Dreamcatcher Company, the agency known for the rock-infused girl group Dreamcatcher, is expanding its roster with the debut of its first-ever K-Pop idol band, named The Ssyndrome.
The five-member group is scheduled to begin its pre-debut activities in November, introducing a new dimension to the company’s musical identity.
The Ssyndrome’s Lineup and Structure
The Ssyndrome is structured as a five-member rock band, with each member focusing on a traditional instrument and all members reportedly contributing vocals.
This lineup aligns with the company’s historical influence in the rock genre, primarily through Dreamcatcher.
The announced members and their positions are:
- Minkyu (Bass)
- Jiyeong (Drums)
- Junho (Keyboard)
- Shinsei (Guitar)
- Heegyo (Guitar)
This setup, featuring two guitarists, suggests a focus on rich, complex rock arrangements.
The agency has stated that the band’s music aims to express the chaos and different “syndromes” that people live through.
Pre-Debut Activities and Fan Engagement
The band has already been active on its official social media platforms since earlier this year, primarily showcasing the members’ musical talents through various covers.
This pre-debut strategy allows the members to build a following and showcase their individual skills before their official launch.
Fans have been following these updates on The Ssyndrome’s official SNS accounts, including YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.
Past covers have featured diverse rock influences, such as Linkin Park’s “Somewhere I Belong” (Guitar by Shinsei) and Nirvana’s “Smells like teen spirit” (Keyboard by Junho).
Context: The Company’s History and Vision
The debut of The Ssyndrome is a notable step for the agency, which was previously known as Happyface Entertainment.
Historically, the company has managed a mix of groups, including Dal Shabet and D1CE, but has become most famous for establishing the globally popular, rock-metal concept of Dreamcatcher.
The company’s decision to launch a new group while Dreamcatcher remains highly active suggests a strategic expansion, leveraging the success and resources built by their senior group.
The genre choice is logical, given that Dreamcatcher has pioneered a distinct “K-rock” sound, and The Ssyndrome will build on this foundation as the company’s first male band in the rock sphere.
The Ssyndrome is set to launch its pre-debut music activities this month, promising to bring a fresh, guitar-driven sound to the K-Pop industry.
A Milestone for K-Pop on a Global Stage
AML, now in its fourth season, has hosted global music titans such as the Foo Fighters, Shaboozey, Fuerza Regida, Snoop Dogg, and Ed Sheeran, placing aespa among music’s most genre-defining acts.
The Full and Diverse Setlist
The group delivered a commanding and diverse performance, showcasing a total of ten songs that spanned their mega-hits and popular B-sides.
The comprehensive setlist was designed to captivate both dedicated MYs (their fandom) and new global viewers:
- Global Hits: The group performed their chart-topping title tracks, including “Next Level,” “Supernova,” and “Armageddon,” highlighting the powerful choreography and unique “æ” concept that defines their sound.
- Recent Releases: They also featured songs from their newer releases, such as “Whiplash,” “Dirty Work,” and “Better Things,” demonstrating their versatility across genres.
- Fan Favorites: The setlist was rounded out with fan-favorite B-sides, including “Angel #48,” “Hold On Tight,” “Drift,” and “Rich Man,” delivering a rich variety of charms to the audience.
Behind the Scenes and Global Promotion
The event served as more than just a concert; it was a multi-faceted global marketing effort:
- Exclusive Content: Actress and entertainer Liza Koshy returned as the official social host for AML Season 4, offering fans exclusive interviews and fun behind-the-scenes content with the group.
aespa (Credit: X)
- Venue Experience: SM Entertainment and Amazon collaborated on the venue’s ambiance, which included official displays featuring the group’s themes, such as the ‘Dirty Work’ and ‘Rich Man’ collections. An F&B menu inspired by aespa’s signature colors and concepts was also offered on-site for a complete sensory experience.
- The Global Partnership: aespa is the first K-pop girl group to enter a significant collaboration with Amazon, beginning their partnership in January of the year the concert was held. They have collaborated on tour and album merchandise, reinforcing their growing international identity.
The Reception and Technical Challenges
The audience responded with enthusiasm to the performance, but some post-show discussions on online forums highlighted a few technical issues with the broadcast:
- Positive Feedback: Fans praised the group’s stage presence, the excellent song choices, and the stylish outfits (noting Ningning’s high boots). The crowd in Los Angeles was reported to be loud and fully engaged.
- Technical Glitches: Some viewers noted that the broadcast version had an overly loud backtrack, making it difficult to clearly hear the live vocals, especially on certain tracks like “Dirty Work” and “Better Things.” The camera work was also criticized by some for poor angles and excessive cuts to the crowd, issues that have occasionally been cited in past K-pop performances on US platforms.
