Billboard celebrates INFINITE's 6th anniversary by compiling their 10 best MVs

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

INFINITE have become a mainstay of the K-pop scene since they arrived with “Come Back Again” on June 9, 2010. Renown for pristine choreography and a distinct style that infuses retro-pop with orchestral elements, the boy band marked their fifth anniversary last year and embarked on their second world tour. With more than 15 albums and over 20 singles in both Korean and Japanese, INFINITE is one of K-pop’s most prolific acts.

Entering their sixth year (which is considered a pivotal one in the K-pop industry, when many idol groups struggle to stay together past the five-year mark), the septet continues to inspire with their powerful performances and cinematic concepts.

To celebrate INFINITE’s fifth anniversary last year, Billboard counted down the group’s best dance performance videos. This year, we took a look back at the group’s wide array of music videos and determined what some of Sunggyu, Woohyun, Dongwoo, Hoya, Sungyeol, L, and Sungjong’s most memorable video performances were.


10. “Come Back Again” (2010)

Balancing a tight dance performance in polo shirts and suits while playing around and enjoying youth, INFINITE’s debut music video set the ground for many of INFINITE’s future releases. As far as first K-pop music videos go, “Come Back Again” did well to individualize the members, giving each of the seven specific roles to fill in their search for the person leaving them notes. The variance between the darker dance scenes and the brighter moments proved prophetic for INFINITE’s career, which has consistently countered powerful dance songs and more saccharine offerings. The dance performance, ranked no. 3 last year, was the first hint of the precise choreography that would eventually garner INFINITE attention with the success of “BTD” and “Be Mine” in 2011.

Plus, the video ended with an adorable baby fox, which should always included in boy band music videos.

9. “Bad” (2015)

The only single INFINITE released as a whole in Korea last year (several members released separate works), “Bad” combined creepiness with bright colors as the members stared hauntingly at their reflections and ran around a warehouse while being stalked by a woman’s silhouette. Although beautifully shot, the video was surprisingly low-key for the anniversary event, until INFINITE’s company revealed that the sparsity had a purpose: a second version of the video was released featuring a full 360-degree view, the first K-pop video of its kind. Created to be watched on both mobile devices and computers, the 360 VR version can be rotated throughout to see INFINITE’s members (and a deer statue) at every angle.

8. “Destiny”

One of INFINITE’s most grandiose music videos, “Destiny” features the members looking forlorn while wandering through a desolate city and revealing hidden powers. Filmed at Universal Studios, “Destiny” has a beautiful set design and a high production value that resulted in a visually exhilarating video. Unfortunately, the official version of “Destiny” isn’t actually what it was meant to be. Following the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 days before the release of “Destiny,” Woollim Entertainment, INFINITE’s label, altered the video out of respect to the victims and survivors by cutting scenes that featured plane wreckage and added to the plot. (A similar event occurred again in 2014, when the Sewol Ferry Tragedy occurred before the group’s video for “Last Romeo” could be released.) The original version of “Destiny” was played at several INFINITE concerts, but Woollim Entertainment decided to never formally release the full video online.

7. “Be Mine” (2011)

Five years since its release, “Be Mine” is still one of INFINITE’s most iconic moments. The song and music video was the first that captured South Korea’s attention, and to this day, the chorus hand grab is one of INFINITE’s most famous dance moves (second only to the scorpion dance featured in “BTD.”) With sepia coloring and noir-esque plot, the video featured a woman in danger and INFINITE struggling to protect her without crossing over the line of police tape.

6. “Lately (White Confession)” (2011)

INFINITE made fans fall in love with them in this holiday-themed music video. Their most intimate video overall, “Lately” showed the members as themselves rather than as characters and revealed the individual member’s personalities and interactions in daily life. Filmed in Japan, the cheery video showed the seven idols playing around while enjoying a day shopping, exploring the local sights, and exchanging gifts. The lighthearted video’s cool-colored filter fit the cold season and, unlike many of their other videos, showed off the sweeter side of INFINITE that has garnered them an extremely strong fan base.

