Why Apink CHOBOM's Copycat Is More Than Just Another K-pop Song [Hidden Meaning Revealed]

Apink CHOBOM burst onto the K-pop scene with their debut single "Copycat" in July 2022, notably selling over 31,000 copies in its first week and ranking 10th on the Circle Album Chart. The unique duo, consisting of members Chorong and Bomi, brought a fresh take to the K-pop landscape with their nu-disco style track that blends dense electronica with infectious pop melodies.

In fact, what appears on the surface as a playful song about a "mischievous imitator" carries deeper meanings and artistic complexity. Their debut single album features three distinct tracks, including the title track "Copycat," "Oscar," and "Feel Something," each showcasing the duo's musical versatility.

The Birth of Apink CHOBOM as a Unit

IST Entertainment made a significant announcement on June 13, 2022, revealing plans for Apink's first-ever official sub-unit. The duo, subsequently named CHOBOM, brings together long-time members Chorong and Bomi in a groundbreaking collaboration.

Origins and formation story

The unit's name carries special significance, combining the first syllables of both members' names while simultaneously meaning "early spring" in Korean. This thoughtful naming choice reflects the fresh start and new beginnings the unit represents for both artists and their fanbase.

Member selection process

The selection of Chorong and Bomi for CHOBOM stemmed from their natural chemistry developed over 11 years of performing together. Furthermore, their vocal compatibility played a crucial role, as Bomi noted that their years of experience helped create a seamless blend between their voices.

Company strategy and timing

The timing of CHOBOM's formation specifically aligned with Apink's evolution as a group. The company strategically positioned the unit to showcase a different side of the members' artistry. While preparing for their debut, both artists maintained significant creative control, specifically in areas such as album concept development, styling choices, and music video direction.

The duo's involvement extended beyond performance aspects, with Bomi taking charge of writing the music video synopsis, meanwhile Chorong contributed to the overall creative direction. Their preparation process moved more efficiently than full group activities, primarily due to having fewer members, though both artists acknowledged missing their fellow Apink members during filming.

Decoding the Hidden Symbolism in Copycat's Music Video

The music video for "Copycat" presents a mesmerizing narrative through its intricate visual storytelling. The story unfolds in a mysterious establishment where Chorong and Bomi appear as twin dolls trapped inside a vintage television.

Visual metaphors and recurring motifs

The video's setting alternates between a fashion studio and what appears to be an asylum, with desaturated tones creating an unsettling atmosphere. Initially portrayed as mannequins among many others, the duo breaks free to explore their surroundings. This transition from static figures to dynamic characters symbolizes their journey of self-discovery.

Color psychology and aesthetic choices

The color progression throughout the video carries significant meaning. At first, Chorong and Bomi wear matching white dresses with colored tights, representing their initial "copycat" state. As they venture further into their exploration, their outfits become more distinct and vibrant, symbolizing their growing individuality.

Choreography symbolism and meaning

The choreography masterfully embodies the copycat concept through mirror-like movements. Primarily showcased in the fashion studio scenes, Chorong and Bomi perform as perfect reflections of each other under a spotlight, creating an enchanting visual effect. The dance routine incorporates feline-inspired movements, connecting to the literal meaning of "copycat" - how kittens learn by mimicking their mother's behavior.

The video concludes with an unexpected twist as the duo gets trapped back in the television, followed by a "Game Over" screen. This ending reveals Jonathan Yiombi as the player, essentially transforming viewers into the next players in this continuous cycle. The recurring motif of confinement and escape adds layers of meaning to what initially appears as a lighthearted concept.

The Nu-Disco Revolution in K-pop

Nu-disco emerged as a powerful force in K-pop, reviving classical '70s disco sounds through modern production techniques. This genre gained significant momentum through artists like Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, and Pharrell Williams in the Western scene, consequently influencing K-pop's sonic evolution.

Analyzing Copycat's genre-blending sound

"Copycat" stands out through its innovative blend of fresh, minimal instruments with pop dance elements. The track primarily features a distinctive disco-influenced bass line, moreover incorporating electronic dance elements that create a unique sonic signature. This approach aligns with K-pop's reputation for genre fusion, as the industry consistently draws influence from various styles to create distinctive sounds.

Production techniques and musical elements

The production process particularly emphasizes dynamic song structures, with producers focusing on:

Seamless transitions between sections
Multiple distinct segments within the song
Creative development of each musical element

The track's arrangement demonstrates sophisticated production techniques, particularly in how it balances electronic elements with traditional disco influences. This careful orchestration allows the song to maintain coherence while pushing creative boundaries.

Influence on K-pop's sonic landscape

K-pop's evolution has seen nu-disco elements become increasingly prominent, additionally influencing dance styles and choreography. The genre's impact extends beyond musical composition, affecting the overall presentation and performance aspects of K-pop productions. This trend represents a broader shift in K-pop's sonic landscape, where producers actively experiment with genre-blending to create fresh, innovative sounds.

The success of nu-disco in K-pop has encouraged more artists to explore this style, leading to a rich tapestry of sounds that combines contemporary pop elements with classic disco influences. This musical evolution continues to shape the industry's approach to production and arrangement, establishing new standards for creative expression in K-pop.

Identity and Duality in Apink CHOBOM's Concept

The duality of CHOBOM's concept manifests through their debut album's distinct "Copy" and "Kitty" versions. Rather than a simple marketing strategy, these versions represent the deeper narrative woven throughout their artistic presentation.

