utilize since I want to share my own thoughts and ideas. AI can never replace the human side of creativity, so we shouldn’t let it become a norm.
What are your thoughts on AI? Let me know in the comments.
It seems that the AI was able to pick out “The (Current) Big 3” of both the boy and girl groups and then a decent-ish smattering of others. And Girls’ Generation was one of “The Big 3” of 2nd generation girl groups, I’m told, and I at least recognize all the group names, even if I’ve not personally listened to them (I just have not been able to get in to any boy groups for some reason).
FWIW, it seems that the AI just looked for “the most popular” groups, not necessarily what any individual might think are “the best to start with.” OTOH, popularity often is a useful tool for determining quality to an extent due to “the wisdom of crowds.” Skewed in the case of the music industry by marketing power, of course…
For myself:
BTS — I’ve never gotten in to them. Dynamite and Butter were all right, I guess, but nothing I cared to listen to a 2nd time.
Blackpink — I really liked a lot of their earlier things up until a year or so ago, but their latest stuff really hasn’t “done it” for me either. YouTube keeps recommending videos with titles like “Why Blackpink’s latest [concert/tour/album/video] is a disaster” so I don’t think I’m alone in this. I still have some nostalgia for them, I suppose. Overall I’d say I’m still in the minority for this, as there are plenty of Blinks out there gushing about how awesome Shut It Down and Pink Venom are (which I disagree…).
EXO – I saw DO in a k-drama and thought he did very well, so I started watching some EXO vids and not a one of them did anything for me.
Twice — I still enjoy them. I dunno why, their music just puts a smile on my face.
Red Velvet — I’ve not really heard much from them, as what little I have heard really hasn’t “done it” for me either, so I’ve not sought them out. I rather enjoyed “Feel My Rhythm” but that’s the only one. Their latest comeback certainly didn’t do anything for me. . . to the point I’m not sure I even remember the title. Birthday Party?
Monsta X, Super Junior, Bigbang, and Shinee — given my prior dislike of boy bands in general, I’ve not sought them out and thus don’t think I’ve heard anything by them.
Girls’ Generation — I’ve heard a few things and recall thinking they were pretty good, but nothing caught my fancy enough so as to make me seek out more from them either.
As a result, from this list, if I were offering recommendations to a newbie…. I’d definitely recommend Twice. I’d also recommend Blackpink but with some caveats about maybe starting with their older stuff. I’d also probably recommend Purple Kiss, Everglow, and Mamamoo for girl groups, as I’ve generally enjoyed most of what they’ve been laying down. For boy groups i’d just say that none of them ever did anything for me, but BTS is “the biggest” and probably for good reason, then mention that EXO and I believe TNT are also very popular. The rest from the list…. I’ve heard OF them, but not heard them, so I doubt their names would even pop in to my head to recommend to anyone. For solo artists I’d recommend Chung Ha, AleXa, and BoA. I can’t think of any male solo artists off the top of my head (well, except JYP hisownself, but I wouldn’t recommend what few of his that I’ve seen to a newbie). Psy, maybe?
Anyway… I’ve rambled long enough now…..