5. “Paradise” (2011)

"Paradise” was released during INFINITE’s breakthrough year in 2011. Completely devoid of dancing from a group that just burst through via the dances of “Be Mine” and “BTD,” “Paradise” used the members' morose acting and chiaroscuro lighting to depict the longing and inability to let go of a past love as described in the song’s lyrics. Dressed handsomely in funerary suits, the group appeared as suave ghosts who were being mourned by a young woman. On her own, she is bathed in sunlight, but when the INFINITE members come into view, darkness fills the scenes, until they disappear entirely. The song, with its emotive falsetto melody and orchestral styling, matches the setting and INFINITE’s emotions, creating one of the group’s most striking videos to date.

4. “Man In Love” (2013)

Two years after “Lately,” INFINITE released a similarly skewed video. “Man In Love” meshed the group’s precise dance movements with seven endearing personas discovering love for the first time. Extremely sentimental and lovey-dovey, the members of the boy band appear in age-appropriate roles as college students and men starting down their careers while doing their best to make the object of their hearts return the affection. The song is a synth-pop dance track that matches the video’s bright coloring -- together, “Man In Love” is INFINITE’s most uplifting production.

3.”BTD” (2011)

Like “Be Mine,” the group’s “BTD” (“Before The Dawn”) video grew popular for its dances. While the group’s aggressive choreography and iconic scorpion dance (watch for it at 2:56) were impressive, the music video’s Les Miserables-esque prison setting was game changing for INFINITE. Until the release of “BTD,” INFINITE’s music videos had veered toward more light-hearted plots and colorful videography. It was the first time INFINITE released such a dynamic video, foregoing the playfulness of their first two music videos in favor of a gritty dystopian concept that featured L and Woohyun battling to get out of prison only to discover that they were still trapped behind bars. Five years later, the music video and performance aspects of “BTD” still remains a yardstick of what INFINITE can produce.

2. “The Chaser” (2012)

K-pop’s best song of 2012, and arguably INFINITE’s best song overall, “The Chaser” has a music video that, to this day, is one of INFINITE’s best productions. Taking the angst featured in several of their 2011 releases (“Be Mine,” “Paradise,” “BTD”), “The Chaser” depicts the turbulence of emotions through the members' actions as they try to get closer to the person they love. The video forgoes a defined plot and instead features the seven men acting on the inner turmoil of being in love without being able to gain closure, but the septet looks its best with the abstract staging and creative outfitting. Their first release after their breakout year, “The Chaser” kept the momentum going.

I know some of your prefer the dance version ;)


1.”Back” (2014)

After years of releasing intense music and music videos, INFINITE brought their forceful style to its zenith the group’s strongest video. Starting off with a slow start, “Back” burst into a dramatic synth-pop track with a music video to match its dynamism. Receiving a 19+ rating in South Korea, “Back” turned INFINITE into a gang defending a woman kidnapped by rivals. While they’d shown fights in their work before, “Back” captured the toughest iteration of the group and brought INFINITE to new heights.

The intricacy of the dance’s choreography earned “Back” the no. 1 spot on last year’s list, but the video overall remains one of INFINITE’s best performances, with its graffiti-filled world of vengeance. Fierce in a way few K-pop videos are, the orchestra-pop sound of the song provided the perfect soundtrack to the vivid battle between the two gangs. Highlighting the septet’s good looks (and promptly ruining them during the fight), “Back” brought INFINITE to a new level. The video appeared to set itself up for a sequel, but two years later we’re still waiting to see if the group got their revenge…

Sources: Billboard (1, 2), woolliment, tanny yagual, universe of nei.

I didn't think Man In Love's MV would end up so high. 'She's Back' japanese version is my fav "refreshing/cute" MV of them. Also, special shoutout to Last Romeo's original version with Myungsoo and Jisoo.
Cross-posted on rankingkings, join us for more Infinite updates!

Comments

[pinklunacy.livejournal.com]

I didn't think Man In Love's MV would end up so high

I really loved that MV when it came out tbh. The song is definitely not one of their best but the video is adorable and the dance is so energetic.

Meanwhile, Back is my fav INFINITE song but the MV kinda fell flat for me (the story part with all the ridiculous fighting, not the dance parts which are outstanding) so I guess I wouldn't have ranked it first.

Be Mine/Paradise/The Chaser is my holy trinity. And I have a very soft spot for the jpn MV of She's Back. It's adorable.

