Why Does CLC's 'No' MV Look So Similar to TWICE's 'Fake and True' MV? A Deeper Analysis

The similarities between CLC's 'No' music video and TWICE's 'Fake and True' have sparked numerous discussions, particularly around their visual styles and thematic elements. This article delves into the reasons behind these apparent similarities, exploring the prevalence of conceptual trends, the involvement of shared production teams, the influence of global art and fashion, marketing strategies, and the undeniable interconnectedness of K-pop as a genre.

The Prevalence of Conceptual Trends in K-pop

K-pop often has prevailing trends in visuals and themes. This phenomenon is not unique to CLC and TWICE, but a common occurrence in the K-pop industry. During the same period, multiple groups may explore similar aesthetics or storytelling methods, leading to visual similarities. This homogeneity is often a result of industry trends and the desire to create a recognisable and appealing visual identity.

Shared Production Teams

Many K-pop groups share production teams, stylists, and directors. These teams may use a similar visual language or concept, resulting in comparable aesthetics across different projects. For example, if the same director and stylist worked on both 'No' and 'Fake and True,' they would likely draw from a common visual palette and creative vision, leading to some similarities.

Artistic and Global Influences

K-pop is heavily influenced by global pop culture, fashion, and art. The use of glass boxes, certain styling choices, and thematic elements can reflect broader artistic trends that multiple artists are exploring simultaneously. This interconnectedness allows for a shared language that can be interpreted and reimagined by different artists, resulting in similar visuals.

Marketing Strategies and Thematic Elements

Groups often aim to create impactful visuals that resonate with audiences. Imagery like glass boxes can symbolize themes of confinement or struggle, which may appeal to the narrative the artists want to convey. Both 'No' and 'Fake and True' use glass boxes to convey these themes, but the execution is quite different. This shared symbolism is a testament to the interconnected nature of K-pop marketing strategies and creative themes.

Styling and Individuality: Looking closely at the styling in both music videos, it becomes clear that while there may be thematic elements in common, the individuality of each group's visual identity stands out.

Styling and Glass Boxes: A Closer Look

Styling: In 'No,' CLC's outfits are cohesive, as they are all coordinated print pieces featuring Versace. The outfits are designed to work as a group and highlight the set. Sorn and Seunghee both hold diamonds, but their outfits and styling are vastly different from those of CLC. Additionally, the glass boxes in 'No' are transparent with a plain rear wall, but they are a different color and have a seating cuboid inside.

Individualized Outfits: In 'Fake and True,' TWICE's outfits are completely individualized, with each member wearing different brands such as Gucci, Attico, and Halpern. Their wardrobe is designed for different scenes and to highlight the set rather than to match. The glass boxes in 'Fake and True' are larger and life-sized, with cameras placed behind the actress who is free to move around inside. These differences in styling and glass box design highlight the individual creativity and intent behind each video.

Conclusion

While the similarities between 'No' and 'Fake and True' are undeniable, these visual elements are often part of a larger cultural and artistic context. The apparent similarities do not necessarily indicate copying, but rather a shared language and thematic elements that are common in the K-pop industry. These music videos, despite their similarities, uniquely capture the essence and creativity of each group, showcasing how different teams can reimagine and rework shared themes and concepts.

Key takeaways:

K-pop often follows industry trends and shared visual concepts. Production teams can influence similarities across different projects. Global artistic and fashion influences contribute to thematic elements in K-pop music videos. Each group’s individuality and unique wardrobe choices set them apart.

Combining these insights allows for a more nuanced understanding of why certain visual elements may appear similar in different K-pop music videos while emphasizing the unique creative vision of each group.