The meaning behind the 'Copy' and 'Kitty' versions

The physical album showcases thoughtful packaging, containing a photobook, CD, folded lyrics poster, sticker, message card, and exclusive photocards. Nevertheless, each version carries unique visual elements that complement the album's central theme of imitation and authenticity.

Exploring themes of authenticity vs imitation

The term "Copycat" holds multiple layers of meaning within CHOBOM's concept. As opposed to its traditional negative connotation, the duo transforms it into a celebration of their close bond. Bomi explains this transformation: "When you love someone, you start to resemble each other". This perspective reframes imitation as a natural outcome of deep connection rather than mere replication.

Member dynamics and role distribution

The synergy between Chorong and Bomi stems from their decade-long relationship as colleagues and friends. Their connection runs so deep that they're often referred to as twins, a dynamic that began during their trainee days. Similarly, their roles within CHOBOM reflect their individual strengths - Chorong's expertise in dance and songwriting complements Bomi's position as the group's mood-maker.

Their creative involvement in the album extends beyond performance, with both members actively participating in concept development and artistic direction. In Bomi's words, "I think it's the first time I've paid attention to the details, starting with the props". This level of involvement showcases their growth as artists who shape their own narrative.

Breaking Down Copycat's Lyrical Complexity

The lyrical depth of "Copycat" reveals itself through multiple layers of meaning crafted by songwriter Jo Yoon-kyung. The song's narrative explores the concept of imitation from an unexpectedly positive perspective, departing from traditional negative connotations associated with copying behavior.

Verse-by-verse meaning analysis

The song's verses paint a picture of affectionate mimicry, primarily focusing on the natural tendency to mirror those we admire. The chorus emphasizes this theme with the recurring line "I'm your copy, copycat," which transforms what could be perceived as criticism into a celebration of connection. Indeed, the bridge section introduces a subtle shift in melody, temporarily moving away from disco-pop to a familiar K-pop sound.

Wordplay and double entendres

The lyrics cleverly incorporate feline imagery throughout the verses, accordingly reflecting the literal meaning of "copycat" - how kittens learn by imitating their mother. This wordplay extends beyond simple metaphor, as Bomi explains: "When you love someone, you start to resemble each other".

Cultural references and subtext

The song's deeper meaning connects to the phenomenon of emotional contagion, where people naturally adopt the habits and mannerisms of those close to them. This concept holds particular resonance for Chorong and Bomi, who have been frequently mistaken for twins since their trainee days. The lyrics explore this theme through these key elements:

The natural progression of shared traits between close friends
The positive aspects of mutual influence
The celebration of growing similarities

The track's producer, Na Won-young, describes it as "a study of what makes an Apink track categorically Apink: a combination of dense electronica, a subtle groove and a pop melody". This musical foundation supports the lyrical exploration of identity and connection, creating a cohesive artistic statement about the nature of influence and relationships.

Cultural Impact and Critical Reception

Music critics have offered diverse perspectives on CHOBOM's debut release. Na Won-young, writing for Weverse Magazine, described "Copycat" as a masterful blend of dense electronica and subtle groove. IZM's Jeong Da-yeol drew parallels between the track and Doja Cat's "Kiss Me More," highlighting the innovative hip-hop beat change in the second half.

Fan theories and interpretations

The music video's game-like narrative sparked numerous fan discussions. Viewers primarily focused on the video's ending sequence, where a mysterious time loop suggests each viewer becomes the next player in an endless cycle. Besides the gaming aspect, fans developed theories about the symbolism of mannequins coming to life, interpreting it as a metaphor for artistic awakening.

Critical reviews and analysis

Professional reviewers emphasized the song's unique approach to the nu-disco genre. The track received praise for its consistent and pleasant dance-pop elements. Although some critics noted the song's restrained nature, they acknowledged its deliberate minimalistic appeal and mature interpretation of classic K-pop elements.

Social media impact and memes

K-pop meme culture has evolved significantly, becoming an integral part of fan engagement. CHOBOM's distinctive concept generated considerable social media buzz, with fans creating content around the duo's twin-like chemistry and playful interactions. The video's gaming elements and mannequin scenes, therefore, became popular templates for fan-created content across various platforms.

FAQS

Fans commonly ask questions about CHOBOM's debut single "Copycat." Here are the most frequently asked questions and their answers:

What's the deeper meaning behind the song "Copycat"? Fundamentally, the song explores how people naturally start resembling each other when they're in love. This concept moves beyond simple imitation to celebrate the natural bonding between close individuals.

How did the twin concept develop in the music video? The video primarily showcases the members as mannequins who gradually become more alive throughout the narrative. This transformation symbolizes their journey from static figures to dynamic characters.

Is the song inspired by other artists? Generally, musicians draw inspiration from various sources while creating original work. However, any musical similarities must respect copyright laws, which require explicit permission for using copyrighted material.

What makes CHOBOM's interpretation of nu-disco unique? The duo's approach typically blends classic disco elements with contemporary K-pop production techniques. Their interpretation stands out through its minimal instrumentation and distinctive vocal harmonies.

Why does the music video end with a "Game Over" screen? This creative choice essentially transforms viewers into players in an ongoing cycle, adding an interactive element to the viewing experience. The ending suggests that each viewer becomes part of the narrative's continuous loop.