[daikokudanji.livejournal.com]

I like Destiny but at the same time I dont, I always feel disappointed, they had that amazing set, spent trillions........ And we end up with that? I don't know, I think they under-used (???????) the place ):
The original version of Last Romeo is so much more dramatic and beautiful, when the water invade the room Myungsoo is sitting....... ❤ If that was the released version I would be pressed if the mv wasn't on this list haha

If this list had solo/units, Kontrol would be number one and I want cute pie Koi no Sign on the top 10 as well lol

And holy crap how could i forget how amazing and yeeeeees their infinite effect video is. Dark infinite is the best infinite.

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

Damn, you commented before I could add the solos and sub-units. XD

[daikokudanji.livejournal.com]

sorry got too excited haha

a little random, but I never know if I should comment here or rankingkings, I was like "which one omg"

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

As I said in previous posts, I'll stop cross-posting on omona this month, so that will make your dilemma much easier. haha

[happydirections.livejournal.com]

I like Destiny but at the same time I dont, I always feel disappointed, they had that amazing set, spent trillions........ And we end up with that? I don't know, I think they under-used (???????) the place ):

wasn't that because they had to cut out a lot of the scenes though due to the fact that it had crashed airplanes in it and just before they were supposed to release it there was an airplane crash?

[daikokudanji.livejournal.com]

Even the version with the planes is disappointing in my eyes, they are just there singing and dancing in the middle of a plane crash like............. Ok? I don't get it but ok???? You do you?????? Go Infinite???????

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I just... don't get it. Like when Kara spent almost 100k USD for their Step MV, when it's just a (huge) box MV. Or when Kara rented a boat for 5 hours for MBC Gayo Daejun for 17 million yens. Or when Sistar went to Las Vegas just to shoot in dark casino booths, or SNSD going to Thailand just to use one meter square of beach and a hotel's swimming pool.

[daikokudanji.livejournal.com]

IKR???????? Who is the creative head in these companies that likes to throw money in the trash and why this person hasn't been fired yet?

[sjtaazrz.livejournal.com]

Cutting in here, but I think about stuff like this when I see that string of like, 5 B.A.P music videos that they shot all around the globe within like a year or two.

They were in Vegas, Detroit, Thailand or Malaysia or something for "One Shot", shot "Coffe Shop" in France I think, Then went to England for a shoot, like...why? Most of the videos don't even really encompass the place, like you mentioned with Sistar's "Alone" and they did something similar with "Lovin U" but at least they had some nice shot (although it could have been shot on nearly any beach) It's such a waste of money!

[happydirections.livejournal.com]

oh really? i haven't seen the original version but that's a disappointment then. i always thought the original one would be the one where they used the set to it's full potential.

[lalaland-xx.livejournal.com]

Here:



Even though I like this version better, I do get the point that... like I don't see why(or how??) spent so much money on this??

[pseudo-shigure.livejournal.com]

not op, but i have the same sentiment. and after i've watched the original, i feel like the crashed planes scenes don't add anything. it's still flat for me.

[happydirections.livejournal.com]

i love 'man in love' tbh :') this list made me realize how many good songs infinite has and how many i still need to check out since i'm a casual stan. 6 years though: congratulations to them!

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

The Chaser could have been benefitted from being longer, to link things with each other. It makes sense to me only because I filled in the blanks myself. XD

I remember there was this interview of MV producers and they explained that they created a story and stuff, but then they had to cut a lot of shit because it had to fit the song's length and then the company wants to add beauty shots and dance parts. It would be nice if companies did like T-ara, with mini-movies. It takes them one or several days to film everything, might as well not put the idols' work to waste.

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

I still can't at them ending Back with this cliffhanger. They could make a dope MV/song if they did a sequel. Alas... ALAS. Ya know, they should take the comeback trailer they did for 2012 (that ended completely unrelated to The Chaser LMAO) and use it for the sequel. It's still in the punk/gang feel. Except with more exhuberant hair and fashion. XD

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

They gave us The Chaser, at least we didn't lose in the trade. LOL But sometimes, the teasers or trailers are so esthetic and classy (I think bout Suju's Mr Simple mv teaser and Exo's Pathcode teasers) and you end up with... Well, Mr Simple and Call Me Baby.

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

So much potential wasted for Pathcode (and money to film in all these countries). It seems that a lot of fans aren't necessarily into the superpower concept they debuted with, but I personally love this kind of shit. LOL And they could have done something so cool about reuniting after being lost in MAMA.

