Like the title suggests, the K-Pop world is in an uproar over whether or not Jeon So Mi should transition from IOI to TWICE after promotions for the project group are done. While some see it as a perfect pairing (Eric), others see it as clashing than harmonious (Edward). Read their thoughts below and see exactly what our debaters think about this situation, and let us know your opinions and who you agree with in the comments below!
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Q1. Why should or shouldn't Jeon So Mi join TWICE?
Eric - Now this is a hot button topic. Fans have come down on both sides of the issue, disagreements have been aired, and people are divided over this, including me and my co-author. Even JYP has weighed in on this, saying no. But with all due respect to Mr. Park, I disagree.
First off, it would add an additional multicultural dimension. TWICE has girls drawn from Korea, Japan, and China. Member Mina was even born in Texas. Jeon So Mi is bi-racial -- Dutch-Canadian and Korean. Her exotic looks would totally complement the group's, and her ethnicity would add spice to the mix.
Edward - I feel there are a lot of reasons as to why Jeon So Mi isn't well-suited to join TWICE, my biggest problems being: the group dynamic, choreography, and Jeon So Mi's individual popularity.
TWICE are already well-established and their group is known for utilizing their nine members both visually and dance-wise. Adding Jeon So Mi will clearly change the group dynamic and her looks alone aren't a sole reason to add her in.
JYP has been in the game for many years and has a sense of how he is running each group. GOT7 may be his branch into multicultural promotions and overseas territory, but Jeon So Mi can't solely add that to a group just by herself. She has skills that can help propel another group (if she joins one in the near future) to fame for sure, but TWICE isn't it.
Q2. What positive or negative changes can we expect from adding Jeon So Mi?
Eric - I still see an advancement overseas and a grasp on future popularity. She speaks English flawlessly. That would be a way to reach North American audiences. Assuming JYP hasn't been burned out by USA promotions before (remember the Wonder Girls?), this could help broaden their fanbase.
English speakers are not a new phenomenon -- Tiffany of Girls' Generation and ex-2NE1 member CL come to mind -- but this could be a win for both company and band.
Edward - Speaking English (which isn't a real necessity) and having multi-cultural dimension doesn't seal the deal as to why she should join. TWICE may not have a reliable English speaking member, but they have members from various Asian backgrounds, which can help them dominate the continent.
In regards to international fame, TWICE, at the end of the day, is a Korean girl group that is 110% crafted for Korean audiences. I don't see them making an impact in America now or anytime soon.
The real blow to the group is their choreography! The girls would have to change all of their original choreography. The one repercussion I hate most in K-Pop member changes. The dazzling 9 will have to fumble around on stage with their new member and debut song "Like OOH AHH" and even "Cheer Up"' will lose their balance. The dance was perfectly crafted for nine members - just look at how they hide behind one another and exude playful on-stage chemistry in "Cheer Up." Do you really want to break that up?
Q3. How does Jeon So Mi's fame and time promoting with IOI affect your decision?
Eric - Jeon So Mi is very much in the public eye. As articles have been run on her in iTechpost and L.A. Weekly, it's obvious her popularity extends outside South Korea. This could mean additional popularity for the band.
Various sources have described her personality with terms like "energetic" and "sunny." While that could be seen as a negative, I think she could inject some much-needed fun into the reserved girls of TWICE. And at 15, she's every bit the maknae.
The girls of TWICE were watching the IOI debut stage. It certainly didn't seem like there were any bad vibes. Take a look:
Edward - She is riding off their fame - plain and simple. Jeon So Mi already has her own unique fame and so does TWICE. With all due respect, Jeon So Mi can't go solo - it is obvious, but she can't just be forced into a group that doesn't require her talents. Jeon So Mi is already looked up to for having a good body and pretty face - can't she do modeling or advertisements in the meantime?
TWICE already built up and maintains its own fame while Jeon So Mi is already riding off of it with recent headlines involving her possibly joining the group. Jeon So Mi will have to sit on the sidelines for now. A little more years of training didn't hurt nobody, girl.
Final Thoughts
Eric - Nothing but good can come from adding in Jeon So Mi. The group's dynamic and popularity will only be increased rather than hindered. She already has a friend in the band: Chaeyoung. It's always good to have a friend in the band you're joining, so this would be awesome. Seriously, I don't see much of a reason *not* to include Jeon So Mi.
TWICE may be in the beginner phase, but having nine members is a lot to work with. Making it a 10-member group will involve a lot of changes and even create some time spent off stage with no promotions since they will be regrouping as well as revamping themselves.
And that ends the debate. Did this help you reach a final decision for yourself? Let us know in the comments below. Should Jeon So Mi join TWICE or no?
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