What's funny to me about the I Need U theories is that they analyze the MV but the lyrics are about a girl. For people who don't understand korean, it's not a problem, but for korean-speakers, they must be WTF-ing when they watch the MV. XD

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

Hahaha Lucky One was a bad use of their powers. Idk what's up with the artistic directors doing weird shit like spacemen and being in asylum/hospitals, Suho/Xiumin drinking water in the middle of running away, Yixing making a nurse explode with a flower. But the most hilarious moment was when instead of teleporting, Kai started dancing. omg they could have done something so epic with the powers, but nah.

[kobrakiddo.livejournal.com]

I didn't like both Destiny and Bad MVs, Destiny's budget was OTT but the video is subpar :/ BTD, on the other hand was TOO GOOD. I forgot the number of times I rewind Myungsoo vs Woohyun 's fight it was too real lmao.



BILLBOARD forgot this gem :') This was the music video which got me into INFINITE, despite how underrated it was. The moment the toilet rolls fell and the boys started singing "larking soba"; I fell in love. ❤

[bloodtaki2.livejournal.com]

The paper roll wall is iconic. The making off too. In fact, everything is iconic.

[springsky.livejournal.com]

Same here! This video is so crafty. I love it!

[imienazwisko.livejournal.com]

to me its their best video, i thought it would be in top5 here

[minho-lover.livejournal.com]

yesss i looooooove this song!!! one of their best!!!

[ultimaaa.livejournal.com]

It's a crime this wasn't on their list. Low-budget Infinite is my favourite Infinite.

[kkslider.livejournal.com]

yes this is what got me into them too! it's the cutest mv in the world

[kary1591.livejournal.com]

Yess! This song/video get me in such a good mood ^_^

[torontok.livejournal.com]

Back is probably my favorite Infinite song but the mv was lackluster for me especially because I hate cliffhangers.
I feel like Pretty deserves a shoutout, the whole lawyers vs prosecutor thing was pretty cute and funny.

[minho-lover.livejournal.com]

OMG YESSS I LOVED THE BACK MV!!! wow lots of nostalgia watching these, i used be a hardcore stan of infinite, still love them, suuuch talented bbys

[lalaland-xx.livejournal.com]

I think paradise is my favorite MV idek... like... it's so simple but... Idk how to explain I just like it lmfao. Also, I'll be biased and say I really like Kontrol's MV, I'm still amazed they filmed it with an actual film camera.

Wait how is Last Romeo not on the list though?

[kary1591.livejournal.com]

I love the Destiny MV because OMG how gorgeous does Myungsoo look??????????

But my fave is definitely BTD. So intense and God the creepiness at the very end when they don't manage to escape. I love it <3

Plus Myung/Woohyun are one of my INFINITE OTP's so it hits me in all the right places xD

[dea16dea.livejournal.com]

I have fun watching all of these MVs again. My favorite Infinite MV is probably Lately.. and Last Romeo original version, but Sunggyu's Kontrol is the best aesthetically.

[pseudo-shigure.livejournal.com]

infinite used to be king of pretty MVs. idk what happened to them but lately their mvs feel lackluster. at least the group one, bc gyu's and woohyun's mvs are still pretty.
i agree with 1st comment for me it's the chaser/be mine/paradise. BUT the cute mvs (she's back jpn ver/lately/nothing's over) are also great. i feel like it's not too saccharine-filled and make me cringe. and ofc their awesome comeback/concert teaser.

[moronicus-kyla.livejournal.com]

It is a CRIME that Nothing's Over was left out! That video is the gold standard for maximizing a low budget. Like, I'd take creative stuff like that over overpriced box-style MVs any day.

Apart from Nothing's Over, my fave MVs are BTD (Woohyun vs L vs ~Slenderman~ was really cool to watch... and that ending :'( ), Paradise, and Back. I also loved Kontrol (which I sometimes tie to Back because of the Sunggyu's lil sister plot) and Pretty.

[tsuyoi-hikari.livejournal.com]

Well, we all have to admit that INFINITE got many great MVs. More or less agree with this list but Back should not be #1. It shouldn't be on the list at all tbh together with Destiny. Man in Love was really cute but nothing would actually beat She's Back Japanese version as everyone agreed.

I would put Nothing's Over high on the list too. What an awesome song and MV! And Paradise's MV symbolisms have always made it one of my fave INFINITE's MV. It was when I stan INFINITE like there's no tomorrow. :D